30% of the energy used in a commercial building is wasted due to inefficiencies
This statistic released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is staggering. Wasted energy is due to inefficiencies primarily in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. If your business is in manufacturing, the energy wasted can be significantly higher due to the waste heat generated, which is often vented into the atmosphere. Facilities that operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, such as hotels, hospitals, municipalities, institutions, etc., can also have tremendous energy expenditure.
That is why a Comprehensive 15-Step Staged Energy Efficiency Process is recommended to maximize results. Similar to the approach recommended by the EPA Energy Star Program that accounts for the interactions of all energy flows in a facility. Each stage includes changes that will affect updates made in subsequent stages, thereby shaping the overall process for the greatest possible energy and cost savings. Perfect examples are how lighting affects heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration (HVAC&R) load and how daylight affects lighting and HVAC&R systems. How inadequate ventilation affects labor productivity, heating, cooling, and engine efficiency.
How air infiltration affects HVAC systems.
The 15-step program is designed for the customer who has an energy-intensive facility and is looking for cost-effective solutions on how to reduce their energy bill and wants to take action. A customer can expect a 10-40% energy reduction after implementing the strategies. Keep in mind that these are savings year after year.
How can you, as a business owner or non-profit organization, tackle the problem without breaking the bank? There are many cost-effective energy waste reduction strategies that can be implemented. In some cases, there are no-cost Energy Conservation Measures (ECM) and low-cost Energy Efficiency Measures (EEM) that can be implemented immediately and will reduce your energy use. In other cases, there are modifications, upgrades, optimization and operational strategies that will improve the efficiency of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems and the building envelope.
Every commercial building can use a commissioning process to unlock the potential for energy savings. Commissioning is essentially a tune-up of major power-consuming systems. For example, HVAC system, refrigeration, electricity, water heating and other mechanical equipment. However, energy-intensive industries will benefit the most. Whereas mechanical systems rarely go down due to clientele, production or necessity.
As a business or entity, if you identify yourself as a high energy user, you can benefit from comprehensive energy reduction. Find a qualified professional who is passionate about reducing energy waste and committed to achieving the best results for their clients.