Decarbonizing Light Commercial Buildings with Next-Generation RTUs
Decarbonization has become a mainstay within the building sector. Owners and operators continue to face pressure to meet rapidly changing guidelines, such as the U.S. Department of Energy’s recommendations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% before 2035. While these goals are intended to represent all U.S. building models, equipment and technology offerings are often designed to meet the demands—and budgets—of large-scale and enterprise-level facilities. As a result, these solutions often miss the mark when it comes to light commercial buildings.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that more than 90% of the U.S. building stock is comprised of properties that are less than 55,000 square feet. Although the amount of energy used by these smaller buildings individually is considerably less than a large-scale facility, collectively reducing energy usage among light commercial buildings can deliver a significant impact.
As light commercial building teams approach decarbonization, it is important that equipment and controls are designed specifically for the needs of their facilities. These solutions should empower teams with the data and capabilities necessary to not only drive decarbonization but also achieve operational ROI. By prioritizing high-efficiency, electrified HVAC equipment and advanced controls, building teams can reduce both the carbon footprint of their facility and their operational costs.
HVAC Equipment Driving Decarbonization
Rooftop units (RTUs) have long been the HVAC standard in small and mid-size facilities. While these rugged systems are still an ideal choice for reliable heating and cooling, recent advancements have also made RTUs a smart solution for decarbonizing light commercial buildings. Ultra high-efficiency models leverage variable-speed compressor technology to deliver high part-load efficiency levels. Combined with a heat pump, RTUs can replace combustion gas heating with high-efficiency electric power to further reduce carbon emissions.
In addition to efficiency, it is also important to consider the size and weight of the RTU when selecting equipment for decarbonization. Units that offer a direct replacement footprint can simplify the transition, and lightweight designs eliminate the need for structural engineering and help to reduce the overall embodied carbon of the equipment to further support these efforts. Further, in retrofits, keeping the electrical requirements of the new unit is important to minimize the costly need to run new service wire to the installation.
Optimizing Building Operations with Controls
Automated smart building controls can enhance RTU performance as a part of facility optimization. However, these tools are often not standard within light commercial building operations. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates that only 13% of light commercial buildings have adopted building automation systems (BAS) to optimize HVAC systems for energy efficiency. In many instances, BAS controls are more expansive than what might be needed within a light commercial facility. Embedding rooftop units with smart equipment enablement streamlines the BAS process and creates a “plug-and-play” solution that is easy to install and operate. Control platforms can be accessed from a cell phone or computer, extending RTU capabilities beyond the standard control board.
These systems deliver real-time alerts and insights that allow building operators to strategically manage building operations and sustainability. Controls can be scaled as building requirements change or to integrate other building systems such as additional HVAC equipment, refrigeration, or lighting to provide a holistic viewpoint of building operations and sustainability.
Advancing Sustainability through ROI
Many building teams are torn between making the investments necessary to reach their decarbonization goals and funding the associated expense. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, HVAC operations consume the most energy within light commercial buildings on average. By prioritizing the decarbonization of these systems, building teams can quickly begin to realize energy savings while also reducing operational costs. This rapid payback can quickly offset the initial equipment investment as the RTU continues to deliver ROI over time. Building teams can leverage BAS controls to unlock this data, set benchmarks and estimate long-term cost and energy savings to report success and accurately plan for additional purchases as their sustainability strategies evolve.
Achieving widespread decarbonization requires that all segments within the building sector evaluate operations and seek pathways to electrify equipment and enhance energy efficiency. In light commercial spaces, BAS-enabled, high-efficiency heat pump RTUs are a smart solution that delivers results.
