HOW TO POWER BUILDINGS FOR NET-ZERO FUTURE

The first step on the building electrification journey is to establish a building performance baseline. This begins with a solid data foundation, built from energy audits, emissions benchmarking, and detailed asset condition reporting. This helps you understand how your base-building systems are performing, especially when combined with lifecycle assessments and total energy use analysis compared to high-performance standards. That clarity is essential for identifying opportunities and setting priorities. Focus on quick wins for load reduction and operational efficiency Reducing energy demand at this stage has a twofold benefit. First, it decreases immediate energy use, and then, it lowers both capital and operational costs during the electrification phase and beyond. No- or low-cost operational strategies can be implemented quickly and with minimal disruption to deliver immediate reductions in energy intensity with shorter payback periods. This can range from simple measures, such as shutting off or slowing down energy use and avoiding simultaneous cooling and heating, to utilising intelligent and automated building systems to replace manual tasks. Common examples include: BASELINE ENERGY USE AND BRING IT DOWN STEP 01

Encouraging behavior change through tenant engagement.

Adjusting HVAC temperature setpoints and widening deadbands to prevent continual switching between heating and cooling.

Modifying schedules based on occupancy.

Implementing night setback programming and seasonal tuning.

Enabling demand response, where available.

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