News & Insights
VIDEO: Energy efficiency for existing buildings
Why this matters now
Most of the buildings that will be standing in 2050 are already built. That simple fact reshapes how owners, investors, and policymakers think about energy and carbon. New construction gets the headlines, but the largest improvements in many portfolios come from upgrading what already exists. With energy costs up, performance disclosure requirements expanding, and lenders asking sharper questions, the case for tackling existing buildings is stronger than it has been in a long time.
What leaders are weighing
Owners are weighing the cost and disruption of upgrades against the long-term cost of operating inefficient buildings. They are deciding how to sequence improvements: envelope, central plant, controls, lighting, or distribution systems. There are tradeoffs around tenant disruption, lease cycles, and whether to chase deep retrofits or steady incremental gains. Capital constraints are real, and the most attractive projects on paper are not always the easiest to execute. Many owners also have to coordinate energy work with deferred maintenance and code compliance.
How Salas O’Brien is helping clients respond
Our existing buildings team helps owners assess what’s possible, what’s practical, and what to do first. We bring experience across MEP systems, controls, envelope, and commissioning so clients see the building as an integrated system rather than a list of components. We help leaders build realistic roadmaps, model outcomes, and make decisions that hold up across multiple budget cycles. Hear David Bonaventure, John Salas, Gerry Fitzsimmons, and Andrew Pratt share how they help owners get more from buildings they already have.
David Bonaventure, PE, CEM
David Bonaventure has spent over 20 years serving the hospitality industry. He helps owners make smart decisions to maximize their investments and keep venues relevant in the marketplace. He has an MBA from the University of Houston and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana State University. David enjoys spending time with his family and rooting for the LSU Tigers football team. He serves as a Managing Principal at Salas O’Brien. You can contact him at [email protected].
John Salas PE, LEED AP
John Salas has experience with project management, construction
management, mechanical, controls, and plumbing design of systems
for educational, commercial, institutional, industrial, and public sector
projects for over 40 years. John has designed central plants, building
HVAC systems and control systems. He is one of the firm’s lead
sustainability/energy experts; he has extensive experience with LEED
certification, Energy Star, and M&V of energy management systems.
Andrew Pratt, P.Eng, LEED AP
Andrew Pratt has over 35 years of experience in designing mechanical systems and is responsible for quality control, BIM Development, and resource allocation for a large team of mechanical engineers serving healthcare, performance and sports venues, pharmaceuticals, and education clients in Canada. Andrew serves as a Principal at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].
Gerry Fitzsimmons P. ENG., BCXP, LEED® AP
Gerry brings 40+ years of experience in project management,
operations, and enhanced commissioning, delivering exceptional value
through practical, client-focused solutions. He has worked on diverse
projects across healthcare, government, education, and industrial
facilities, addressing key concerns like life cycle costs, risk mitigation,
and reliability. Gerry combines hands-on expertise in MEP systems with
formal training, ensuring effective project delivery and results.