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Quarterly Award Winners, Q3 2024

Quarterly Award Winners, Q3 2024

Published
21 November 2024

Q3 Award Winners: Exceeding Expectations

Every quarter we honor our partners for their efforts in using our technologies to achieve great things in their organizations. Today we recognize Optimum’s partners with the largest reduction in kWh, and the greatest overall energy efficiency metrics during Q3. This quarter’s award winners continue to drive significant and positive change within their organizations, driving operational cost savings, and decarbonization. As we celebrate this recognition, we extend our sincere congratulations to this quarter’s award winners. Your dedication, creativity, and commitment to excellence make a real impact. We deeply appreciate you!

The Importance of Maintenance in Large-Scale Facilities

The Importance of Maintenance in Large-Scale Facilities

Published
24 October 2024

Maintaining your central plant and its HVAC systems is crucial in commercial environments, such as college campuses, manufacturing facilities, and hospitals, and data centers. These systems regulate indoor climate, provide healthy air quality, optimize energy efficiency, and ensure the overall well-being of building occupants. This below covers why this maintenance matters, the tasks involved, and the potential consequences of failing to maintain your system.

Why Central Plant Maintenance Matters

1.     Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and lowering operational costs. In commercial settings, energy can make up a significant portion of your operational costs. By keeping the system in ideal condition, organizations ensure it doesn’t work harder than necessary, resulting in both energy and cost savings.

2.     Occupant Comfort and Productivity

Consistent climate control is essential for maintaining ideal indoor conditions in spaces like dormitories and office environments. Whether it’s a classroom or a workspace, inadequate heating or cooling can lead to discomfort, affecting concentration and productivity. In healthcare settings, maintaining proper temperature and air quality is crucial for patient well-being and recovery.

3.     Health and Safety

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is directly affected by HVAC systems. Without proper maintenance, they can spread mold, bacteria, and allergens, leading to health issues such as respiratory problems or allergic reactions. In hospitals, clean and controlled air is vital to preventing the spread of infections. This is also true of manufacturing environments, where proper ventilation may be required to eliminate hazardous substances in the air such as chemicals or dust.

4.     Compliance with Regulations and Standards

Commercial properties, particularly in industries like healthcare and manufacturing, must adhere to strict regulations related to air quality, safety, and energy efficiency. HVAC systems must meet standards set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and other regulatory bodies. Regular maintenance ensures compliance, avoiding legal penalties or operational interruptions.

5.     Extending Equipment Lifespan

Like any piece of equipment, commercial chillers and HVAC units experience wear and tear over time. Routine maintenance minimizes deterioration, extends the lifespan of components, and delays the need for costly replacements. This is especially important for facilities with multiple buildings, such as college campuses or industrial complexes, where system replacements can be both disruptive and expensive.

What Central Plant Maintenance Entails

Maintaining your system involves several key tasks that ensure the system functions efficiently and reliably.

1.     Regular Inspections

Technicians check components like filters, belts, motors, and refrigerant levels to ensure optimal performance.

2.     Filter Changes

Filters need regular replacement to maintain airflow and prevent the system from working harder, which increases energy use.

3.     Cleaning Coils and Condensers

Dirt and debris accumulate on coils, reducing efficiency. Routine cleaning keeps the system operating optimally.

4.     Lubricating Moving Parts

Lubricating components like motors and bearings reduces friction and wear, extending their lifespan.

5.     Testing and Calibration

Thermostats and control systems should be calibrated to ensure accurate temperature control and system efficiency.

6.     Refrigerant Level Checks

Regular refrigerant level monitoring is essential for cooling performance and detecting potential leaks.

7.     Ventilation Check

Air ducts should be cleaned periodically and checked for blockages to ensure proper airflow throughout the facility.

Consequences of Failing to Maintain Your System

Increased Energy Costs: Neglected HVAC systems and your central plant in general lose efficiency, consuming more energy to achieve the same output. This can significantly increase operational costs in large commercial settings, where energy usage is already substantial.

Poor Air Quality and Health Issues: Dust, mold, and bacteria can build up in HVAC systems that aren’t regularly maintained. This reduces indoor air quality and can lead to illness or the spread of infections, especially in healthcare and educational environments.

