Operational efficiency in commercial buildings refers to the building’s structure and the climate controls within it, which together account for a large part of the energy consumption of a building.

Therefore, effective identification of operations and maintenance opportunities such as suboptimal equipment performance and poorly maintained BMSes are critical to lowering operational expenses.

Operational efficiency (and energy at the point of consumption)

A good place to start an energy optimization project is by completing an as-is analysis of the operational efficiency at portfolio level.

There are two notable methods of identifying energy loss; through real-time data monitoring and thermal imaging. Real-time data monitoring uses data from meters to provide analytics about energy usage while thermal imagers detect energy escaping from the structure of the building such as climate control equipment. ProptechOS Energy Toolbox provides real-time data monitoring of energy efficiency on portfolio level which provides building owners and operators with continuous data about building and portfolio performance.

Common efficiency opportunities lie in optimizing energy at the point of consumption. Peak shaving and load shifting strategies can improve the energy efficiency of district heating and cooling.

Peak shaving

Peak shaving reduces power consumption quickly and for a short period of time by shifting energy consumption to rely on a battery or a generation system. All intended equipment is being used, however the source of energy is shifted. Peak shaving enables buildings to shift energy consumption to mission critical equipment, during times of high demand on the grid, allowing property owners with continuous need for unwavering energy supply, such as hospitals, to avoid planned and unplanned downtime.

Load shifting

Load shifting spreads out energy consumption across time to avoid convergence during peak demand on the energy grid. Reliance on the energy grid remains, however it is shifted to a window where energy prices are lower.

As commercial building owners are charged based on maximum power consumption, controlling demand flexibility can shave daily energy peaks and significantly lower energy consumption and costs, eventually reducing electricity tariff.

Influence tenant behavior

Get tenants onboard energy reduction measures using dashboards with building data such as temperature or utilization across a floor. The dashboard communicates temperature decreases and other measures taken by the property owners to increase energy efficiency of the building, improving communication and transparency.

The Capital Expenses of commercial buildings cover equipment costs. Retrofit projects for energy optimization can include energy recovery installations, HVAC and LED lights which upgrade equipment efficiency.

As property owners and managers seek innovative ways to optimize energy usage, reduce costs, and bolster sustainability efforts, flexibility emerges as a crucial strategy – participating in demand response markets and empowering the energy.

Understanding Energy Grid Demand Response

Demand response refers to the practice of adjusting electricity consumption in response to signals from the energy grid operator. This adjustment can involve reducing energy usage during peak demand periods, shifting consumption to off-peak hours, or utilizing alternative energy sources. Demand response not only helps stabilize the grid but also unlocks significant benefits for commercial real estate stakeholders with lower cost, new revenue and demonstrated sustainability.

Energy storages can support peak shaving strategies when energy demand is shifted from the energy grid to an energy storage such as thermal energy storage (ice storage), mechanical energy storage (pumped hydro) or electrochemical (batteries). Similarly, thermal energy storages such as ice storages enable shifting HVAC and refrigeration loads from the energy grid.

Leveraging Solar Power for Commercial Real Estate Energy Production

Solar power has become an indispensable ally for commercial real estate, reshaping the way properties generate and consume energy. As sustainability and cost-efficiency take center stage, solar energy emerges as a transformative force in the industry.

Commercial real estate owners and managers are increasingly turning to solar power to enhance energy production within their properties. The advantages are manifold: Cost Savings, Energy Independence, Enhanced Property Value, Regulatory Compliance, Improved Resilience, Longevity and Low Maintenance.Solar power has evolved into a fundamental pillar of commercial real estate’s energy strategy. By harnessing the sun’s energy, properties can reduce costs, improve sustainability, and increase resilience, all while enhancing their market position. As solar technology continues to advance, its role in powering commercial real estate is poised to grow, further solidifying its status as an indispensable asset in the industry’s pursuit of a greener and more efficient future.

In order to obtain a holistic approach to energy efficiency on portfolio level there is a need for a range of energy efficiency apps to collaborate. ProptechOS Energy Toolbox provides a modular approach to tiling applications allowing them to work together and to identify and resolve energy efficiency opportunities. ProptechOS Optimize application provides real-time data monitoring and alarms for as-is analyses and verification of the effectiveness of efficiency projects.