Consumer Real Estate & Construction Property & Facilities Management

Energy Management

Capital-intensive projects where entitlement, financing, construction, and tenancy require multi-party coordination.

Johnson Controls Schneider Electric Siemens Honeywell
Inside this journey
  1. Portfolio & Site Discovery

    Capture portfolio energy baselines, failed-audit findings, tenant constraints, and decision-makers to define target savings and risks.

    Discovery Questions

    Quick Intro: Tell Us About Your Portfolio

    • How many buildings are you responsible for today, and what are the dominant property types (e.g., mid-rise office, strip retail)? Options: 1–4 buildings, 5–10 buildings, 11–20 buildings, 21–50 buildings, 50+ buildings
    • Which single building would you pick for a pilot if you had to choose one right now, and why that building?
    • Roughly what percentage of your portfolio was built before 2000? Options: 0–20%, 21–50%, 51–75%, 76–100%
    • What are the top three goals ownership has asked you to deliver this year (select up to 3)? Options: Reduce energy costs, Meet carbon target, Improve tenant comfort, Earn green certifications, Reduce maintenance calls, Increase asset value, Other
    • Who will be our primary day-to-day contact during discovery and pilot? Options: Facilities Manager, Property Manager, Energy Manager, Owner/Asset Manager, Third‑party consultant, Other

    Are You Comfortable With 'Good Enough' Energy?

    • If you had to put a number on it, how confident are you that your current energy use is already optimized? Options: Very confident, Somewhat confident, Not very confident, Not confident at all
    • When you see a spike or a higher-than-expected bill, what do you typically do—and how long does it take to resolve?
    • Have past energy audits or assessments ever produced recommendations you didn’t implement? If yes, which kinds and why? Options: Controls upgrades, Envelope improvements, Lighting retrofits, Operational changes, We implemented most recommendations, Other
    • How would missed savings make you feel internally—embarrassed in front of ownership, frustrated with vendors, or something else? Options: Embarrassed, Frustrated, Concerned about budget, Neutral, Other
    • What would have to be true for you to believe a controls retrofit could pay for itself within 24 months?

    Where the Money Is Leaking (But Nobody's Noticing)

    • Which recurring energy behaviors frustrate you the most—systems running off-schedule, weekend HVAC use, or large overnight loads? Options: Off-schedule HVAC, Weekend/overnight lighting or HVAC, Setbacks not enforced, Makeup air or exhaust issues, Other
    • Can you share a recent month where utility costs felt out of line—and what you suspect caused it?
    • How often do tenants or staff report comfort complaints that you suspect are actually control or scheduling issues? Options: Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Rarely, Never
    • Which hours of the week do you suspect have the biggest waste (select all that apply)? Options: Weekday business hours, Weekday nights, Weekend daytime, Weekend nights, Holiday periods
    • If we could reduce those waste hours by 30%, how would that change your operational priorities?

    Decision-Makers, Politics, and 'Who Signs the Check?'

    • Who ultimately approves capital or O&M spend for projects like this—and how long does that approval typically take? Options: On-site owner/partner, Regional asset manager, Corporate head office, Investment committee, Third‑party owner, Other
    • Who else influences the decision—tenants, sustainability teams, procurement, or local government—and what role do they play? Options: Tenants, Sustainability/ESG team, Procurement, Legal/Compliance, Local/regulatory bodies, Other
    • Have you ever lost a deal internally because projected savings felt unrealistic? Tell us what skepticism looked like.
    • What political or organizational risks keep you awake when considering a pilot—tenant pushback, CAPEX limits, or vendor reliability? Options: Tenant pushback, CAPEX constraints, Vendor reliability, Disruption to operations, Regulatory risk
    • What proof or assurances do you need to move from pilot to portfolio roll‑out—audited savings, tenant satisfaction, executive buy‑in, or something else? Options: Audited savings, Tenant satisfaction survey, Executive sign-off, Warranty/SLA guarantees, Case studies from similar properties, Other

    Tenant Experience: Comfort, Complaints, and Hidden Constraints

    • If we optimize aggressively, how concerned are you that tenants will notice temperature or lighting changes? Options: Very concerned, Somewhat concerned, Not very concerned, Not concerned at all
    • Do any tenants have contract clauses or service-level expectations that limit HVAC changes, after-hours access, or sensor installation? Options: Yes—strict clauses, Yes—some constraints, No formal clauses, Not sure
    • How many tenant comfort complaints do you receive on average per month, and which are most common (cold, hot, drafty, lighting)? Options: 0–2, 3–5, 6–10, 10+
    • What’s the emotional impact on you and your team when tenants complain—do you feel reactive, blamed, or resigned? Options: Reactive/stressed, Blamed/frustrated, Resigned/used to it, Motivated to fix, Other
    • Are there tenant hours or spaces (e.g., retail lobbies, data closets, labs) we must avoid touching or that require special coordination? Options: Lobbies, Retail units, Server rooms/data closets, Medical/lab spaces, Other

    Technical Reality Check: BAS, Networks, and Data Hygiene

    • Do your buildings share a common BAS or are they a patchwork of different systems and vintages? Options: Single, uniform BAS, Mostly similar systems, Mixed systems across sites, No BAS or very basic controls
    • Which BAS brands or protocols are present across your properties (select all that apply)? Options: Trane, Carrier, Johnson Controls, Siemens, BACnet, Modbus, Proprietary/Other
    • How accessible is historical utility and interval data for the buildings you want to target—easy download, requires utility authorization, or not available? Options: Easily downloadable, Requires authorization, Metered but limited, Not available
    • Have you previously connected any third-party analytics or energy platforms to your network? If so, what worked or failed?
    • How comfortable is your IT team with installing sensors that rely on Wi‑Fi or building LANs, and what security concerns do they raise? Options: Very comfortable, Somewhat comfortable, Reluctant, Not involved