System Breakdowns and Downtime: Without regular checks, your plant is more prone to unexpected failures. In commercial settings, this could lead to uncomfortable environments or operational disruptions. For example, extreme temperatures may damage sensitive equipment in laboratories or manufacturing plants.

Reduced Lifespan of the HVAC System: Failing to maintain your plant shortens the lifespan of your equipment and overall system. Components wear out faster, leading to more frequent and costly repairs or replacements.

Legal and Regulatory Issues: In certain industries, such as healthcare and food manufacturing, failing to maintain HVAC systems in line with regulatory standards can result in fines, legal action, or forced shutdowns.

Decreased Property Value: For commercial properties, poorly maintained central plants can lower property valuations, as buyers or tenants may face high repair or upgrade costs to replace outdated or inefficient systems.

Leveraging Modern Technology for HVAC Maintenance

1. Predictive Maintenance with IoT

Modern systems can integrate with Internet of Things (IoT) devices and Ai-powered software like OptiCx for real-time monitoring of system performance. This allows for predictive maintenance, where potential issues are detected and resolved before they become major problems, improving efficiency and reducing emergency repairs.

2. Sustainability and Green Building Certifications

Energy-efficient HVAC systems contribute to green building certifications like LEED. Organizations prioritizing sustainability and decarbonization can use proper HVAC maintenance to meet their ESG goals.

3. Budget Planning and Forecasting

Scheduled maintenance allows organizations to forecast budgets more effectively, preventing unexpected expenses due to breakdowns or system failures. This ensures resources are allocated for timely repairs and replacements.

Conclusion

Central plant maintenance is essential in large-scale facilities to maintain energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and safety. Regular inspections, cleaning, and calibration help extend the life of HVAC systems, prevent costly breakdowns, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. By investing in routine maintenance and leveraging modern technology, businesses can ensure that their systems function optimally, reducing both costs and potential risks.

Maintenance isn’t just a routine task—it’s a strategic investment in the long-term efficiency and safety of their operations.

Quarterly Award Winners, Q2 2024

Quarterly Award Winners, Q2 2024

Published
19 September 2024

Q2 Award Winners: Dedicated to Optimization

Every quarter we honor our partners for their efforts in using our technologies to achieve great things in their organizations. Today we recognize the above organizations for their dedication to central plant energy optimization, and the outcomes it produces. This award is given to sites in the top 7% for energy optimization across all of Optimum Energy’s partners.

This quarter’s award winners continue to raise the bar with their technical expertise and innovative thinking. These efforts have resulted not only in substantial financial savings but also in a significant reduction of their organizations’ carbon footprints. As we celebrate this recognition, we extend our sincere congratulations to this quarter’s award winners. Your dedication, creativity, and commitment to excellence make a real impact. We deeply appreciate you!

Q&A with Paul Zmick, P.E., Director of Energy & Utilities at the University of Virginia

Q&A with Paul Zmick, P.E., Director of Energy & Utilities at the University of Virginia

Published
19 September 2024

Lisa Roy, CEO of Optimum Energy, recently sat down for a conversation with Paul Zmick, P.E., the University of Virginia’s Director of Energy & Utilities and a current board member of the International District Energy Association (IDEA). Their discussion focused on the evolving landscape of facilities management within higher ed, touching on industry trends, challenges, and potential solutions. Zmick offered his unique perspective into university decision-making, funding strategies, and the implementation of emerging technologies that are reshaping how campuses across the country not just operate but thrive.

What is the primary mission of the facilities team at UVA?

“Our main mission is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for education, research, and healthcare. Safety is our highest priority due to the significant industrial infrastructure we manage. Beyond safety, our focus is on continuity of operations, reliability, and resiliency. This involves maintaining essential services like steam, hot water, chilled water, and power for the medical center, research facilities, and residential students. Efficiency then emerges as a priority as a part of our asset stewardship and carbon reduction goals.”

Can you expand on how energy efficiency fits into your priorities?

“Energy efficiency is a key strategy for managing resources and achieving our carbon reduction goals. We prioritize minimizing the use of steam, which is less efficient compared to other energy forms. Our strategy involves converting steam systems to hot water systems where possible, focusing on more efficient heat recovery chillers and geothermal exchange systems to optimize energy use.”

