Energy-Saving Solutions for Buildings – Part 1

Operational buildings currently have an immense energy consumption capacity. According to Electricity Vietnam (EVN), the energy consumption of high-rise buildings in Viet Nam consumes as much as 35% to 40% country’s energy consumption in recent years, exceeding that of factories. Energy distribution within a building is as follows, approximately 40% to 60% for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), 15% to 20% for lighting systems, 10% to 15% for office equipment, and the remainder for other ancillary devices.

EVN's data also highlights that the rapid growth in construction, with a 6% to 7% annual increase in the total floor area of high-rise commercial and residential buildings, will drive increased energy consumption, putting pressure on the economy, energy supply, and the environment. However, buildings still hold considerable potential for energy savings, particularly new ones constructed with new energy standards or those upgraded.

For operational buildings, developers should regularly assess their status, analyse energy consumption, and consider repairing or upgrading facilities and the M&E system if necessary. This approach also helps optimise operational costs, maintain quality, enhance the project's reputation, and ensure the achievement of business goals for developers.

Energy management is a crucial element of Savills Global ESG strategy, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and environmental protection in property management and consultancy. According to a United Nations report, CO2 emissions from building operations reached a peak of around 10 GtCO2 in 2022, up approximately 5% from 2020 and 2% above the previous peak in 2019. Improving energy efficiency and upgrading facilities are essential factors in meeting future carbon balance goals.

What Should Developers Do to Save Energy in Operational Buildings?

Optimising energy use in operational projects requires a combination of three factors, including the quality of building technical systems, energy management and technology support. In Part 1 of this article, Savills Property Management team will introduce the first two solutions.

1. Evaluate and adjust operating parameters of technical systems by actual demand

Items related to a building’s technical systems include:

- Facilities (building structures, and interior and exterior): Fixed systems which don’t use the energy and generally last a long time.

- M&E system: Continuous operational systems which are responsible for keeping the building operating.

• Electrical systems, notification systems, security and surveillance camera systems, BCMS and BMS systems.
• Mechanical: HVAC, elevators, firefighting system, and wastewater treatment systems.

M&E operations take the most energy use in a building. If the appropriate solutions are in place, it is possible to save energy in operational projects.

Developers and management boards must thoroughly assess the operational status of the systems, specifically including the following steps:

• Survey, collect data, and determine the building's energy consumption
• Check and recalibrate operating parameters of the systems to match actual needs
• Evaluate actual energy requirements based on the obtained results
• Develop operational solutions to optimize the systems

These complex tasks require comprehensive operational expertise. Developers often engage third-party agencies like Savills to assess the status of the buildings and provide recommendations.

Savills supports developers on monthly evaluations of the operation of the technical systems, advising then to help them optimise energy and improve operational efficiency. Savills works with projects such as PVI Tower, Capital Tower or TTC Building. Find out more about Savills Technical Assessment and Solutions Package here.

2. Develop a Reasonable Maintenance Plan

Maintenance to ensure the smooth operation of the system and limit failures plays an important role in improving the energy efficiency in buildings. If the technical systems are not maintained properly, it could lead to the deterioration of a building, increasing the use of energy. This can result in increased costs and wasted resources.

Developers and management boards should build annual maintenance plans, that meet the legal regulations of the Ministry of Construction, manufacturer guidelines and features of the technical systems to maintain the quality of the building and improve the operational efficiency.

The plan should clearly define technical items and the frequency and type of maintenance required, including regular, planned maintenance, and repairs.

Conclusion

Efficient use of energy helps to optimise overall operating costs, this helps developers meet their business goals and supports long-term sustainable operations. Savills Technical Assessment and Solutions Package assesses the current state of facilities and technical systems, evaluates the operations and maintenance of technical systems based on specific international and local standards and makes independent recommendations. We help developers understand how their technical systems work and how they consume energy, creating strategies for technical systems and operations. These plans also allow them to forecast future cash flows and anticipate payments and upgrades in the future.

Please contact our Property Management team for further information.

Read more:

• Backup Power & Uninterrupted Building Operations
• The Vital Role of the Technical Team in Building Operations
• Creating an Efficient Maintenance Plan for Apartment Buildings
• How to Optimise Maintenance Funds in Apartment Buildings