    Pilot Criteria: What Success Actually Looks Like

    • If a pilot could only prove one thing to you and your stakeholders, what should that one thing be—measured $ savings, tenant satisfaction, or operational simplicity? Options: Measured $ savings, Tenant satisfaction, Operational simplicity, Ease of scaling, Other
    • What minimum percent savings or dollar reduction would make a pilot a clear win for you? Options: <5%, 5–10%, 11–20%, 21–30%, 30%+
    • How long would you expect to run a pilot before deciding on a portfolio roll‑out? Options: 2–4 weeks, 4–8 weeks, 2–3 months, 4–6 months
    • Which acceptance criteria must be met for you to sign off on success (select up to 3)? Options: M&V verified savings, No increase in comfort complaints, Limited disruption during install, Positive tenant feedback, Clear ROI within X months, Integration with dashboard
    • What level of measurement & verification rigor do you prefer—internal reporting, third‑party audit, or utility/ESCO verification? Options: Internal reporting, Third‑party audit, Utility/ESCO verification, Unsure

    Risks You'd Rather Not Admit (and How They Would Show Up)

    • What’s the single biggest risk you worry a retrofit would create—tenant backlash, extended HVAC downtime, or inaccurate savings? Options: Tenant backlash, Extended HVAC downtime, Inaccurate savings, Network/security exposure, Other
    • Have you experienced failed installations or pilots before? If yes, describe what went wrong and how it felt to your team.
    • How much HVAC downtime is acceptable per unit during install, and are evenings/weekends available for most sites? Options: No downtime allowed, Up to 2 hours, 2–6 hours, Evening/weekend windows only
    • What contingency or rollback expectations would you need built into a pilot contract to feel safe?
    • If a pilot underdelivered, how would you prefer we address it—refund, extended optimization, or performance guarantees? Options: Refund, Extended optimization period, Performance guarantees/penalties, Other

    If Everything Went Perfect: What Would That Feel Like?

    • Imagine the ideal outcome 12 months after rollout—what are three measurable things that prove success?
    • Beyond savings, what softer outcomes would matter—tenant NPS, lower service calls, or improved workplace ratings? Options: Increased tenant NPS, Fewer maintenance tickets, Higher occupancy/renewal, Better ESG reporting, Other
    • How would you like savings and comfort metrics presented—daily dashboards, weekly summaries, or quarterly executive briefs? Options: Daily dashboards, Weekly summaries, Quarterly briefs, Automated alerts only, Custom reports
    • If a landlord or board asked for a headline metric to share publicly, what single KPI would you choose (e.g., % energy reduction, $ savings, or CO2 avoided)? Options: % energy reduction, Dollar savings, CO2 avoided, Tenant satisfaction score, Other
    • What would success free you up to do differently in your role?

    First Steps — Commitments, Access, and Next Actions

    • What documents or approvals will we need to get started—utility bills, site access forms, or tenant consent? Options: 12–24 months utility bills, Site access/permit forms, Tenant notifications/consent, BAS credentials, Other
    • How quickly could you provide 12–24 months of metered utility data for our pilot building? Options: Immediately, Within 1–2 weeks, Within 1 month, Longer than 1 month, Not available
    • Who will provide access on install days and who signs off on completed installs? Options: Facilities lead on site, Regional manager, Third‑party vendor, Owner representative, Other
    • What installation windows are available at your pilot site—weeknights, weekends, or daytime with tenant notices? Options: Weeknights, Weekends, Daytime with tenant notices, Holiday windows
    • Realistically, how ready are you to start a pilot in the next 90 days—ready, need approvals, or longer timeline? Options: Ready now, Need approvals (1–2 months), Longer timeline (3+ months), Unsure
  2. Solution Experience

    Use the customer’s utility data and a pilot-building scenario to model projected savings, tenant impact, and the calibrated future state.

