At last October’s Lunch & Learn webinar, hosted by Tim Vogel, VP of Connected Solutions at KMC Controls, industry experts gathered to explore ways to reduce energy consumption in buildings through effective airflow management.

The discussion kicked off with insights from Jesse Shoemaker. He spoke on the common inefficiencies found in airflow management, emphasizing that “traditional measurement technology is vulnerable to contamination,” which can lead to over-ventilation and energy inefficiency. Shoemaker, VP of Business Development at KMC Controls, explained that this sets the stage for why precise airflow management is crucial in energy optimization.

Bala Gnanam, VP of Sustainability Advocacy at BOMA Canada, steered the conversation towards the types of technologies being adopted. “We are not limited by technologies, but it’s important to understand what the building needs first,” he stated, emphasizing that integrating the right technology after understanding a building’s requirements leads to success.

Incentives and Regulatory Considerations

Shoemaker touched on incentives available for building owners, explaining, “Pretty much every utility company offers some manner of rebate structure for HVAC upgrades.” He also highlighted certifications such as LEED and WELL that can offer financial and operational benefits. Notably, he mentioned, “Real estate owners investing in indoor air quality certifications can command up to 20% more in rent.”

Implementing Successful Airflow Projects

David Love, Chief Cross Sale Officer at Albireo Energy, shared practical considerations for retrofitting existing buildings. According to Love, the key is starting with retro-commissioning to ensure systems are operating as designed. He wisely noted, “The assumption can be that [buildings] were commissioned properly, but it’s not always the case.” Such steps often reveal opportunities for significant energy savings without major overhauls.

Tim Vogel summarized Love’s point, saying,

“What you’re saying and advocating for is going back to the basics. So much of what is helpful is the building was commissioned at one point and the assumption can be that it was commissioned properly. And so if you just go in and review the overrides, review the schedules, review the occupancy… Can we add just a few reasonable sensors that are now going to give you more information so you could kind of wring out the extra drops? …So many of these projects are not massive overhauls; we’re not talking about a rip and replace of all your stuff—a simple consultation, a simple assessment, some recommendations on a few new technologies you can implement, and you can make massive changes to your energy consumption and your cost.”

Vogel then asked both Shoemaker and Love to discuss successful project implementations. They shared anecdotes of K-12 school districts and commercial office space projects where optimizing airflow management led to improved air quality and tenant satisfaction. An exciting example from Love’s work highlighted a patented VAV multi-zone system that greatly improved tenant retention and greatly enhanced building environmental quality.

Continuous Improvement and Future Prospects

As the speakers concluded, the theme of continuous improvement and system adaptation was prevalent. “Continuous commissioning is critical,” Love stated, emphasizing the need for agile building systems that can adapt to changing conditions and technologies over time. Gnanam re-emphasized the need for appropriate training and planning to truly make continuous improvements effective.

In closing, this KMC Lunch & Learn webinar provided invaluable insights into the intersection of energy efficiency and building airflow management. By leveraging new technologies and maintaining a focus on continuous improvement, the building management industry can significantly improve energy usage while maintaining high standards of tenant comfort and safety. By focusing on these principles, the future of building management looks not only more efficient but also more sustainable. Attendees left empowered with strategies and insights to tackle their own energy and airflow challenges.

Watch the entire episode here: