The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory released results of a study on building commissioning that found a median energy savings from 3% to 16%, depending on building type.
The study examined the cost of commissioning and resulting energy savings of 1,500 North American buildings across three decades. The study represents buildings totaling 34.7 million square meters (373 million sf) of floor area.
“Since 2009 the commissioning industry has continued to grow, driven by building codes, utility programs, and rising awareness of commissioning benefits,” the study notes. Over the course of the study, building controls have become more sophisticated, and analytics software has emerged to assist with commissioning.
Median primary energy savings for projects in existing buildings ranged from 5% for those conducted under utility programs, 9% for monitoring-based commissioning utility programs (e.g., augmented with submetering and diagnostics), and 14% for projects outside of utility programs.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 20, 2017
Moody’s says cities may face credit downgrades if they don’t address climate risks
Credit ratings giant will ask what communities are doing to mitigate risk exposure.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2017
Schools with optimal indoor environments boost student performance and energy efficiency
World Green Building Council report confirms that lighting, indoor air quality, thermal comfort and acoustics impact learning.
Codes and Standards | Dec 14, 2017
Mayors sign Chicago Climate Charter; will strive to meet Paris accord goals
Pledge to push for more local authority to reduce emissions.
Codes and Standards | Dec 13, 2017
New report examines ongoing costs of green infrastructure options
The report compares solutions to reduce stormwater.
Codes and Standards | Dec 12, 2017
Total cost of structural fires in U.S. reached $328.5 billion in 2014
Costs associated with losses was $55.4 billion.
Codes and Standards | Dec 11, 2017
Steel-timber composite system proposed for mid- and high-rise buildings
Structural steel columns and beams support a cross-laminated timber floor system.
Codes and Standards | Dec 7, 2017
Many coastal states performing poorly to protect beaches, coastlines
The most vulnerable regions fare the worst in new study.
Codes and Standards | Dec 6, 2017
2017 wildfires highlight gaps in California’s approach to fire safety in urbanized areas
Better hazard mapping and retrofit programs could help.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2017
Guide for understanding medical monitoring requirement of OSHA silica standard released
Center for Construction Research and Training gives advice on new regulation.
Codes and Standards | Dec 4, 2017
Trump tax proposal would kill historic tax credits
Developers would lose up to 20% discounts on some redevelopment projects.