    Experience Meetings

    • Solution Experience Prep & Data Confirmation
    • Modeling Workshop: Baseline Analysis & Consequence Quantification
    • Pilot Scenario Review — Calibrated Future State Proof
    • Tenant & Facilities Impact Review
    • Validation Criteria, Reporting & Commercial Alignment
    • Set monitoring cadence and SLAs for rapid response during calibration.
    • Both parties to sign off on M&V acceptance criteria and the pilot measurement window.
    • One‑Sentence Future State
    • Customer explicitly validates the calibrated future state as solving the named consequences.
    • Agreement on tenant impact mitigation and operational runbook for pilot execution.
    • Decision to proceed to pilot deployment planning or list of required iterations.
    • If approved, seller to produce a signed pilot scope-and-install plan with dates and owners.
    • If not approved, seller to capture feedback, adjust model inputs, and schedule a focused follow-up within 5 business days.
    • Customer to confirm on-site contact, approvals, and tenant notification windows required for installation.
    • Review Tenant Constraints & Acceptance Criteria
    • Ensure tenant comfort risks are mitigated with concrete communication and escalation processes.
    • Assign facilities operations owners and training schedule for pilot support.
    • Introductions & Meeting Objectives
    • Seller to provide tenant notification templates and a 1‑page occupant FAQ.
    • Customer to supply tenant contact list, any lease constraints, and approve notification windows.
    • Schedule a 60‑minute ops training session during pilot install week.
    • M&V Plan Review
    • Agree on rigorous M&V criteria and the reporting artifacts that will serve as the single source of truth.
    • Set the commercial link between verified savings and pricing/rollout commitments.
    • Establish remediation and reconciliation paths if pilot results deviate from projections.
    • Seller to deliver the final M&V plan and dashboard template for customer review and sign-off.
    • Customer to confirm signatories, decision dates, and any required procurement milestones.
    • Both parties to record the pilot-to-rollout commercial trigger conditions in the pilot scope document.
    • Produce a crystal-clear one-sentence current state agreed by both parties.
    • Quantify the top-line consequence that gives urgency to the pilot (cost, comfort disruption, compliance risk).
    • Confirm complete data set and ownership for delivery so modeling can proceed without assumptions.
    • Agree on pilot building and immediate scope boundaries.
    • Customer to upload 12–24 months of utility bills, BAS logs (1–5 min granularity if available), floor plans, and tenant constraints.
    • Seller to create a short data intake checklist and confirm access credentials and delivery deadlines.
    • Schedule the Modeling Workshop with relevant technical and decision-making attendees.
    • Re‑state Current State & Consequence
    • Validate baseline numbers and ensure the diagnosis is data-driven and undisputed.
    • Produce a quantified consequence (dollars, kWh, % of baseline) tied to the current state.
    • Agree on pilot scenario assumptions so the model output becomes a provable forecast, not a product tour.
    • Set explicit M&V acceptance criteria and validation owners for the pilot.
    • Seller to deliver the baseline analysis report, model inputs, and sensitivity charts within 3 business days.
    • Customer to confirm or correct pilot assumptions and provide any missing BAS/occupancy data.
    • Demonstrated Comfort Outcomes
    • Data Feeds & Dashboard Walkthrough
    • One‑Sentence Current State
    • Baseline Utility & Load Profile Review
    • Model Outputs Tied to Problems (Diagnosis → Proof)
    • Commercial Mapping: Pilot → Rollout Triggers
    • Consequence Summary (impact statement)
    • Tenant Comfort Simulation & Impact Mapping
    • Failure Modes & Tenant Constraints
    • Tenant Notification & Escalation Plan
    • Operational Runbook Overview
    • Pilot Scenario Assumptions
    • Required Data & Prework Checklist
    • Risk, Remediation & Reconciliation
    • Facilities Ops Readiness & Training
    • Decision & Validation Checkpoint
    • Monitoring & Rapid Response
    • Next Steps & Decision Timeline
    • Live Savings Model: Projected Energy & Cost Reductions
    • Pilot Building & Scope Confirmation
    • Sensitivity & Risk Analysis
    • Define M&V Acceptance Gates
  3. Solution Scope

    Define buildings in-scope, sensor/controller modules, integration points, pilot duration, installation windows, and M&V acceptance criteria.

    Scope Configuration

    • Install networked occupancy and ambient sensors
    • Install and wire smart HVAC controllers
    • Install networked lighting control modules and daylight sensors
    • Integrate controllers with Building Automation System (BACnet/Modbus)
    • Deploy cloud monitoring dashboard and provision user accounts
    • Commission sensors and controllers for system functionality
    • Execute 4–6 week occupancy learning calibration run
    • Activate automated demand response and peak curtailment controls
    • Perform firmware, cybersecurity, and device updates
    • Provide monthly remote optimization and setpoint tuning
    • On-site preventive maintenance and hardware inspections
    • Replace faulty sensors and hardware swap-outs
    • Install outdoor weather station and forecast integration
    • Deliver monthly verified energy savings statement (utility-reconciled)

    Scope Questions

    Install networked occupancy and ambient sensors

    • How many distinct zones or rooms should occupancy/ambient sensors be installed in? Options: Less than 25, 25-50, 51-150, 151-500, 500+
    • What space types will be instrumented? Options: Private offices, Open-plan offices, Retail sales floor, Conference rooms, Lobbies/reception, Corridors, Restrooms, Mechanical rooms, Other
    • Are there tenant or landlord restrictions for visible sensor installation (e.g., no drilling, concealment required)? Options: Yes, No
    • Is mains power available at planned mounting locations or should sensors be battery-powered? Options: Mains power available, Battery-powered required, Combination of both, Unknown / needs survey
    • Do you require privacy-preserving occupancy modes (no cameras, anonymized counts) or tamper-resistant housings? Options: Yes, No
    • Specify any preferred mounting heights, locations to avoid, or aesthetic constraints.

    Install and wire smart HVAC controllers

    • Approximately how many HVAC units, VAV boxes, or control points are in scope per building? Options: Less than 10, 10-25, 26-75, 76-200, 200+
    • Which types of HVAC equipment will require controllers? Options: Rooftop Units (RTUs), Air Handling Units (AHUs), VAV boxes, Chillers, Boilers, Split systems/packaged units, Other
    • Is existing control wiring and terminal space available at the equipment control panels? Options: Yes, No, Partial / Unknown
    • Will controller installation require scheduled HVAC downtime (evenings/weekends) or can it be done live? Options: Scheduled downtime required, Live swap acceptable, Combination / depends on unit, Unknown
    • Are there site safety, lockout/tagout, or vendor credential requirements for contractor crews? Options: Yes, No
    • Provide any access constraints, electrical panel locations, or preferred installation windows.

    Install networked lighting control modules and daylight sensors

    • How many lighting circuits or fixture groups are targets for control per building? Options: Less than 10, 10-50, 51-150, 151-500, 500+
    • Do fixtures support line-voltage dimming, require smart ballasts/drivers, or need retrofit modules? Options: Line-voltage dimmable, Requires smart ballast/driver, Retrofit module available, Unknown
    • Are daylight sensors required near windows/skylights and should they be networked for zoning? Options: Yes - networked zoning, Yes - standalone, No, Unknown
    • What level of zoning control is needed (per-room, per-floor, façade-side, whole-floor)? Options: Per-room, Per-floor, Per-zone/side, Whole-building, Custom
    • Is there an existing lighting control system or PLC we must integrate with? Options: Yes - specify protocol later, No, Unknown
    • List any tenant aesthetics, fixture warranty considerations, or emergency lighting constraints.

