11.21.2009 - PG&E Smart Meter Problem a PR Nightmare
The problems raised by the massive Pacific Gas & Electric smart grid installation in California will serve as a valuable lesson for other utilities around the world. [read more]
11.20.2009 - California City's Green Building Ordinance Applies to Commercial Buildings
New commercial buildings in San Mateo, Calif., will have to be constructed to minimum environmental standards now that a previously voluntary green building ordinance has become mandatory. [read more]
11.20.2009 - Ontario May Follow California's Lead on TV Energy Efficiency
Following California's decision earlier this week to require elevated energy efficiency standards for TVs, the Canadian province of Ontario is considering a similar move. [read more]
11.19.2009 - Fossil Fuel Emissions Rose 29% since 2000
A report by scientists shows that emissions are outpacing the ability of ocean and land carbon sinks to soak up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). [read more]
11.19.2009 - Data Centers That Feed Power to the Grid?
Locust Storage, which came out of stealth at the GreenBeat Conference, says it has a data storage system that can deliver power to the grid, and cut down IT power. [read more]
11.18.2009 - Experts Say Smart Grids a Privacy Concern
Concerns have already been raised regarding smart grid security but now experts are saying smart grid technology raises major privacy concerns. Utility companies could use smart meter data for a new way to market services to people, for example. [read more]
11.18.2009 - Green Buildings Do Double Duty: Reduce Energy Use, Lower Financial Risk
The potential for energy use reductions in old and new buildings is significant, according to a report from KPMG. [read more]
11.17.2009 - US & China Commit to Clean Energy
President Barack Obama and China President Hu Jintao came to terms on a clean energy package that both countries can build on in the future. [read more]
11.17.2009 - Clean Energy and Climate Policy for U.S. Growth and Job Creation
This study finds that a robust climate bill could boost the U.S. economy by about $111 billion by 2020 and create as many as 1.9 million jobs. [read more]
11.16.2009 - Solar Research Hits the Sunshine State
University researchers in Florida are exploring ways to use sun's power for desalination and killing germs in water. Other ideas possibly on the way involve module containing a solar cell and a LED and lithium-ion battery. [read more]
Photo by Neil Lall
Energy-efficiency improvements should enhance the security and safety of the building occupants. Follow the tips below to start reducing your building's energy use:
- Recheck all Energy Management System "points" to verify that they are still functioning correctly.
- Establish a reward program for employees having the best conservation ideas.
- Monitor service doors at each building entrance-ensure that they are kept closed.
- Examine Preventive Maintenance, such as filter changing and cleaning coils.
- Place data on light switches indicating dollars wasted by leaving lights on.
- Zone parking lot lights for better control.
- Review the feasibility of automatic doors.
- Investigate variable speed drives for fans and pumps.
- Consider the use of solar film on windows.
- Use laptop computers for controlling the Energy Management System.
- Monitor food service HVAC to verify that CFM being exhausted is at least 85% of CFM delivered to space.
- Use diesel fuel for steam-cleaning machines.
- Shut off power to electric vending machines when building is closed.
- Use toilet dams to conserve water.
- Caulk and seal cracks, when necessary.
- Monitor after-hours space use and have HVAC personnel review plans and specs to avoid unnecessary running of central plant for a few rooms.
- Use ceiling fans, when possible.
- Reduce parking lot lighting to 25% after closing.
- Compare utility bills to Energy Management System data.
- Turn personal computers off or have them revert to "sleep mode" when not in use, especially when the building is closed.
- Include energy items when setting up employee evaluation forms.
- Program into the Energy Management System holiday hours and special building events.
- Turn-off "evening" lights during the day that are at/or near skylights.
- Control each building's demand using the Energy Management System.
- Use portable lights for evening cleaning instead of having on all lights.
- Setup a form for maintenance personnel to do self-utility checks.
- Ask maintenance personnel to survey each other in order to lend an "independent eye" and perhaps make constructive suggestions.
- Properly maintain fountains.
- Use timers on bus block heater circuits.
- Date lamps so that short life can be documented, leading to possible rebates from lamp suppliers.
- Properly size HVAC units for spaces to match load requirements.
- Check room thermostats; make sure they are calibrated and levelly installed.
- Turn off marquee/outdoor signs during the night, such as from midnight to dawn.
- Bill for energy used during commercially sponsored events.
- Turn off coffee machines after lunch.
- Turn off display cases at night.
- Turn off emergency lights during the day.
- Suggest that employees monitor and turn-off lighting in unoccupied building spaces.
- Recheck Energy Management System's start and stop times.
- Consider a ducted air return system.
- Turn the chiller off in water drinking fountains during certain times of year.
- Provide locking time-clock thermostats in rooms.
