Measurement and Verification for Energy Retrofit of an Aged Office Building : Lessons Learned and Suggestions from a Perspective of Facility Manager

Purpose: Concerning the scope and method of building energy retrofit, facility manager needs to consider the energy conservation measures that can enhance clients’ productivity and expand clients’ asset value as well as building energy performance and economic feasibility. However, client’s execution permission may not be easily obtained due to expensive professional energy audit. Since facility manager knows well about the building condition, if facility manager does a preliminary measurement and verification prior to professional energy audit, it would help facility manager resolve issues proactively, such that would help facility manager provide the data and reasoning to persuade owner and clients. Eventually it would lower cost and save time for professional energy audit and energy retrofit afterward. Method: This study identifies the current status of energy flow and use in facilities for requesting professional energy diagnostic, and lists the foundational data types and collection methods to request a diagnosis order to the owner, thereby proposes a preliminary diagnostics process, which can be conducted by the facility manager independently. Result: This study provides a case study for an actual aged office building to demonstrate how the advantages and disadvantages of energy conservation measures can be analyzed and selected from the facility manager’s viewpoint and how to consult and persuade the owner and derive a building management measure that can minimize future energy costs, because the facility manager determines the scope and duration of the energy diagnosis and loss costs due to reduction in the efficiency of client’s work is calculated and consulted with the owner.