Re-Prioritizing in a Tough Economy

If your business is like most today, your construction and operating budgets have been drastically reduced, or maybe even eliminated. The capital equipment upgrades that you were planning for this year have been put on hold; and instead, your focus has turned to reducing operating costs and avoiding layoffs.

If you are in the fortunate position to move forward with your planned projects despite the economic situation, you are likely to take advantage of the low interest rates and competitive bid environment the economic downturn has created. Moving forward with these projects now could allow you to achieve long-term value at costs below what you have experienced in the past.

On the other hand, if you are unable to perform equipment upgrades or pursue new construction, addition or renovation projects as planned, there are still several things you can do to keep your facility functioning properly as you wait for the economy to pick up.

Analyzing your existing systems and identifying ways to reduce energy costs are great steps toward im­proving operability and optimizing your facility’s equipment while you wait to pursue larger projects. This is an opportune time to move forward with energy modeling, master planning, cost and payback analyses and budgeting for future projects. In addition, performing retro-commissioning, retro-system validation, or re-commissioning services for your existing mechanical and electrical systems could identify and correct your energy inefficiencies and is likely to enhance comfort for building occupants in the process.

For more information on how to implement small changes with large impacts and plan ahead to prepare your facility for future projects, please contact Jonathan B. Slagel, PE, LEED AP HFDP, at (717)-817-2277 or jbs@ba-inc.com. Let us help you prioritize your projects and make the best of the current economic conditions.

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