RetroFIT+ Saves Providence College Millions by Forgoing New Chiller Installation

With occupancy defined by both classroom hours and seasons, energy consumption should align with the building’s load profile. With an average occupancy of 7 hours/day when school is in session, these buildings could reduce energy consumption and the correlating costs by 30% by curtailing usage when the building is not being used at full capacity, such as 5pm – 7am. By coordinating energy usage with occupancy levels both in regard to timing and specific area usage (classrooms, gym, library, etc.), students can be more comfortable with greater potential for concentration thanks to monitored and controlled air quality. Further, more efficient energy consumption can have a positive impact on publicly funded institutions and their tax obligations. 

The proportionate energy consumption of school buildings depends on the building's age, size, geographical location, and type of equipment used. In school buildings, heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems and hot water sanitary (HWS) account for approximately 80% of energy consumption.

In hospitals, energy availability is required 24/7. Moreover, there needs to be a significant amount of flexibility for heating, cooling, and ventilation, as well as dynamic balancing capabilities to supply the appropriate amount of heating or cooling for each building area.

Different building types experience different degrees of energy usage according to the nature of their function. Air conditioning, heating and hot water sanitary (HWS) account for approximately 73% of energy consumption in hospitals.

As office buildings are occupied during business hours only, energy usage should be optimized to suit the hours of operation. With an average occupancy of 9.3 hours/day, these buildings could reduce energy consumption and the correlating costs by 30% by curtailing usage when the building is not being used at full capacity, such as 7pm – 7am. This way, heating and cooling activity is not wasted on an empty building, saving energy costs and reducing emissions output. Dynamic balancing ensures comfort even when occupancies change.

In office buildings, air conditioning, heating, and domestic hot water account for approximately 56% of energy consumption. 

Like offices and schools, hotels are not occupied at full capacity throughout the entire day. However, they are generally at their highest occupancy in the later hours of the day and at night when guests sleep. Providing guests with a comfortable stay is a top priority. Ensuring good air quality, unobtrusive noise levels, and a hygienic environment are essential

In hotels, air conditioning, heating and warm water account for approximately 58% of energy consumption.

Shopping centers, sports venues, airports, and convention centers – while the functions of these buildings are different, they share some things in common: fluctuating occupant traffic and a need to maintain high comfort and dynamic balancing to ensure high availability of cooling and heating energy. The system in place must be agile, as demands change frequently to accommodate changes in space planning. Moreover, as these buildings often house multiple tenants, providing each space with certified energy billing within the individual cost centers must be considered.

The proportionate energy consumption of mixed-use buildings is very distinct. The energy consumption patterns depend on many factors, such as the building's purpose, age, size, geographical location, and type of equipment used. In mixed-use buildings, HVAC systems account for the largest proportion of energy consumption.