When it comes to older buildings, the reality often involves disproportionately high energy bills and less-than-ideal comfort for the people working or living inside. Aging HVAC systems, poor insulation, and outdated lighting can lead to drafty rooms, inconsistent temperatures, and energy losses. These pain points don’t just chip away at your bottom line; they also affect occupant satisfaction and productivity. Fortunately, addressing these inefficiencies can pay off quickly — both in reduced expenses and happier tenants.
Just as important, many states and municipalities are taking the lead on sustainable practices, pushing the boundaries on green building standards, and offering incentives for efficiency improvements. While federal policies may ebb and flow, these local initiatives set a steady course toward more efficient buildings. By prioritizing the right upgrades now, older buildings can bolster comfort, save money, and stay ahead of the curve — no matter what tomorrow’s regulations may hold.
Below, we’ll explore some of the top energy efficiency measures that can have a big impact on aging structures, from simple tweaks like sealing window gaps to more substantial overhauls like installing state-of-the-art HVAC systems.
Before jumping into major retrofits, it’s crucial to understand where your building stands today. Conducting an energy audit lays the groundwork, giving you a clear picture of your building’s current performance. Once you know where inefficiencies are, you can strategically prioritize improvements.
From there, consider retro-commissioning to tune up existing systems so they operate as intended. Additionally, advanced metering infrastructure, like smart meters and prop tech solutions, can offer real-time data to pinpoint problem areas and verify the impact of upgrades over time. Think of these foundational steps as the starting point for your building’s energy efficiency journey.
Part of the planning process should also include reviewing financial incentives such as the IRA or special funding mechanisms like PACE. There is a lot of money in the system at the local, state, and national levels — don’t leave money on the table!
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems often represent the single largest energy consumer in older buildings. Modernizing this equipment can dramatically cut costs and improve comfort for occupants.
Today’s high-efficiency HVAC models, such as variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, adapt to changing demand and can reduce energy use by over 30%. Upgrading an aging, oversized unit with a VRF system or a modern heat pump can deliver consistent indoor temperatures and quieter operation. Additionally, optimizing ductwork — rebalancing airflow, resizing ducts, and reducing bends — improves distribution efficiency, meaning your system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain comfort.
Building Automation Systems integrate HVAC, lighting, and even water heating, adjusting conditions based on occupancy and weather changes. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) notes that automated controls can cut HVAC energy use by up to 30% in commercial buildings.
Imagine a building that “knows” when the conference room is empty and automatically dials back the cooling or heating. The result: immediate energy savings with zero occupant effort.
Leaky ducts can waste 20-30% of the air that moves through HVAC systems. Sealing and cleaning ducts in older systems is a quick, cost-effective measure that boosts efficiency and also improves indoor air quality by preventing dust and pollutants from being drawn in.
The building envelope consists of everything that separates the interior from the exterior of the building, like walls, windows, and doors. A well-insulated, airtight envelope reduces heating and cooling loads, which limits associated HVAC energy use.
Older buildings are notorious for having poor sealing around doors and windows due to aging materials and long-term building use. Energy Star estimates this air leakage accounts for 20% to 40% of HVAC energy use in a typical unsealed home. Sealing these gaps with weather stripping or caulking is a cheap and easy fix to address the issue.
Insulation is key in maintaining internal building temperature. Double- or triple-pane, Low-E glass windows are a great way to address windows. The space between the panes acts as an insulator.
Meanwhile, adding adequate insulation to walls, roofs, and even basements can result in energy savings of 15%. These measures can be especially transformative for older buildings in colder climates, where outdated single-pane windows and minimal insulation were once the norm.
Don’t underestimate the impact of water heating and plumbing upgrades. Hot water can account for a significant share of a building’s energy bill, particularly in facilities with frequent hot water use, such as hotels or apartment buildings.
Replacing old water heaters with tankless or heat pump models can deliver savings of up to 35% compared to conventional water heaters. Additionally, improving pipe insulation and optimizing system design (e.g., using recirculation loops smartly) ensures hot water doesn’t lose energy before it reaches the tap and lowers water demand.
Installing low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads is another easy solution to reduce both water and energy use. For example, low-flow faucets can reduce a sink’s water flow by 30% without compromising performance. The ripple effect is lower hot water demand and, as a result, lower energy costs. Furthermore, while these low-flow options are slightly more expensive than traditional alternatives, the payback time is typically only a few months.
Beyond what we discussed above, there’s a whole ecosystem of upgrades to flatten your building’s energy use.
Switching from old incandescent or fluorescent bulbs to LEDs can slash lighting energy use by up to 75%. Combine LEDs with smart controls, and you’ll see even more savings.
Consider installing solar panels or small-scale wind turbines if local regulations and roof space allow. Pairing renewable generation with battery storage can further reduce reliance on grid electricity and hedge against future energy price hikes. Plus, if your state allows net metering, excess energy can be sold back to the grid for additional revenue.
Many options are available for financing solar, including federal and state incentives. Harnessing these options can reduce upfront installation costs and make solar feasible for a wide range of companies.
Older buildings may have outdated electrical systems with a low power factor — they don’t use power as efficiently as possible. Power Factor Correction improves the ratio between the power your building actually uses and the power it draws from the grid, reducing energy losses.
PFC devices, like capacitors or advanced electronics, can stabilize voltage levels, reduce system strain, and prevent needless consumption, resulting in improved efficiency, lower utility bills, and more reliable electrical infrastructure.
Office equipment, kitchen appliances, and other “plug loads” can quietly eat up energy when unused. Smart power strips and advanced energy-efficient appliances can reduce energy supply to meet the variable demand of electronics, such as when demand drops in standby mode. This reduces energy losses without tenants even noticing.
Modernizing aging elevators and escalators can significantly cut their energy consumption, reduce wear and tear, and improve overall reliability. Upgrading elevator motors or adding regenerative drives that capture and reuse braking energy are great upgrades. For example, some regenerative drives see a 75% drop in energy demand.
Improving the energy efficiency of older buildings isn’t just good for the planet — it’s good for your business’s financial success. Even making minor improvements will result in immediate reductions in energy use and utility bills. Over time, these cost savings compound, helping you reinvest in further improvements that boost occupant comfort and productivity.
While state-level regulations and incentives may guide some of these decisions, the real driver is long-term resilience. By embracing energy-smart strategies today, you’re positioning your building to thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace, all while supporting larger sustainability goals.
That’s where Emerald Built Environments, A Crete United Company, can help. Our team understands the complexity of retrofits, from conducting thorough energy audits to advising on the right technologies for your property. We’ll work with you to craft a roadmap tailored to your building’s unique needs, ensuring long-term resilience, enhanced comfort for occupants, and cost savings that add up year after year.