Identifying and Resolving Energy Inefficiencies in Your Building

One of the main concerns when managing a facility is keeping energy use in check for several reasons, one being cost and the other regulations. But eliminating excess energy usage is easier said than done.

So what are facility managers doing to measure their energy usage and detect problems caused by energy waste? Keep reading to learn more.

Utilizing Diagnostic Tools

Maintenance departments utilize diagnostic tools so technicians can identify problems that can potentially be costly. Recently, a new-generation technology “offers technicians a higher level of sophistication and ease of use,” according to Facilitiesnet.com.

Examples of the diagnostic tools are infrared imagers and electrical test equipment. They offer additional benefits such as reducing energy waste that relates to HVAC and electrical systems.

Facilitiesnet.com describes infrared thermography as “a non-destructive, non-contact technique that uses an infrared detector to map thermal patterns on the surface of an object. They operate on the principle that any object with a temperature above absolute zero emits heat.”

Using the infrared technology can determine issues that are occurring in the building that the human eye cannot detect, such as heat loss, water leaks, air leaks, moisture intrusion, and construction defects. Thermal imaging can even pinpoint areas where the highest amount of heat is being lost. This can help facilities identify the areas and rectify the situation to prevent further energy loss.

Developing Energy-Saving Strategies

With buildings and facilities taking up so much energy during both the construction phase and the post-construction phase, it’s important to put strategies in place that will conserve energy. An article on Facilitiesnet.com discusses Todd Isherwood, who works with the City of Boston’s facility managers, energy department, and budget office for more structured energy efficiency goals and strategies.

One of his job responsibilities is determining how to reduce energy use in Boston’s buildings in the best way possible. He focuses on Boston’s aggressive greenhouse gas emission goals, which are 25% reduction by 2020 and 80% by 2050 compared to 2005 levels. He always must consider the Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance, which “requires all non-residential buildings greater than 50,000 square feet to report energy and water use to the city.”

Isherwood works on reducing energy use in Boston’s buildings by gathering data, standardizing systems, and doing retrocommissioning and energy audits. His next steps include identifying projects then creating energy performance contracts, which is part of an initiative called the Renew Boston Trust.

Once you determine your goals and put your strategies in place, you’ll be able to start seeing the money that’s being saved from energy efficiency.

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