Property managers
Seven winning energy strategies for enhanced business performance

4 minutes reading

To maximize the profitability of a real estate portfolio, thorough expense management is key. However, several factors influence a company’s financial management. In an economy in perpetual movement, one budget item stands out for its sustainable growth potential: energy.

Property managers can act on two fronts—energy efficiency and optimal power demand management during peak periods.

This will help them free up additional financial resources to invest in projects that will have a long-term impact on their business performance.

Energy efficiency: Enhancing your reputation through the efficient use of energy

In the real estate industry, lowering energy costs pays off, regardless of the type of lease. If the energy costs are assumed by the landlord, the savings will be visible on the electricity bill. And if the tenants are responsible for the energy costs, the landlord’s rental properties or units become more attractive and can therefore command higher rents.

What’s more, optimal energy management is a tool that property managers can use to highlight their leadership in sustainable development. A better energy performance rating, a favorable carbon footprint, certifications, an enviable reputation and an improved brand image are all positive impacts that will boost growth and open doors when it comes to accessing funding.

There’s no need for major construction sites or massive investments. Well targeted actions and affordable measures will result in significant short-term gains. Replacing energy-intensive equipment with more efficient options is one of the avenues worth exploring. Where is a good place to start? Some proven measures are presented below.

Energy-efficient lighting

One of the easiest ways to obtain quick, noticeable gains is to add LED lighting systems to your buildings. This technology can lead to savings of 70% to 90% compared with incandescent lights, and even more if it is associated with motion sensors. On the scale of a real estate portfolio, this measure alone will have a highly visible impact on electricity costs.

Managers planning to shift to LED lighting should act now and take advantage of financial assistance while it’s still available.

Heat recovery

Multi-unit buildings and commercial buildings produce a lot of heat. However, due to a lack of adapted systems, this precious energy is often lost. Although underutilized, waste heat can be converted into significant savings. By recovering and using the heat from drain water and exhaust air, heat recovery technology provides a head start when it comes to heating rooms.

Installing heat pumps

Heating and air-conditioning account for a large portion of energy costs. Fortunately, certain technologies can help us achieve the same comfort for a fraction of the cost.

Aerothermal heat pumps are among the highest performing technologies—both for heating and air-conditioning.

The system operates by transferring energy: it recovers heat from the outdoor air and transfers it into the building or sends the hot indoor air outside the building. The energy transfer occurs through the evaporation, compression and condensation of a refrigerating fluid circulating through the coils of the heat pump integrated into the building’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system.

Recommissioning a building’s mechanical systems

Property managers are generally well aware of how important it is to implement a regular maintenance program for a building’s mechanical systems. Just like regular vehicle maintenance, this common practice prevents major equipment failures, maintains equipment efficiency and saves energy.

Over time, the equipment needs to be inspected and any necessary adjustments must be made. A specialized resource can assess their performance and recommend any necessary work to optimize settings and control sequences.

Rewarding solutions from every angle

Buying and installing energy-efficient equipment certainly represents an investment. However, it’s important to remember that the recurring—and substantial—savings make it more than worthwhile.

Hydro-Québec offers significant financial assistance that can cover up to 90% of the amount spent, making it that much easier to recoup your investment.

Demand Response Option: Seeing peak periods as an opportunity

With the Demand Response option, you can participate in the collective effort by using less electricity during winter peaks while also receiving a credit on your bill. Two advantageous strategies available to property managers!

Implementing a process to regulate a building’s electricity consumption

Controlling the operation of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems helps reduce power demand during critical periods without compromising comfort or affecting productivity. More and more companies are relying on automation to simplify the process, allowing them to maximize their credit at the end of the season without giving it a second thought.

An alternative source of energy

An energy mix is another way to reduce power demand while ensuring that operations continue without interruption. And your carbon footprint? Intact. Occasional use of alternative sources of energy has a minimal impact on GHG emissions. Nevertheless, renewable natural gas systems remain the best option.

Property managers Seven winning energy strategies for enhanced business performance