What are some other strategies UVA employs for improving energy efficiency?

“Our primary strategy is to reduce reliance on steam, which has a lower efficiency rate. We are implementing large-scale steam conversion projects, transitioning from steam to hot water for academic grounds, while keeping steam in areas where it’s more suitable, like the medical center. This shift improves distribution efficiency and allows us to use heat recovery chillers, which can achieve efficiency levels of up to 600%. We also focus on optimizing equipment like chillers and hydraulic loops to improve overall system efficiency.”

What challenges do you face in achieving these energy efficiency and decarbonization goals?

“One major challenge is the rapid pace of change required to meet aggressive decarbonization goals set by our leadership. The infrastructure changes needed are costly and time-consuming. Post-pandemic inflation, supply chain disruptions, and long lead times for equipment like switchgear and generators add further complexity. Staffing is another ongoing challenge, especially finding qualified personnel for specialized roles like controls, welding, and equipment operations.”

How is UVA managing the financial aspects of these large-scale energy projects?

“Unlike many universities, UVA’s facilities operations are self-funded through an enterprise model. This means we do not need to seek capital from the state or the university for our projects. Our budget comes from charging rates based on consumption, allowing us more flexibility in funding and implementing projects without needing direct funding from the university’s central administration or endowment.”

Are there unique ways you can overcome some of these challenges?

“Staying connected with industry peers through organizations like the International District Energy Association (IDEA) has been invaluable. It helps us stay updated on emerging technologies, like micro nuclear reactors and advanced heat pumps. Being part of such networks allows us to learn from others’ experiences and avoid being on the “bleeding edge” while still pushing innovation.”

Do sustainability goals influence project decisions?

“Sustainability and decarbonization goals significantly influence our decisions. For every project, we consider both the “business as usual” approach and the decarbonization options. For example, when renewing chillers, we evaluate whether to use traditional equipment or invest in heat recovery chillers that could further reduce carbon emissions, even if it means higher initial costs and additional infrastructure work.”

What future technologies are you interested in exploring to further improve sustainability?

“We’re keen on integrating building systems with plant operations to optimize both, rather than optimizing them separately. This would allow us to use building systems strategically to extend the operation of highly efficient equipment like heat pumps, without needing expensive investments in technologies like geothermal exchange fields. We are also watching advancements in micro nuclear reactors, steam-generating heat pumps, and more efficient geothermal technologies.”

How do you handle compliance with environmental regulations?

“The main compliance issue we face is related to our Title V air permit. While there is some internal hesitancy around using certain technologies like ammonia refrigerants due to perceived risks, there aren’t significant regulatory constraints currently impacting our operations.”

What support do you need from industry partners like Optimum Energy?

“We need better support in navigating financial incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to maximize project benefits. Clear guidance on leveraging these opportunities would be highly valuable. Additionally, continuing support for advanced software solutions that optimize both plant and building operations as an integrated system would greatly help us reach our efficiency and decarbonization targets.”

Bernhard Capital Partners Names Lisa Roy CEO of Optimum Energy

Bernhard Capital Partners Names Lisa Roy CEO of Optimum Energy

Published
10 September 2024

Bernhard Capital Partners announces Lisa Roy will serve as the new CEO of Optimum Energy, a BCP portfolio company. Lisa joins Optimum Energy following a 30-year career with Johnson Controls, where she served in various leadership roles across its global sustainability, HVAC, fire and security businesses.

“Lisa’s extensive knowledge of the energy efficiency industry and her decades of global senior executive leadership experience at a Fortune 100 company make her the ideal leader to expand Optimum’s offerings and deliver innovative solutions necessary for clients to achieve their sustainability goals,” said Jeff Jenkins, Founder and Partner at BCP.

Optimum Energy’s mission is to become a lifetime partner for its clients to accelerate sustainability goals by leveraging technology, asset reliability, and innovative energy and financial solutions.
In her most recent role at Johnson Controls, Lisa was the Global Head of Strategy and Mergers & Acquisitions for the enterprise. Prior to this, she held other senior leadership positions such as VP & GM Global Security & Fire, VP & GM NA Security & Fire, VP & GM NA South Region, VP & GM Solutions Business, VP of Commercial Sales for North America, and VP & GM Enterprise Accounts.

