CampusCoach FAQs

CampusCoach is a data-driven program that helps colleges and universities improve the energy performance of their facilities by optimizing existing HVAC systems and operations. The program builds on the BuildingCoach initiative, which was developed with support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to advance practical, low-cost strategies for improving performance.

CampusCoach was developed by the CUNY Building Performance Lab (CUNY BPL), which has worked directly with campus facilities teams to apply these methods in real-world settings. Drawing on this experience, the program combines proven energy optimization techniques, hands-on coaching, and data analysis to help campuses reduce energy use, lower costs, and improve comfort—without requiring major capital upgrades.

CampusCoach is designed to be a low-cost, high-impact program. The bulk of the recommended measures optimize existing systems, meaning campuses can achieve meaningful results with little upfront investment.

Costs vary depending on how the program is implemented:

• Facilities-led model: Minimal cost, using existing staff and systems 
• Faculty/student model: Low cost, leveraging academic resources 
• Consultant-supported model: Modest cost, but with accelerated results by leveraging coaching experts.

In some cases, grants and incentive programs (such as those from state agencies or utilities) may be available to offset costs.

The program aims to reduce energy use, lower operating costs, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining or improving occupant comfort. 

CampusCoach offers a practical, proven way to improve energy performance without major capital investment. It is especially valuable for campuses that want to reduce costs and emissions but may not have the budget for large infrastructure upgrades.

Key reasons to implement CampusCoach include:

• Immediate cost savings through operational improvements 
• Low- and no-cost solutions that use existing systems 
• Reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions 
• Improved comfort and reliability in campus buildings 
• Data-driven decisions,  applied to your specific systems
• Hands-on learning opportunities for staff and potentially students 

The program is built on proven methodologies like Building Re-tuning™ and monitoring-based commissioning, which have demonstrated substantial and measurable energy savings.

CampusCoach is primarily designed for:

• Facilities managers and plant and building operators 
• Energy managers and sustainability staff 

Faculty and students interested in energy systems

CampusCoach uses a structured process that includes:

• Collecting and analyzing building and energy data 
• Identifying inefficiencies in HVAC systems 
• Getting buy-in from participants
• Implementing operational improvements (e.g., adjusting schedules, setpoints) 
• Continuously monitoring performance over time

Building Re-tuning™ is a methodology that focuses on improving how building systems operate—rather than replacing equipment. It identifies opportunities for improved performance in system equipment, controls, and operations.

On average, Building Re-tuning™ strategies reduce energy consumption by 14%. These savings are typically achieved through ongoing operational improvements over time, rather than a single change, and are sustained through continuous monitoring and adjustment.

The program typically follows these steps:

1. Build a project team 
2. Gather building and energy data 
3. Analyze performance and identify opportunities 
4. Conduct workshops and share findings 
5. Implement improvements 
6. Monitor performance and continue optimization 

While these steps provide a clear framework, CampusCoach is designed to be flexible and adaptable based on each campus’s resources, goals, and level of experience.

Yes. CampusCoach is intentionally designed to be flexible, allowing campuses to choose an approach that best fits their capacity, expertise, and goals. Common implementation options include:

• Self-Guided (Handbook-Based): Facilities teams use the CampusCoach Handbook to independently guide the process. This is a low-cost option that works well for campuses with in-house expertise and access to building data. 
• Supported (Coaching Model): Campuses work with experienced coaches (such as CUNY BPL or similar partners) who provide guidance, training, and technical support. This approach can help accelerate results and build internal capacity. 
• Integrated (Academic Program Model): Faculty and students are actively involved in the process, supporting data analysis, development of recommendations, and project management. This model combines energy savings with hands-on learning and workforce development.

CampusCoach is designed as an ongoing process, but a typical timeline includes:

• Months 1–6: Team setup and data collection 

• Months 7–10: Analysis and engagement 

• Months 11+: Training, implementation, and continuous improvement

A successful program requires collaboration across:

• Leadership (for long-term support) 
• Facilities staff (critical for implementation) 
• Technical staff or analysts (for data review) 

Yes, campuses can choose from three models:

1. Facilities-led: Internal staff manage the program 
2. Faculty/student model: Academic teams support analysis 
3. Consultant-led: External experts guide the process 

Yes! Students can:

• Analyze building / plant data 
• Identify, share, and track findings with facilities staff
• Conduct deep-level research in operational optimization
• This provides hands-on learning while supporting campus sustainability goals. 

Key data includes:

• HVAC equipment inventories and associated documentation
• Building Automation System (BAS) data 
• Energy usage (electricity, gas, etc.) 
• Maintenance and audit records

A BAS is a system that monitors and controls building operations such as heating, cooling, and ventilation. CampusCoach uses BAS data to help identify opportunities and track performance. 

Trending allows teams to:

• Track system performance over time 
• Identify patterns and inefficiencies 
• Measure the impact of improvements 

Most changes are low-cost or no-cost, such as:

• Adjusting HVAC schedules 
• Optimizing setpoints and implementing setbacks 
• Fixing equipment, sensor and control issues 
• Upgrading to high-performance sequences of operations

No! CampusCoach prioritizes operational improvements and repairs first, which often deliver significant savings without capital investment. 

Campuses track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), such as:

• Energy use over time 
• Equipment efficiency 
• System performance metrics 
• Weather-normalized energy use intensity 

• Reduced energy costs 
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions 
• Improved building comfort 
• Better understanding of building systems 
• A deeper understanding of operations for facilities staff
• Workforce development and training opportunities 
• Faster return on investment (ROI) compared to capital upgrades 
• Minimal disruption to campus operations, as most improvements are operational rather than construction-based

CampusCoach aligns with state and institutional climate goals by reducing energy consumption and emissions through measurable, data-driven actions. 

To begin, campuses should:

• Identify a program lead (e.g., a facilities manager) 
• Assemble a team 
• Gather building and energy data 
• Work to enable access to Building Automation System (BAS) data 

CampusCoach is designed to be flexible, so teams can start with the resources they currently have and build over time.

Yes. The CUNY Building Performance Lab (CUNY BPL)—the team that developed CampusCoach—can support campuses at every stage of the process. This includes:

• Program setup, planning, and management 
• Technical guidance and coaching 
• Training for facilities staff and project teams 
• Support with data analysis and system optimization 

This support can help accelerate implementation, build internal capacity, and ensure the program is applied effectively.

If you’re interested in getting started with CampusCoach:

• Identify internal stakeholders who would be involved 
• Assess your current data and system capabilities 
• Consider which implementation approach (self-guided, supported, or integrated) best fits your campus

To learn more or explore how CampusCoach could work for your campus, reach out to the CUNY Building Performance Lab team to discuss next steps and available support.

While the program emphasizes low-cost strategies, funding may be available through government or utility programs to support staffing, tools, or consulting.

No. Most work is done through analysis and gradual operational adjustments, minimizing disruption.

Not at all! CampusCoach is an ongoing process similar to “continuous commissioning,” where systems are regularly reviewed and improved over time.