- Use time delay light switches installed in remote areas, such as maintenance closets.
- Control use of lawn automatic sprinkler systems during inclement weather and winter season.
- Investigate possibility of having your water and sewer company not charge sewer charges for water used for irrigation and cooling tower use.
- Conduct water audits to check for leaking and running toilets.
- Verify that decorative lights have definite on/off schedules.
- Review feasibility of installing photoelectric cells on parking lot lights.
- Review Preventive Maintenance Program to improve HVAC efficiencies.
- Update management training for efficiency in energy control.
- Include in the design of new additions or remodels separate circuits for common areas and offices for better energy control.
- Check economizer set points.
- "Lock out" heat after winter is over to prevent unwanted heating costs during the summer air conditioning season.
- Keep skylights clean in winter.
- Use low-E glass on skylights or "smart" glass.
- Shift cleaning and cooling usage to off-peak rates.
- Check water meters at night to see how much is used. Track down the usage.
- Check electrical meters at night to see how much is used. Track down the usage.
- Install occupant sensors in staff areas, conference rooms, and bathrooms.
- Sub-cool buildings during off-peak hours using outside air only.
- Install timers on water heaters.
- Use an electronic thermostat for cooling towers.
- Separate decorative lights from general lights.
- Turn off decorative lighting at closing.
- Post "KEEP DOORS CLOSED" signs in service corridors.
- Turn off exhaust fans in unoccupied spaces.
- Do an Energy Audit walk-through at night.
- Install night setback thermostats on supplemental HVAC units.
- Calibrate temperature sensors annually.
- Use emergency generator to get a rebate on demand charges.
- Start exhaust systems to match opening times.
- Use lower wattage halogen or compact fluorescent lamps to replace incandescent.
- "Tweak and Tune" HVAC controls.
- Use lower water usage fixtures.
- Add rain sensors to irrigation systems.
- Properly aim nozzles in irrigation systems.
- Use low water usage plants where appropriate.
- Use mulch to reduce water quantities.
- Investigate an Energy Management System if none is installed.
- Contact your mechanical, electrical, and lighting contractors to solicit energy ideas.
- Check the irrigation system itself, as they are prone to leaks developing post-installation from tree roots, ground settlement, or construction.
For more insights from Prenova, subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter.
Photo by Will Foster Photography
Permission to use this article was granted by Tech Resources, Inc.
The 10 most important energy management stories from last week . . .
11.13.2009 - Do LED Lights Attract Bugs?
More bugs are attracted to LED street lamps in proportion to color temperature and brightness of the lamps, says a leading researcher. [read more]
11.12.2009 - Best-in-Class Manufacturers Cut Energy Use by 24%, Study Shows
Top manufacturers are already reducing their energy consumption by 24% each year and emissions by 30%, according to a new study from Aberdeen Group. [read more]
11.11.2009 - Oil and Fuel Prices on Their Way up as Economy Recovers
If U.S. and world economic conditions continue to improve, oil prices are expected to escalate to $81 per barrel by December 2010, according to the DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA). [read more]
11.11.2009 - California Leads the Country in Energy Efficiency Policies
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) ranked California at the top of its annual survey of state energy efficiency efforts. [read more]
11.10.2009 - National Grid Wants to Triple Energy Efficiency Programs
If National Grid has its way, Massachusetts electricity customers will pay higher electricity and gas rates while benefiting from expanded energy efficiency programs. [read more]
11.10.2009 - U.S. Natural Gas Industry a Global Game-Changer
The boom in unconventional gas production in the United States is an international game-changer that will have far-reaching implications to global supply and prices. [read more]
11.09.2009 - Pilot Utility Pricing To Charge More During Peak Hours
A pilot program proposed by Xcel Energy would charge utility customers in Boulder, Colorado more for using electricity during the peak hours of 2-8 p.m. [read more]
11.09.2009 - Green Building Council Announces New LEED Credits
The U.S. Green Building Council unveiled a library of new credits for its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. [read more]
11.09.2009 - Supermarkets Cut Costs by Putting Lids on Freezers
Supermarkets should put lids on their freezers to prevent energy waste and cut their operating costs, according to a British consumer body. [read more]
11.08.2009 - Balancing Energy Needs and Material Hazards
New, ultrathin photovoltaic panels offer hope for wide-scale solar deployment, but contain a compound of a toxic metals banned in many countries. This raises questions about the competing environmental concerns involved in some clean-energy technologies [read more]
Photo by cathyse97
Commodity futures have rebounded a bit after bottoming out in the late August, early September timeframe. Still, energy prices are at the lowest they've been since 2002. The fall off in prices is being driven in large part by a decrease in demand due to current economic conditions. The higher consumption that resulted from cold weather earlier in the year has been more than offset by the recession. Other factors influencing prices include a cooler-than-normal summer across most of the country, and a relatively quiet hurricane season.