Lisa brings her extensive knowledge of the global energy and sustainability markets, a deep understanding of commercial and operational execution, and proven experience in general management and mergers and acquisitions.
Throughout her career, Lisa has actively supported United Way and Compassion charities. She also has been actively involved in various national and local not-for-profit boards. Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Louisiana State University. She lives in Lafayette, Louisiana, with her husband and two children.

Optimum Energy Helps Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) Achieve Significant Energy Savings

Optimum Energy Helps Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) Achieve Significant Energy Savings

Published
05 September 2024

VUMC Achieves Significant Energy Savings and Rebate Incentive Through Innovative Optimization Strategies

Recently, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) partnered with Optimum Energy to introduce advanced control strategies at the Vanderbilt University Hospital Chilled Water Plant. These new controls lower operational costs, energy usage, and CO2 emissions. This approach, known as Chiller Plant Optimization, was developed by Optimum Energy and is powered by our OptimumLOOP® optimization platform.

OptimumLOOP® employs relational control algorithms to calculate the most efficient way to operate an entire chilled water system. Through continuous and automatic optimization, plant performance is dynamically adjusting in real-time to changes in demand or weather. This technology ensures minimal energy usage and maximum cost savings, without compromising indoor-air comfort for building occupants.

As a result of these upgrades, VUMC anticipates an annual energy cost savings of over $251,000, and a reduction in CO2 emissions by over 1.9 million pounds per year.

Furthermore, with the assistance of Nashville Electric Service and Hobbs and Associates, VUMC secured an incentive rebate of $243,854 through the TVA EnergyRight® for Business & Industry rebate program. The combination of the above energy savings and rebate creates a return on investment (ROI) of less than 1.4 years for the overall project.

Over the past five years, VUMC Facilities Management has actively pursued various strategies to reduce electrical consumption on its main campus. These efforts include chiller plant optimization, the implementation of fault detection software to monitor equipment performance, occupancy setback controls, LED lighting upgrades, HVAC equipment upgrades, and leveraging rebate opportunities like the TVA EnergyRight® program.

Collectively, these initiatives have resulted in a total savings of $7.5 million over the past five years, including $2.8 million in the last 12 months alone. All while also avoiding the creation of more than 52 million pounds of CO2.

Optimum’s Jesse Ohm Awarded Pump Management Patent: The Next Step for Large-Scale Fluid Pumping Automation

Optimum’s Jesse Ohm Awarded Pump Management Patent: The Next Step for Large-Scale Fluid Pumping Automation

Published
05 August 2024

Introduction

Jesse Ohm, P.E., Principal Engineer at Optimum Energy has been awarded a patent for his new system centered on the optimization of multiple pumps using advanced computational techniques. This innovative solution has the potential to drastically improve the process in which commercial and other large-scale facilities manage their fluid flow distribution systems, while gaining an increase in energy efficiency, cost savings, and overall system performance.

Patent Overview

The newly awarded patent outlines Ohm’s method for optimizing pump staging through a computer-readable medium containing instructions executed by an automation system.

 “It became apparent after observing conventional control systems that the industry needed a simple and repeatable way to calculate when to stage pumps up and down,” said Ohm. “The goal was to create a universal calculation that remained applicable under any operating conditions.” The method encompasses several key components:

Peak-Efficiency Range Determination

An automation system enhanced with the pump staging algorithms automatically identifies the peak-efficiency operating range for the pumping system. Defining the stage limits based on real-time data allows any automation system to optimize the system’s pump staging control.

Real-Time Dynamic Calculation

Continuous monitoring of the fluid-flow rate and pump speeds allows for real-time optimized stage calculations. When the fluid-flow rate drops below the algorithm’s dynamic stage-down threshold, a pump is deactivated. Conversely, if the fluid-flow rate exceeds the stage-up threshold, an additional pump is activated automatically. Since the thresholds are dynamic and based on live data, the ideal staging is continuously evaluated and works under any operating conditions.

