Energy Efficiency Monitoring: Save Money and the Environment

Hoozzee
May 1
6 min read

Updated: May 2

Want to save money and reduce energy use? Energy efficiency monitoring can help. By tracking your building’s energy consumption in real-time, you can cut costs, improve operations, and reduce your environmental impact.

Here’s what you need to know upfront:

Save money: Reduce utility costs by $0.53 per sq ft annually and increase property value by up to 31%.
Smart tech tools: Use IoT devices, smart meters, and AI for real-time tracking, automated controls, and predictive maintenance.
Proven results: Examples like British Land cutting lighting costs by 50% or a Texas agency reducing HVAC electricity by 25% show the potential.
Simple steps to start: Audit current energy use, pick scalable tools, and involve teams for better results.

Energy monitoring systems are more than just cost-cutting tools - they’re a way to optimize operations and enhance property management. Dive in to learn how to get started and maximize savings.

How Do Real-Time Energy Monitoring Systems Help In ...

Main Parts of Energy Monitoring Systems

Energy monitoring systems rely on a combination of essential components to improve energy use and efficiency. Here's how these systems work and what they include.

Live Energy Usage Tracking

Real-time monitoring gives an up-to-the-second view of energy consumption. Using smart meters and sensors, these systems collect continuous data on electricity usage, helping property managers quickly pinpoint inefficiencies. With this immediate feedback, they can address unusual energy spikes or equipment issues before they escalate. For example, IBM cut energy costs in its data centers by 30% by pairing real-time monitoring with predictive analytics. Live tracking can help uncover:

Peak energy usage times
Equipment performance problems
Unusual consumption patterns
Chances to shift energy loads

Data Analysis and Smart Controls

AI and machine learning transform raw data into actionable insights. These tools predict usage trends, detect inefficiencies, and automatically adjust building systems for better performance. A case in point: The Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) reduced HVAC electricity use by 25% across 9.5 million square feet of properties, leading to substantial cost savings.

Here’s a breakdown of key components and their potential savings:

System Component	Function	Typical Savings
Smart Thermostats	Optimize temperature	10–30% with occupancy sensors
HVAC Controls	Manage climate systems	15–20% on related costs
Predictive Maintenance	Boost equipment efficiency	Cuts downtime and reduces waste

Smart Device Connection

These systems connect with smart devices for centralized control. This integration allows automation of HVAC systems, lighting, and other equipment, making it easier to manage energy use. A practical example: Geneva County School District implemented an automated temperature management system that cut labor costs by 50% and saved $3,500 annually by preventing equipment failures during extreme weather.

"Smart technology systems contribute to more efficient and sustainable energy use, reducing costs and environmental impact. They empower modern users to have greater control over their energy consumption." – GlacierGrid

Steps to Set Up Energy Monitoring

Follow these steps to implement an energy monitoring system effectively:

Check Current Energy Use

Start by understanding your current energy consumption. This baseline helps you spot areas for improvement and track progress:

Gather utility bills from the past 12–24 months.
Note peak usage times and seasonal trends.
Document equipment specifications and operating schedules.
Identify key energy-consuming systems or equipment in your buildings.

WPT Capital Advisors used this method when they installed energy meters across 16 locations. Their structured approach simplified GRESB reporting and cut data collection expenses.

Pick Your Monitoring Tools

Choose tools that fit your current setup and can grow with your needs. Here's a quick comparison of important features:

Feature	What It Offers	Why It Matters
Cloud Deployment	Real-time data access	Faster issue resolution
System Integration	Works with existing hardware	Saves on setup costs
Scalability	Supports portfolio growth	Prepares for future needs
User Interface	Easy to use	Quicker team adoption

Focus on platforms that centralize control and automate data collection for multiple buildings. Look for clear reporting features to help track progress and pinpoint areas for improvement. Once you've selected your tools, involve teams and tenants to maximize effectiveness.

Train Teams and Get Tenants Involved

Engaging stakeholders is key to success. Spencer Gerberding from WPT Capital Advisors highlights:

"This real-time solution also identifies inconsistent consumption patterns and automatically sends alerts that ultimately create safer, healthier buildings by identifying leaks and building systems that are running at off-peak intervals. As an added benefit, we are using this data to engage with our tenants to promote investments in capital projects that decarbonize our buildings and assist our tenants in reaching their sustainability goals."

