Reductions in energy consumption of more than a third can be achieved via retrofitting in three key areas: the adoption of more efficient systems and equipment, improvements to management and operations, and encouraging tenants to engage in more sustainable behavior. Upgrading systems and equipment is the chief area of focus for most energy audits, and what most people would usually associate with a building retrofit directed at improvements to efficiency. Systems and equipment encompass almost all the physical aspects of building, including the building envelope, lighting systems, heating and cooling systems, variable speed drives and hot water. Upgrades in these areas are a vital source of reductions in energy consumption.
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