Threshold Calculations

Thresholds for stage-up and stage-down operations are continuously recalculated from live data, based on the following inputs:

  1. A reference design fluid-flow rate at the manufacturer’s full speed peak efficiency point also known as the “Best Efficiency Point”.
  2. The live system flow rate.
  3. The active number of operating pumps.
  4. The current operating speed of the pumps.

Additional Features

  1. The peak-efficiency range and thresholds only require a single user data input (the pump’s best-efficiency point) making it easy to calibrate for each application.
  2. Stage thresholds are automatically calculated based on live operating conditions.
  3. The inputs do not require maintenance or recalibration unless physical changes are made to the pumping equipment.
  4. Equipment staging events can be limited through an automation system to any specific use case to control frequency of pump staging.

Why This Patent Matters

Energy Efficiency, Cost Savings, and Sustainability

Reduced Energy Consumption: The system activates or deactivates pumps based on real-time demand, ensuring the lowest energy use. Energy savings translate directly into reduced utility bills fewer greenhouse gas emissions, supporting environmentally friendly operations and net-zero goals.

Maintenance Cost Reduction: Maintaining pumps within their peak efficiency range can significantly reduce energy usage and decrease wear and tear, extending pump lifespan and reducing costly maintenance and downtime.

Resource Conservation: Efficient resource use aligns with sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility goals for the ESG-minded.

Improved Performance

Consistent Fluid Flow: By maintaining the pumping system in the peak efficiency operating range, the system maintains a stable and consistent fluid flow rate and pressure, crucial for processes that require precise fluid management at various pressure requirements.

Adaptability to Demand Fluctuations: The system efficiently manages varying demand levels, suitable for applications with fluctuating fluid flow and operating pressure requirements. Systems that leverage a wide range of operating pressure requirements (such as systems with pressure re-set strategies) will gain even greater advantage from the dynamic thresholds since the live data inputs automatically compensates for changes in operating pressure.

Responsiveness and Flexibility: Dynamic adjustments allow the system to swiftly respond to changes in both flow and pressure, boosting overall performance and reliability. This approach can be scaled to different sizes and types of pumping systems, offering flexibility for diverse applications, regardless of scope or industry.

Conclusion

Ohm’s method for dynamically managing pump operations represents a significant advancement in fluid flow management for large-scale facilities. By leveraging real-time data and advanced computational techniques, this system offers unmatched benefits in energy efficiency, cost savings, performance, sustainability impact, and operational flexibility. This innovation has the potential to set new standards in sustainable and efficient pump management. Industries and facilities reliant on large-scale fluid operations should consider this solution when evaluating their best course of action in the pursuit of financial, operation and sustainability-focused goals.

Celebrating World Environment Day

Celebrating World Environment Day

Published
18 June 2024

On June 5th we celebrated World Environment Day which serves as a crucial reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve our planet.  

Throughout history, human activities have altered the Earth’s ecosystems, leading to unprecedented levels of environmental degradation. From deforestation to the rampant use of fossil fuels, our actions have far-reaching consequences for the planet and future generations.  

But there is a light in this tunnel. Amidst these challenges lies the opportunity for positive change and a chance for us to come together to solve what may be the most challenging issue facing our generation: Climate Change.  

This act of coming together is exactly what World Environment Day celebrates. We are encouraging individuals, communities, governments, and businesses to join forces and explore sustainable solutions to environmental issues. 

At Optimum Energy we take great pride in knowing we get to be part of that solution. We feel incredibly fortunate to come to work every day and make a positive impact on the global environment. This passion for sustainability is embedded in the very DNA of our organization and as such we asked our team members to share what World Environment Day means to them: 

“Optimum Energy has prevented a whopping 3.5+ BILLION pounds of CO2 from being released into our atmosphere! This is a huge win for our planet and a testament to our partners and their commitment to sustainability. Let’s keep up the great work and continue to make a positive impact for everyone on the planet. Here’s to a greener, cleaner future!”

