How do I know if my building is energy efficient?

How do I know if my building is energy efficient? 

Our goal at CR-BPS is to help everyone from homeowners to municipalities discover the benefits of seeing what happens when a building performs. From reducing our carbon output to reducing the operational costs for a space, energy efficiency has many benefits.   To determine if your building is energy efficient, consider the following steps: 
  1. Energy Audit: Hire a professional to conduct an energy audit. This comprehensive assessment identifies areas of energy loss and provides recommendations for improvements. 
  2. Energy Bills Analysis: Review your utility bills over time. Look for patterns in energy consumption and costs. Significant fluctuations may indicate inefficiencies. 
  3. Benchmarking: Compare your building’s energy use to similar buildings using benchmarking tools or databases (e.g., ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager). This can help you see how your building stacks up. 
  4. Building Envelope Inspection: Check for insulation quality, air leaks, and window performance. Look for drafts around windows and doors and assess the insulation in walls and attics. 
  5. HVAC System Assessment: Evaluate the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Check for proper sizing, age, and efficiency ratings. Regular maintenance can also significantly impact performance. 
  6. Lighting Efficiency: Examine your lighting systems. Energy-efficient options, like LED bulbs, can dramatically reduce energy use compared to incandescent or fluorescent lighting. 
  7. Appliance Efficiency: Check the efficiency ratings of appliances and equipment. ENERGY STAR-certified appliances typically use less energy than standard models. 
  8. Smart Technology: Consider installing smart thermostats and energy management systems that can optimize energy use based on occupancy and time of day. 
  9. Thermal Imaging: Use thermal imaging cameras to identify heat loss through the building envelope, which can pinpoint areas needing improvement. 
  10. Feedback from Occupants: Gather input from building occupants regarding comfort levels. Issues like drafts, temperature inconsistencies, or humidity can indicate inefficiencies. 
By following these steps, you can assess your building’s energy efficiency and identify opportunities for improvement. To get assistance from a building performance expert to assess your building’s performance and energy efficiency, contact CR-BPS today 

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