How can building owners have a better building? Julie Wolfington, Energy and Sustainability Leader at Boland, provided some answers, insights and tips in under 10 minutes. And, if the one thing that ties building owners of different types together is the desire to make their buildings better, Boland’s mission is to help them achieve that mission.

“The recipe to a better building is different for each of our clients,” Wolfington said. “For example, if you’re a commercial real estate company and you want to flip your building next month, your better building is one that costs you the very least amount of money right now. So, your recipe might include a box of band-aids and some duct tape. Suppose you’re a university, and you’re going to be around for many, many years, and you own your buildings. In that case, your recipe for a better building will probably include energy efficiency upgrades that will lower the lifecycle costs of your buildings.”

How does energy efficiency factor into making a better building?

“When a building is energy efficient, the building owner’s saving money,” Wolfington said. “The building is running better. If it’s energy-efficient, that means it’s tuned well, probably more comfortable for the occupants, the building is marketable, and it’s the right thing to do.”

There are a few critical steps to ensuring the desire for a better building is achievable. Wolfington said any building improvement project must align with business goals and consider all internal and external factors to be a success. And, once the goals and factors are assessed and aligned, a plan to make the building better should follow.