Typically about 40% of a building’s electrical consumption is from the air conditioning system in warmer climates and about 30% is from the lighting system. The remaining 30% is called plug load since it is from the equipment, appliances, computers, etc. plugged into the electrical system. Improvements to the air conditioning and lighting systems usually yield the most results in energy efficiency, and are the easiest to implement. Improvements in plug load consumption typically require operational changes.
Commercial Building Improvements
- HVAC system improvements or replacement
- HVAC system compressor replacement
- Variable Frequency Drives for air handlers, cooling towers, pumps
- Chiller replacement
- Natural and displacement ventilation systems
- Evaporative cooling
- LED, fluorescent and induction interior and exterior lighting systems
- Lighting controls
- Occupancy sensors
- Parking garage lighting, parking lots and building perimeter lighting
- Day-lighting with skylights, side-lighting or tubular daylight devices
- Insulation for ceilings, floors and walls
- Energy-saving glass & glazing
- Energy Management Systems
- Industrial Building Improvements
Industrial buildings typically have manufacturing or process equipment that use large amounts of energy. The building air conditioning and lighting systems can be improved as outlined above, and in addition the equipment energy consumption can be improved through –
- Variable frequency drives for motors
- Equipment controls such as SCADA systems to monitor and control operations
- Onsite power systems to provide electricity at a lower cost than grid power
- Combined Heat and Power systems – CHP – where there is a thermal demand
