Cost Effective Energy Improvements for an Existing Commercial Building: A Case Study

In the beginning months of 2008, the energy consumption and water use data of a 28 year old commercial building in central Ohio was compiled with approximately one and a half years of prior data. At the initiation of the analysis period, studies were performed to identify key improvement areas for the most effective energy improvements for the building. Lighting, heating and cooling, insulation, and water use were all evaluated. Tenant involvement was incorporated to address waste management and conservation efforts. Improvement areas were identified and a program was implemented to make stepwise progress toward a reduced environmental footprint. Progress was tracked by continuous monitoring of energy and water use. Capital improvements were treated as investments with best approximations of return on investment. As the program gained momentum, opportunities arose for both ISO 14001 and LEED certifications. The improvement process was and continues to be for the long term, and the initial efforts resulted in a zero nonconformance evaluation during the first ISO 14001 audit. Studies and improvements for LEED certification for the existing building are currently ongoing.