Are you struggling to improve energy efficiency in your business? Are increasing energy costs and environmental issues weighing on your mind? With the rise of global warming, it’s become more important than ever for businesses to use their resources wisely. An energy benchmark is a great way to gain insight into how your business is performing regarding energy usage efficiency. This post will explain the energy benchmark, why it’s beneficial, and how you can start tracking and optimizing your resource consumption. Keep reading to learn more about this essential step in reducing operational costs and improving sustainability!
What is Energy Benchmarking?
Energy benchmarking is an important sustainability practice that allows buildings to track and compare their energy usage over time and against similar structures. By evaluating the amount of energy that a building uses and comparing it to similar buildings, building owners are able to understand how efficient – or inefficient – their structure is in relation to its peers, which helps identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved.
It also allows facility managers to anticipate energy costs better when planning budgets. Benchmarking reports compare all aspects of energy use, such as gas, electricity, water, and HVAC systems, so that conservation measures can be implemented in the correct area.
Ultimately, benchmarking can help reduce a building’s environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions while achieving cost savings for tenants and landlords. While benchmarking can appear complex on the surface, the practice itself is relatively straightforward once gaining insight into what types of data and metrics are needed for analysis.
Why Should You Energy Benchmark Your Business?
Benchmarking your business energy consumption is a simple yet effective way to identify energy-saving opportunities and plan for energy efficiency progress. Through energy benchmarking, you can quantify energy consumption, track building energy performance over time, and compare energy intensity across commercial buildings. With the Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool, businesses have a user-friendly way to track a building’s energy consumption data in measurable ways that are easy to access and understand.
By leveraging energy benchmark tools to uncover energy inefficiencies, you can make informed decisions about strategically lowering your energy costs while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Get the most out of your building’s energy performance by energy benchmarking today.
Things To Consider When Benchmarking A Building
Here are some things you should know when you implement energy benchmarking:
Type of Building
Depending on the type of building, different metrics may be employed to evaluate its performance. For example, a residential building should be assessed based on factors such as energy efficiency, air quality, comfort levels, and durability. A commercial building requires assessing the operation costs, tenant satisfaction, and productivity-related aspects.
Location
Location plays a crucial role in evaluating the performance of a building. For example, buildings in areas with extreme temperatures may require more energy-efficient solutions and insulation than those in milder climates. Similarly, buildings that face strong winds or seismic activity should be designed to withstand such conditions for maximum safety.
Materials Used
The materials used in building construction can affect its performance and energy efficiency. Thus, it is important to consider the quality of materials used in the building’s construction when benchmarking its performance.
Building Systems
Building systems such as HVAC systems, lighting systems, security systems, and fire safety systems should be assessed for their effectiveness in order to achieve optimal performance.
Building Regulations
Building regulations put forth by local and national authorities play an important role in defining building construction standards. Benchmarking should consider these, as not complying with regulations can significantly affect the performance of a building.
Environmental Impact
Buildings impact the environment and should be assessed for their energy management strategy, water management systems, and waste management strategies. These factors can help to minimize the environmental footprint of a building.
Building Maintenance
The maintenance of a building is a crucial aspect that impacts its performance. Regular inspection and upkeep of the building’s components will ensure that it functions properly and can help to reduce operating costs.
Technology
Using advanced technology in building systems can improve performance and energy efficiency. This includes using smart technologies such as sensors, automation systems, and internal and external data analytics. These can be used to monitor the performance of a building, as well as optimize its energy usage.
Cost
The cost of the building should also be taken into account when benchmarking its performance. This includes the upfront costs associated with construction and any ongoing maintenance and operational costs. A cost-benefit analysis can help to determine whether investing in certain upgrades or technologies is worthwhile.
These are just a few of the factors to consider when benchmarking a building. By taking all these aspects into account, it is possible to evaluate the performance of a building accurately and identify areas for improvement. This can help ensure that buildings perform optimally and provide an ideal environment for occupants.
Conclusion
To sum it up, energy benchmarking is a great way to learn how your business uses energy, find out where you can save money, and make more informed decisions about energy efficiency upgrades. If you’re ready to start benchmarking your business’s energy usage, Vert Energy Group can help. We offer comprehensive services to help you understand your business’s specific needs and tailor recommendations for saving money on your energy bill. Contact us today to learn more!
