Building Manager Resources for Saving Energy

Saving energy is a team effort. It’s important that building managers and tenants take the necessary steps to reduce energy usage. Your combined efforts will help save energy and money. To get started, consider a commercial energy audit, which can help you identify everything in your building that needs an update. Then review the following tips for making your building run more efficiently.

Heating and Cooling

• Regularly inspect your heating and cooling units to make sure they are running efficiently. This includes cleaning or changing air filters and setting thermostats to the appropriate temperature.
• Examine ducts and windows and seal any leaks to avoid wasting the energy you put into heating or cooling your space.
• Use fan systems to optimize the delivery of air in the most energy-efficient way. For older systems, an upgrade may be in order.

Lighting

• Lighting consumes 17% of the energy used in commercial buildings. Install sensors that automatically turn off lighting when no one is present, especially in low-traffic spaces like restrooms.
• Replace incandescent lightbulbs with more efficient LEDs.

Food Service and Storage Equipment

• Whether it’s an industrial appliance or just part of your office kitchen, replace refrigerator door seals to prevent the refrigerator from wasting energy. If you can slip a piece of printer paper between the door frame and seal, the seal needs replacing.
• When it’s time for an upgrade, consider buying ENERGY STAR certified appliances. Savings can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars every year.

Building managers and tenants can work together to lower their energy usage and overall costs. Don’t forget to check the incentives and rebates page to see whether your building qualifies for additional savings. And if you manage rental homes or apartment buildings, consider getting your tenants involved by sharing our energy saving tips for renters.