Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1547347
30 Worcester Business Journal | November 2, 2026 | wbjournal.com Are your building controls and systems in tune? E ven the best automation systems need regular fine-tuning. ink about it this way: Over time, buildings change. Occupancy patterns shi, operating hours evolve, tenants come and go, equipment is upgraded, and control sequences are modified to address immediate needs. What was once a highly efficient building can gradually become less efficient without anyone noticing. e result is oen unnecessary energy use, increased operating costs, and reduced occupant comfort. For many commercial and industrial facilities, investments in modern building automation systems have delivered unprecedented levels of visibility and control over energy-consuming equipment. Yet even the most advanced building management system can't achieve its full potential if it isn't regularly evaluated and optimized. ere lies the perfect entry point for building retuning. Building retuning is a high-impact, low- cost operational alternative to major capital investments. e process evaluates how a facility's existing systems operate and then identifies opportunities to improve performance through operational adjustments. By fine-tuning existing controls and equipment, organizations can oen uncover meaningful energy savings while improving reliability and comfort. Build a Strong Foundation with Better Data So why should leaders prioritize operational adjustments for their building? Today's circumstances paint the picture well: ever-evolving sustainability mandates, aging infrastructure, and extreme weather events are just a few of the many factors pushing businesses toward emissions reduction and equipment resilience strategies. Understanding the inner workings of your building is a key first step for this strategy shi and the retuning process. Facility managers can document key information such as building size, occupancy schedules, operating hours, mechanical systems, and building automation system capabilities to provide a holistic view of your operational systems and how they work together. With this information on hand, you'll discover issues that were nearly impossible to detect during routine inspections such as HVAC systems operating in unoccupied spaces or equipment running outside scheduled hours. is allows facility teams to identify operational patterns rather than isolated events and strategic leaders to improve system performance – because saving on energy use enables reinvestment for equipment improvements, workforce expansion, or long-term process updates. Continuous Improvement Delivers Lasting Value Your buildings can also benefit from routine monitoring. ese dynamic environments need ongoing attention and periodic retuning measures to make sure they're maximizing efficiency, boosting occupant comfort, and functioning as best as they can. And for Massachusetts organizations facing rising operating expenses and increasing sustainability expectations, building retuning offers a practical, cost-effective way to improve performance, deliver meaningful financial benefits, and extend equipment life using the systems already in place – because sometimes the most valuable energy-efficiency investment isn't installing something new but ensuring what's already there is working as intended. If you're interested in discovering how you can take advantage of upgraded controls systems, visit ngrid.com/controls for more information and specific programs and incentives designed for commercial and industrial businesses. S P O N S O R E D A D V E R T I S E M E N T