How performance monitoring KPIs influence the net-zero targets and financial viability of our buildings
Even before investing in renewables or upgrades, you want to make sure your building uses its energy efficiently and without waste. Something as simple as the data from heating and cooling systems allows us to identify energy-saving opportunities, leading to energy efficiency. An effective way to accomplish energy efficiency is through data collection, which allows you to set KPIs and gain valuable insights into energy consumption patterns.
Setting the right KPIs is like setting the stage for a musical – you’re going to want to have all props on the right spot before someone breaks a leg. Benchmarks and goals give us the context we need to see how our buildings are performing. We take all the information we’ve gathered from the buildings and compare it to similar ones or best practices, turning random numbers into insightful nuggets of wisdom. This allows us to set realistic targets for reducing energy consumption over time, which is a big win-win.
What KPIs and pocket allowance have in common
Think of KPIs as pocket allowance for a young teenager. You don’t want to get any complaints about it being too little, so you compare it against similar, like-minded parents, the standards within your region, and external factors such as the price of clothes and snacks. If your teenager is saving for something special – reaching a specific goal, the pocket allowance would require assessment, evaluation and adjustments.
In a way, pocket money is like the KPIs of growing up, it serves as a performance measure, teaching young adults how to manage their resources effectively. It’s about setting goals and tracking progress towards those goals. Like we monitor energy consumption and occupant satisfaction, teenagers manage their pocket money to achieve personal financial objectives.
Using KPIs to set realistic net-zero targets suitable for our buildings
When we make sure the data we gather from our buildings actually makes sense to those responsible for reaching targets, we become like energy efficiency detectives. We can spot trends, anomalies, and hidden energy-saving opportunities that would have otherwise slipped through the cracks. Now that we know what’s needed, we can make the right decisions when implementing energy-saving measures such as upgrading equipment, optimising building systems, or adjusting occupant behaviour.
With a shared understanding of energy consumption patterns and performance goals, occupiers, building managers, and sustainability teams can work together towards achieving targets. It’s about more than just ticking boxes or complying with regulations; it is about steering our buildings towards a sustainable future while ensuring their long-term financial viability.
We believe in what we do, and we think that you should, too. But surely, we wouldn’t ask you to take our word for it. That’s why we’ve created a first set of analytics to give insight into your building or facility’s energy performance. With as little as your utility bills and some basic building information, we can show you how your building performs, where you benchmark, and what you might want to aim for.