Engineering

Getting your engineering department on board with your sustainable initiatives is not only critical to the success of the greening process, but also to keeping more money in your pocket instead of that of the utility companies.

• Commission a new construction or Retro-commission an existing building
• Install sensor lighting in all common areas, bathrooms, closets
• Maintain all equipment properly with preventative maintenance program
• Monitor utility consumption with:
  • building management system
  • energy management system
  • Water and electric submeters
• Use low or no VOC paints
• Use products manufactured within 500 miles
• Use salvaged or refurbished products
• Install water submeters on cooling towers, pool, laundry, spa
• Switch incandescents to T-5s, CFLs or LEDs
• Calculate Energy Star rating to determine the efficiency of the building
• Utilize energy modeling software to see if hotel qualifies for tax incentives
• Upgrade all sink aerators (except some in F&B and Kitchen) to 0.5 gpm
• Upgrade all showerheads to 1.5 gpm or less
• Upgrade all toilets to dual flush (1.28 gpf) or high efficiency single flush of 1 gpf
• Upgrade air filters to a minimum of MERV 8
• Recycle electronics, fluorescent bulbs and hazardous material
• Calibrate thermostats
• Limit access to thermostats
• Change set points on thermostats 1 -2 degrees
• Adjust for seasonal changes
• Adjust dampers
• Consider purchasing or renting a baler to bale and resell recyclables
• Put a meter on trash compactor so pickups occur only when needed
• Check for leaks on a weekly, monthly or quarterly basis