Vert Energy Group

Author: aolivas@vertenergygroup.com

  • Earth Day: Caring For The Home We All Share

    Earth Day: Caring For The Home We All Share

    April 22nd – the lesser known holiday of April a.k.a. Earth Day! With April Fools being so widely known and celebrated, Earth Day often gets overlooked. At Vert Energy Group, we wanted to shine some much needed light on this under-appreciated holiday with some fun energy tips.

    Energy Tips for Your Home or Business

    “The Earth is what we all have in common.”
    – Wendell Berry

    Often times people are hesitant to make energy changes to their properties because the cost of a project can be daunting. While switching to more energy efficient options can be costly upfront, the savings in the long run will be worth it. Solar energy is a key example. Lauren Schwahn from the nerdwallet estimates that an average solar installation for a residential property of 5,000 sq.ft. can cost anywhere from $15,000-25,000. EnergySage.com estimates that California homes alone can see roughly $40,000 saved in 20-years by making the solar switch. While it doesn’t seem like much money saved now, the pay-off will be worth it. While it doesn’t seem like much money saved now, the pay-off will be worth it.

    Saving energy doesn’t have to be expensive though – there are changes you can make without breaking the bank. Switching to LED lights or installing a smart thermostat are two ways you can save energy in your home or business. With a smart thermostat, you can set up the Eco and Vacation options to help manage your settings so that the system can track when it needs to be activated. LEDs alone use 75% less energy and last up to 100,000 hours longer compared to their standard counterparts.

    If you’re looking for immediate action, start with your water usage. We’ve all heard the “take a shorter shower” tip to save money, but did you know you can maximize that benefit? Green Business found that using a shower head with a 1.5 gallon/minute flow alone can save 30-50% in water usage. Combine that with taking shorter showers – between 5-10 minutes – and one person alone can save approximately 2,000 gallons of water each year per HGTV’s calculations. Another study conducted by Green Business found that even lowering the temperature of your water heater by 10 degrees can save you 3-5% on your energy bill. Just think of all the money you can save if you implement the three water tips!

    Research has shown that if properly harnessed, the amount of energy generated by the sun in a single hour could provide a year’s worth of energy for the entire world.

    www.terrapass.com Tweet

    Renewable Energy Spotlight

    Countries worldwide are starting to implement renewable energy plans to lead the world into a low-carbon future.  In a 2019 article by the Climate Council, that has since been updated, 11 countries have either implemented or set renewable energy goals. One country that we would like to give notable recognition to for their efforts is Costa Rica.

    In data obtained from Costa Rica’s National Center for Energy Control in 2019, Alejandro Zúñiga from The Tico Times found that the country has been running on more than 98% renewable energy with 67.5% of that energy coming from hydropower alone. With an already monumental accomplishment under their belt, Costa Rica doesn’t show plans of stopping. Just last month, Miles Rote reported that the country is building additional geothermal power and hydroelectric plants. Costa Rica is launching all these plans on top of their goal to become completely carbon neutral by 2050. As the first country to be able to last 299 consecutive days on renewable energy, who’s to say they won’t also be the first to achieve carbon neutrality?

    Helpful Resources

    To learn more about what the world is doing to collectively work towards a renewable energy feature, tune into the live event hosted by EarthDay.Org on Earth Day, April 22nd.

    The live virtual event will begin at 12pm EST/11am CST/9am PST and will include workshops, panels, and performances.

    Joining the event is as simple as clicking here. Let’s all work towards a world we’re proud to call home.

    Thinking About Implenting One of Our Tips?

    We can help you! Just click over to VertPro® to get submit an energy project under our VertPro Upgrade feature. To speak to a representative, you can email us at upgrades@vertpro.com or call 800-585-2690.

    Try to leave the Earth a better place than when you arrived.” – Sidney Sheldon

     

    Irvine Green Business ProgramApril 2021 Announcement

    Just in time for Earth Day…

    Vert Energy Group is now certified as a Green Business by the City of Irvine Green Business Program. This recognition signifies that we are conducting our business using strategies aimed at improving employee wellness and productivity, energy savings, water efficiency, resource stewardship and reducing CO2 emissions.

    Want your Make Your Building Green? Get an Energy Audit! »

    Find Applicable Energy Laws Search by Zip to Find Applicable Energy Laws

    There are over 30 cities/states with Energy Benchmark requirements – 16 have Energy Audit requirements as well! Use this free tool to check if your building has an upcoming Energy Benchmark or Energy Audit deadline.