    Integrate controllers with Building Automation System (BACnet/Modbus)

    • Is there an existing BAS on site to integrate with? Options: Yes - fully operational, Partial/legacy BAS, No BAS, Unknown
    • Which communication protocols are supported by the on-site BAS or preferred for integration? Options: BACnet/IP, BACnet MSTP, Modbus TCP, Modbus RTU, LonWorks, Other
    • Will you provide BAS network access, device point lists, and credentials for integration? Options: Yes, No, Partial / will require coordination
    • Are there IP addressing, VLAN, firewall, or VPN requirements that affect integration? Options: Yes, No, Unknown
    • Who is the BAS owner or contact (vendor/third-party) for coordination and scheduling?
    • Are there any cybersecurity policies or required network traversal procedures (jump boxes, bastion hosts)?

    Deploy cloud monitoring dashboard and provision user accounts

    • How many users and what role types should be provisioned initially? Options: 1-5, 6-20, 21-50, 50+
    • Which roles should be available (Owner, Facilities Manager, Energy Analyst, Tenant Rep, IT Admin)? Options: Owner, Facilities Manager, Energy Analyst, Tenant Representative, IT Administrator, Other
    • Do you require Single Sign-On (SSO) or SAML/OAuth integration with existing identity providers? Options: Yes - SSO required, No, Consider later
    • What reporting cadence and data granularity do you need (real-time, hourly, daily, monthly)? Options: Real-time/streaming, 15-minute, Hourly, Daily, Monthly
    • Do you need integrations or data exports to third-party reporting tools (PowerBI, Tableau) or APIs? Options: Yes, No
    • If integrations required, list preferred tools, API endpoints, or export formats.

    Commission sensors and controllers for system functionality

    • Do you require factory acceptance testing (FAT), on-site commissioning, or both? Options: On-site commissioning only, FAT + on-site, Remote commissioning possible, Unknown
    • Which commissioning standards or deliverables are required (ASHRAE, manufacturer checklist, owner spec)? Options: ASHRAE standard, Manufacturer checklist, Owner/client specification, Other
    • Which functional tests should be performed (occupancy detection, setpoint control, schedules, alarms)? Options: Occupancy detection, Setpoint control, Scheduling & setbacks, Demand response, Data feed validation, Alarm & notification tests
    • Who is the authorized sign-off authority for commissioning completion? Options: Owner/Property Manager, Facilities Manager, Vendor, Third-party commissioning agent
    • Do you require as-built documentation, point-to-point wiring diagrams, and commissioning reports? Options: Yes, No
    • Preferred dates or windows for commissioning activities and any blackout periods to avoid.

    Execute 4–6 week occupancy learning calibration run

    • What calibration duration do you prefer for the pilot learning run? Options: 4 weeks, 5 weeks, 6 weeks, Custom duration
    • Should calibration occur during normal operations or include simulated occupancy/test events? Options: Normal operations, Simulated events, Both
    • Are there seasonal events, holidays, or special tenant operations occurring during the proposed calibration window? Options: Yes, No, Unknown
    • What minimum average occupancy level is expected during calibration to yield valid learning (Low/Medium/High)? Options: Low (<20%), Medium (20-60%), High (>60%), Unknown
    • Will tenants be notified about the learning period and potential temporary comfort variations? Options: Yes - formal notification, Yes - informal, No, Require vendor to handle notifications
    • Do you want interim performance reviews (weekly checkpoints) during calibration? Options: Yes - weekly, Yes - biweekly, No

    Activate automated demand response and peak curtailment controls

    • Does the site currently participate in utility or aggregator demand response programs? Options: Yes, No, Interested - need enrollment assistance
    • Which DR signal types should be supported (OpenADR, utility manual dispatch, aggregator API)? Options: OpenADR, Utility manual dispatch, Aggregator API, Custom
    • Are there tenant-critical loads or protected equipment that must be excluded from DR events? Options: Yes, No, Unknown
    • What maximum setpoint or load reduction is allowable during DR events (percent or absolute)?
    • Is revenue-grade telemetry or utility-grade metering required for settlement or incentive payments? Options: Yes, No, Maybe - depends on program
    • Do you require pre-approval testing with the utility or aggregator before live events? Options: Yes, No

    Perform firmware, cybersecurity, and device updates

    • Do you have site cybersecurity policies that dictate firmware update windows, approvals, or testing? Options: Yes, No, Unknown
    • Would you prefer staged firmware rollouts (pilot batch then fleet) or immediate fleet-wide updates? Options: Staged rollout, Immediate fleet update, Case-by-case
    • Are devices hosted on a segregated IoT network with restricted egress and firewall rules? Options: Yes, No, Unknown
    • Who must approve firmware versions before deployment (Owner, IT, Vendor, Third-party)? Options: Owner, IT / Security, Vendor, Third-party auditor
    • Do you require vulnerability scanning, patch reports, or SOC-style reporting after updates? Options: Yes, No
    • Preferred maintenance windows for performing updates (nights, weekends, specific dates).

    Provide monthly remote optimization and setpoint tuning

    • Should monthly adjustments be applied automatically or require manual approval before deployment? Options: Automatic adjustments, Manual approval required, Hybrid (auto + review)
    • Which KPIs should optimization prioritize? Options: Energy reduction, Tenant comfort (PMV/temperature), Peak demand reduction, Equipment runtime/maintenance, Cost savings
    • Who should receive monthly optimization reports and alerts? Options: Owner, Facilities Manager, Energy Analyst, Tenant Representative, IT Admin
    • Do you require a change log, rollback capability, and approval history for setpoint changes? Options: Yes, No
    • Is a dedicated account manager or remote optimization engineer required as part of the monthly service? Options: Account manager, Remote engineer, Both, No preference
    • Specify any SLA expectations for response time to detected performance anomalies (hours/days).
  4. Mutual Commit

    Finalize pricing tied to verified savings, contract modules, SLAs, pilot terms, and mutual responsibilities for rollout.

