Existing Building Services

LEED for Existing Buildings
Utility Consumption Analysis
Green Asset Management
Training and Development

Utility Consumption Analysis

  • 1) Energy Use Trends and Baseline Development

Monitoring Utility Information is vital to improving the performance of existing buildings.  The phrase “you can’t manage what you can’t measure” describes the philosophy in our office.  In cooperation with Harvard’s Department of Engineering and Utilities, the Green Campus Building Services (GCBS-EB) offers many services that add significant value to traditional utility data. 

    • Baseline Reports are designed in-house to provide customized utility trend information delivered every month for a building.  The data is normalized for seasonal fluctuations and billing cycles so that current usage can accurately be compared to past years.  The reports contain data for the following utilities:
      • Electricity (kWh)
      • Natural Gas (Therms)
      • Steam from the Blackstone Central Steam Plant (MMBTU)
      • Gallons and Barrels of #2 and #4 fuel oil
      • Hundred Cubic Feet (CCF) of domestic water
      • Ton Days of chilled water
      • Temperature differential (Delta T) between supply and return chilled water
    • Variance Reports provide monthly information regarding a building’s performance as compared to the baseline.  These reports alert property managers and financial managers to irregularities in usage.
  • 2) Energy Analysis Training for Property Managers
    • Interpretation of Utility Data assists property managers in determining root causes of building performance.  By referencing baselines, we help property managers track utility usage and monitor monthly deviance from the baseline.  When usage increases or decreases unreasonably, our team identifies the cause by isolating and assessing individual building systems.
    • Utility Summary Reporting provides a snapshot of the total energy used in a building, combining electrical and non-electrical loads.  GCBS-EB provides this data in kBTU/square foot.
    • Energy Use Intensity (EUI) is a system for comparing the performance of one building to that of similar properties. GCBS-EB recommends using the EPA ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to determine a building’s performance rating.  This index compares performance of many properties to guide capital investments.
    • Data Driven Prioritization of Conservation Solutions
    • Performance Targets set achievable utility reduction goals for each property.  Working closely with property managers to develop performance targets ensures that projects are clearly defined and budgeted.
    • Annual Energy Reports are used by Harvard managers to summarize the performance of many properties and measure the benefits of sustainability efforts.

back to top

Green Asset Management

  • Energy Audits are the cornerstone of high performance building management.  GCBS-EB offers this standard service to identify Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) for a property.  Life cycle assessments of these ECMs determine a schedule for implementation.
  • Green Information Management. GCBS-EB had developed a customized database used to store and sort potential ECMs for any number of Harvard properties within a department.  Additional customization allows this database to manage HVAC equipment replacement schedules, ensuring that new equipment meets the most energy-efficient standards.
  • ECM Project Management ensures that green renovations are implemented effectively, relying heavily on the ECM database mentioned above.  From life cycle analysis through bidding, scheduling, and verification, GCBS-EB has successfully managed efficiency upgrades for lighting, HVAC, and water conservation projects throughout the University.  Whenever possible, GCBS-EB recommends that Harvard Facilities Maintenance Operations bids on conservation projects.
  • Development, Review, and Integration of Green Building Standards.  As the University embraces sustainability, green building standards should be integrated into current specifications.
  • Capital Plan Review offers management resources to assess energy conservation measures early in the capital planning process and align building performance with capital investments.
  • Green Marketing communicates a department’s sustainability efforts to increase awareness and positive behavioral changes.
  • Development of Sustainability Mission, Indicators, and Strategy is critical for every department at the University.  GCBS-EB is available to guide this process, identify economic benefits, and define what sustainability means for any Harvard program.

back to top

LEED for Existing Buildings

  • LEED EB is a program developed by the US Green Building Council to maximize operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. Buildings become certified by achieving credits based on both performance and best practices.
  • Benefits of LEED EB include:
    • Increased occupancy and retention
    • Improved health of building occupants
    • Increased productivity of building occupants
    • Reduced energy and water costs
    • Lower operations and maintenance costs
    • Positive public relations and marketing strategy
    • Positive impacts on the local and global environment
  • LEED EB Services are offered for any existing Harvard building that is considering certification.  Using experience from the Green Campus Initiative’s previous success with LEED NC, GCBS-EB manages the entire LEED EB process, working closely with the property management, financial managers, contractors, tenants, and the USGBC.  A free orientation to the LEED EB certification process is available upon request.

back to top

Training and Development

  • Peer to Peer Training Programs have been used by many Harvard departments to facilitate the adoption of new technologies and best practices.  Continuing with this model, GCBS-EB facilitates specific agendas to advance energy management throughout the University.
  • The Green Skillet annual competition promotes sustainability among HUDS kitchens.

back to top