Benchmarking – Why Data Accuracy is Key
3 min read Back in the 90s, before cars could display fuel efficiency on the dashboard, my dad would reset the trip computer every time he got gas to calculate the fuel efficiency right there at the pump. He always tried to be more fuel efficient than on the previous trip. In a way, he was benchmarking our…
Navigating Maryland’s BEPS: What We Know Now
4 min read Maryland is at the forefront of addressing climate change through its Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS). This initiative underscores the state’s commitment to sustainable development and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. At Baumann, we recognize the complexities of this new standard for building owners and property managers based on our experience with similar standards, such…
The ESG Expedition: Charting the Course with Stakeholder Engagement
4 min read Developing a strong ESG report is no easy task; it requires in-depth awareness of the organization and its operations paired with a working knowledge of trends in sustainability and the industry. It involves some honest conversations and collaborative decision-making. Often, it takes training a committee of colleagues with other responsibilities who have never done this…
Using CFD to Optimize Thermal Comfort in a Distribution Center
7 min read With the growth of online shopping and logistics, the demand for warehouses and distribution centers has increased over the past decades. Applying effective heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) strategies in these buildings is important to maintain thermally safe comfortable indoor environments. With large volumes, shifting usage patterns, and sensitive equipment, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can…
BEPS – Understanding the Performance Pathway (Part 4)
4 min read If you own or operate a building in Washington, DC, you should be paying attention to the District’s Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS). This policy requires buildings to meet a minimum level of energy performance. If your building does not meet that requirement, you must take steps to reduce building energy use or face financial…
Beyond Scorecards: The Intersection of ESG, Sustainability, and Building Performance
5 min read What do LEED checklists, energy and daylight models, commissioning, and ESG reports have in common? They all support green building certification, strong building performance, and ESG goals simultaneously! Green building certifications like LEED, WELL, Fitwel, and BREEAM, along with building performance strategies such as modeling and commissioning, play a crucial role in supporting ESG goals…
Beat the Heat: Smart Strategies for a Comfortable Indoor Environment in the Summer
7 min read As temperatures rise during the summer months, so too do indoor temperatures. The aim of summer thermal protection is to protect buildings, rooms, and therefore users from high outdoor temperatures and the resulting heat build-up from solar radiation. The indoor environment should be perceived as pleasant and comfortable without being too damp or dry. Summer…
Harnessing the Power of RCx: Lessons Learned
3 min read Retro-commissioning, often abbreviated as RCx, involves optimizing existing building systems to improve their performance and efficiency. It’s a process that typically includes evaluating HVAC systems, lighting, and other building systems to ensure they’re operating as intended. However, many building owners, engineers, and operators, avoid taking on RCx projects because they think they are of limited…
Benchmarking and Data Verification: A Comprehensive Guide
5 min read What is Benchmarking? Benchmarking is a process of comparing the energy performance of buildings, facilities, or processes against industry standards. It involves measuring and analyzing energy usage data to assess the efficiency of energy consumption and identify opportunities for improvement. Why is Benchmarking Becoming More Popular? Energy benchmarking is becoming increasingly important in the United…
Embracing ESG Reporting: A Blueprint for Sustainable Success
4 min read Increasing Importance of ESG Reporting The adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting is emerging as a key driver of success for any organization operating in the global market today. A strong ESG strategy offers a multitude of benefits to companies committed to sustainability far beyond publishing an annual report. From regulatory compliance to…
Creating Sustainable Communities: The Power of ENERGY STAR in Multi-Family New Construction
3 min read According to a 2019 survey conducted by the American Housing Survey and the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 43.9 million residences, or 31.4% of housing in the U.S. today, are multifamily. These spaces include apartment buildings, condominiums, townhouses, and mixed-use developments. Hence, it’s imperative that we find sustainable solutions to reduce our carbon footprint for multi-family…
Assessing Naturally Conditioned Spaces: Is it Feasible, Comfortable, and Sustainable?
6 min read Natural ventilation not only has the perk of being free, but it also has the potential to improve occupant health and performance. Natural ventilation systems are an effective strategy to reduce energy consumption and meet strict energy goals. In this blog, we discuss how naturally conditioned spaces are assessed for comfort and how they played…
