Recognition Categories
Recognition Categories
The Smarter Small Buildings Campaign shines a spotlight on outstanding achievements in HVAC controls within small commercial buildings.
Best Practice - New Installation
Category Description: The campaign seeks to recognize exemplary approaches to planning, piloting, and implementing HVAC control upgrades in existing buildings and for new construction projects. Some examples include:
- Pilot implementation that demonstrates the benefits of controls (lighting, HVAC, etc.) with detailed data on aspects such as measurement & verification, indoor air quality
- Plans for rapid roll-out of control technology across many small buildings
- Comprehensive & thoughtful approach to engaging internal stakeholders to define requirements
Best Practice - Operations & Maintenance
Category Description: The campaign seeks to recognize exemplary approaches to ongoing management of controls that exhibit best practices. If you have an O&M plan document that you are willing to share, please upload a PDF with your recognition submission
- Engaging stakeholders (e.g. maintenance team and/or third party contractors) to develop a comprehensive O&M plan
- Incorporation of workforce training to ensure staff have the skills and tools necessary to effectively manage the controls system
- Documentation of follow-through on implementing improvements recommended through use of controls
- Improved process for maintenance staff, with an emphasis on ease of use
- Implementing an occupant-centered O&M approach to minimize discomfort and disruption
High Impact
Category Description: The campaign seeks to recognize projects where the deployment of the controls solution had a significant positive impact on the building and/or occupants. Some examples of high impact projects include:
- Significant energy and/or cost savings (individual building or portfolio)
- Improved occupant comfort and/or productivity documented with data such as the reduction of hot/cold calls or occupant complaints through a work order system
- Improved indoor air quality
- Installation of controls completed in conjunction with other HVAC upgrades
Innovation
Category Description: The campaign seeks to recognize innovative approaches to ongoing management and implementation of controls. Some examples include:
- Unique use of alarming and analytics
- Implementation of additional control hardware and/or sensors that allow for innovative management of buildings (e.g. occupancy sensors, demand controlled ventilation)
- Deployment of load management strategies such as: participation in demand response programs, peak load optimization, on-site thermal and/or battery storage that reduces on-peak load
Economical Solutions
Category Description: The campaign seeks to recognize organizations upgrading their RTU controls in a way that leverages human and financial resources in efficient and/or innovative ways. Some examples include:
- Affordable software upgrades to enable improved control without requiring new hardware
- Rapid implementation of improved RTU controls leveraging internal staff and external resources effectively
- Effective or creative use of financing/incentives/grants to manage first and ongoing costs
- Innovative approaches to achieving advanced control capabilities at low cost, such as educational institutions engaging students in control and monitoring improvement efforts