What is energy, really? Not just kilowatt-hours, or thermal flows through walls—but conceptually? This question might seem abstract, even philosophical. And yet, in the work we do at BAARCH—an engineering consultancy rooted in building decarbonization—it has become increasingly important. We often design for energy efficiency without questioning the nature of energy itself. In this piece, … Read more
There’s a longstanding assumption in engineering that well-designed systems, once deployed, will behave predictably. If the HVAC equipment is efficient, the BMS programmed correctly, and the lighting logic smartly automated, then performance will follow. We are trained to trust this process — to model, simulate, optimize, and refine until the outcome aligns with the specification. … Read more
Every building tells two stories: one written by its systems, and the other by the people who tend them. Too often, we fixate on the first—on fancy controls, AI dashboards, and endless streams of data—while the second remains untold. At BAARCH, we believe true energy performance emerges from the intersection of human curiosity and engineering … Read more
As the pressure mounts to decarbonize buildings, the conversation around heating technologies has grown increasingly polarized. Electrification is often presented as the sole path forward, with heat pumps positioned as the universal solution. While heat pumps are an essential tool in the transition, relying on them exclusively, regardless of context, infrastructure, or building type, risks … Read more
In the race to decarbonize buildings, we often overlook the most complex system of all: human behavior.This article explores why traditional engineering methods fall short—and how a human-centered approach can unlock deeper, lasting performance.It’s a shift in mindset, method, and impact—rooted in the realities of how buildings are actually used. 1.Introduction 1.1 The Decarbonisation Imperative … Read more
Enhancing Facility Efficiency through Thoughtful Operations and Maintenance Improving energy efficiency in a facility does not always require large capital investments. Instead, a deliberate focus on operations and maintenance can lower energy consumption, reduce operating costs, and extend equipment life. In addition to creating a more comfortable environment, these practices can boost a building’s net … Read more
Energy efficiency in existing buildings is crucial for achieving net-zero carbon emissions. With buildings contributing significantly to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the European Union where over 75% of the building stock is energy inefficient, this sector offers an essential opportunity for sustainable impact. Achieving net-zero targets demands a focus on … Read more
Today is Earth Day, and at BAARCH, we want to share something that resonates deeply with us, both in our business practices and our personal lives. As we face a critical moment in addressing global climate change, energy sobriety isn’t just a concept we talk about; it’s a commitment we live by. It challenges us … Read more
Buildings significantly impact global energy consumption, accounting for about 40% of total primary energy resources and substantially contributing to CO2 emissions. To enhance energy efficiency, it’s essential to consider both technological advancements and the role of occupant behavior. Studies have shown that occupant behavior can lead to considerable energy savings, thus becoming a critical element … Read more