10 Concepts to Take Energy Efficiency to New Heights

June 17, 2013

The global drive to improve energy efficiency, manage overhead costs, and reduce environmental impact has given facility managers in most organizations a seat at the table—or at least the attention of top management. Buildings are organizational assets, after all, and organizations need to achieve an acceptable return on their enormous investment in facilities.

According to a recent article in Today’s Facility Manager by Matt Gates, vice president, energy management services and solutions for Trane, the efficiency of commercial buildings has improved dramatically in recent decades, but the potential for savings has only begun to be explored.

In the article, Gates points out that more energy efficient heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and the use of various energy conservation measures have reduced the energy intensity of commercial buildings by 8.5% over the last 30 years, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). A building’s energy intensity is measured by the amount of energy it consumes annually per square foot.

However, many facilities managers have only begun to tap the energy savings potential of underperforming buildings. Check out the full article on the Today’s Facility Manager website to learn what 10 concepts Gates says industry leaders are exploring to bring energy efficiency to new heights.