Why Performance study of building systems

Daryl Dejean, Vice President of Product Development at Pathogenfocus, discusses that a building systems performance study analyses resource utilisation of building systems to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs. It is far more than a compliance checkbox. It is a meaningful strategy towards innovation, sustainability, and significant cost savings.

According to EPA’s Energy Star, 30 percent of energy gets wasted. By learning how to use energy more efficiently, businesses could reduce operating expenses and lower emissions. When the Council Rock School District used energy-efficient strategies to reduce energy consumption by 40 percent, it saved approximately five million dollars on its annual energy bill. 

Building systems performance study boosts building’s efficiency

Bill Ganz, CEO of Sterile Safe Solutions, says, “Managing your building systems is not just a matter of lowering expenses; it is about taking responsibility for our carbon footprint. Buildings are major energy consumers and offer a significant opportunity for savings and efficiency improvements. Conducting a building systems performance study is the first step towards unlocking these potential benefits.” 

The final work product of the study provides actionable items, not just a laundry list of ‘issues’.

Benefits of performance study

Businesses can reduce operating expense costs by implementing the recommended changes from a performance study. Implementing the study’s strategies impacts much more than utility bills. Maintenance frequency, use of spare parts, life expectancy, comfort, productivity, etc., contribute to significant long-term cost savings. While it is often believed that energy inefficiencies are mainly an issue in older buildings, even modern structures can have areas where energy is lost.

Peak usage periods may coincide with higher energy rates. Adjusting usage schedules or implementing energy management systems can evenly distribute usage and significantly reduce costs. Ganz says, “Understanding when and how energy is consumed is crucial.”

HVAC systems are often the largest energy consumers in a building. A performance study can reveal their operational efficiency. Although HVAC is a deceptively complex system, small and incremental efficiency increases can produce results comparable to or more than those of other simple measures such as lighting. 

Ganz explains that a building systems performance study offers the insights necessary to prioritise and implement improvements once inefficiencies are identified. From the simple filter improvements to the more complex task of replacing key humidification systems, the recommendations from a performance study should act as a roadmap for making calculated investments with significant returns. 

In addition to direct savings, many government entities offer incentives for energy-efficient upgrades. A building systems performance study helps businesses align with these programs to reduce the costs of implementing improvements. The study often includes a plan for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. It ensures that the systems continue to operate efficiently and prevent minor issues from becoming costly problems. 

Finally, a building systems performance study allows businesses to brand themselves in a way that better resonates with customers. Applying the findings of a building systems performance study improves a company’s image as a responsible and sustainable enterprise. It can potentially draw in customers and employees who value environmental stewardship.

Government-mandated energy studies

The local and state governments are increasingly mandating energy studies for commercial buildings to combat energy waste and promote sustainability. Despite these regulations, many businesses are still in the dark about the benefits these studies offer. “While these mandates may feel like just another bureaucratic burden, they present a substantial upside for businesses,” explains Ganz. Despite clear incentives, many businesses are unaware of the energy mandate requirements or do not understand the cost-saving implications. Building owners often need education on the benefits of building systems performance studies to overcome misconceptions about their value. 

Ganz concludes, “We help businesses understand state policies, achieve operational goals, reduce overhead costs, and become more energy efficient. The upfront cost of a building systems performance study is an investment that pays for itself many times over through the life of the building.”

Understanding where and how inefficiencies occur equips building owners and managers with the knowledge to make calculated, impactful decisions. By saving money and conserving precious resources, a comprehensive building systems performance study is a smart step towards a sustainable, cost-effective future.