Best Practices for Energy Efficient Buildings

FEDERAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

A new standard for energy efficiency is being established for federal buildings. This is a major jump from the previous requirement of an Energy Star label. The Department of Energy has developed a new, stricter set of guidelines that will standardize the design and performance of federal buildings across the country. This example set by the Federal Government on their own buildings is highly likely to be used as a blueprint to raise the standards for all Commercial Buildings in the very near future.

Federal energy efficiency requirements are set by the U.S. Energy Department (DOE) for all commercial buildings. Most commercial buildings are already required to meet federal energy efficiency standards by 2020.

New federal laws will require commercial buildings to improve their energy efficiency by 20% over the next ten years. Some new standards come into effect in June 2020 and they will cover new buildings, as well as those that have been substantially renovated.

BEST PRACTICES FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS

This is a great time for commercial building owners and facility managers to start making energy efficiency improvements to their buildings.

1. Move up to Energy Efficient Bulbs and Daylight Controllers

Contingent upon the current bulbs being used, energy-effective bulbs can decrease energy utilization by 25 to 80 percent while lasting considerably longer than conventional bulbs.

2. Use Computer and Other Hardware’s Power Management Settings

Every office PC squanders $40 worth of power every year. Computer power management helps reduce power consumption by placing monitors and computers into a low-power “sleep mode” after a period of activity.

3. Water Use Through Smart Fixtures

Introducing water-effective fixtures fitted with programmed on/off sensors restricts water utilization. Introducing tankless water heaters in zones that only sometimes need heated water can likewise lessen the energy use needed to keep water hot on request.

4. Programmable Thermostats and Other Energy Management Controls

For every 1 degree Fahrenheit you turn your thermostat down, you will use 1% less energy. That means if you reduce your heating by 10 degrees at night, you will use 10% less energy

5. Upgrade Old Windows

26% of heat escapes through windows, so replacing old windows is a financially capable choice that additionally saves energy

6. Use IoT Solutions to Aid In Retro-Commissioning

Building administrators should make changes in operational planning to elevated energy effectiveness, by utilizing sensors to follow and distinguish potential failures. Take advantage of manufacturers’ breakthrough technology such as telliBot_ai, which monitors your existing water heaters and provides you data to plan for potential failures and repairs.

Making commercial buildings more energy efficient will reduce energy costs, improve the environment, and boost your bottom line. Use these tips to make sure that your building meets the new federal requirements.

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Energy.gov – AN ASSESSMENT OF ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES Chapter 5: Increasing Efficiency of Building Systems and Technologies September 2015