Renovations Present Opportunities for Energy-Efficiency Improvements

Energy once again is a major issue for engineering and maintenance managers. HVAC systems generate an estimated 25 percent of the total energy use in commercial and institutional buildings, so improvements in energy efficiency can result in significant financial savings.

The first step managers need to take in reducing energy use is to ensure all energy-using systems are performing as efficiently as possible. This action is particularly important in large energy-using systems, such as building chillers and boilers, where even a slight increase in operating efficiency can translate into significant annual savings.

Managers should review all energy-using systems for proper operation. They also should check maintenance records to determine technicians have performed maintenance activities properly and at the correct intervals.