We previously discussed “what to do” to improve your facility’s energy usage performance. Now let’s talk about procedures to improve performance.

By reducing the need for energy in your energy-consuming equipment and systems, you reduce the amount of energy your building needs to operate.

Replacement of energy inefficient equipment with equipment designed Y aligned to your specific operating parameters ensures you are operating in the most profitable and effective manner.

Updating the devices that control building operations ensures that equipment and systems work better Y only when necessary. For example….

A low-cost control upgrade is the installation of lighting system occupancy sensors. Placing sensors in conference rooms, storage spaces, dining/break areas, and public facilities ensures lights are turned off when the space is not in use. By making lighting control an automatic action, you eliminate the need to “remember to turn off the lights” when leaving a space and ensure reduced energy use.

A second cost-effective solution involves installing variable frequency drives (VFDs) on the fan and pump systems. Proper VFD installation can drastically reduce energy use. With the addition of incentives and rebates from government-sponsored energy projects, your upgrade cost is further reduced. An Energy Savings Opportunity Audit (ESOA) can quickly and easily determine if VFD technology is a “right” solution to reduce overall energy use and operating costs in your building.

Beyond the strong financial benefits gained from reducing energy use and improving building operations, taking this step forward provides an opportunity to re-engage the facilities and operations team in continuous improvement. As we all know, great ideas for operational excellence come from men and women committed to improvement.