A comprehensive energy-efficiency program across three U.S. facilities is demonstrating how targeted building improvements can produce substantial operating-cost savings.
JLL recently completed an energy-engineering initiative for a technology company involving three properties totaling approximately 880,000 square feet. The program reduced annual utility expenses by about $690,000 while cutting electricity consumption by more than 5.5 million kilowatt-hours and natural gas use by more than 58,000 therms.
The process began with ASHRAE Level II energy audits, including an analysis of utility bills and building systems to identify where energy was being consumed and where inefficiencies were occurring. The findings were then used to develop and implement energy-conservation measures in coordination with building-automation vendors and facility teams.
Engineers also performed retrocommissioning to identify operating problems that were not apparent during the initial audits. Building systems were tested in detail, allowing additional energy-saving opportunities to be identified and corrected.
One office and laboratory property generated particularly significant results. Its energy-use intensity declined from 122 kBtu per square foot annually to 74 kBtu, below a local building-performance target of 88 kBtu. Electricity consumption at the property fell 37%, while natural gas use declined 45%, producing approximately $384,000 in annual utility savings.
Across all three facilities, the improvements reduced annual carbon emissions by more than 1,870 metric tons, or about 31%. JLL reported that the projects achieved average simple payback periods of less than 1.5 years.
Beyond the direct energy savings, the program corrected building-automation problems, improved HVAC performance and reduced equipment runtime, potentially extending the useful life of building systems.
The results illustrate why commercial and industrial property owners may benefit from looking beyond the total amount on a monthly utility bill. Detailed utility analysis, equipment testing and ongoing monitoring can reveal inefficiencies that translate directly into higher operating expenses. Identifying and correcting those issues can reduce consumption while improving building performance and providing measurable savings over time.
Source: JLL Case Study