In 2009, the International Facility Management Association surveyed its members about the most common complaints they receive throughout the year. The most frequent gripe from office workers was that their office is too cold. The No. 2 complaint? Their office is too hot.
As Business Report details in a feature from the current issue, building managers realize employee comfort affects productivity and job satisfaction, but many also want to save money on heating, cooling and powering their facilities. Striking the right balance for office energy efficiency often requires investment and patience, and, as the IFMA survey shows, it’s hard to make everyone happy.
“That’s the hardest thing about saving energy,” says Ray Shepherd, president of Facility Automation in Baton Rouge. “There’s always a tradeoff between how energy efficient you can really get and what’s going to keep your occupants comfortable.”
Controlling temperature, humidity and airflow isn’t the only way to save energy, of course, but it’s a big part of it. Greg Rosenbalm, who serves clients throughout the Gulf Coast region for Austin-based Syntergy, says utilities-based expenses comprise about 30% of a building’s operating cost, and about 60% of that is air conditioning, ventilation and lighting. So if you’re looking to save some money, those are good places to start.
Every building is different, so the problems, solutions and potential savings will vary. Consultants can help to put together a plan tailored to your facility, and we’ve provided some ideas here.
It may take a little trial and error to figure out what works best for you. But whatever you do, don’t expect to please everyone.
Read the full feature. Send your comments to editors@businessreport.com.
