This article explains the fluctuations (and lately, rising) electricity use in commercial office buildings. The author explains that in May, electricity use in office buildings had been cut by 75%, but over the fall it steadily climbed to 90% of pre-pandemic levels. This is because there are energy contracts, so to speak, in building leases, which require owners or operators to provide temperature control, water services, etc. The author states that if tenants want to keep their electricity expenses low, a significant amount of strategic planning is required, noting that technology can help with such management.
Nate Berg, "Empty office buildings are still devouring energy. Why?", contributed by Alison Kenner, The Energy Rights Project, Platform for Experimental Collaborative Ethnography, last modified 23 January 2021, accessed 25 August 2024. https://energyrights.info/content/empty-office-buildings-are-still-devouring-energy-why
Critical Commentary
This article explains the fluctuations (and lately, rising) electricity use in commercial office buildings. The author explains that in May, electricity use in office buildings had been cut by 75%, but over the fall it steadily climbed to 90% of pre-pandemic levels. This is because there are energy contracts, so to speak, in building leases, which require owners or operators to provide temperature control, water services, etc. The author states that if tenants want to keep their electricity expenses low, a significant amount of strategic planning is required, noting that technology can help with such management.