    Agreement Modules

    • Statement of Work (SOW)
    • Master Services Agreement (MSA)
    • Pricing & Verified Savings Agreement
    • Pilot Terms & Acceptance
    • Service Level Agreement (SLA)
    • Hardware Purchase / Lease & Warranty
    • Data Access, Privacy & Integration Agreement
    • Site Access & Work Authorization
    • Payment Schedule & Invoicing
    • Rollout & Phasing Plan
    • Change Order Agreement
    • Maintenance & Optimization Agreement
    • Insurance & Liability Addendum
    • Termination & Decommissioning Terms
    • Mutual Responsibilities & Governance Checklist
  5. Deployment

    Operationalize rollout with readiness checks, enablement, and outcome validation.

    1. Pre-Deployment Readiness

      Validate site access, BAS/network integrations, tenant notification windows, and owner approvals required for installation.

      Readiness Questions

      Getting Comfortable Together

      • Which building(s) are we piloting and what is the primary street address for each?
      • Who on your team will be our day-to-day point of contact during site prep and installation? Please include name, role, preferred contact method, and best hours to reach them.
      • Which of these best describes your ownership model for the pilot building(s)? Options: Single owner/operator, Third-party property manager, Condo/HOA with owner reps, Mixed ownership across units, Other
      • What are the top three outcomes you want this pilot to prove (e.g., % energy reduction, tenant comfort, non-disruptive install, integration with BAS)?
      • When would you prefer the pilot installation window to occur? Select all acceptable windows and indicate any absolute no-go dates in the next 90 days. Options: Weekdays 8am–5pm, Evenings (after 6pm), Overnight (midnight–6am), Weekends, Specific dates (we will list after)

      If We Showed Up and Couldn't Get In...

      • Who controls physical site access for each building (property manager, security vendor, owner, tenant) and how quickly can access be granted? Options: Property manager, On-site security, Owner/asset manager, Tenant-controlled, Other
      • Do crews require escort or badges to enter mechanical rooms or tenant spaces? If yes, how are escorts scheduled and billed? Options: No escort required, Escort required during business hours, Escort required at all times, Badge/credential provided by client, Other
      • What’s your process for after-hours access and who must authorize it? Options: Site security approval, Property manager sign-off, Owner approval, No after-hours allowed, Other
      • Are there union rules, contractor pre-qualification, or insurance endorsements we must meet before crews can work on site? Options: Yes—union, Yes—vendor pre-qual, Yes—insurance addendum, No special requirements, Unsure
      • Have there been prior access problems (missed escorts, locked rooms, lost keys) that slowed past projects? Tell us one example and how long it delayed work.
      • Do you have a designated staging/loading area, and are there any size, time, or permit restrictions for deliveries? Options: On-site loading dock, Street-level curbside (permit required), No dedicated area, Parking garage access, Other

      What's Hidden Behind Your Network Closet?

      • If our team needs to integrate with your BAS or corporate network, what protocols and interfaces are supported in the building (BACnet/IP, BACnet MSTP, Modbus, Niagara, LonWorks, other)? Options: BACnet/IP, BACnet MSTP, Modbus, Niagara/Echelon, LonWorks, Proprietary/Other
      • How open is your IT group to granting temporary firewall/VPN access for vendor devices, and what is the typical approval cadence? Options: IT usually approves quickly (days), IT approval takes 1–2 weeks, IT requires >2 weeks, IT rarely approves external devices, Unsure
      • Do you require devices to be on a dedicated VLAN, use certificate-based authentication, or pass a security review before connecting? Options: Dedicated VLAN, Certificate-based auth, Device inventory + review, No special requirements, Other
      • Are there existing remote access methods (site VPN, jump host, cloud BAS credentials) we should plan to use? Please list access type and any temporary credentials policy. Options: Site VPN, Jump host/SSH, Cloud BAS portal, No remote access allowed, Other
      • Has your IT/security team required onboarding questionnaires, SOC2 evidence, or penetration testing results from past vendors? If so, what slowed approvals most?
      • Who will be our technical liaison in IT/BAS and what are their escalation contacts for network issues during install?

      Who Really Signs Off When Something Changes?

      • Which stakeholders must approve a planned HVAC downtime or controller swap (owner, tenant, FM, engineering, legal)? Please indicate lead approver and backup. Options: Owner/asset manager, Facilities manager, Tenant representative, Corporate engineering, Legal/Compliance
      • What is your typical internal approval timeline for operational changes—same day, few days, 1–2 weeks, or longer? Options: Same day, 1–3 days, 4–10 days, More than 2 weeks, Varies widely
      • Are there formal change-control or work-order systems we must submit to (e.g., CMMS ticket, owner portal)? If yes, which and who submits them? Options: CMMS/work order, Owner portal, Email approvals only, No formal system, Other
      • Do any owners or tenants require legal review or specific contract language before sign-off on pilot work or pilot terms? Options: Yes—legal review required, Yes—insurance review only, No legal review, Unsure
      • How do you prefer acceptance be documented after pilot install—email signoff, site acceptance form, digital signature, or other? Options: Email signoff, Site acceptance form (PDF), Digital signature (DocuSign), Formal acceptance meeting, Other
      • Tell us about a past sign-off that took longer than expected—who stalled it and what would have made the process smoother?

