a new role for a lot of existing building operators."
Simple solutions he suggests
that you can implement into your
facility include:
n Changing computer settings so
it goes to sleep after a certain
amount of time and isn't on
when not in use
n Setting up a schedule for light-
ing and the HVAC system and
installing sensors so they are on
when people are in the building
"You don't necessarily need to
make your building to zero energy
to be successful," Carbonnier says.
"Even if it's high efficiency, it's still
performing much better than the
average building. You will have
lower energy and carbon emissions, a more comfortable building
and will be making great contributions for your community and
occupants." B
Valerie Dennis Craven valerie.
craven@buildings.com is editor in
chief of BUILDINGS.
HOOD RIVER (OR) MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSIC AND SCIENCE BUILDING features a greenhouse and solar panels to support its net zero
energy initiative.
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Including net zero energy
improvements or retrofits has
many positive effects for a building and the occupants. However,
getting higher ups and decision
makers on board financially can
be difficult.
Radhika Lalit, senior associate
with Rocky Mountain Institute,
offers tips on how to make the
financial case.
n When looking at retrofits,
consider efficiency first, and leverage improvements over time in
conjunction with capital upgrades
and other building lifecycle events
(e.g. boiler or chiller replacements).
n Believe in the productiv-
ity benefits of a green building
because even a fractional increase
in productivity for an owner-occu-
pied commercial building dwarfs
the other energy savings and the
market differentiation it provides.
If the builder intends to lease the
space, these increased productivity benefits can translate to higher
resale value, better tenant retention and higher rents.
n While energy retrofits have
a payback, many other common
building improvements have no
direct payback (e.g. new lobby,
fresh coat of paint). Net zero
energy should be a priority, given
the business case.
n Building codes will require net
zero energy sooner than you think.
Strategically, net zero energy
buildings are the future, especially
with policy mandates and codes
on buildings tightening each year.
Find a list of financial incentives
the might help assist you in moving toward net zero energy:
bit.ly/2Cnk3F8
Making the Financial Case