When moving to more efficient power options, building owners and operators are often faced with difficult decisions deciding what to do with existing gas-fired heating systems—especially in colder climates. (Learn more about building electrification.)
Writing for The McMorrow Reports, ESD, now Stantec Practice Leader for High Performance Buildings Andrew Lehrer says the growing role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies being adopted by companies in the commercial real estate industry, building electrification is playing a bigger role in fighting climate change and keeping properties attractive to tenants.
In his article, “Building electrification: Don’t strand your asset!” Lehrer says it is important to decouple electrification efforts from energy costs. He says many asset owners assume “all electric” equals “operational expenditure savings,” which may not be the case.
According to Lehrer, “to avoid significantly higher energy bills, it is critical that buildings pursuing electrification are as efficient as possible employing both passive and active strategies before going 100 percent electric.”
Lehrer says while building electrification can be a powerful tool in the fight against climate change, it is critical for building owners and operators to fully consider the costs associated with this approach.
Andrew Lehrer freely shares his experience and ideas through articles and interviews with industry publications as part of fulfilling ESD, now Stantec’s mission build communities and to improve society through the built environment.
For more information on how our engineers can help with your project, reach out to ESD, now Stantec’s High Performance Buildings Engineering team.