      How Will Tenants Really React?

      • Which tenant notification rules apply in your building(s)—advance notice windows, language requirements, or consent for technicians to enter tenant spaces? Options: 48–72 hours notice, 7–14 days notice, Tenant consent required, No notice required, Other
      • Do any tenants have specific hours or days when HVAC or electrical work is absolutely prohibited? Options: Weekdays only, No work during business hours, Weekends preferred, After-hours only, No restrictions
      • Have tenants previously complained about HVAC downtime or maintenance—what were the most common impacts (comfort complaints, lost revenue, service disruptions)? Options: Comfort complaints, Business disruption, Lost revenue, No major complaints, Other
      • Which tenants are highest risk for escalation (e.g., critical operations, medical labs, franchise rules)? Please name them and note sensitivities.
      • Do tenants require a specific template or legal addendum for notifications or access agreements, and if so can you share it before scheduling? Options: Yes—template provided, Yes—legal addendum required, No template required, Unsure
      • What tone and channel do you find most effective for tenant outreach—formal email, building bulletin, in-person notice, SMS, or property portal? Options: Formal email, Building bulletin, In-person notice, SMS/text, Property portal
      • If a tenant is upset during installation, who is empowered to make on-site decisions and what is the escalation path?

      What's the Worst That Could Happen (and Do You Have a Backup)?

      • If an unexpected outage occurs during controller replacement, what systems are considered mission-critical and must remain online or have immediate rollback? Options: Life-safety/fire systems, Security systems, Critical tenant equipment, All HVAC for specific floors, No mission-critical systems
      • Do you require a written rollback plan, and who must authorize execution of that rollback if the pilot causes instability? Options: Rollback plan required, Rollback authorized by FM, Rollback authorized by owner, No rollback plan required, Unsure
      • What liability or insurance concerns should our crews be aware of (named insured, certificate holder, parking/road damage, special permits)? Options: Named insured required, Certificate holder required, Special permits required, No special concerns, Other
      • Have you experienced a failed integration or data feed in past projects—what broke and how long did recovery take?
      • If a regulatory or compliance issue arises during work (e.g., fire marshal, tenant regulator), who coordinates the response and how quickly can remedies be implemented? Options: Property manager, Owner, Building engineer, External counsel, Other
      • What contingency budget or time buffer do you usually allow for pilot installations to handle surprises? Options: No buffer, 1–2 business days, 3–7 business days, More than a week, Unsure

      How Do We Know We're Done?

      • What are the acceptance criteria for the pilot from an owner's perspective—measured kWh reduction, tenant comfort metrics, uptime, or data feed reliability? Options: kWh reduction, Comfort/stability, System uptime, Reliable data feeds, Other
      • Do you already have M&V parameters defined (baseline period, measurement interval, verification method)? If yes, please summarize or attach the spec. Options: Yes—detailed spec exists, Yes—high-level parameters only, No, we need to define them together, Unsure
      • Who signs the final M&V acceptance, and what evidence do they require (dashboard screenshots, raw meter data, signed report)? Options: Owner signoff, FM signoff, Third-party verifier, No formal signer, Other
      • What monitoring period post-install do you consider necessary before declaring success (2 weeks, 4–6 weeks calibration, 90 days, other)? Options: 2 weeks, 4–6 weeks, 90 days, 6 months, Other
      • Would you like a formal calibration review meeting after the initial learning period to adjust setpoints and tenant expectations? Options: Yes—schedule review, Maybe—depending on results, No, minimal touch preferred, Unsure
      • What format of handover and documentation do you prefer at closeout (operation manual, credentials list, training session, recorded walkthrough)? Options: Operation manual (PDF), Credentials list, Live training session, Recorded walkthrough, Other

      Practical Logistics: Where Do Crews Eat, Park, and Store Gear?

      • Where can installation crews park and are parking permits or validated spaces required? Options: On-site parking, Validated street parking, Parking garage (fee), No parking available, Other
      • Will elevators need reservations for moving equipment between floors, and are there size/weight limits we should plan for? Options: Elevator reservation required, Freight elevator available, Stair access only, No restrictions, Other
      • Is a secure, climate-controlled storage or staging room available for spare parts and equipment during the pilot? Options: Yes—secure room, Yes—shared storage, No storage available, Short-term loading-only, Other
      • Do we need to coordinate with any other contractors or maintenance activities during our install (roofers, electricians, fire system testing)? Please list overlaps and timing.
      • Are special PPE, induction, or safety training sessions required for our crew to enter mechanical or tenant spaces? Options: Site safety induction required, PPE beyond standard required, No special requirements, Other
      • Who will be the on-site contact on each install day and what is the preferred channel for real-time updates (SMS, call, Slack/email)? Options: On-site FM, Property manager, Security desk, Owner rep, Other
    2. Deployment Enablement

      Schedule building-level installs, assign crews, coordinate HVAC downtime windows, and manage execution with clear owners and milestones.

    3. Validation Checklist

      Verify sensor placement, controller calibration, data feeds, and that measured performance meets the agreed M&V benchmarks.

      Validation Questions

      Quick Intro — help us focus where it matters

      • How many buildings in this portfolio do you want us to analyze first? Options: 1, 2–4, 5–9, 10–20, 20+
      • What types of properties are we talking about? (pick all that apply) Options: Office, Retail / shopping center, Mixed-use, Industrial / warehouse, Medical / lab, Other
      • Who am I speaking with today and what's your role in building energy decisions? Options: Facilities Manager, Property Owner / Asset Manager, Sustainability Director, Energy Manager, Procurement, Other
      • What are the top two outcomes you need this engagement to deliver (pick up to two)? Options: Lower utility bills, Tenant comfort / satisfaction, Prepare for green certification, Verified carbon reductions, Reduce peak demand charges, Other
      • What recent event prompted you to explore solutions now (select one)? Options: Utility bill spike, Failed energy audit, Tenant complaint / churn risk, Corporate sustainability mandate, Lease renewal / retrofit, Other

      If this keeps going, what breaks next?

