Month: August 2017

For any business to run operational projects efficiently, all components involved in day-to-day affairs need to be in perfect working condition. For most businesses, not all the systems operate at optimal levels. It is, therefore, necessary for a company to upgrade its systems to run best. However, improving the business’s facility systems for optimization is an expensive endeavor. Nevertheless, the cost of optimizing a business’s facility systems is incomparable to the myriad benefits.

A business can significantly reduce its energy costs through optimizing its energy systems. Energy is a pre-requisite factor of production for any business: companies need a lot of energy to power their production facilities, equipment, and even lights for offices. Hydroelectric systems still power most businesses across the world, but due to their high costs and other setbacks, companies are now shifting towards clean energy alternatives, like wind and solar. In this case, a company might be inclined to hire a third-party company specializing in energy systems optimization to install a solar power system to power its facilities. Though the initial investment of installing solar panels might seem daunting, in the long term, the company will save money. After all, the sun is free.

Depending on a company’s size, its inventory system may be taking up much space. The company may decide to optimize this system to save time spent organizing files, reduce overall storage costs, and make better use of the space. Though its initial cost is quite high, a good option is to invest in a service provider specialized in this field to do the optimization.

For more information on facility systems optimization, please contact us.

There are certain expenses we all accept as the cost of doing business. One of those common costs is our energy bill. While we can’t unplug our workplaces, we can take some steps to make sure we’re getting the most out of the energy we are using.

Tip #1: Stop Vampire Energy

When you leave some devices plugged-in, even if they’re turned off, they’re still using power. For example, your phone charger is sucking energy from the socket to keep the power light on. Whenever possible, use a surge protector that you can shut off with a single flip of a switch. This also provides additional electricity protection for your devices.

Tip #2: Upgrade with an Eye Toward Efficiency

If you take a look around your workplace, there are all kinds of upgrades you could make. For example, are your lights still old-fashioned incandescent bulbs? Fluorescent or LED bulbs are more energy-efficient and longer lasting. Are your desktop computers old but serviceable workhorses? Chances are they’re guzzling electricity. Newer, sleeker models would use less power, and likely take up less space too. Everything from your water heater to your refrigerator should be evaluated and the cost of keeping it should be compared with the cost of upgrading.

Tip #3: Timers and Sensors are your Friends

Automating your workplace functions can save a great deal of energy. For example, a programmable thermostat can cut down on wasted energy, making sure the building isn’t overly heated or cooled when empty. Using sensors in place of light switches in closets, bathrooms, and other rooms reduces risk of leaving the lights on, cutting down considerably on energy use. If your building has exterior lights, sensors can trigger when the sun goes down, ensuring they won’t be left burning throughout the day.

For more tips on how you can increase your energy efficiency, contact us today!

Going green isn’t just a public relations stunt. It’s a movement that reaps its own rewards for years to come. To help start the process, these four steps can help you strategize your plans towards becoming a greener company.

1. Do Your Research 

Before implementing a green initiative at your facility, make sure you understand everything that going green entails. Decide what initiatives are a good fit for your company to start with. Are there green programs that might require more time and money than your organization can commit now? Put those lower on your list. It’s a good idea to start with something easily actionable that will yield quick results and get people excited immediately. Then move to more difficult initiatives.

You’ll also want to check within your organization and see whether anyone else is already leading a green program. Partner with them if you can!

2. Evaluate Everything 

Green is a big business these days. Companies know they can make more money by including the word on their product or program. Make sure you look into every claim. Utilize the research you did in the first step to make sure you are investing your time and money in a truly green product.

3. Invest in Green Cleaning Supplies

Green cleaning is a great way to get people in your organization excited right away, especially with the growing number of individuals with chemical sensitivities. Just make sure that once again you evaluate every claim! Don’t spend money on cleaning supplies that claim they are green but really aren’t any better than the products you already use.

4. Run the Numbers 

You’ve done your research. You’ve found a green initiative to start on. Now it’s time to run the numbers of different service providers. With the amount of competition in the green movement, you should get a fair price. Going green shouldn’t cost big bucks.

At BCS Performance Solutions, we are committed to helping you realize the benefits of going green. For more information, contact us.

What is Retrofitting?

The term retrofitting refers to adding new technology to an already-existing building or facility, an existing building, or an already-existing piece of electrical equipment. Adding this improved technology helps improve the efficiency of the facility and produces a higher output. Updating through retrofitting has many benefits including saving money on capex while benefitting from the new technology, optimization of existing objects by improving their performance, adaptation of the object to create new/improved products or output, and guarantee of parts availability as technology improves and older parts become “outdated.”

What is Recommissioning?

Recommissioning (RCx) is a re-optimization process that ensures that existing buildings or facilities are operating optimally. Recommissioning involves a rigorous investigative process that ensures the upgrades are fixing any current facility issues and is the best way to fix any identified problems. Recommissioning is being studied as it may be the most underutilized, yet single most cost-effective way to reduce the use of energy used and lessen greenhouse gas emissions.

What is the Difference Between Retrofitting & Recommissioning?

It is worth noting that while both retrofitting and recommissioning are great ways to update technologies within buildings or facilities that already exist. There are benefits and considerations for each as well.

Retrofitting is also known as “existing building commissioning” which is a process that identifies and implements operational and maintenance improvements to ensure that a building continues to perform well over time.

Recommissioning, on the other hand entails running “diagnostic tests” on the existing building or facility to see what is wrong with the building in the first place. Once the building or facility’s shortcomings are determined, the building can be retrofitted with more current, recent technology to help improve the performance and viability of the facility for the future.

In the end, the processes of recommissioning and retrofitting based on test results go hand in hand. Both procedures ensure the future viability of a building or facility moving forward and that the building can operate appropriately.

Both processes can also help a facility to run without burning extra energy, help ensure no extra greenhouse gasses are being emitted into the atmosphere and save extra energy costs as the building will use the energy more efficiently.