Small Building Retuning Pilot

Building retuning is the process of making an existing building and its energy systems operate more efficiently at low or no cost by identifying and correcting operational problems.

The pilot program will include tailored operational assessments  using standardized retuning checklists

• For buildings with Building Management Systems (BMS), Baumann will use fault detection and diagnostics tools and analyze trend data via fault detection rulesets. Systems covered will include, but not be limited to, HVAC (airside and waterside), ventilation, lighting and plug loads.
• For buildings without BMS, Baumann will conduct on-site walkthroughs, operator interviews, and install temporary data loggers to collect equipment-level data (e.g., runtime, temperature, lighting schedules) to identify no- and low-cost ECMs based on their Facilities Diagnostics Services.

The program team will identify and recommend potential Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs). A minimum of three ECMs per building will be selected based on the following prioritization criteria:

• Estimated energy and operational impact
• Feasibility and ease of implementation (favoring no-/low-cost measures)
• Applicability across the pilot cohort (to inform scalable solutions)
• Building readiness and operator capacity

The pilot program team will conduct performance verification. They will define baseline and post-implementation periods to evaluate how the ECM is performing, including

• HVAC and lighting runtime reduction
• Improved indoor environmental quality (temperature/humidity stability)
• Decreased equipment cycling and short cycling
• Ventilation schedule adherence
• Occupant or operator-reported comfort improvements

Implementation of ECMs will be coordinated as part of the program and may involve third-party contractors.

• Baumann Consulting will act as program administrator and implementation facilitator, supporting participating buildings with:
  • Scope development
  • Contractor identification and coordination
  • Review of proposals and implementation progress
• Contractors may be engaged and compensated using program grant funds, up to a maximum funding amount per building.
• All ECMs and associated implementation scopes are subject to review and approval by the building owner prior to execution.
• Any project costs exceeding available grant funding will remain the responsibility of the participating building. The program team will assist in identifying additional incentives or financing options where applicable.

• Building Owner / Participant
  • Retains full decision-making authority regarding ECM selection and implementation
  • Approves scopes of work and contractor engagement
  • Retains ownership of all installed equipment and improvements
• Baumann Consulting / Program Team
  • Acts solely as program administrator and facilitator
  • Does not perform construction work or act as a general contractor
  • Does not control contractor means, methods, or site safety
• Contractors
  • Are independent entities responsible for all aspects of installation, including workmanship, safety, and compliance

• No Direct Incentive Payments
  • Program funding is applied to services and implementation support. No direct cash payments will be made to participating buildings.
• No Performance Guarantee
  • Energy savings, operational improvements, and cost reductions are estimated based on engineering analysis and are not guaranteed.
• Warranty and Workmanship
  • All equipment warranties and workmanship guarantees will be provided directly by the installing contractor and/or manufacturer to the building owner.
• Liability and Risk Allocation
  • Baumann Consulting’s role is limited to program administration and coordination. Responsibility for construction means and methods, site conditions, and installation outcomes rests with the selected contractor and the participating building.

A building performance standard is a policy designed to reduce carbon emissions in buildings by improving energy, gas and water use, and peak demand, consequently reducing their cost. These standards become stricter over time, driving continuous, long-term improvement of buildings.

In the District, the Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) will apply to buildings 25,000 square feet and up starting in 2028. The size threshold drops to 10,000 sq ft and up in 2033. One goal of this pilot program is to help smaller buildings prepare for compliance.

Benchmarking energy use helps building management teams understand how buildings are using energy and water resources and establish a baseline for usage. Since 2022, DOEE has required that buildings over 25,000 sq ft complete energy benchmarking. Buildings over 10,000 square feet will need to start benchmarking by May 1, 2026. 

DOEE recently published as step-by-step guide for first-time benchmarking reporters in 2026.

For additional resources, check out the Hub’s overview of benchmarking and BEPS.

Benchmarking refers to measuring a building’s energy use and comparing it to historical performance and the performance of similar buildings to identify opportunities for improvement.

A centralized, networked system of hardware and software that monitors and controls a building’s mechanical and electrical equipment, primarily HVAC, lighting, and ventilation.

A policy that sets specific deadlines for existing public and private buildings over a certain size to achieve quantified standards of performance across one or more metrics—such as energy use, water use, and/or greenhouse gas emissions.

A centralized, networked system that monitors and controls building’s major systems. A BMS is more comprehensive than a BAS.

Class B buildings are solid, professional spaces with fewer frills than Class A properties. They tend to be older (usually between 10 and 20 years old), with slightly dated systems and fewer luxury amenities—but they offer good value and location. Class C buildings are often much older (often 20 years or more), need substantial renovation or improvements, don’t usually have elevators or central air conditioning, and are often located farther from desirable areas.

The standard that specific building typologies need to meet under current BEPS Cycle 1. This is included in this program’s intake form as a reference point for Offices, Affordable Housing, and Houses of Worship but buildings under 50,000 square feet will not be subject to BEPS until future cycles.

Repairs or upkeep that have been postponed, often leading to reduced system performance or higher future costs.

Refers to specific actions taken to reduce energy use and improve efficiency, such as adjusting system schedules, fixing controls, or optimizing equipment performance—often at low or no cost.

An Energy Conservation Measure (ECM) can be defined as any kind of technological resource employed to improve the energy performance of a building. The objective of their application is to reduce the amount of energy used by a particular process, technology or installation.

Portfolio Manager is an interactive resource management tool that enables you to benchmark the energy use of any type of building, all in a secure online environment.

The ENERGY STAR score is a 1-100 rating that provides a comprehensive snapshot of your building’s energy performance, taking into account the building’s physical assets, operations, and occupant behavior. A higher score indicates better performance.

A unit of measurement that describes a building’s energy use, relative to its size or other characteristics. Generally, a low EUI represents better energy performance – however this is a relative measure. Certain buildings, by function and design, will always use more energy than others.

Tools or methods used to identify equipment or system issues by analyzing performance data and detecting abnormal operations.

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) refers to the conditions inside a building that significantly impact an occupant’s experience of that space. It includes physical aspects, such as air quality, temperature, acoustics, and lighting, as well as aesthetic elements, like outside views, natural light and occupant control over lighting and thermal comfort. IEQ can impact an occupant’s physical health and mental well-being, making it an important consideration when designing a building.

Customized guides that provide building staff with instructions and best practices for operating and maintaining building systems efficiently over time.

See the Hub’s example O&M manual