      • What would you say is the single most serious consequence of doing nothing about energy and controls in the next 12–24 months? Options: Rising utility costs, Tenant dissatisfaction / complaints, Failed audit consequences, Missed sustainability targets, Increased maintenance costs, Other
      • Can you describe a recent example where energy or comfort issues caused a visible problem (tenant call, complaint, maintenance escalation)?
      • How quickly do these problems escalate to ownership or corporate (choose one)? Options: Immediately / same day, Within a week, Within a month, Only at quarterly review, Rarely escalated
      • When those issues hit the balance sheet or occupancy, how does it feel to you and your team—frustrating, helpless, pressured, other? Options: Frustrating, Pressured by ownership, Embarrassing with tenants, Operationally stressful, We treat it as routine
      • How long have you been living with the energy or comfort problem you just described? Options: Less than 6 months, 6–12 months, 1–3 years, 3+ years, Intermittent / varies by building

      What surprises are hiding in your energy numbers?

      • Do you have whole-building utility data we can access for modeling (electric, gas) and for what baseline period? Options: Yes — AMI / interval data 12+ months, Yes — monthly billing only, Partial data for some buildings, No, but we can request it, No / not available
      • If you have utility data, are there known anomalies we should be aware of (meter swaps, vacancies, major retrofits)? Options: Meter changes, Long-term vacancy, Major equipment replacement, Metering errors, No known anomalies
      • Have past audits or a failed audit surfaced specific issues (e.g., fixed schedules, sensor failures, BAS problems)? Please summarize the most urgent findings.
      • On a scale from 1–5, how confident are you in the accuracy of your current energy baseline data? Options: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
      • Would you be open to sharing a sample month of interval data for a pilot building so we can model realistic savings? Options: Yes — we can share immediately, Yes — need internal approval, Maybe / requires follow-up, No

      Who actually signs the checks — and who gets blamed?

      • Who are the decision-makers for capital or OPEX tied to energy projects (names / roles / approval thresholds)?
      • Which stakeholders must be consulted before a pilot or install (operations, leasing, tenants, IT, legal, ownership)? (select all that apply) Options: Operations / FM, Asset owner / portfolio manager, Leasing / tenant relations, IT / network, Legal / procurement, Third-party property manager
      • How long is your typical procurement / approval cycle from proposal to signed agreement? Options: <2 weeks, 2–6 weeks, 6–12 weeks, 3–6 months, Longer / variable
      • Who will be our primary day-to-day contact during a pilot and deployment? Please include role and preferred contact method.
      • Have you run pilots before with third-party vendors? If so, what worked and what caused friction?
      • What approval or oversight does IT or BAS require for new sensor/controller network access? Options: Full IT security review, Standard vendor onboarding, BAS integrator involvement, No special requirements, Unsure

      Where can we install without starting a tenant revolt?

      • Which tenant spaces are off-limits or have special constraints (sensitive tenants, labs, critical operations)? Options: Executive floors, Medical / lab spaces, Retail storefronts, Data centers / server rooms, None / all are accessible, Other
      • What are your preferred installation windows (weeknights, weekends, daytime) and any restrictions we must honor? Options: Weekdays daytime, Weekday evenings, Weekends, Must be after-hours only, Tenant-specific windows
      • How tolerant are tenants for temporary HVAC downtime during controller swaps from 0 (not acceptable) to 5 (fully acceptable with notice)? Options: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
      • What tenant notification process would you prefer we follow (email, onsite signage, building rep coordination)? Options: Email notice, Building manager coordinates, Tenant portal announcement, Onsite signage only, Other
      • Are there union rules, vendor insurance limits, or credentialing requirements for crews on site? Options: Union rules apply, Special insurance required, Vendor badging / background checks, No special requirements, Unsure
      • If a tenant raises a comfort complaint during calibration, who do we escalate to and what response window do you expect? Options: Facilities same day, Property manager 24–48 hrs, Ownership within 72 hrs, Other

      How do you define 'working' for a pilot?

      • What success metrics will convince you a pilot is ready to scale (energy kWh reduction, cost savings $, comfort complaints down, tenant satisfaction)? (select up to three) Options: kWh reduction, Dollar savings, Peak demand reduction, Fewer comfort complaints, Improved tenant satisfaction scores, Reliable data feeds
      • What minimum duration do you expect for a pilot to be a fair test (weeks/months)? Options: 2–4 weeks, 4–6 weeks, 2–3 months, 3–6 months
      • Do you have a preferred M&V approach or acceptance threshold (e.g., % of projected savings verified, weather-normalized savings)? Options: % of projected savings, Weather-normalized M&V, IPMVP option C, Vendor-suggested protocol, Unsure / open
      • Which data feeds can we reliably connect for verification (BAS points, submetering, interval meters, Wi‑Fi occupancy, other)? (select all that apply) Options: BAS / BACnet points, Interval utility meters (AMI), Submetering, Networked sensors, Wi‑Fi occupancy, None available currently
      • Who will sign off that the pilot met acceptance criteria (role/title)?
      • If the pilot misses targets, what remediation or next-step options would you consider (extended tuning, change scope, cancel)? Options: Extended tuning, Adjust scope, Reduce guaranteed savings, Cancel pilot, Other

      What would make you sleep better after rollout?

