A SIX-STEP PLAN TO ENERGY SAVINGS

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Saving energy and reducing facility operating costs can seem like overwhelming tasks. However, dividing the project into smaller, more achievable steps can make the task less intimidating and easier to manage. In addition, a phased plan can make the evaluation both more timely and effective.

STEP 1: CONDUCT AN ENERGY AUDIT

In order to decide where you should focus your efforts, start with an energy audit. This process can identify areas of waste and highlight potential improvements that offer the quickest ROI. Begin by compiling the last 12 months of utility bills. This will tell you when and where you’re consuming the most energy. To identify any causes of unusual energy usage, compare this information to internal documentation from your accounting and production facilities. Next, analyze the energy requirements and efficiency ratings of all major electrical systems in your building. Once this information has been compiled in a central location, you can begin the review.  This site is a great resource for developing a plan for your energy audit and assessing what types of results you’d like to achieve.

STEP 2: REVIEW AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

Begin your review by consulting a reputable engineering firm for potential solutions to the areas you’ve identified. Analyze the available solutions on a variety of criteria including upfront expenditure, ROI, available third party incentives (i.e. tax credits, rebates, etc.) and ease of accomplishment. Select the improvements that meet your energy-saving goals while staying within your budget and create an action plan that sets a timeline for accomplishment. With this plan in-hand, it’s time to start making improvements to the areas you’ve identified.

For an extensive ROI comparison among a selection of common of improvements, click here. This site gives measurements of ROI across various improvements, providing an equal basis for measuring potential savings when making improvement decisions.

STEP 3: INTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS

In this step, get the ball rolling by focusing on the interior of your building. Key areas to consider are the interior lighting, heating and cooling systems and the windows.

1.    Lighting Improvements - While Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL) bulbs cost more upfront, they use up to 75% less energy and last up to 5 years longer, and with a small investment of $60, a 133% return on your investment is often achievable in just 1 year. 

2.    Window Films – Technologies like the low-e coating found in the EnerLogic™ series of Vista Window Films can increase the insulating power of windows up to 92%. Plus, they offer year-round benefits that compare favorably to other popular energy-saving measures both in terms of energy efficiency, cost savings and ROI.

3.    Programmable Thermostats - Replacing traditional thermostats with programmable thermostats lowers energy costs through reduced use of HVAC system. In addition, it also increases longevity of the HVAC equipment due to the decreased run time.

STEP 4: EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS

It’s time to move outside. Key areas to consider are weatherization, roofing choices and utilizing landscaping for energy saving purposes.

1.    Insulation/Weatherization – By upgrading insulation and installing weatherstripping, you can lower your energy costs by reducing the amount of radiant heat that enters your building during the summer and leaves your building during the winter. Commercial properties can often enjoy a 55% ROI in just one year. This article is a great source for identifying where weatherstripping should be applied in order to increase savings.

2.    Energy Saving Roofing Materials – White rooftops reflect about 84% of sunlight, while black rooftops absorb nearly 95% of the sunlight that hits it, (reflecting only 5% of it). By simply painting roofing surfaces white, it has been estimated that some buildings with large roof areas can save around 10 to 20 percent on energy bills.

3.    Southern Overhangs – These structures can be used in conjunction with window films to potentially increase energy savings and reduce solar absorption.  Overhangs should be constructed in accordance with where the sun’s horizon is in your area.  These installations typically start at $1,400 and can often produce an ROI of 12.5% per year which is why we recommend combining these installations with window film to help improve the total payback time.

STEP 5: OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS

Now that you’ve made internal and external energy saving improvements, use this step to look at potential operational improvements.

1.    Energy Management Systems – This combination of building management systems and advanced software solutions work together to monitor and adjust heating and cooling based on environmental conditions. It also helps to ensure optimal energy usage, resulting in greater efficiency and lower utility costs. In recent years, several automated programs have been developed that enable facilities managers to review a “dashboard” to track energy consumption.  This is a great article that explains the different variables to consider when selecting a system.

2.    Lighting Controls - Similar to energy management systems, lighting controls use technologies like occupancy sensors and photosensors to help optimize lighting based on actual usage and environmental conditions. Specific areas to consider when looking at lighting improvements include:

a.    Installation of LED lighting, with a typical ROI of 45.5%

b.    Installation of skylights, with a typical ROI of 43%

STEP 6: PROGRAM EVALUATION

With the completion of your improvements, it’s now time to review the energy savings they have generated. Compare your utility bills against the same period from the previous year. It’s important to remember that an energy savings plan is a fluid program and you can continue to achieve savings throughout the year by carefully monitoring utility bills and making adjustments as needed.