Benchmarking to Identify Potential Energy and Water Savings

Energy and water consumption represent significant costs for buildings, especially in the condominium sector. Energy benchmarking is a crucial tool that allows property managers and boards to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and cost savings. The article emphasizes the importance of benchmarking in managing building operating costs and shares examples of energy-saving initiatives in condominiums, such as LED lighting, efficient pumps, motors with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), and water-saving measures like replacing high volume toilets with High-Efficiency Toilets (HET). It also encourages property managers to explore incentives for energy and water efficiency improvements and highlights the potential benefits of benchmarking in improving property values and gaining industry recognition. Ontario's Energy and Water Reporting and Benchmarking (EWRB) program, which utilizes Energy-Star Portfolio Manager, is highlighted as a useful tool for tracking consumption patterns and identifying efficiency opportunities. The article concludes by emphasizing that reporting and benchmarking are the first steps toward achieving better control and management of energy and water consumption.