Facilities managers can help light a competitive fire under their organization if it's dragging its feet on energy improvements, facilities management software company Accruent says in a white paper.
Money freed up through energy savings that goes into business growth can help organizations make more money, the paper says.
“Businesses that can improve their energy efficiency will reduce costs, even when prices remain high,” Accruent says in Building the Energy-Efficient Office. “This cash can be redeployed as they see fit, improving liquidity when others may be struggling to cover operating costs.” The paper was released in 2023 but takes on new relevance as facilities managers wrestle with cuts to their operating budgets.
If the organization lacks capital to replace or revamp outdated HVAC equipment or make other large improvements to the building and its systems, there are small-scale changes that can add up to savings, it says.
Unplug laptops. An organization with a policy for employees to unplug portable devices when not in use can save several dollars a month for each laptop and tablet. “Multiply [that] by a workforce of 100 people, and it starts to add up,” the paper says. Turning off office equipment rather than leaving it on standby can help, too.
Update food and beverage appliances. Office kitchens tend to have the same appliances as households. Replacing them with smart appliances that shut down when not in use can generate savings. “Smart hot water taps, for example, use up to 55% less power on standby and can be combined with scheduling controls to manage energy use,” the paper says.
Keep IT systems well-maintained. Computers, printers and other IT equipment are the biggest energy consumers behind building systems, the paper says. If the equipment isn’t working properly, it can take more energy to operate them than it ordinarily would. Even if employees avoid using them, the equipment will still consume energy if they’re left plugged in.
Be smart about lighting. Switching to LED lights is a start, if that hasn’t been done yet, but that by itself won’t generate maximum savings. Turning them into smart lights that go on and off based on occupancy can further boost savings. That’s particularly important if cleaning crews work at night. “If cleaners only enter the building when the rest of the occupants have gone home, energy use is sustained for a longer time,” the paper says. If the lights go on and off as cleaning crews move about the building, that saves energy by not “having the whole building or floor lit up.” Daylight blinds can help, too. These let employees maximize natural lighting without creating glare.
Manage ventilation. A third of a building’s heat is lost through ventilation, the paper says. Having the system on an automatic schedule can be a problem if the system can’t sync up with the weather when it turns cold or hot unexpectedly. “An unseasonable heatwave could leave occupants opening windows without being able to adjust the heating,” the paper says. So, it’s better to be hands on in managing ventilation.
