Aging Systems. Rising Energy Costs. A Smarter Way Forward.

No matter what kind of building you manage, the challenge is the same:

Energy costs are rising, and they will continue to rise.

As buildings age and demands increase, Owners and operators need practical, cost-effective strategies to reduce overhead without sacrificing comfort or performance. Retro-commissioning (RCx) offers just that—an efficient way to restore your building to peak performance without major renovations or budget strain.

What Is Retro-Commissioning?

Retro-commissioning is a strategic tune-up for your facility. Over time, even well-designed systems drift from their original settings. That leads to wasted energy, higher utility bills, and inconsistent occupant comfort.

RCx evaluates your building’s mechanical systems, control systems, and how your equipment is operated, then adjusts them to operate as originally intended. It is one of the most effective ways to cut energy costs and extend system life with minimal disruption.

In short, it helps you reclaim lost performance without costly upgrades.

Why Now?

With energy rates on the rise and budgets under pressure, organizations cannot afford inefficiency. RCx delivers quick, measurable results, making it an ideal strategy for those who need to stretch every operating dollar.

It is not just about cost savings. It is about sustainability, comfort, and long-term stewardship of your facility and resources.

Is Your Building a Good Candidate?

RCx is a flexible solution that applies to a wide range of building types and ages. It is especially effective for:

• Facilities over 1 year old
• Buildings not originally commissioned
• Spaces with changing usage patterns or rising energy bills
• Organizations with comfort complaints or aging infrastructure
• Institutions operating within tight capital budgets
• Buildings with a modern direct digital control building automation system

K–12 schools are particularly strong candidates due to predictable schedules and older systems, but RCx offers value across higher education, healthcare, municipal, and workplace/commercial office settings.

What to Expect with RCx

Organizations that invest in RCx typically see energy savings between 5 and 15 percent. Most improvements are low or no cost, with return on investment often under two years. Many utility providers offer incentives, so paybacks can even be less than one year.

RCx applies to buildings as new as 1 year old—especially if operations have shifted or commissioning was skipped. Beyond savings, Owners can expect fewer comfort complaints, improved air quality, and reduced emissions.

RCx Benefits at a Glance

The Process: How RCx Works

Here’s how Schmidt Associates guides you through the retro-commissioning process—from assessment to implementation and beyond.

1. Engage a qualified RCx provider
   As an experienced RCx study provider, we at Schmidt Associates bring energy engineering and facility expertise together to define your building’s goals and path forward.
2. Conduct the study
   Our team reviews your energy usage, benchmarks system performance, and uncovers inefficiencies by assessing controls, equipment, and schedules.
3. Implement adjustments
   Improvements often include HVAC schedule updates, minor control repairs, or VFD installations, typically low-cost and quick to execute. We support your efforts as your controls contractor implements the agreed upon measures.
4. Monitor and maintain
   We help your team establish control strategies to keep systems running efficiently long after the project is complete.

Real Results: MSD of Wayne Township

In 2021, MSD of Wayne Township partnered with Schmidt Associates to complete an RCx study at Lynhurst 7th and 8th Grade Center, a 280,000-SFt facility originally built in 1969 and last renovated in 2004.

Working closely with the district, our team identified and implemented:

• Adjusted air handling unit (AHU) schedules
• Installed VFDs on pool AHU fans
• Repaired return-air dampers
• Reduced domestic hot water pump operation during off-hours

The outcome:

• $57,500 in annual energy savings
• 100% of the $16,574 implementation cost was covered by AES Indiana
• Immediate ROI, with savings realized from day one

“When the Schmidt Associates engineering team told us about the RCx study and the benefits, it just made sense. We saw immediate returns”

— todd hendricks, director of operations, MSD of Wayne Township

While not every project qualifies for full incentive coverage, many receive significant support that shortens the payback period. Even with a one- to two-year ROI, retro-commissioning remains a smart, future-focused investment in building performance.

Why It Matters

RCx is not just about fixing inefficiencies. It is about taking control of your facility’s future. It supports smarter spending, healthier indoor environments, and more sustainable operations.

For organizations navigating today’s financial and environmental challenges, RCx offers a proactive, high-impact solution with lasting value.

Ready to Take the First Step?

A simple review of your energy bills is often all it takes to get started. Whether your building is 1 year old or 30, our team can help you assess eligibility, explore utility incentives, and chart a path to measurable savings. Let’s explore what your building can do.

Want to Go Further?

Retro-commissioning is just one way we help clients reduce energy costs and boost performance.

➡️ Let’s start with a quick utility bill review, no cost, no obligation. You’ll see how much your facility could save.