      • What keeps you up at night about switching to an automated controls provider (financial risk, tenant backlash, tech outages, warranty/maintenance)? Options: Financial risk, Tenant backlash, IT/security concerns, System reliability, Vendor responsiveness, Other
      • How comfortable are you with pricing models tied to verified savings versus fixed-fee contracts? Options: Prefer shared-savings, Prefer fixed monthly fee, Hybrid (cap + savings), Undecided / need more info
      • What level of vendor SLAs and reporting would make you confident—daily alerts, weekly tuning reports, monthly executive summaries, real-time dashboard? Options: Real-time dashboard, Daily alerts, Weekly tuning reports, Monthly executive summaries, Quarterly business reviews
      • What internal teams will support ongoing ops after rollout (in-house technicians, third-party contractors, vendor-managed)? Options: In-house team, Third-party contractors, Vendor-managed, Combination
      • If something goes wrong after deployment, what escalation path and response time is acceptable to you? Options: Onsite same day, Remote fix within 24 hrs, 48–72 hrs acceptable, Depends on severity
      • What would success look like one year after rollout—metrics, stakeholder sentiment, and operational changes?

      Let’s plan the first week — practical next steps

      • Which pilot building would you like us to start with and why (operational simplicity, high consumption, tenant openness)?
      • Which documents or credentials can you provide this week to accelerate scoping (site plans, BAS point list, meter IDs, past audit reports)? (select all that apply) Options: Site plans / floor plans, BAS point list, Meter IDs / utility account numbers, Past energy audits, Tenant contact list, None available immediately
      • Who will grant site access and network/BAS permissions for install and testing (name & role)?
      • Which days/times in the next 30 days are off-limits for installs or tests so we avoid tenant disruption? Options: Weekday business hours, Weekday evenings, Weekends, Month-end close periods, Lease renewal events
      • What would be a realistic date to start a pilot analytics model once we have data access? Options: Within 1 week, 1–2 weeks, 2–4 weeks, More than 4 weeks
      • Who should receive the pilot kickoff summary and weekly status updates (names or roles)?
  6. Success

    Confirm realized energy and comfort outcomes, review calibration learnings, and maintain a shared channel for issues and enhancements.

    Success Reviews

    • Success Review & M&V Validation
    • Calibration & Optimization Workshop
    • Tenant Comfort & Stakeholder Review
    • Operational Support, SLA & Shared Channel Setup
    • Financial Reconciliation & Rollout Decision

    Issues & Enhancements

    • Provision the agreed shared channel and invite all operational contacts.
    • Agree on a prioritized list of calibration fixes and optimizations with clear owners.
    • Define measurement/validation plan (metrics, duration) that proves each optimization.
    • Minimize risk by specifying rollback criteria and verification checkpoints.
    • Apply approved configuration/firmware changes to pilot controllers and record change log.
    • Schedule targeted 2-week validation window with telemetry export at midpoint and endpoint.
    • Replace or relocate sensors flagged for poor performance and update inventory records.
    • Pre-work: occupant feedback packet
    • Resolve outstanding comfort issues with an agreed remediation list and owners.
    • Align on trade-offs and operating guardrails that balance savings and occupant comfort.
    • Establish the tenant communication plan and assign a point of contact for tenant escalations.
    • Implement short-term setpoint or schedule exceptions and log expected impact windows.
    • Publish tenant-facing communication and FAQ via agreed channel.
    • Track comfort metrics daily for two weeks and report back at follow-up meeting.
    • Agree on SLAs, escalation paths, and monitoring thresholds to ensure reliable support.
    • Confirm shared channel technology and access
    • Create and provision a shared operational channel with correct access and notification rules.
    • Establish a regular optimization and reporting cadence with owners assigned.
    • Pre-work check
    • Document and publish the SLA and escalation matrix in the shared channel.
    • Configure monitoring alerts and verify end-to-end delivery with a test incident.
    • Pre-work: finance packet review
    • Finalize financial reconciliation and agree any credits or invoices tied to pilot performance.
    • Obtain a commercial decision to proceed, defer, or modify the rollout with clear conditions.
    • Assign owners to produce contract amendments or SOW for the next phase.
    • Issue any agreed credits or adjusted invoices and confirm receipt with customer finance.
    • Prepare SOW and pricing for portfolio rollout and circulate for procurement approval.
    • Schedule executive approval meeting if required for capital commitment.
    • Confirm verified energy savings and accept M&V results (or capture specific disputes).
    • Validate occupant comfort outcomes and agree remediation for any issues.
    • Secure a clear decision: accepted, accepted-with-conditions, or escalate for further analysis.
    • Define concise next steps and owners for financial reconciliation and rollout planning.
    • Deliver final signed M&V report and source data to customer within agreed SLA.
    • Record formal pilot acceptance signature or list of outstanding remediation items and owners.
    • If savings trigger performance fee or credit, issue billing adjustment instructions to finance.
    • Pre-work: calibration data pack review
    • One-sentence calibration summary
    • One-sentence comfort baseline
    • One-sentence current state
    • Support model & escalation paths
    • One-sentence financial outcome
    • Monitoring, alerts & dashboards
    • Consequence & targets recap
    • Correlation of complaints to system events
    • Calibration telemetry & diagnostics
    • Verified savings vs pricing reconciliation
    • M&V results presentation
    • Continuous optimization cadence
    • Root-cause analysis for anomalies
    • Short-term remediation options
    • Contract modules & commercial options
    • Proposed configuration changes & A/B tests
    • Enhancements backlog and funding pathway
    • Comfort & occupant metrics
    • Long-term improvements & trade-offs
    • Decision and conditions for rollout
    • Reporting & escalation templates
    • Variance analysis
    • Tenant communication & escalation plan
    • Timeline, owners, and success criteria
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