Most energy strategies are capital intensive upfront to meet your Energy Use Intensity (EUI) goals. Two common scenarios that we see in the market: Either your building needs substantial infrastructure upgrades, or your building has already been upgraded or is relatively new. The good news is there is a path for both scenarios to meet future EUI goals…?
Continuation of STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE YOUR EUI GOALS
Whatever your buildings EUI score is, it is advisable that you partner with an energy team. An energy team can determine the current energy impact of building operations via an energy audit. Moreover, they can facilitate in the creation of a capital budget plan and lay out the most cost-effective energy solutions so you can reach your EUI goals.
Building Upgrades– Some of the “low-hanging fruit” strategies outside of HVAC include the installation of blinds, triple-pane windows, motion sensor controls, water efficiency, and LEDs. All these implementations can reduce energy consumption. For example, LEDs use less electricity, give off less heat, and last considerably longer than fluorescent or other common lighting sources. They save money on operating, maintenance costs, and can qualify for rebates (Inflation Reduction Act).
Variable frequency drives (VFDs)– Are worth installing in some of your building’s mechanical equipment. VFDs are a motor control device, which are used to adjust the speed of a fan. The VFDs enable motors to meet thermal demands more efficiently, rather than running the fan at 100%, and then shutting it off once it reaches the prescribed indoor temperature. VFDs (think cruise control in a car) reduce the spike of energy use from the motor turning on and off. When VFDs are in concert with your BAS, they reduce energy use, lessen the strain on the motor, belts, and consequently extend the life of your mechanical equipment. Not to mention that there are still significant rebates for installing VFDs in your building.
Analyzing and improving your Preventative Maintenance Program– Preventative maintenance is tantamount to planning and addressing HVAC maintenance needs on a systematic, scheduled basis. You probably already have this type of agreement and may want to consider upgrading.
Fixed-Price Agreement– A comprehensive agreement that includes both preventative maintenance and the costs of specified mechanical repairs all in one fixed monthly price. This proactive approach enables you to maximize the lifecycle of your mechanical equipment. Typically, it offers significant annual savings vs. reactive repairs, and consequently, the gains in mechanical efficiency result in an overall reduction in energy consumption.
On-Site Staffing Agreement-Is an agreement that includes an onsite Haynes professional who works at your respective facility full-time, monitoring the mechanical systems and controls. On-Site agreements are popular amongst our clients who own or manage facilities that run 24/7, short on technical staff, and downtime is not an option.
Building Automation Systems Preventative Maintenance Agreement- Is an agreement for regular maintenance on the building’s automation systems. It ensures that the automation systems are properly maintained, and software versions are up to date, thereby reducing the risk of breakdowns and maximizing energy efficiency.
Haynes Building Analytics- A Haynes Client Services Agreement transforms your building into a smart building. Client Services piggybacks off your building automation system to share data with our energy team. Client Services then analyzes and evaluates the performance of your building on multiple metrics including benchmarking. Client Services, coupled with the bench strength of Haynes HVAC and BAS technicians, maximizes the performance of your building. See “What Can Client Services do for your Building,” the next article to learn more.
In summary, mechanical retrofits, energy audits and energy strategies are topics that will be discussed in upcoming quarterlies; in the interim, please reach out to your Haynes representative if you would like to learn how your building can achieve your EUI goals.
Primary Sources and Resources:
ASHRAE Energy Efficiency in Buildings