CREJ - Property Management Quarterly - February 2015
We hear a lot about how new energy technologies are changing our world –from solar gardens to tidal power to wind ranches. While Xcel Energy is proud to help usher in new energy solutions, we understand that property managers want options to meet their needs, budget and resources. Following are some options Xcel Energy offers to help property managers increase energy efficiency in their buildings and make a business case for the investment. Nearly 1,800 Colorado businesses have completed an on-site energy assessment since 2009. And in 2014, the average on-site energy assessment identified over $5,700 in annual energy savings for each participating business. For commercial property managers, you must ask yourself, “What are my best options for creating a more comfortable and energy efficient building?” Energy-efficiency efforts can help your property use less energy, be less carbon-dependent and become more affordable to operate. These are several common actions to consider when looking to increase your building’s efficiency: • Evaluate property with a study. • Upgrade or replace heating and cooling systems and components. • Add or upgrade an existing energy management system. • Consider a custom-designed plan.
The process of evaluating energy-efficiency projects can seem overwhelming. Here are three approaches designed to save money and energy. 1. The on-site energy audit. An onsite energy audit gives managers a real-time snapshot of your facility’s current energy use. An energy adviser conducts a comprehensive audit at your facility, and you receive a detailed report. The report points out energy conservation opportunities, which could include lighting, heating and cooling, and energy management systems. The report also identifies the associated payback, which explains how quickly each improvement might pay for itself in energy savings. Additionally, the report lists available rebates for which the building would qualify. The on-site energy audit fees run from $2,000 to $2,700, depending on square footage. 2. Recommissioning. Recommissioning is a deeper dive into the building’s energy uses. It’s designed to improve the comfort and efficiency of building systems while reducing operating costs. Recommissioning identifies existing functional systems that can be “tuned up” to run as efficiently as possible through low- or no-cost improvements. There are two parts: the diagnosis, which is a recommissioning study, and the implementation, which is the action plan. Xcel Energy offers rebates for recommissioning studies and the implementation of recommissioning measures. Having a detailed report can make it easier to win over decision-makers. There are many benefits to conducting a recommissioning program. In addition to being eligible for rebates on the cost of the study and measures implemented, the results can save as much as 15 percent on energy bills. Also, a building can earn valuable credits for environmental programs and increase its Energy Star score. Other benefits include: • Increasing equipment life and reducing wear and tear; • Receiving independent, objective and expert direction on energy-saving options; and • Providing newsworthy stories to share with your audience and peers. 3. Energy advisers: If you want help determining the best route for energy efficiency, Xcel Energy offers a team of energy efficiency specialists who can advise property managers about which programs best match their building’s needs, along with financial resources. Through energy-efficiency efforts, property managers will be able to maximize equipment performance, whether it’s new equipment or maintenance measures to keep current energy equipment performing safely and effectively. If new equipment is needed, a specialist can work with managers to locate the best vendors. Energy assessments can help property managers identify building improvements. An adviser can walk through the variety of audits and studies, along with the money-saving rebates. He can help complete documentation and applications as well. Additionally, to help property managers make a business case for energy improvements, the adviser can provide information about payback, potential savings, funding resources or green-energy alternatives that will help sell your project and provide rationale for funding.
1. Lower energy bills and operating and maintenance costs; 2. Increased lifetime savings and efficiency of operation; 3. Lower energy-efficiency project costs; 4. Faster paybacks; 5. Lower up-front costs; 6. Higher return on investment; and 7. Reduced emissions and pollution.