As sustainability becomes increasingly important for property managers and building owners, organizations like BOMA BEST provide valuable benchmarks for optimizing energy use and achieving measurable environmental impact. BOMA BEST certification can help organizations showcase their commitment to sustainability, while also meeting regulatory standards and lowering operating costs. QMC Metering Solutions offers submetering, data monitoring and strategic energy solutions to help clients meet these standards and more.
Understanding BOMA BEST Certification
BOMA BEST certification provides a framework for evaluating the energy efficiency and environmental performance of buildings, offering multiple certification levels based on a comprehensive assessment. This certification relies on a questionnaire, with points awarded for a variety of criteria that cover everything from energy and water conservation to carbon emissions reporting. Key components for earning points include energy conservation initiatives, HVAC retrofits, data monitoring, and carbon reporting. Let’s explore these components and how QMC supports clients in achieving their BOMA BEST goals.
Year-Over-Year Expectations for Energy Conservation and Points
The BOMA BEST system awards points for various initiatives, allowing buildings to improve their performance over time. Here are some examples:
HVAC Retrofits: Each HVAC retrofit typically adds two points toward certification. These retrofits are vital in improving energy efficiency and reducing a building’s overall environmental footprint.
Energy and Carbon Conservation: Points are awarded for energy-saving measures that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to conservation. This can include upgrades to lighting systems, building insulation, and energy monitoring.
How QMC Metering Solutions Supports BOMA BEST Certification
QMC offers a comprehensive suite of submetering solutions that align with BOMA BEST certification requirements. Here’s how QMC can help:
1. Advanced Data Monitoring (4 Points Maximum)
Data monitoring plays a crucial role in BOMA BEST certification, offering up to 4 points. QMC’s advanced submetering solutions enable precise monitoring of energy and water usage, allowing building operators to make informed decisions based on real-time data. Our solutions support BOMA BEST’s emphasis on benchmarking, enabling properties to:
- Track Peak Demand Patterns: By monitoring peak demand times, building operators can adjust equipment schedules and reduce seasonal energy peaks, leading to significant cost savings.
- Optimize Equipment Schedules: Adjusting HVAC schedules and other equipment runtimes can help reduce demand charges, saving thousands of dollars annually.
- Benchmarking Performance: Establishing baseline data through QMC’s meters allows building managers to measure the effectiveness of energy upgrades, such as HVAC retrofits, and demonstrate improvements over time.
2. HVAC Retrofits and Tracking Progress
While HVAC retrofits are essential, they also need to be monitored to ensure they are delivering the expected benefits. QMC enables continuous tracking, allowing clients to benchmark performance improvements and confirm they are receiving the energy savings and additional BOMA BEST points they anticipated.
3. Supporting Carbon Emissions Reporting for Gas Metering
Carbon reporting has become essential in meeting both BOMA BEST and city-specific greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting requirements. QMC’s gas metering solutions offer an effective way to break out specific gas loads, particularly important for buildings with restaurants or commercial kitchens.
- Separating Restaurant Loads: Buildings with restaurants can separate the gas usage specifically for cooking, potentially qualifying for rebates. This exclusion is often beneficial for GHG reporting as it reduces the total emissions attributed to the building, ultimately improving the building’s carbon footprint without impacting the BOMA BEST score.
- Accurate Reporting and Lower Penalties: Many cities are imposing stricter penalties for high carbon emissions. By accurately reporting and isolating these loads, QMC’s submetering solutions help prevent unnecessary penalties.
Planning for Next Year: Budgeting for BOMA BEST Certification
Achieving and maintaining BOMA BEST certification requires careful planning and budgeting, particularly as organizations look to build on previous years’ accomplishments. Here’s how QMC can support next year’s goals:
- Maximizing Easy Points: Through continuous monitoring and reporting, QMC helps clients identify “quick win” areas that can boost their score with minimal investment. For example, buildings can gain points by installing submetering solutions that offer detailed data insights, creating a foundation for improved energy management.
- Carbon Reporting and Rebates: With carbon emissions becoming more heavily regulated, it’s essential to adopt accurate reporting systems, particularly for natural gas use. QMC assists clients in setting up gas metering for separate restaurant loads, ensuring compliance with emissions standards and qualifying for potential rebates.
- Comprehensive Support for Equipment Retrofits: By monitoring the impact of HVAC and other system upgrades, QMC provides the data necessary to ensure these investments meet their intended efficiency targets. This can reduce both environmental impact and energy costs.
Why Choose QMC for Your BOMA BEST Certification Journey?
QMC has the expertise, tools and services to guide your building toward achieving its BOMA BEST certification. Our submetering solutions don’t just help you meet certification requirements; they empower you to maintain high standards of performance year after year. Through accurate monitoring, tailored reporting, and a keen focus on sustainability, QMC makes it easier for building owners and operators to enhance their energy efficiency, lower operating costs and showcase their environmental commitment.
In the journey to BOMA BEST certification, QMC Metering Solutions provides the essential tools and insights needed to make informed decisions and achieve your energy conservation and carbon reduction goals.
Contact us for more information on how we can partner with BOMA to help you achieve your BOMA BEST certification.
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