    FIND OUT HERE »
  • Energy Audit Requirements Starting 2021

    Energy Audit Requirements Starting 2021

    Did you know there are 30-plus energy compliance laws nationwide? We expect to see more and more cities not only add commercial energy compliance laws, but start enforcing those already in effect.

    In Los Angeles, starting this year, new deadlines are being introduced for Energy Audits & Retro-commissioning, and the City now requires them for all building types greater than 20,000 square feet once every 5 years.

    EBEWE Ordinance in Los Angeles

    “TIP THE WORLD OVER ON ITS SIDE AND EVERYTHING LOOSE WILL LAND IN LOS ANGELES.” – FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT

    What Is the EBEWE?

    Effective January 29, 2017, Ordinance 184674 added Division 97 to the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) which is known as the Energy and Water Efficiency Program (EBEWE). It requires owners of certain buildings to benchmark (report energy and water consumption) annually and submit audits and retro‐commissioning reports every five years. For full details on the Benchmarking and Audits and Retro‐Commissioning requirements, including the corresponding compliance schedules, please read the full ordinance and subsequent amendments at https://www.ladbs.org/docs/default‐source/forms/green‐building/ebewe‐ordinances.pdf

    In a race for limited resources, it is the energy efficient that will win the race.”

    David Cameron Tweet

    Audits and Retro - Commissioning Reprots Due Dates

    Not Sure what your Building ID # is? Search here: www.EBEWEordinance.com/Status

    Cost-effective energy efficiency projects can reduce annual utility bills by 20% and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, all while saving your business money.”

    Vanguard Cleaning Systems of the Southern Valley Tweet

    Helpful Resources

    To read more on what the Energy Benchmark and Audit process entails, check out Volume 01, 02 and Volume 03 of the Vert Report. The City of Los Angeles’ website is another great resource to further educate yourself on the LA EBEWE and Energy Audit.

    Want to get started on meeting your Energy deadlines but don’t know where to start? We can help you! Just click over to VertPro.com to get started on your EBEWE and Energy Audit processes. To speak to a representative, you can email us at support@vertpro.com or call 800-585-2690.

    To request an Energy Audit proposal, please email audits@vertenergygroup.com.

    Source: Some content taken, in full to maintain accuracy, from the following City of Los Angeles resource: https://www.ladbs.org/services/green-building-sustainability/existing-buildings-energy-water-efficiency-program

    Get Your Energy Audit Proposal »

    Find Applicable Energy Laws Search by Zip to Find Applicable Energy Laws

    There are over 30 cities/states with Energy Benchmark requirements – 16 have Energy Audit requirements as well! Use this free tool to check if your building has an upcoming Energy Benchmark or Energy Audit deadline.

    FIND OUT HERE »
  • Understanding San Francisco Commercial Energy Requirements

    Understanding San Francisco Commercial Energy Requirements

    Similar to many existing Energy programs, the City of San Francisco has two requirements: 1. Existing Building Energy Ordinance (EBEO) and 2. Energy Audit. In this article we are going to cover the difference between the two reports and their requirements.

    SF Existing Buildings Energy Ordinance (EBO) and Energy Audit (ASHRAE Level I and II): The Golden Duo

    “San Francisco is a world to explore. It is a place where the heart can go on a delightful adventure” – William Saroyan

    What Is the Existing Buildings Energy Ordinance (EBO)?

    In 2010 the City of San Francisco launched an Energy Benchmark program called the Existing Buildings Energy Ordinance, or the SF EBO. The EBO program states that by April 1st of each year, non-residential buildings 10,000+ sq. ft. and multifamily residential buildings 50,000+ sq. ft. are required to report their aggregated Electric, Gas, and Steam usage from the previous calendar year. Based on the Energy data provided and the property’s details, the property receives a score ranging from 1-100 indicating how “Energy Efficient” the property is in comparison to properties of similar type and size.

    Failure to meet the April 1st deadline will be displayed on the city’s public website and a written notice will be mailed. If after 45-days of the written notice being sent out, the city’s Department of Environment holds the right to fine buildings still marked as “Not Complied” as they see fit. Buildings less than 25,000 sq. ft can face fines of $50/day and up to $1,500 max, while those 25,000+ sq. ft. can be fined $100/day and a maximum of $2,500.