– Larry Stapleton, CEO

“With atmospheric levels of CO2 at an all-time high, I’m honored to work for a company with a mission to reduce building emissions all over the world. When today’s consumers and regulatory systems are hyper-focused on corporate carbon footprints, Optimum Energy helps companies get closer to net zero. Optimizing HVAC infrastructure with intelligent software to reduce emissions is a super approachable concept for businesses to lean into. It’s a simple approach to a radical idea of clean air, AND it saves companies millions of dollars annually. ” 

– Kay John, Senior Project Manager for Optimum Energy 

As we celebrate World Environment Day 2024, let us renew our commitment to protecting our planet and building a sustainable future for all. By embracing sustainable solutions and working together, we can create a world where nature thrives, and future generations can thrive alongside it.  

The Crucial Nexus: Trust and Cybersecurity in Operations

The Crucial Nexus: Trust and Cybersecurity in Operations

Published
01 June 2024

Facilities managers, security officers, and executives are tasked with a myriad of responsibilities such as optimizing energy efficiency, ensuring the comfort and safety of occupants, and protecting their assets and investments. In the modern era, where technology underpins nearly every aspect of a business’s operations, the importance of trust and cybersecurity cannot be overstated. This article explores the critical relationship between trust and cybersecurity in operations.

 I. The Inextricable Link: Trust and Cybersecurity

Trust is the cornerstone of any successful business. In the realm of operations, trust is the assurance that the systems and equipment will perform reliably, efficiently, and safely. It encompasses the belief that the technology supporting the operation will not fail or pose any risk to the occupants and the environment. There is also a large degree of trust that is built between service and parts providers and the company running the building or facility. This trust is paramount as facilities managers are typically not installing, repairing, or providing support diagnostics for every component or system. They rely on building optimization providers to ensure that chillers are operating within normal parameters, sensors are providing reliable data points, and their building management systems (BMS) are optimizing their building operations.

Cybersecurity, on the other hand, is the foundation upon which this trust is built. It is a set of practices, technologies, and protocols designed to protect digital systems, data, and the entire operation from malicious intent or inadvertent breaches. In today’s world, where building systems have become more sophisticated and interconnected, the relationship between trust and cybersecurity is particularly critical.

II. The Vulnerabilities in Building Operations

HVAC systems and other building management devices are no longer standalone mechanical devices; they are now an integral part of building management systems (BMS). Modern HVAC systems have sensors, controllers, and connected devices that enable remote monitoring, control, and automation. While this advancement provides numerous benefits, it also opens the door to vulnerabilities.

Cyberattacks on Building Automation Systems

With the proliferation of interconnected systems, Building Management Systems have become attractive targets. This has been the case with companies like Target in 2013 when they suffered a massive data breach. Attackers gained access to Target’s computer network and stole financial and personal information. [1]The full report from the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation can be found here.

IoT Devices and Weaknesses

IoT devices can be known for their inherent weaknesses when it comes to security. Many IoT devices are not adequately protected, making them easy entry points for hackers. These devices often lack firmware updates, have default passwords, and are susceptible to common attack methods. In 2019 Amazon’s Ring cameras were breached and reports of customers being hacked were popping up globally (Read the court hearing here). [2] Amazon provided a security patch that has since shored up the problem.

Human Error

With all the security in the world, companies can never forget about the human element. While firewalls and anti-virus software can continually buffet outside attacks with relative success, employees who unknowingly click on a phishing email can open the door wide open to security breaches. There are many examples of this occurring, robust and frequent security training is paramount for today’s companies to stay secure. Moss Adams, an IT and Cybersecurity Consulting Firm, goes into greater depth on the risks of human error in their article “How to Identify Top Cybersecurity Threats and Protect your Organization”.[3]

III. Building a Trustworthy System

While all these vulnerabilities are frightening to think about, operations managers and security officers can take some steps to ensure their operations remain secure.

First, businesses must also develop strong relationships with their service providers to ensure security is a cornerstone of the products and services they provide as these products and services are directly linked to the company’s facilities.

Building Optimization providers like Optimum Energy (OE) are committed to continuing to provide first-in-class security procedures and policies for its clients and stakeholders.

