Operational Energy Services

Achieving ‘operational energy savings’ (OES) in commercial buildings is a potent economic development strategy. OES strategies such as ‘building commissioning’ ensure that equipment is functioning properly, and that building controls and energy systems are optimized. Such strategies have been shown to yield 20 percent energy savings, with a 91 percent rate of return. These savings reduce businesses operating costs, spurring reinvestment in the local economy and subsequent job growth, as well as increasing real estate values, improving indoor air quality, and reducing pollution.

Despite these benefits, comprehensive OES services have only about 5 percent market penetration. In partnership with the City of Minneapolis Department of Community Planning and Economic Development, GEDI researched markets for OES in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region. We developed a regional market transformation strategy - examining how to simultaneously increase demand for OES, increase the capacity of local businesses to serve this demand, and increase the skills of the local workforce. GEDI recommends that the City of Minneapolis establish an OES Taskforce to coordinate initiatives in the region.

Read the full report.

Read our shorter Briefing Paper for economic development practioners.