21 Jun The Importance of Hiring a Retro-Commissioning Agent for NYC Building Owners

If you own a building in New York, do you feel that your building is swallowing money like a bottomless pit? Maybe your utility bills are skyrocketing, but you are unsure where the energy is going. If you are facing such issues, the struggle is real. 

In this blog, we will discuss how you can save a lot on your electricity bills and make your building greener. We will explore the process of retro-commissioning. Never heard of it? Do not worry. This piece will explain the process and why you need it for your building. Apart from this, we will also learn about a professional who can handle the task for you. So, join us as we prepare to make our NYC buildings greener. 

What is retro-commissioning? 

This is a process of fine-tuning buildings to ensure the structure runs optimally. It addresses issues that have developed throughout the structure’s life. Such problems have developed due to the accumulation of complications like aging equipment. 

Apart from this, it also depends on how the space has changed due to the use of its occupants. While conducting this process, you can identify issues like air leaks or malfunctioning HVAC systems. To avoid such cases, retro-commissioning must occur periodically and be a part of the maintenance plan. 

What do retro-commissioners do? 

During this process, a professional identifies equipment in the building that is not functioning correctly. Either they need to be altered or repaired. Besides these, they are also looking for other operational improvements. This process has become essential with the mandate of Local Law 87. This law states that buildings over 50000 sq ft in NYC must undergo this process once every ten years. After thorough checks and implementation of the recommendation, the agents will submit the Energy Efficiency Report. By following this law, the city aims towards a sustainable future that has reduced energy waste. 

Is retro-commissioning beneficial? 

By hiring a professional, you can leverage their experience and gain the following advantages:

• Receive expert advice and support on the energy usage of the overall structures.
• These professionals help you discover the hidden problems in your building that may be making it less efficient. 
• Additionally, you can save on operating costs by getting a professional assessment done. This process will contribute to a reduction in energy use and result in cost savings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, such checks can lead to energy savings of 5% to 15%.
• As an NYC Building Owner, retro-commissioning will help improve employee productivity if you own a commercial complex. The workers will work more efficiently since the building will have better temperature control. 

When should you consider it? 

Apart from following the mandatory LL87, this process can come in handy in the following situations:

• If you are looking to establish a baseline for your electricity consumption. 
• If you are planning to save energy.
• If you are having heating or cooling issues in your building. 
• Renovating or managing a complex where the tenant has vacated or the work function has changed. 
• Moreover, you can conduct such checks if you are experiencing issues with the performance of the equipment in the building. 
• In addition to this, these checks are also helpful if you are experiencing an unexpected surge in electricity bills.
• Finally, if you are looking for a green building certificate for your structure. 

What are the steps to complete this process, and how can the agents help? 

Step 1: Hiring a qualified professional

To upgrade your building, you have to conduct thorough checks. To do these checks, your primary job will be hiring a Retro-Commissioning Agent with experience in identifying building maintenance issues. Before providing them with the contract, you must check their credentials. These experts must be certified by the Building Commissioning Association, the Association of Energy, or another approved organization. 

Step 2: Strategising a plan

The expert will develop a plan with the steps required to optimize the building’s energy efficiency. It is to be noted that this plan will include an assessment of the present condition of the structure. Moreover, it will identify potential problem areas that need to be fixed. After completing all the checks, the agent will recommend solutions to make your building more energy-efficient. 

Step 3: Implementing the strategies 

In this step, the professional will guide you and the maintenance team in implementing the plan. While executing the maintenance task, you may have to change the structure’s heating or cooling system. Apart from this, adjustments may be made to the lighting system, ventilation, and other energy consumption areas. 

Step 4: Confirming the results 

The retro-commissioning NYC agent will verify the consequences of the maintenance work done. While checking, they will undergo a process of testing, adjusting, and balancing, also known as TAB of the new systems. This thorough check will ensure that the systems are running optimally and that previously identified issues have been resolved. 

Step 5: Making a report 

In this final stage, the agent will make a summative report containing all the process findings. This document will include the measures taken to improve the energy efficiency of the building. Apart from this, it will also contain the cost-benefit analysis and the savings calculations. Moreover, it will also state the recommendations made by the agent that were followed during the process. 

Wrapping up 

So there you have it, NYC building owners. As we complete reading this piece, we can say that retro-commissioning is not just a buzzword. It is a necessity, especially with the mandate of Local Law 87. This procedure will reduce your utility bills and make your structure more eco-friendly. It is like an investment you can make that will pay back every month. So, make sure to contact a retro-commissioning agent today. 

If you ask us, we will recommend Cotocon Group. Not only do they have the necessary expertise, but they are also a recognized partner of NYSERDA. They will conduct a thorough check of your building and make the necessary adjustments so that you can handle the Local Law compliances.