Page Two: Cost Reduction Strategies That Deliver Value Today and Tomorrow

Earlier we discussed “what to do” to improve your facility’s energy usage performance. Now let’s talk about procedures to improve performance.

By reducing the need for power in your energy-consuming equipment and systems, you reduce the amount of energy your building needs to run.

Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment with equipment designed Y aligned to your specific operating parameters ensures that you are operating in the most profitable and effective manner.

Updating the devices that control building operations ensures that equipment and systems work better Y only when needed. For example….

An inexpensive control upgrade is the installation of lighting system occupancy sensors. Placing sensors in conference rooms, storage spaces, dining/breakout areas, and public facilities ensures lights are turned off when the space is not in use. By making lighting control an automatic action, you eliminate the need to “remember to turn off the lights” when leaving a space and ensure that energy use is reduced.

A second cost-effective solution involves installing variable frequency drives (VFDs) in pump and fan systems. Proper VFD installation can dramatically reduce energy use. With the addition of government-sponsored energy project incentives and rebates, your upgrade cost is further reduced. An Energy Savings Opportunities Audit (ESOA) can quickly and easily determine if VFD technology is a “right” solution to reduce overall energy use and operating costs in your building.

Beyond the strong financial benefits achieved by reducing energy use and improving building operations, taking this step forward provides an opportunity to re-engage the facilities and operations team in continuous improvement. As we all know, great ideas for operational excellence come from men and women committed to improvement.