Since 2004, when building energy modeling (BEM) services became more widely available, retail, industrial, and commercial spaces have used them to reduce costs and optimize utility performance. Now, two decades later, if you’re still relying on just a thermostat and water heater to measure and track your energy consumption, you’re likely losing money on these services— but Planit’s building energy modeling services can help you change that.
Whether you manage a small local business or a large office complex with tenant, worker, and retail spaces, optimizing energy use is more important than ever. Keep reading to learn more about building energy modeling from Planit Engineering and how it can help your facility improve energy efficiency, cut utility costs, and lower your carbon footprint.
What is Building Energy Modeling, and How Does It Work?
Building energy modeling is a computer-based simulation of a space that calculates the building’s energy consumption. Using physics-based equations based on scanned data of the space and baseline energy measurements, BEM tools estimate how much energy a building consumes under different conditions, from daily temperature fluctuations to seasonal changes.
The modeling system then provides detailed insights into a space’s heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting needs, predicting energy consumption at hourly or sub-hourly timesteps. BEM is an invaluable tool for operations looking to make informed energy efficiency decisions. It allows you to identify energy usage patterns and inefficiencies, helping to make adjustments that optimize costs, reduce waste, and enhance your building’s environmental performance.
Key Ways That Building Energy Modeling Helps Optimize Energy Consumption
While every building energy modeling system is ultimately different, as they are tailored to each specific building and business’s needs, there are five common ways BEM systems help optimize energy consumption. Whether you work with Planit for building energy modeling services or choose another provider, any robust and scalable system must have the following:
- Energy Consumption ForecastingBEM can provide a detailed energy forecast, enabling businesses to plan their energy needs more accurately. By using historical data and predictive data algorithms, the systems help spaces understand their peak usage times and adjust their consumption habits accordingly to lower overall energy demands and avoid unnecessary costs.
- HVAC System OptimizationHeating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems account for a significant portion of a building’s energy use— especially in high occupancy spaces like malls or office towers. BEM tools assess HVAC efficacy to identify areas for improvement and suggest adjustments for optimal performance without compromising occupant comfort.
- Lighting Efficiency ImprovementsBuilding energy modeling can simulate lighting usage patterns throughout the day and identify opportunities to reduce consumption based on factors such as natural light and occupancy. Then, suggestions are made, like using energy-efficient bulbs in high-traffic areas or adjusting the brightness in others to take advantage of natural light levels.
- Improved Insulation and Window PerformanceYour energy model can also help identify thermodynamic loss where gaps in insulation or windows release the heated or cooled air your HVAC system creates. Addressing these issues helps reduce energy usage and improves overall comfort for occupants, leading to long-term savings on heating and cooling while offering a better experience.
- Carbon Footprint ReductionBEM systems provide insights into the overall environmental impact of your building’s energy use over its lifecycle. Once activated, it helps companies make informed choices about adopting renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and implementing other viable green initiatives for their space to lower the building’s carbon footprint.
Partner With Planit to Learn More About How Building Energy Modeling Can Save You Money
No matter your facility or operations size, whether you’re a small local business run by friends and family or a substantial multinational retail chain with dozens of storefronts, building energy modeling services from Planit help you address deficiencies and save money in your space. By leveraging BEM to track and optimize your energy consumption, you can reduce operational costs and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for your store and beyond.
Still not sure if business energy modeling services are the right fit for your business? Let Planit’s team of experts guide you through the process of understanding your building’s unique energy needs and demands to find the best solutions for your operations. Visit our website or contact our team to learn how leveraging the latest BEM technologies can help you save big!
