Failing Compliance? Top Reasons Buildings Miss Energy Benchmarking Targets

In our ongoing global effort towards sustainability, energy benchmarking stands out as a pivotal tool in assessing and enhancing the energy performance of buildings. This process allows us to set a comparative baseline, identifying inefficiencies and setting actionable targets for improvement. Despite its importance, many buildings consistently fall short of meeting these benchmarks, which hinders their progress towards obtaining green building certification and participating effectively in energy efficiency programs. Here, we explore the top reasons for these shortcomings and provide insights on how to address them. 

The Critical Role of Energy Benchmarking 

Energy benchmarking is essential in building energy management as it involves assessing a building’s energy use against similar buildings or standards to identify areas of improvement. Effective benchmarking can lead to significant enhancements in a building's energy performance, contributing to broader environmental goals and operational cost savings. However, achieving compliance with benchmarking standards can be challenging due to several factors. 

1. Challenges in Energy Data Management

Effective energy management starts with robust Energy Data Management. Many buildings lack the proper infrastructure to accurately measure and record energy consumption data. This deficiency can stem from outdated metering equipment, non-integrated data collection systems, or the absence of a comprehensive energy management system. 

Improving Energy Data Management: To overcome these issues, buildings should invest in modern energy metering systems that provide real-time, accurate data. Additionally, integrating these systems with advanced software can help in monitoring and analyzing energy usage patterns effectively, thereby pinpointing areas for improvement. For more detailed guidance on setting up a robust energy data management system, offers valuable strategies and examples. 

2. Lack of Advanced Energy Management Systems

A sophisticated Energy Management System (EMS) is crucial for detailed monitoring, controlling, and optimization of building energy use. Unfortunately, many buildings operate without these systems, largely due to the perceived high costs and complexity of implementation.  

Benefits of EMS: An EMS can provide significant benefits, including automated control over HVAC, lighting, and other energy-intensive systems, leading to enhanced energy efficiency and reduced operational costs. Buildings that implement EMS can adjust consumption patterns and reduce waste through better scheduling and maintenance operations. For those interested in exploring EMS benefits further, offers insights into how an EMS functions and its benefits.  

3. Insufficient Commitment to Sustainable Building Practices

Sustainability in building operations extends beyond energy conservation to include water conservation, waste reduction, and indoor environmental quality. However, a lack of commitment to sustainable building practices can be a major barrier to achieving energy benchmarks.  

Promoting Sustainability: Building owners and managers need to foster a culture of sustainability within their organizations by prioritizing and investing in sustainable practices. This includes pursuing Green building certifications such as LEED, which provide frameworks for implementing sustainable practices and demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship. To understand how these certifications can help in achieving sustainability goals, check out. 

4. Training and Awareness Deficits Among Building Staff

The operational staff plays a crucial role in the day-to-day energy management of a building. A lack of proper training and awareness about energy efficiency practices can lead to suboptimal operation of building systems and failure to meet energy benchmarks. 

Enhancing Staff Training: Regular training programs should be instituted to keep building staff updated on the best practices in energy management and the importance of meeting energy benchmarks. Effective training can empower staff to actively participate in energy-saving initiatives and operate building systems more efficiently. For guidelines on training building staff, offers practical tips. 

5. Incomplete Implementation of Green Building Certification Programs

Green building certifications, such as LEED or BREEAM, set standards for sustainable building practices that, when fully implemented, can greatly enhance a building’s environmental performance. However, partial or incomplete implementation of these standards can hinder a building’s ability to meet energy benchmarks.  

Full Implementation Benefits: To avoid this, building managers should ensure that all aspects of the certification programs are fully integrated into both the building’s design and its operational procedures. This integration helps in maintaining a consistent approach to sustainability, which significantly boosts a building’s performance in energy benchmarking. 

6. Financial Constraints

Financial limitations are a significant barrier to implementing energy efficiency measures. Upgrading systems and retrofitting older buildings require upfront investment which many organizations might find prohibitive.  

Overcoming Financial Hurdles: To address this, building owners and managers can seek out financial incentives offered by governments and international bodies. Additionally, energy-saving measures often pay off in the long run through reduced utility bills and operational costs, making them a worthwhile investment. 

7. Regulatory and Policy Challenges

Inconsistent or inadequate regulations can also impede a building’s ability to meet energy benchmarks. In some regions, energy efficiency standards may not be stringent enough to drive significant improvements, or there may be a lack of enforcement. 

Advocating for Stronger Regulations: Building managers and industry groups should advocate for stronger, more consistent energy regulations that promote high standards and accountability. By pushing for a regulatory environment that supports energy efficiency, buildings can more easily meet and exceed benchmarking targets.  

Conclusion 

Meeting energy benchmarking targets is not just a regulatory requirement but a crucial step towards sustainability and operational efficiency in building management. By addressing the challenges related to data management, system implementation, sustainable practices, staff training, financial constraints, and regulatory environments, buildings can significantly improve their energy performance. This proactive approach not only aids in compliance but also fosters a culture of sustainability that can lead to long-term benefits for the environment and the bottom line.