Optimizing energy use is essential in reducing energy consumption in existing buildings. Building systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and building controls present opportunities for optimizing how energy is used.
Research by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) has found that the cost of reducing demand for energy is often less than half of constructing a new plant to generate the same amount of electricity. Energy efficiency and sustainability have significant impact on the long-term operating, social, and environmental cost of a building. So, how can we reduce these costs for our buildings?