By: Glenn Pisani
In a recent survey of property owners in NJ, only 31% have made noticeable efforts to manage their energy costs. Although there are many ways to control energy costs and lower usage, this article will focus on ideas that can be used immediately. If you haven’t taken advantage of these energy savings ideas, please contact me to schedule a no obligation meeting to discuss your building. We are your trusted energy advisor!
Did you know that according to Energy Star, utility costs represent the largest controllable cost in an apartment building- typically accounting for 25-35 percent? Reducing energy use by 15 percent in a typical 250-unit master-metered community will increase net operating income and increase asset value by over $1 million (using a 6 percent capitalization rate).
What are you currently doing to reduce the energy footprint of your building? Would a 20% savings in direct energy costs and up to a 40% reduction in energy usage be of interest to you?
In this article I review some of the most profound energy management ideas in the market today. If you’re not taking advantage of them, you are missing out on tremendous savings.
Natural Gas & Electricity Procurement- Property owners need flexible energy management solutions to manage risk and control costs to create long term savings. Since 1993, Great Eastern Energy has served as the premier energy provider in the Northeast. We currently have over 15,000 commercial and industrial customers utilizing our specialized energy management solutions. Recognized as one of the regions preeminent energy service companies, we are well-positioned to help you manage your energy commodities and create value for your bottom line. We offer several unique programs to our customers at no cost for eligible natural gas and electricity. Property owners should review their electricity and natural gas programs on an annual basis to achieve maximum savings. If you still procure you electricity and natural gas through your local utility, you are paying too much and we can help. It’s not uncommon for larger apartment buildings to save tens of thousands of dollars per year.
Energy Audits- Energy audits use proven strategies to analyze a buildings footprint and create an energy reduction plan. Preliminary energy audits are the first step to determine inefficient processes as well as redundant measures. These audits have uncovered potential energy usage reductions of up to 40%! Furthermore, buildings may qualify for up to a 50% rebate from the state and/or local utility as well as federal tax credits and a 1-3 year ROI. L.E.E.D. engineering and benchmarking are also extremely useful in today’s market. If interested, we will conduct a preliminary analysis of your building and determine if your building is a candidate for a full energy audit and review the costs and procedures.
Heat and Power Cogeneration Systems- (CHP) Our partner, Aegis Energy Services provides turnkey installation of modular cogeneration modules in convenient sizes for a variety of applications. These units can be installed individually (75 kW) or combined to form larger systems. Low emission models are available for states with stringent air quality standards. Each cogeneration module includes a natural gas-fueled engine, induction generator, microprocessor control panel, protective switchgear, and heat recovery equipment. Each module is enclosed in a sound attenuated cover and can be installed indoors or outdoors.
Attributes & Features
• Modular extremely efficient units for all property sizes
• Environmentally compliant with quiet operation
• 24 hour remote operational monitoring
• Helps Reduce global warming
• Infinite life cycle with maintenance program
• Substantially lowers electric costs
• 2-4 year return on investment
• Installation incentives available
• Best defense against rising electricity prices
• Free electricity
Product Specifications
1. Exhaust gas heat exchanger
2. Sound attenuation enclosure
3. Engine exhaust
4. Natural gas input
5. U.L. Listed control panel & switchgear
6. Hot water output to DHW and boiler systems
7. Electrical output to building
8. Return water input
9. Vibration isolation
10. Induction generator
11. Oil cooler heat exchanger
12. Engine jacket heat recovery
13. Water jacketed manifold heat exchanger
14. Natural gas fueled engine
Combined Heat & Power systems do require a significant capital cost, but Aegis has several options to choose from including one where the project could be financed.
There are many other strategies that can be implemented to save and conserve energy. These include changes to lighting, energy efficiency and heating systems to name a few. I will be covering these ideas and many others in future blogs. Proper facility management is paramount to creating substantial savings and reducing your energy footprint. Not only will these measures produce long term savings, but they will significantly add to your bottom line!
I am dedicated to providing a memorable sale experience where my acquired expertise and creative vision will add value to the customer’s bottom line, create strong relationships and develop genuine referrals.