Traditional metrics for measuring energy efficiency, such as energy consumption per square meter, may not provide an accurate representation of a building's sustainability performance.
To better understand and improve energy efficiency in office buildings, it is crucial to change the way we currently measure energy efficiency. An empty office will be very energy efficient, but will provide little or no value to society. In recent years, companies have been concerned with building environmentally friendly buildings, but have not been as concerned with how the building is used in a sustainable way.
from Area to Production KPIs
When it comes to measuring the energy efficiency and environmental friendliness of a building, KPIs play a crucial role. It's very important to pick the right KPIs, or you might make the wrong choices, focus on the wrong things, and not get much value for your hard work. Today, most companies focus on measuring their building's sustainability per square meter, which can be misleading.
According to the Global Reporting Initiative, companies are required to report energy in relation to their own unit, which gives an indication of their production volume. By focusing on energy consumption in relation to occupancy and degree of utilization, production KPIs provide a more accurate picture of a building's energy efficiency. This approach aligns with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, ensuring that businesses contribute to global sustainability goals.
Delay the need for building new areas
Shifting to production KPIs not only provides a more accurate measurement of a building's energy efficiency but also helps optimize space utilization. By focusing on energy consumption in relation to occupancy and degree of utilization, companies can make better-informed decisions about how to allocate and manage their existing spaces. This improved understanding of space utilization can lead to more efficient use of resources, ultimately delaying the need for building new areas.
As a result, this change can have a significant impact on reducing accumulated greenhouse gas emissions. The construction and operation of buildings are major contributors to global emissions, so any postponements, cancellations or reductions in new construction projects can help minimize the environmental footprint.
Technology
One of the key components of achieving sustainability in the office space is improving energy efficiency. Smart technologies like IoT have a vital role to play. IoT can help companies measure and reduce their energy consumption. Smart sensors can detect when a room is unoccupied and reduce or turn off lighting and heating. Additionally, smart technologies can help companies analyze data to identify where energy inefficiencies may lie, enabling them to make changes that improve a building's energy efficiency.
Implementing a hybrid office solution can be the next step. By using the data collected to implement a hybrid office solution, companies can allocate resources where necessary, plan according to use, and improve energy efficiency. These solutions provides organizations with an opportunity to rethink, optimize and enhance their office spaces' sustainability.
Facility managers can use innovative tech solutions to make this transition seamless and cost-effective. Hybrid office solutions are not only relevant in the current remote working era but are poised to become a part of the new normal in office spaces.
In conclusion, measuring a building's sustainability is not simply about measuring power bills, carbon emissions, or energy consumption per unit area. Rather, a more logical way to measure the building's degree of utilization is by focusing on production per square meter. A hybrid office solution can play a key role in promoting sustainability. Integrating smart technologies like IoT can enable companies to identify and reduce their energy consumption. By taking these measures, companies can attain their sustainability goals while still being productive.
