Blog | ODIN Systems

5 Benefits of Energy Efficient Buildings in Cold Weather

Written by Connect with ODIN | Oct 22, 2024 2:55:56 PM

Heating and cooling buildings account for 15 percent of the world’s carbon emissions. Furthermore, according to the EPA’s Energy Star program, 30 percent of the energy used for indoor climate control in commercial buildings is wasted. For property owners and facility managers, this means missed opportunities for both cost savings and reducing environmental impact.

ODIN is a cloud-based building management system that provides real-time analytics on temperature, moisture, energy usage, and space efficiency, helping to ensure energy-efficient HVAC systems. As colder weather approaches, ODIN ensures your building stays energy-efficient, even in harsh conditions.

Benefits of Energy-Efficient Buildings

The U.S. Energy Information Administration conducted a study that articulates how much energy commercial buildings use during cold weather. Facilities in the seemingly warmer Southern states use an uncomfortable 6,300 BTUs per square foot to maintain a reasonably warm temperature. In traditionally cold weather in Northern states, building owners are forced to pay for 36,100 BTUs per square foot on average. Needless to say, the cost and carbon emissions are only going to wane if operations professionals take proactive measures and use next-gen software. These rank among the benefits of energy-efficient buildings you can realize this winter with ODIN.

1. Take Advantage of Passive Solar Energy

It’s almost a given that modern and retrofitted commercial structures used the tax credits associated with installing energy-efficient windows, doors, and enhanced insulation. Cutting down on drafts is a best practice that requires follow-up. Using cloud-based software to automate and monitor indoor temperature fluctuations allows users to take advantage of the warming rays of the sun. You can program the system to dip energy usage and temperatures during peak sunlight hours or adjust thermostats based on real-time data.

2. Reduce Your Building’s Carbon Footprint

Environmentally conscious professionals are often taken aback by how much they can lower the emissions of seemingly energy-efficient buildings. According to the EPA, the potential exists to reduce carbon emissions usage by upwards of 34 percent. It’s important to consider the impact on our environment and the fact that companies are paying to add air pollutants that can be curbed.

3. Improve Real Estate Value

Commercial buildings are typically an investment that requires ongoing maintenance, repairs, and updates to pay off. The integration of smart technologies was once a value driver. These days, smart systems are a given, and property owners need to take their security and energy systems to the next level. By tying all of these systems programs together into an app that can be accessed by any handheld device, buyers are more inclined to make offers above listing prices.

4. Tenant Satisfaction

In the investment property sector, developers face fierce competition over amenities and comfort. Technology-based energy-efficient buildings are not restricted to digits on a thermostat alone. The ability to monitor, automate, and tweak indoor temperatures, and moisture, and customize comfort is nothing short of a game-changer. At the end of the day, commercial rental properties are driven by the willingness of tenants to pay a premium.

5. Safeguard Delicate Items

Museums and churches need to go beyond typical energy-efficient buildings and consider the impact of temperature changes, moisture, and other issues. These and other structures store delicate and historic items that fade and wither unless they have a strict, climate-controlled environment. One of the major tests involves the harsh and fast-changing weather conditions during the cold winter months. A passing grade calls for the type of energy efficiency that accounts for humidity, sunlight, and thermostat stability.

ODIN Can Help Maximize Energy-Efficient Buildings

With ODIN, property owners and operations teams gain a smart, unified platform to streamline energy use and indoor climate management. The cloud-based system brings together HVAC, humidity control, and other building functions, enabling real-time automation that reduces both costs and environmental impact. 

By optimizing energy efficiency and lowering emissions, ODIN helps you stay ahead of rising winter expenses. Now is the time to connect with ODIN and prepare your building for smarter, more sustainable operations.