The Critical Role of Energy Efficiency in Achieving Net-Zero in Existing Buildings
Energy efficiency in existing buildings is crucial for achieving net-zero carbon emissions. With buildings contributing significantly to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the European Union where over 75% of the building stock is energy inefficient, this sector offers an essential opportunity for sustainable impact.
Achieving net-zero targets demands a focus on reducing energy consumption through targeted interventions. Based on BAARCH’s extensive experience and insights from trusted industry sources, energy audits reveal that specific areas of improvement—such as operational adjustments, regular maintenance, and strategic upgrades—are key to achieving immediate cost reductions and long-term sustainability. When combined with building retrofits, these strategies form a comprehensive approach to enhancing energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of existing buildings.
Operation and Control (55% of Common Measures)
BAARCH’s data, backed by insights from industry research, shows that 55% of common energy efficiency measures in existing buildings relate to optimizing operation and control. These operational adjustments are often low-cost and provide immediate cost savings by ensuring that systems are only active when needed.
- Equipment Schedules: Aligning HVAC and lighting schedules with occupancy patterns helps avoid unnecessary energy use, particularly during off-hours.
- Load Management: Techniques like demand control ventilation, which adjusts airflow based on real-time occupancy, can significantly reduce energy use.
- Advanced Controls: Leveraging Building Management Systems (BMS) and Energy Management Systems (EMS) allows for automated, real-time adjustments, enhancing efficiency. These systems provide predictive maintenance and remote monitoring, ensuring systems operate optimally.
Maintenance (32% of Common Measures)
Regular maintenance is another significant component, accounting for 32% of the recommended measures in BAARCH’s audits and supported by industry standards. Routine maintenance prevents energy waste and ensures that building systems run efficiently.
- Calibration: Ensuring accurate calibration of sensors and control systems prevents over-conditioning and minimizes unnecessary energy use.
- Filter Maintenance: Regular cleaning or replacing HVAC filters maintains airflow, reducing the strain on fans and motors.
- Mechanical Upkeep: Routine inspections help identify leaks, worn components, and other issues that reduce system efficiency, ensuring systems continue to operate at peak performance.
Upgrades and Repairs (23% of Common Measures)
Upgrades and repairs represent 23% of common measures suggested in BAARCH’s audits, focused on achieving sustainable, long-term improvements in performance and efficiency.
- Equipment Upgrades: Replacing outdated systems with energy-efficient alternatives—such as LED lighting and high-efficiency HVAC units—significantly reduces energy demand.
- System Redesigns: Implementing zoning and optimizing airflow layouts can enhance HVAC efficiency and provide more targeted heating and cooling.
- Component Replacement: Replacing faulty or outdated components with high-efficiency parts can enhance reliability and prevent energy waste.
The Synergy of Energy Efficiency and Building Retrofits
Energy efficiency measures and building retrofits are complementary strategies that must go hand-in-hand to achieve net-zero goals. While retrofits improve the physical aspects of a building—such as insulation, windows, and the building envelope—energy efficiency measures ensure that operational systems work optimally on a daily basis.
Implementing energy efficiency measures alongside building retrofits maximizes the benefits of both, allowing buildings to operate at peak efficiency. BAARCH’s expertise, alongside insights from trusted sources, confirms that combining these strategies can yield substantial reductions in energy consumption, making net-zero a more attainable goal for existing buildings.
Benefits Summary
The insights BAARCH has gathered from energy audits highlight the key benefits of focusing on operation and control, regular maintenance, and targeted upgrades:
- Operational Efficiency: Streamlined systems reduce energy waste and improve building performance.
- Immediate Cost Savings: Low-cost measures identified in energy audits provide fast returns through reduced utility expenses.
- Environmental Sustainability: Lower energy use reduces carbon emissions, supporting net-zero ambitions.
- Enhanced Asset Value: Energy-efficient buildings are more attractive to tenants and buyers, potentially increasing property value over time.
Summary Table
| Category | Percentage of Common Measures | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Operation and Control | 55% | Equipment scheduling, load management, advanced controls |
| Maintenance | 32% | Calibration, filter maintenance, mechanical upkeep |
| Upgrades and Repairs | 23% | Equipment upgrades, system redesigns, component replacement |
Achieving net-zero emissions in the built environment is ambitious but essential. BAARCH’s extensive experience, combined with trusted industry research, has shown that targeted energy efficiency measures can lead to meaningful reductions in energy consumption and operational costs. Through optimizing operation and control, ensuring regular maintenance, and implementing strategic upgrades, building owners and facility managers can make significant strides toward sustainable operations.
These energy efficiency strategies are not standalone—they complement building retrofits, amplifying their impact and transforming buildings into efficient, sustainable assets. With BAARCH’s expertise guiding the way, energy efficiency can be the foundation for a more sustainable and cost-effective future in the built environment.
