Energy Efficient Buildings

Improving the energy efficiency of existing building stock is one of the most important things we can do to address the triple bottom line of economy, environment and social responsibility. Older facilities may need to be brought up to meet current building standards in terms of air changes and fresh air, but they will almost always present good opportunities for energy savings and cost reductions.

In our experiences it has been typical to bring existing buildings to energy intensities which meet and exceed ASHRAE 90.1 and/or the Model National Energy Code for Buildings (MNECB). Approximately LEED Silver. However without implementing major changes to building envelopes and air distribution systems it normally remains a challenge to bring intensities down to what is required for LEED Gold or Platinum designations.

We can typically identify and develop projects which present savings opportunities up to 50% when buildings have a lot of fresh air, operate 24/7 and have high heating and electrical load factors. However even more efficient buildings can yield in the range of 20-25% savings with high efficiency equipment and building automation upgrades.

A key requirement for a successful energy retrofit project however is to maintain the required level of building performance, and not to compromise occupant comfort conditions in favour of energy reductions. (That would be a sure way to an un-successful project)

Here is how AERA Energy Solutions can help you achieve a more energy efficient building or campus:

·    1. Early technical scoping and qualifying of retrofit opportunity

·    2. Conceptual design/development of solutions

·    3. Business case development support including business case analysis, identification and adoption of key performance indicators and metrics for facility renewal, energy conservation, sustainability and lifecycle analysis as required.

·    4. Project development support including utility, energy and greenhouse gas calculations and modeling, preliminary engineering development, coordination of vendors and outside engineering resources, development of job costs as required, development of a measurement and verification plan.

·    5. Specialized technical and business services in the development of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) initiatives, co-generation projects, biomass based renewable projects, central utility plant projects.

·    6. Identifying and applying for grants and incentives as available

     7. Developing a project implementation plan including schedule, financial analysis, communication plan, safety plan.

     8. Developing employee communication plans, and staff training plan.