Wholesale energy prices have fallen significantly this year, with the prompt months dipping by over 70% vs. the all-time high prices in July 2008. In April 2009, natural gas futures bottomed out and rebounded slightly in mid-June as we entered the summer, which is the peak electric consumption period. The markets then traded relatively flat, but again hit new lows for 2009 in late August and early September.
The September 2009 contract recently expired at $2.843/MMBtu, the lowest contract expiration price since March 2002, when it was $2.38/ MMBtu. The October 2009 contract followed suit and traded below $2.50/ MMBtu for a short period before speculation drove prices back up.
Oil futures bottomed out in December 2008 and traded relatively flat through mid-March due to weaker worldwide demand for oil. But they have rebounded significantly as the result of OPEC production cuts, the return of speculative trading from hedge funds, and anticipation of new demand for oil as global economies recover. Oil futures are up over 80% from their lows in the mid $30/bbl back in December, with current prices in the $68-$73/bbl range.
Fortunately, oil prices do not impact utility rates to a significant degree. Natural gas fundamentals are dominating futures prices, with oil prices having minimal effect. This is fortunate, because while oil prices are shaped by global events, fluctuations in natural gas prices tend to be regional.
As stated above, the hurricane season has been uneventful thus far in 2009. More important than not having any named storms before August 1st is the fact that we've only had six named storms (two strengthened to hurricane status) as of September 18th. And meteorologists have concluded that most hurricanes in the Atlantic basin this year are unlikely to impact the natural gas and oil producing regions in the Gulf of Mexico (where 40% of U.S. natural gas production originates).
Recent wholesale market price trends influenced wholesale electricity rates from coast to coast, especially in deregulated regions, which were up between 18% and 33% in 2008. Regions with ample sources of nuclear and
hydroelectric generation experienced smaller price spikes than those with coal and natural gas-fired generation.
Where electricity is regulated, utilities have either raised their rates already or are keeping rates the same in 2009 until the prior year's under-collections are trued-up.
Graph courtesy Energy Information Administration
11.06.2009 - IECC Building Code Recommendations Add Up to 30% in Energy Efficiency Gains
The development committee of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) has recommended the IECC adopt new building codes that would result in 30 percent in energy efficiency gains for commercial and residential buildings. [read more]
11.05.2009 - Wal-Mart Adding LEDs to 650 Stores
Megaretailer Wal-Mart Stores Inc. plans to use LED lights inside 650 new and renovated stores. [read more]
11.04.2009 - U.S. Cap-and-Trade Creates Winners and Losers among Largest Emitters
Under the Kerry-Boxer cap-and-trade bill, ExxonMobil would face an annual charge of $5.9 billion to purchase carbon allowances, while electricity giants like Exelon and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) would emerge as financial winners. [read more]
11.04.2009 - Kohl's Greens Up Its Image, and the Timing Couldn't Be Better
Kohl's took the top spot among retailers in the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Partnership quarterly rankings of biggest sustainable power purchasers. [read more]
11.03.2009 - Why Choose a Geothermal Heating System?
Geothermal heating and cooling is a promising option for those looking into green home renovations, writes blogger Alexandra Marks. Energy costs can be up to 70% lower with a geothermal instead of fossil-fuel system. [read more]
11.02.2009 - Better Buildings: A Massive Opportunity Disguised as a Meltdown
Innovation opportunities within Green Buildings have never been better - in fact, the market meltdown is a springboard for innovation. [read more]
11.01.2009 - Businesses, Governments Make Green Strategies a Priority
Businesses, officials and planners in the Dallas area are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint. A new building code in Dallas is expected to reduce power and water consumption. [read more]
11.01.2009 - Chicago Tower Looks to Go Green
A rooftop garden on Chicago's Willis Tower is a key part of an effort to reduce the size of the building's carbon footprint. Designed by architect Sara Beardsley, an experimental green roof on the building's 90th floor is aimed at lowering the building's energy bill. [read more]
Photo by Ryan-o
For many companies, developing an energy management strategy can be a complex, and at times confusing, task. Simply getting started is often the hardest part. But energy management doesn't have to be difficult. Actually, it's a lot like driving a car - something most of us do every day.
To make sense of this analogy, you need to understand the key components of your electric bill. Depending on the supplier, you may see several different charges. An energy management plan specifically targets two of these: Consumption and Demand.
Consumption is the total amount of energy you use over time, measured in kilowatt-hours or kWh. Demand represents the maximum amount of energy your facility requires at any given moment, measured in kW. For instance, a 2 kW heater running for five hours consumes 10 kWh, but only demands 2 kW.
