by Ann Withanee — December 23, 2011—To start an energy savings plan in an existing facility involves reviewing and analyzing what is there by measuring and tracking current energy usage. Creating a plan and bringing it to its utmost conclusion is fully detailed in a new book from leading built environment organizations.
Energy Efficiency Guide for Existing Commercial Buildings: Technical Implementation provides clear and easily understood technical guidance for energy upgrades, retrofits and renovations by which building engineers, building managers and facilities executives can achieve at least a 30 percent improvement in energy performance relative to a range of benchmark energy utilization indexes. It features practical means and methods for planning, executing and monitoring an effective program, based on widely available techniques and technologies.
“Energy efficiency improvement in buildings is one of the greatest means to increase resource efficiency, improve environmental stewardship and save operating funds,” said George Jackins, who chaired the committee overseeing the book. “More important, energy efficient improvement should happen because it makes good business sense. Good planning and ongoing commitment is essential to maximizing investments in energy efficiency.”
Improving energy in an existing building is an iterative process, but first you have to know where you are starting from, according to Jackins. The book recommends some tips on how to begin the energy savings process:
- Calculate energy use and cost.
- Set energy performance goals.
- Measure and analyze current energy use.
- Select and implement energy efficiency measures.
- Measure and report improvements.
- Continue to track performance and reassess goals.
Energy Efficiency Guide for Existing Commercial Buildings: Technical Implementation is the second energy efficiency guide for existing commercial buildings developed by the same group that worked on the Advanced Energy Design Guide series for new buildings—the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the American Institute of Architects, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, and the U.S. Green Building Council — and is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy. In addition, the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) were involved in its development. The first publication, Energy Efficiency Guide for Existing Commercial Buildings: The Business Case for Building Owners and Managers, provides the rationale for making economic decisions related to improving and sustaining energy efficiency in existing buildings.
The cost of Energy Efficiency Guide for Existing Commercial Buildings — Technical Implementation is $75 ($64, ASHRAE members). The book can be ordered through the ASHRAE bookstore.
