Lou Rugulo
Amicus Energy | Principal
Speaker
Track F: Building Performance
Session F3: High Performance Buildings
September 18, 2025 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
A Holistic Approach to Building Energy Efficiency: Beyond the 'Silver Bullet'
Achieving meaningful energy conservation in buildings is a complex challenge that requires more than a single solution—there is no “silver bullet.” No single chiller, control system, or black-box technology can independently and reliably improve a building’s energy efficiency. Instead, optimization requires a holistic approach that considers the interactions between mechanical and control systems, operational strategies, and building use. This presentation explores how building operators can enhance performance and reduce energy waste through HVAC system tuning, optimizing setpoints, and identifying inefficiencies in building automation systems. Since energy efficient equipment is getting more and more complex every day, , operator training is a critical component. Ensuring staff have the knowledge and skills to implement best practices and respond effectively to system issues can improve energy performance of a building regardless of the systems in place. The discussion will highlight how a proactive, systems-based approach leads to long-term energy savings and improved building performance across various climates and use cases.
Speaker Bio
Louis Rugulo has over 35 years’ experience as a project manager and energy engineer, specializing in the troubleshooting, development and implementation of demand-side management for major clients. Mr. Rugulo’s experience encompasses design, retrofit, and troubleshooting of HVAC systems in a variety of applications such as residential, commercial, laboratory, clean-room, industrial and aircraft settings.
He has provided professional testimony as well as forensic consulting on demand side management projects. Mr. Rugulo has a great deal of specific experience with internal combustion engines, varying from their manufacture to commissioning of natural-gas engine-driven water chillers and cogeneration applications.
Mr. Rugulo has also worked for a major controls manufacturer, managing the ongoing performance of a large, private-sector performance contract, and acting as single client point of contact for all company lines of business at one of Manhattan's major landmark buildings.
Mr. Rugulo has a thorough working knowledge of the various energy incentive programs available to New York and New Jersey customers, including financing, rebate, and grant programs.
He also held a position as adjunct professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Stevens Institute of Technology, teaching robotics, controls, and Stress Strain to freshman and sophomore engineering students. He is currently an adjunct lecturer with the Building Performance Laboratory at the City University of New York, teaching multiple subjects in their popular Building Operator Certification and Building Retuning Programs. In the past, has served as a Mechanical Engineering Instructor for the Professional Engineering (PE) Exam and Fundamentals of Engineering (EIT) Review series offered through the Center for Professional Advancement.
He is past president of the New Jersey Chapter, as well as a past member of the Board of Governors for the NY City chapter of ASHRAE, a professional society of engineers in the heating, refrigeration and air conditioning industries. Mr. Rugulo has been a trainer for ASHRAE 90.1, taking part in full day energy code to government & code officials, and other code users.
Mr. Rugulo has a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of New Jersey and is a Certified Energy Manager through the Association of Energy Engineers. He holds the LEED AP designation from the US Green Building Council.