What are some of the best no-cost or low-cost projects that can help get your efficiency efforts off the ground?
There are multiple items that your energy audit will uncover, and many of them are related to preventative maintenance. This can be anything from equipment that is running outside of normal parameters, such as from worn belts or lower airflow from dirty/clogged filters. Simple items such as maintenance logs can go a long way. And then there are easy items that can be replaced though daily maintenance. While you may not be able to afford an entire lighting retrofit at once, there is no reason to not upgrade ballasts and sockets when changing burned out lamps. This same strategy can be applied across all operational practices. For example, most of the 1.0 gpf urinals that have been used since 1993 can accept a .5 gpf flush valve. So when replacing a flush valve, use that as an opportunity to become more efficient and reduce your water usage. Above all else, efficiency and sustainability are a mindset and should be taken in account in every decision.
Michael Kawecki is the founder and owner of Axiom Sustainable Consulting. He has been a LEED Accredited Professional since 2003, and currently holds the LEED AP BD+C, ID+C, and O+M Credentials. He is one of the founding members of the North Texas Chapter of the USGBC and served as the Chair in 2007. He was also the 2008 Chair of the South Central Regional Council of the USGBC, and became USGBC Faculty in 2011.
Energy Efficiency Projects With New LEED On The Horizon
Equipment vs. Operations: Greatest Opportunity for Energy Efficiency
Making A Pitch For Energy Efficiency Spending
Best No- and Low-Cost Energy Efficiency Projects
