B3 Benchmarking is an invaluable tool that adds
visibility and gives accessibility to our building energy
performance. In contrast to our building automation
systems, the dashboards and the four main analyses in
B3 really help us understand our energy consumption.
It has been worth the investment of time to maintain
our data, because it makes us much more efficient at
analysis. Also, because the information and graphics are
intelligently displayed, it makes energy exciting to talk
about.
From a leadership standpoint, we are much better able to
prepare and communicate about buildings. For example,
when the Adjutant General makes a visit to an armory,
he uses B3 analysis to prepare himself with information
about that building’s performance. He then knows what
to investigate at the site if there are problems, or he
knows that congratulations to the building manager are
in order for reducing energy consumption. Being able to
provide that feedback is invaluable for engaging remote
building managers.
We are really integrating B3 Benchmarking into how
we operate buildings. Analysis results influence our
work order process and our investments. I personally
use B3 most to prioritize buildings for annual audits.
Using the Index Ratio, I identify buildings that are the
highest consumers and I make sure I hit those first. With
the audit results, I am excited to begin exploring the
improvements feature to set realistic targets and use
these targets as a communication and motivation tool.