    There are two scenarios in which a building can be found exempt from filing: the building is newly developed or had been unoccupied or vacant during the previous calendar year in which data would be reporting. If you believe your building should be exempt for any reason other than the two listed, then you can contact the city at benchmark@sfenvironment.org. When filing for an EBO excemption, you will need to provide the city with the following information: current owner contact information, building’s Assesor Parcel Number (APN), building’s gross sq. ft., and reason you believe you are exempt from the program. To locate your APN, refer to the city’s site: http://propertymap.sfplanning.org/.

    In a race for limited resources, it is the energy efficient that will win the race.”

    David Cameron Tweet

    The SF Energy Audits – ASHRAE Level I and II 

    Unlike Los Angeles and New York City, the San Francisco Energy Audit is required to be reported every 5-years by non-residential buildings. There are two Energy Audit reports that need to be completed based on a building’s square footage: ASHRAE Level I for building 10,000-49,000 sq. ft. and ASHRAE Level II for buildings 50,000+ sq.ft. Despite the ASHRAE programs being developed back in 2004, it wasn’t until 2008 when San Francisco decided to adopt it. The city will notify building owners within 12-months of the deadline that they are required to file by. 
     
    Like all other Energy Audit programs, conducting your SF ASHRAE Level I and II will help save money down the line. This is done by idenitfying potential opportunities and improvements for the building through an analysis of the property’s existing systems and equipment. This analysis will determine if the building is running optimally in tandem with details such as building type, environment, and occupancy. It is important to note that there are a few cases in which a building can file for an exemption for the San Francisco Energy Audit: 
     
    1. 1. The building received an Energy Star in the past 3-5 years or a LEED certification in the past 5 year 
    2. 2. The building is newly constructed in the past 5-years
    3. 3. The building was vacant during the caldendar year prior to your Audit deadline
    4. 4. The building is going through a financial hardship (i.e. foreclosure and for sale under a public auction)
    For more information on the Energy Audit exemptions and how to apply for one, refer to the city’s site: https://sfenvironment.org/article/how-to-comply-and-report-to-sf-environment

    Cost-effective energy efficiency projects can reduce annual utility bills by 20% and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, all while saving your business money.”

    Vanguard Cleaning Systems of the Southern Valley Tweet

    Helpful Resources

    To read more on what the Energy Benchmark and Audit process entails, check out Volume 01, 02 and Volume 03 of the Vert Report. The City of San Francisco’s website is another great resource to further educate yourself on the SF EBO and Energy Audit.

    Want to get started on meeting your Energy deadlines but don’t know where to start? We can help you! Just click over to VertPro to get started on your EBO and Energy Audit processes. To speak to a representative, you can email us at support@vertpro.com or call 800-585-2690.

    To request an Audit proposal on your property, please email audits@vertenergygroup.com.

  • LL84, LL87, LL33 – What’s the Difference?

    LL84, LL87, LL33 – What’s the Difference?

    While many cities only have one or two Energy laws and programs, New York City sets itself apart with three – Local Law 84 (LL84), Local Law 33 (LL33), and Local Law 87 (LL87). With three existing Energy laws, the two questions we often hear are: what’s the difference and do I need to complete all three? We’re here to answer these questions and break down each law.

    The Couple – What Is Local Law 84 (LL84) and What Is Local Law 33 (LL33)?

    “In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of … there’s nothin’ you can’t do … Let’s hear it for New York” -Alicia Keys

    Let’s start with the annual Energy laws – LL84 and LL33.

    In 2009 the City of New York drafted Local Law 84, which states that properties 25,000 sq. ft. or more are required to report how much Electric, Gas, Water, Steam, and Oil was used during the previous calendar year. This data, in conjunction with the property’s details, is used to give the property a score ranging from 1-100. This score indicates how “Energy Efficient” the property is when compared to properties of similar size and type.

    Each year property owners and managers are given four chances to file their annual LL84: May 1, August 1, November 1, and also February 1 of the following year. For each missed deadline, the city will issue a $500.00 violation for non-compliance. There are two reasons why the city would deem a property non-compliant: either they did not file on time or the report was filed inaccurately. In many cases, the violations can only be resolved by paying the fee, though that doesn’t necessarily mean it is impossible to challenge. There are a few reasons you can challenge a violation for dismissal, for instance if you have proof that the property was demolished you may want to challenge the violation. You can read more about challenging a violation on the city’s site: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/business/benchmarking.page

    As mentioned above, a property is scored from 1-100 upon its Energy Benchmark submission. Previously LL84 was the only yearly Energy requirement. Last year – in 2020 – NYC launched its newest Energy Law – Local Law 33 (LL33). This new law takes the score received from completing your LL84 and assigns it a corresponding letter grade – refer to the below chart for reference. This letter grade will be released on October 1 and must be printed and displayed in an easily visible area of the property by October 31.

