Lessons from MaintainAway’s ASHRAE 2023 Success

In June 2023, the ASHRAE Technology Awards recognized ARM Environments for our work in the Smart Buildings category. While we are proud of the trophy, the real win is what this recognition says about the direction of our industry: building management is finally moving toward a more transparent, data-led future.

The award reflects more than product innovation. It confirms that the industry now recognises performance assurance as a core pillar of modern HVAC strategy.

MaintainAway’s approach aligns precisely with:

Net-zero carbon targets
ESG compliance requirements
Rising energy costs
Growing demands for indoor environmental quality

This award validates the shift away from periodic maintenance towards continuous performance optimisation.

Real-World Results Over Theoretical Design

The "performance gap"—where a building’s actual energy use and air quality don't match its design—is a long-standing challenge for facility managers. Even the best equipment can fail quietly if it isn't monitored. MaintainAway was built to act as the "eyes on the ground" that many buildings are missing.

What Is the HVAC Performance Gap?

The HVAC performance gap refers to the mismatch between:

Design intent,
Installed system capability, and
Actual in-use performance.

This gap typically results in:

Excessive energy consumption,
Poor indoor air quality,
Comfort complaints, and
Higher lifetime operating costs.

Studies consistently show that many commercial buildings operate 20–40% below their intended performance due to poor maintenance practices, lack of monitoring, and limited visibility of system health.

How MaintainAway Closes the Performance Gap

Real-Time System Visibility: MaintainAway provides live insight into HVAC performance, allowing building managers and engineers to identify inefficiencies before they escalate.
Predictive, Not Reactive, Maintenance: By analysing operational data trends, faults are predicted and prevented, reducing breakdowns, energy waste, and occupant disruption.
Performance Accountability: Instead of assuming systems are working as intended, MaintainAway measures performance continuously against benchmarks and design expectations.
Scalable Implementation: The solution works across portfolios, from single commercial buildings to large multi-site estates, making it commercially viable and operationally powerful.

FAQs

How does MaintainAway improve HVAC performance?

MaintainAway uses real-time monitoring and predictive analytics to identify inefficiencies, prevent faults, and ensure systems operate at optimal performance levels continuously.

Why did MaintainAway win the ASHRAE UK 2023 award?

Because its approach directly addresses the industry’s biggest operational challenge: closing the performance gap through continuous data-driven performance management.

Who benefits most from MaintainAway?

Commercial property owners, facilities managers, ESG teams, and organisations seeking improved energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and regulatory compliance.