Going green with building certifications like LEED, WELL, and Energy Star can be a significant step towards reaching net zero carbon emission goals, but ESD, now Stantec Energy Engineer Matthew Zweibruck says don’t stop there. (Learn more about the FacilitiesNet summit.)
Sustainability initiatives in the built environment are not limited to new construction or other large expenditures, according to a recent article by ESD Energy Engineer Matthew Zweibruck.
Writing for Construction Executive magazine, Zweibruck outlines “How Retro-Commissioning Can Extend the Life of a Building—and the Planet.” Zweibruck notes the impact buildings have on the environment is dramatic with existing structures accounting for approximately 28 percent of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This makes them prime targets for retro-commissioning (RCx) reviews and upgrades to make them more sustainable.
Zweibruck’s piece recaps various sustainability programs, but also says to make a more meaningful impact, building owners and operators need to go beyond certifications. That is where he says retro-commissioning can add considerable value by optimizing building energy performance through the identification and implementation of low- to no-cost energy efficiency measures. He says these can often be implemented without the installation of any new equipment.
According to Zweibruck, some states are requiring larger commercial buildings to undergo periodic retro-commissioning studies to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Until all states adopt such measures, however, Zweibruck says it is vital to promote RCx as much as possible.
Matt Zweibruck shares his knowledge of the demand-side energy services industry in support of ESD’s mission to improve society through the built environment.
Contact ESD’s experts for more information on how ESD can help with energy efficiency and other carbon reduction planning.