Here are some strategies to build engagement:

Host regular workshops on energy conservation and how to use the system.
Recognize and reward energy-efficient behaviors.
Provide user-friendly apps that offer instant feedback on energy use.

For example, a residential community implemented Rhino's energy-saving game, which encouraged participation and led to noticeable energy savings.

Track Your Energy Monitoring Results

Energy Saving Metrics

Once your system is set up, it's essential to measure its performance to track progress. Keep an eye on these metrics to confirm your energy investments are paying off and to identify areas for improvement:

Metric Type	What to Measure	Why It Matters
Energy Usage	Kilowatt-hours (kWh) per sq ft	Helps identify consumption patterns
Cost Savings	Reduction in utility bills ($)	Highlights financial benefits
Environmental Impact	Reduction in carbon footprint	Reflects progress toward sustainability
Building Performance	ENERGY STAR score	Provides industry benchmarks

The ENERGY STAR score allows property managers to compare their building's performance to similar properties nationwide. For example, apartment communities typically waste about 33% of the energy they consume. Using tools like energy mapping and submetering can help identify inefficiencies more precisely.

Money Saved Through Monitoring

Energy monitoring doesn't just reduce utility bills - it can also unlock other financial advantages. According to JLL's March 2023 report:

"63% of investors strongly agree that green strategies can drive higher occupancy, higher rents, higher tenant retention, and overall higher property value."

To calculate your full financial return, take these factors into account:

Direct Cost SavingsCompare your monthly utility bills to a baseline to measure both immediate and long-term savings.
Operational BenefitsReal-time analytics can help prevent equipment failures and streamline maintenance. These solutions typically cost $50–$200 per unit annually.
Property Value ImpactEfficiency upgrades can enhance property value. Track this through tenant satisfaction, occupancy rates, rental pricing, and reduced operational costs.

Conclusion: Next Steps for Energy Monitoring

To get the most out of your energy monitoring system, follow these practical steps:

Start with a Baseline AssessmentConduct an audit of your property to pinpoint areas with high energy use and establish benchmarks. Smart meters can help track real-time energy consumption.
Set Up an Energy Management SystemChoose tools that automate data collection and provide actionable insights to make informed decisions.
Create a Clear StrategyDefine achievable energy reduction goals, plan efficiency upgrades, schedule regular maintenance, and establish consistent monitoring practices.

"Monitoring energy KPIs is crucial for effective energy management in businesses." - Vert Energy Group

FAQs

How can smart technology help reduce energy costs and support environmental sustainability?

Smart technology systems play a key role in reducing energy costs and promoting sustainability by offering real-time insights into energy use. These systems help identify inefficiencies, optimize energy consumption, and automate processes like lighting, heating, and cooling to prevent waste.

For example, smart energy meters and IoT-enabled monitoring tools can detect underperforming equipment, allowing for predictive maintenance and timely repairs. Additionally, automated controls can adjust energy usage based on occupancy or time of day, further lowering utility bills. When combined with operational improvements, these solutions can cut energy consumption by 10–20%, saving money while reducing your carbon footprint.

What are the key steps to start using an energy monitoring system in a commercial building?

To successfully implement an energy monitoring system in a commercial building, start by identifying your goals. Are you aiming to lower utility costs, improve energy efficiency, or meet sustainability targets? Clear objectives will guide your approach.

Next, conduct an energy audit to analyze your building's current energy consumption patterns. This will help pinpoint areas where improvements can be made. Based on the audit, set measurable and achievable goals, such as reducing energy usage by a specific percentage or cutting monthly expenses.

Finally, evaluate your existing systems to identify inefficiencies or outdated equipment. This ensures the new energy monitoring system integrates seamlessly and delivers maximum impact. By taking these steps, you'll be better prepared to optimize energy use and reduce operational costs effectively.

How does real-time energy tracking and predictive maintenance help improve efficiency and prevent equipment breakdowns?

Real-time energy tracking and predictive maintenance are powerful tools for improving operational efficiency and avoiding costly equipment breakdowns. By monitoring energy usage in real-time, property managers can quickly identify inefficiencies, reduce energy waste, and lower utility costs. Predictive maintenance leverages data to detect potential issues early, allowing for timely repairs and reducing the risk of unexpected failures.

These solutions not only help cut costs but also extend the lifespan of equipment by ensuring it is serviced only when truly needed. Additionally, real-time monitoring provides insights into performance trends, enabling proactive adjustments to keep systems running smoothly and efficiently. Together, these strategies support both financial savings and sustainability goals.