The concept of efficiency is a very hot potato these days and the typical organization feels that it is being pulled from many directions as it strives to conduct its business. From every conceivable angle, business owners hear that they need to be sustainable and they need to save at all levels. This pressure is being applied from governmental leaders, financial stakeholders and clients alike and all options must be explored.
As an over reliance on fossil fuels and inefficient energy production has caused considerable damage to our general environment, each organization must consolidate its energy use and look at ways to improve position. When looking at some of its life assets, the building energy efficiency program must surely be considered. The costs associated with heating, ventilation and air-conditioning are substantial and can contribute up to 65% of the total utility bill. This must be addressed as it is core to an organization’s strive for efficiency.
As HVAC systems are essential for operation, it is clear that if they do not operate effectively and within closely watched parameters then it is likely that the business will lose money, productivity and suffer potential reputational harm as well. The “status quo” will not be accepted by government, media or consumer and an organization must not only be seen to be considering a building energy efficiency program, but it must also follow through and get results.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act is a key piece of legislation that is currently stalled in Congress. There is little doubt that it will ultimately be passed in some form, although changes made to the House version seem apparent. Within the scope of the Act, the Retrofits for Energy and Environmental Performance program is of particular relevance when it comes to building energy efficiency programs. Within this element funds will be made available from the federal government to individual states, making available financial incentives to homeowners and businesses alike. These incentives could run up to 50% of the overall cost of a building energy efficiency program.
The Department of Energy has said that buildings consume about 40% of the country’s total energy. While this situation is estimated to have improved by up to 70% since the 1970s due to existing efficiency programs, there is clearly a lot of scope for further improvement.
As HVAC systems tend to become an integral part of the design and construction, building energy efficiency program solutions often look at ways to retrofit. The US Department of Energy has recently announced a retrofit “ramp up” program as part of the legislation enacted by the Recovery Act. This program looks to local communities for inspiration and seeks to roll out the most innovative ideas under the funding solicitation. “Tuneups for buildings” must become widely acceptable according to the government.