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INSIDE
E nergy retrofitting means
including energy-efficiency
processes in all building
upgrades, renovations and
repair activities related to a
building’s energy-consuming sys-
tems. Systems may include the
building envelope, heating, ventilat-
ing and air-conditioning, automa-
tion, lighting and roofing systems.
When chartering energy retrofit
projects for existing buildings, it is
assumed that the operating team
has a sound understanding of the
building’s mechanical and electrical
systems, as well as mechanical, elec-
trical and plumbing systems interac-
tions, overall energy performance
characteristics and maintenance
histories.
One of the first
tasks is to retro-
commission the
MEP systems of a
building in order
to meet the design
specifications
and performance
expectations of
the original design
team and to
improve how build-
ing systems func-
tion together. This
process not only
creates a baseline
for performance,
but also allows for
a more accurate payback analysis
of system retrofits based on energy
savings. The team will develop an
understanding of individual system
component performance and the
performance impact to the whole
system. Depending on the age of
the building, sometimes it is helpful
to consult with the original design
consultants to understand the basis
of design.
Our company also mandates
annual Energy Star benchmarking
using the Environmental Protection
Agency’s Energy Star Portfolio Man-
ager benchmarking tool to allow the
team to better understand how the
building is performing when com-
pared to similar buildings nation-
wide. Energy-use intensity results
will be reflected in thousand British
thermal units, kBtu, per occupied
square foot. The smaller the value,
the better.
There are two types of energy ret-
rofits:
• Conventional energy retrofits. Con-
ventional energy retrofits are system
modifications that focus on isolated
system upgrades and a quick pay-
back (typically less than three years)
such as retro commissioning, HVAC
system upgrades, building automa-
tion system upgrades and lighting
system upgrades.
• Deep-energy retrofits. A deep-
Michael A.
Turzanski, PMP,
LEED AP O+M
Senior vice
president,
engineering
operations,
Cushman &
Wakefield of
Colorado, Denver
A look at the inside of the main mechanical room at 1670 Broadway, a Cushman & Wakefield managed property.