This report examines national energy usage in existing commercial buildings, methods of reducing energy consumption through conservation, and the resulting costs and benefits. It includes a wide range of opportunities and options to save energy and operating costs through proper operation and maintenance. It also includes minor modifications to the building and mechanical and electrical systems which can be implemented promptly with little if any investment costs.

In The Power of Existing Buildings, academic sustainability expert Robert Sroufe, and construction and building experts Craig Stevenson and Beth Eckenrode, explain how to realize the potential of existing buildings and make them perform like new. This step-by-step guide will help readers to: understand where to start a project; develop financial models and realize costs savings; assemble an expert team; and align goals with numerous sustainability programs. The Power of Existing Buildings will challenge you to rethink spaces where people work and play, while determining how existing buildings can save the world. The insights and practical experience of Sroufe, Stevenson, and Eckenrode, along with the project case study examples, provide new insights on investing in existing buildings for building owners, engineers, occupants, architects, and real estate and construction professionals.

This report is intended for engineers, architects, and skilled building operators who are responsible for analyzing, devising, and implementing comprehensive energy conservation programs. It includes energy conservation measures which can result in further energy savings of 15 to 20% with an investment cost that can be recovered within 10 years through lower operating expenses.