Effective Ways to Improve Sustainability Metrics

Building energy efficiency is one of the most effective ways to improve sustainability metrics. Over the years, Entouch Controls has developed a seven-step process to ensure a successful implementation of smart technology to help your company achieve its ESG objectives. Whatever strategy you use, the key is establishing goals, testing a sample, and rolling out the solution quickly.

Consider the Scope

• Some 120 million buildings in the United States consume 42% of the nation’s energy and 70% of its electricity – more than any other sector, according to the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI)

• Buildings use 68% and 55% of our country’s coal and natural gas, respectively, and generate nearly half of all US carbon dioxide emissions, says RMI.

• According to the Alliance to Save Energy, approximately 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 70% of energy consumption in major cities are attributable to buildings.

• Buildings and related construction together account for 36% of global energy use and 39% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions annually, according to the United Nations Environment Program.

1 . IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM AND OBJECTIVE

Start by listing your significant issues. Then set the goal. What is your hurdle rate to free up capital? Do you want a return on investment to exceed a particular benchmark? What is the length of your desired payback period?

2 . DEVELOP SOLUTIONS

Which solutions achieve your ROI or payback period goals? Make sure the solution enables enterprise-wide cloud connectivity. Does it offer data analytics for real-time visibility, control, and optimization at the asset level? What about legacy system support? Choose a trusted partner with demonstrated success in multi-site rollouts.

3 . PILOT (POV)

Work with your team and consultant to select a group of buildings large enough to represent your entire portfolio. Get the projects installed as quickly as possible. The longer you wait, the longer you’re spending dollars that can never be recovered. Establish a baseline for your pilot sites, and then compare the test group to a control group.

4 . OPTIMIZE

As you get feedback on test sites, make sure each site is fine-tuned to achieve optimal results. Use machine learning to continue to learn and to optimize HVAC performance.

5 . REPORT

As results come in, report on results and progress toward your goals: asset optimization and maintenance, energy consumption and reduction, and financial savings to management, including facilities, finance, sustainability leadership.

6 . EXPAND THE DEPLOYMENT

Once your document that you’re on target to meet ROI or payback goals, immediately move to a broader deployment across the entire portfolio. This makes the scalability of the solution an essential criterion.

7 . MONITOR AND MANAGE

Continue to check feedback on the deployed solution either has an automated, self-commissioning system or make sure that sites are operating at the same thresholds and optimizations set during the pilot period.

THE TIME FOR ESG IS NOW

Operating your company in line with Environmental, Social, and Governance standards has moved from optional to mandatory. One tested approach to elevate your ESG metrics is reducing your building’s energy use and carbon footprint.

The good news? Today’s facility manager has the technology and knowledgeable consulting partners to design an effective energy strategy across the entire facilities portfolio. You can transform your portfolio into a smart asset with advanced energy management systems. Instead of contributing to climate change, your buildings can contribute to a better workplace, improved bottom line, supportive investors, and a more sustainable world.