Are Retrofits Better for Efficiency?

A recent study found that simple behavior changes can drastically lower energy use in commercial buildings. So does this mean the end of retrofits?

FirstFuel, a Massachusetts-based company that analyzes energy consumption in buildings, says that behavioral changes are a primary driver to efficiency problems in commercial buildings.

The company examined utility data for 60 million square feet of commercial buildings across the U.S. It found that "half of energy efficiency opportunities could be realized with simple operational improvements." This could save about $12 million across the facilities sampled.

But that doesn't necessarily mean companies could rule out retrofits. In fact, implementing operational changes and retrofits are both great ways to reduce costs.

"Operational change is a crucial part that provides a high-volume and low-cost way to allow building owners to figure out how to spend their time. But it's the first step in the process."

Either way, it's not surprising that businesses and owners are moving forward toward the intelligent monitors to help change behavior but often you need the controls and systems to execute it.

Source: Green Tech Media

By Gaylen Davenport