Successfully Implementing Energy Efficiency Projects

Abstract

Some building owners find that implementing energy efficiency projects may not provide the anticipated energy savings. Why do energy conservation measures (ECMs) sometimes fail to deliver the expected energy savings? This is often due to a predictable set of causes. Some owners rely on contractors, who are proficient in installing technologies, but not necessarily expert at configuring their new equipment to maximize energy savings. When contractors are not provided with a detailed scope of work written by the energy engineer who uncovered the energy savings opportunity, critical knowledge can be lost, and the improvements may not perform as intended. It is important to employ third party commissioning agents who are versed in energy efficiency, to ensure that the new technologies are performing as specified. For the ECMs to be successful in meeting their objectives, the facilities management staff must accept the new technologies. They need to understand how the improvements reduce energy use, how to maintain the new equipment, and how to troubleshoot problems when they occur. These potential problems are avoidable. This article details specific methodologies (e.g., commissioning, measurement and verification and training) that ensure your energy efficiency improvements will perform as intended.