Caroline Reid is a Senior Energy Engineer for Rede Energy Solutions
Consultants offer specialized knowledge and experience, but they may go into projects without knowing all the details of a building or organization. A few simple actions can keep consultants up-to-date and can contribute to the overall success of energy programs.
As the energy manager for the British Columbia Interior Health Authority, Caroline Reid has worked with consultants from many backgrounds. She has been surprised on a few occasions by barriers that have arisen between building operators and consultants.
“It is a consultant’s job to understand mechanical systems. But sometimes consultants miss the importance of the operator and their knowledge of a particular building,” she said.
“Operators know how the building works. They can provide specialized insight as to why something might be the way it is. They are experts in their own buildings.”
The success of energy projects depends on the relationship between operators and consultants. Reid has observed projects that did not finish as planned because operators were not asked to provide valuable information on who their building operates.
“Feedback from operators is very important. There are consultants that are not taking advantage of that and it is in their best interest to have all the pieces of information.”
Operators and consultants have a special relationship that requires special nurturing. It is a two-way street that starts right when selecting consultants to work with.
“When I hire consultants, I want to work with a team who makes it a priority to reach out to the plant staff,” said Reid, who has a background in mechanical engineering.
From there, small actions can go a long way.
“Maintain open lines of communication. Make a special point of the importance of communication.”
Reid recommends to include building operators in phone calls and meetings with consultants.
In the end, the energy manager enables positive relationships that can determine the success of projects. For Reid, facilitating relationships is a big part of her job.
“I spend a lot of time talking with people and connecting them.”