Risk Assessment and Management

Identifying and understanding the risks associated with building systems is the first step. Facilities managers in conjunction with their BMS provider should conduct a comprehensive risk assessment, considering factors such as the type of equipment, its connectivity, and the potential consequences of a breach. With this information, they can develop a risk management plan that outlines security measures and incident response procedures. For providers like Optimum Energy, these policies and procedures are built into OE’s products and services.

Implement Strong Access Controls

Access controls ensure that only authorized personnel can modify building system settings. To enhance access security, use strong authentication methods, like two-factor authentication (2FA). Additionally, regularly review and update user access privileges to limit the potential damage in case of a breach.  

Encryption and Data Protection

Operational data, such as temperature and humidity settings, are not required to be encrypted. But any sensitive data such as healthcare, personal identifiable information (PII), and payment information should be encrypted during transmission and storage. This prevents attackers from intercepting or tampering with data as it flows between devices and control systems. Security managers should establish data retention policies to minimize exposure in case of a breach. It is also imperative that facility or security managers understand how their BMS provider is handling their data. Providers like Optimum Energy provide redundancies within their data centers that keep their client’s data secure and untampered.

Continuous Monitoring and Response

Real-time monitoring of operational systems is essential to detect anomalies and potential security breaches. A strong BMS provider typically has an intrusion detection system (IDS) and/ or third-party security services to monitor network traffic and system behavior 24/7. In the event of an incident, having a well-defined incident response plan in place is crucial to minimize damage and downtime.

High Standards for Service Providers

While building optimization providers should be highlighting their cybersecurity prowess and certifications, facilities managers also have a responsibility to ask questions about security and trust. Service and BMS providers should be equipped with various cyber security certifications and have a robust risk management plan to ensure that if an attack does occur, their software or hardware is blocking the malware or attack.

Providers like Optimum Energy’s commitment to security is emphasized by their SOC2 Type 1 certification. This mark of compliance indicates OE’s commitment to strong data transfer controls and security of customer data. This type of certification requires periodic audits, proving that a building optimization provider meets the industry’s highest standards of security and data protection.

IV. Conclusion

Trust and cybersecurity are inextricably linked in the world of operations. A breach in the security of a building’s systems can result in dire consequences, including financial losses and reputational damage. Businesses and service providers must prioritize cybersecurity as an integral part of their operations to maintain the trust of stakeholders, ensuring that building systems and business operations function reliably and securely. 

Building Optimization providers like Optimum Energy provide not only cutting-edge solutions, but security infrastructure and protocols designed to protect its systems and, by extension, their client’s interests. In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, where building systems continue to become more interconnected and sophisticated, the onus is on operations managers, security officers, and service providers to stay ahead of potential threats and vulnerabilities. By adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity, facilities managers can build a foundation of trust in their building systems that not only safeguards the facility and its occupants but also enhances operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the long run.

[1] https://www.commerce.senate.gov/services/files/24d3c229-4f2f-405d-b8db-a3a67f183883

[2] https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/16630199/1/orange-v-ring-llc/

[3] https://www.mossadams.com/articles/2021/09/identify-top-cyberthreats

Honoring the Backbone of Efficiency on World Facility Management Day

Honoring the Backbone of Efficiency on World Facility Management Day

Published
15 May 2024

Every May, the world celebrates World Facility Management Day. It is a day dedicated to recognizing the vital role facility management professionals play in ensuring the efficiency, functionality, and safety of buildings across the world.  

Facility management is a multifaceted discipline that touches virtually every aspect of our daily lives, from the office buildings where we work to the hospitals where we receive care, the schools where we learn, and the stadiums where we gather for entertainment. You cannot get through the day without benefiting from their tireless efforts.  

World Facility Management Day provides a platform for recognizing and celebrating the achievements of facility management teams worldwide. Whether it is implementing innovative solutions to improve operational efficiency, maintaining occupant comfort through thoughtful design and programming, or responding swiftly and effectively to unforeseen challenges, facility managers demonstrate resilience, creativity, and ingenuity in their daily practices.  

As we celebrate World Facility Management Day, Optimum Energy would like to take a moment to express our gratitude to the resolute professionals who work tirelessly to keep our built environments running smoothly. Your partnership and dedication to your craft is unparalleled and we are grateful to work in such a tremendous field!