Enhancing Energy Effectiveness in Buildings

With the growing demands for energy management in both residential and commercial buildings, many efforts are being made to enhance energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of buildings by making them more efficient.

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Energy-efficient buildings use less energy to heat, cool, and run appliances and electronics, which can lead to significant cost savings for both residential and commercial properties. Additionally, reducing energy use, in buildings and elsewhere, is essential in the fight against climate change, as traditional power plants burn fossil fuels that release greenhouse gases and contribute to air pollution.

With the rise in the usage of smart thermostats, batteries, heat pumps, and solar panels, buildings now can be part of virtual power plants (VPPs), which can transform commercial and residential buildings into vital grid assets. In a previous Meltek Buzz Blog, we showed how VPPs contribute to a more resilient electricity system. When all the units inside a building use their smart devices to help smooth the peaks in electricity demand, the building can act like a powerful battery on the grid system. Buildings as VPPs support grid stability, reduce carbon emissions, and drive energy efficiency—all while creating value for building owners and utilities.

Several stakeholders are leading the way in improving energy effectiveness in buildings. The Better Buildings Initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) partners with public and private sectors to pursue ambitious energy, waste, water, and emissions reduction goals in homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants. The initiative has saved 3.6 Q BTU of energy to date, equivalent to 224 million metric tons of CO2 avoided. The Initiative is also cutting costs- so far it has saved $22 billion and financed $37 billion energy efficiency & renewable energy projects.

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Companies like Honeywell are developing sustainable energy strategies tailored to specific building portfolios, helping to optimize energy use and reduce costs.  Some best practices that companies are implementing to improve energy effectiveness in buildings include:

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• Install Building Insulation: Insulation is an effective energy-saving technique, especially in colder climates. It helps to reduce heating and cooling loads, making buildings more energy efficient.

• Prevent Air Leakage: Sealing gaps and cracks in buildings can prevent air leakage, which can significantly improve energy efficiency.

• Use Efficient Appliances: Energy-efficient appliances and lighting systems can reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.

• Adopt Renewable Energy Sources: Incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and heat pumps, can further enhance energy effectiveness and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

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Individuals living in apartment buildings can also keep these in mind so that they can earn money from saving energy and contribute to energy effectiveness:

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• Take part in demand response programs: Reduce energy consumption during peak periods and get paid! Companies like Meltek provide programs that offer incentives for reducing electricity use when the demand is high, helping to balance the grid and prevent blackouts in buildings.

• Adjust the thermostat: Set it to an energy-saving temperature, such as 68°F (20°C) in colder months and 78°F (25°C) in warmer months. In summertime, prior to energy saving events, you may want to pre-cool your space and then adjust your thermostat slightly higher during the event.

• Unplug Chargers: Even when turned off some electronics continue to draw power if they're plugged in. Remember to unplug chargers when not using them.