Non-Energy Benefits (NEBs) in the Commercial Sector: Results from Hundreds of Buildings

Charles Bicknell and Lisa A. Skumatz, Skumatz Economic Research Associates, Inc.

Keywords

Abstract

As one component of the evaluation of several commercial programs, we augmented the survey discussions of barriers, budgets, decisionmaking and other topics to also gather detailed information on the array of benefits participants recognized from the program. A host of detailed questions about non-energy benefits (NEBs) were incorporated into a large scale set of surveys used to evaluate high performance building, commercial / industrial audit and retrofit, new construction, and commissioning programs. The data collection involved 350 telephone surveys and detailed interviews with building managers, occupants, owners and developers, architects and engineers (A&Es), contractors, and other actors involved in the programs.

These data allowed us to estimate the value of the programs’ benefits beyond bill or energy savings. Owners / occupants and facility managers were asked about NEB valuations based on experience; specifiers / decision-makers were asked about their perceptions of the NEBs and perceptions of the value to owners. The presentation provides detailed information about the distribution of values of the “net” NEBs by NEB category, and negative outcomes associated with the equipment or services provided by the program.

The results showed that bill savings or energy benefits are important – but not necessarily the most important program benefit – to program participants. Other benefits mentioned by participants included fewer tenant complaints and higher tenant satisfaction, comfort, performance, productivity increases, improved working environments, safety, and a host of others. The results pointed out “disconnects” in the value specifiers think owners gain compared to the responses from owners. The paper argues that selling energy efficiency and programs solely on “efficiency” or bill savings – even to the “bottom line-oriented” commercial sector – may not be the most effective approach – interviews and valuations indicate that NEBs appeal.