Balancing the big picture with the details can be tricky. However, finding this balance can be very powerful when addressing a building’s energy needs and energy costs.

One way of achieving good balance is to take an integrated approach that looks at the synergistic aspects of various energy-reduction programs to achieve an optimal balance.  

Often times energy projects are looked at individually rather than taking a moment to see how they relate to each other and to the building as a whole. Infrastructure projects, such as replacing an chiller are easy projects to know when to add to a capital plan. However, a building owner can get more for their money if they take the time to see how this one proposed project relates to others. For example, a chiller works hard to perform its function based on the current conditions of the building.

What if you were able to reduce the amount of energy load on the building and change these conditions? Perhaps there are building envelope projects scheduled a little later in the capital plan. What if these projects were looked at from an energy savings and cost stand point in conjunction with the chiller replacement? Could you then reduce the size of the replacement chiller and save more money than the othere improvement cost? Looking at this new information might create more favorable payback and energy savings options for the proposed projects.

It’s such an exciting concept that it was the topic of our most recent Sustainability Sessions web conference. Guest speakers Jean Savitsky, Practice Lead—Energy and Sustainability Projects, LEED AP and Dana Schneider, Northeast Market Lead—Energy and Sustainability Projects, LEED AP shared details about this approach and how we have been able to find optimal solutions for several clients, including  the Empire State Building.

Click here to watch Dana Schneider talk more about big savings from looking at the big picture.

In a previous blog entitled “Measure twice, cut costs”, Peter Belisle suggested that many facilities managers may not realize potential cost savings. Coincidentally, sustainable facilities management was the topic on Sustainability Sessions—Jones Lang LaSalle’s forum of our energy and sustainability practice. Our guest speaker was Nathan Gauthier, LEED AP, Portfolio Energy Manager on our Philips account, and instructor at the Harvard Extension School, who shared how sustainability fits into the nine pillar framework of facility management promoted by IFMA.

The big take away was that even with a widely accepted definition of sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations” it is important for every organization to develop customized definitions that truly reflect their specific balance between people, planet and profits.

A great example involved what type of air filters to use in an owner-occupied facility . Filters with higher MERV ratings are more effective at keeping indoor air clean, but also cause systems to run longer, requiring additional energy. Given that there is a range of MERV levels that serve both people and planet adequately, but to some degree, facility managers must weigh the relative value the company places on each one.

The only way to acknowledge and build on success is to accurately measure, analyze, and report. This process feeds a cycle of continuous improvement. If companies are serious about sustainability they must develop a comprehensive communication program that integrates and reinforces sustainable values. A green tagline in an email signature is one example as is writing a green blog itself!