How is any of this like driving a car? It's simple . . .
Driving less
Think of electricity the same way you think about gasoline. When fuel prices reach a certain point, people generally become more conscious of their driving habits. We look for ways to drive less, like combining multiple stops into a single trip or carpooling. From an energy management standpoint, this is the same as turning off lights when they're not needed or changing thermostat setpoints. These are ways to reduce consumption. An effective energy management strategy will include corporate standards for temperature settings and lighting schedules.
Driving smart
The amount of driving someone does can only be reduced so much. At some point, it becomes really hard to drive any less. You have to go to work. You have to take the kids to soccer practice. You have to buy groceries. Even so, it's still possible to save gas by driving more intelligently. Like not jamming down the accelerator when the light turns green, and staying under the speed limit. Similarly, you can control energy demand by changing the way you operate equipment.
Don't run everything at once. Try to spread it out. Retailers that have a baler or compactor, for instance, should avoid using it during store hours. If possible, wait until after the store closes and some of the floor lights have been turned off. Also consider policies prohibiting the use of certain electronic devices - such as fans, heaters, and desk lamps - that unnecessarily increase demand.
Driving a hybrid
Everyone knows that owning a hybrid vehicle is a great way to save on fuel. Buying a car that gets 50 miles per gallon is obviously better than driving an old clunker. In terms of energy management, this is the same as upgrading to more energy efficient equipment. Energy-efficient fluorescent lighting, for instance, can save 20-30% of the wattage used by standard fluorescents and lasts just as long. When combined with electronic ballasts and reflectors, energy-efficient fluorescents can reduce lighting-related energy costs by up to 70%.* The great thing about this approach is that it can reduce both energy demand and energy consumption.
How you manage energy for a company isn't that different from how you manage the fuel consumption in your car. It's about using less energy, using energy wisely, and investing in energy efficient technology. So the next time your organization is discussing its energy management strategy, you might just consider taking a drive.
*source: www.questline.com
Photo by jiazi
10.30.2009 - Food Lion Installs Green Refrigeration System
Food Lion is using a cascading refrigeration system at its College Park, Ga., store. The system, made by Kysor//Warren, uses naturally occurring carbon dioxide to reduce the amount of refrigerants used. [read more]
10.30.2009 - UCF Lighting Retrofit to Save $42K, Pay for Itself in 1.2 Years
By switching to more efficient lighting, a University of Central Florida parking garage will see savings of $42,000 a year. UCF swapped out 500 lighting fixtures on three levels of the garage for newer, more efficient T5 fluorescent lights, according to the UCFToday blog. [read more]
10.29.2009 - SEC: Traded Firms May Have to Disclose Climate Change Risks
U.S.-traded companies may have to disclose their exposure to financial risks relating to climate change and emerging policies under a new U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) staff guidance. [read more]
10.29.2009 - Hackers take down Americas Power Grid!!
Could this be the headline of the future? Is America building a smart grid before it is secured? Smart Grid critics are concerned that systems will be in place before security concerns are addressed. [read more]
10.28.2009 - Stimulus Package Funds U.S. Smart-Grid Projects
President Barack Obama on Tuesday unveiled $3.4 billion in stimulus grants for the smart grid. The grants will lead to the installation of at least 18 million smart meters across the U.S. [read more]
10.28.2009 - When Electricity is Free
Would you believe that there are places and times when U.S. power companies generate so much renewable energy that they give it away? [read more]
10.27.2009 - New Data on Commercial Building Energy Goals
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the DOE national laboratories are releasing technical support documents that suggest how to achieve 50% energy savings in four key commercial building sectors. [read more]
10.27.2009 - Hy-Vee to Open Its First LEED-certified Store in Wisconsin
Hy-Vee unveiled its first location in Wisconsin, which also is the chain's first LEED-certified store. The Madison store will include energy-saving refrigeration and lighting systems, and dedicated parking for fuel-efficient cars. [read more]
10.27.2009 - Buildings Gain by Putting Energy Efficiency Over Other LEED Aspects
Building owners can get the most out of their LEED status by focusing on energy efficiency over other LEED aspects, according to research conducted by the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT). [read more]
10.26.2009 - 94% Think of Energy Efficiency When it Comes to ‘Sustainable Production'
Energy efficiency (94 percent), followed by waste reduction and environmental impact (both 78 percent), are the first things that corporations consider when they decide to pursue a "sustainable" production environment, according to a new report. [read more]
10.26.2009 - Big Carbon Footprint, Big Economic Opportunity
A new study says Ohio can create jobs and cut energy costs under a comprehensive carbon cap-and-trade regime - even though it's a coal-heavy state. [read more]
Photo by epSos.de