In order to save energy and money, the owner needs to effectively manage the building: one of the best ways of achieving this is to first appoint an energy manager; however this is not always possible. Here are some tips and advice that improve the energy performance of buildings, that a building owner should follow:

• Introduce a Maintenance Programme
• Keep all drawings of the building and its installations, all design documentation, equipment certificates and manuals, test protocols and letters of guarantee, and operation and maintenance manuals
• Encourage the occupants of the building to save energy. Behavioural change can reduce energy consumption by up to 20%.

In cases of equipment/installation replacement or purchase of new equipment:

• Contact the local Customer Center (if available) for free advice on implementing your energy saving projects
• New appliances should generally have an energy label class A (or even A++)
• In case of bigger refurbishment actions, order an energy audit and consider:
  • Taking steps to reduce energy demand (e.g. through using insulation etc, see building envelope) then consider
  • Changing of the fuel type used
  • Installation of a cogeneration plant
  • Installation of alternative heating sources such as geothermal heat pumps, solar or other renewable energy sources
• Identify the potential supplier, installer or contractor (where possible contact suppliers that have been recommended to you)
• If you consider third party financing or contracting to realise efficiency measures, ask for model contracts and contact experienced municipal energy managers
• Ensure that a controlled approach to mechanical ventilation is taken, as a minimum amount of fresh air is required for health and safety reasons.