    Failure to print and display your properties letter grade will result in a $1,250.00 fine. Think of LL33 like the food letter grades that some restaurants are required to display, only this grade is for Energy Efficiency. It is important to note that if you fail to meet the first Energy Benchmark (LL84) deadline of May 1 you will automatically receive a letter grade of F until the next year’s cbdeadline. Read more on the LL33 requirement: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/pdf/ll33_faqs.pdf

    Energy efficiency is the fastest, easiest, cheapest way to save energy and money.”

    Ernest Moniz Tweet

    LL84 Score

    LL33 Grade

    Score of 85 or higher

    A

    Score of 70-84

    B

    Score of 55-69

    C

    Score of 54 or lower

    D

    Property failed to meet the deadline

    F

    Properties that are exempt from LL84 or not covered by the Energy Star program (i.e., Manufacturing/Industrial and Mixed-Use properties)

    N

    Flying Solo – What Is Local Law 87 (LL87)?

    While LL84 and LL33 are annual Energy requirements, LL87 – Energy Audit and Retro-Commissioning (RCx) – is only filed every 10 years. This requirement started back in 2014. Compliance is required of Commercial, Mixed-Use, and Residential properties that have also had to comply with LL84 and LL33. As there are so many buildings that need to file, the city created a system to put properties into deadline groups based off the last digit of the property’s assigned tax block number – see the below chart for the latest deadlines. Like LL84 and LL33, failure to meet your deadline will result in a violation of $3,000.00 the first year, and $5,000.00 each year thereafter until you file.

    Through your Energy Audit and RCx, you’ll be able to identify potential opportunities and improvements for the property – which could help save money in the long run. This is done by analyzing the property’s existing systems and equipment to determine if it’s running at its most optimal level in tandem with the property type, environment, and occupancy.

    Last Digit of Tax Block Number

    LL87 Deadline*

    0

    2020

    1

    2021

    2

    2022

    3

    2023

    4

    2024

    5

    2025

    6

    2026

    7

    2027

    8

    2028

    9

    2029

    *It is important to note that the deadline year will cycle through and re-start – the deadline will always be the year ending in the same digit as your Tax Block Number. For example: properties with Block Number 0 will report in 2020, 2030, 2040 and so forth.

    As the saying goes, the Stone Age did not end because we ran out of stones; we transitioned to better solutions. The same opportunity lies before us with energy efficiency and clean energy.”

    Steven Chu Tweet

    Helpful Resources

    We understand that this is a lot of information to sort through and comprehend – that’s where we can help. You can read more about what the Energy Benchmark and Audit process entails in Volume 01, 02 and Volume 03 of the Vert Report. The City of New York’s website also provides a lot of helpful resources to read up on if you want to educate yourself further on LL84, LL33, and LL87.

    So will we see laws like these three start popping up in other cities across the United States? In short, we do expect to see similar laws applied during the next four years. What those laws look like and what cities adopt them remain to be seen.

    Want to get started on meeting your Energy deadlines but don’t know where to start? We can help you! Just click over to VertPro® to get started on your LL84 and LL33 processes. To speak to a representative, you can email us at support@vertpro.com or call 800-585-2690.

    To learn more about the new Audit and RCx requirements, request a free 1-on-1 webinar. You’ll get an opportunity to learn new Audit/RCx requirements, review the upcoming deadlines, and focus on exemptions specific to your building(s). Schedule a meeting today at https://calendly.com/vertenergygroup/ll97

  • 2021 Benchmark Deadlines: We’re Here to Help!

    2021 Benchmark Deadlines: We’re Here to Help!

    Happy New Year, everyone! Are you ready for your 2021 energy benchmark deadlines? Either way, read on! In 2020 we saw a lot of changes that impacted how we help you. Between deadlines being pushed back numerous times and utility companies adapting to WFH situations – similar to many of us – we had to adjust accordingly. We have learned so much from 2020 and are ready to assist you with your Energy needs. Read on to learn more about how we’ll be supporting property owners, managers, and other energy professionals this year.

    Meeting Your 2021 Energy Benchmark Deadlines

    “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” Oprah Winfrey

    Benchmarking Is Back Up: Last year the pandemic turned the world upside-down. With everyone learning how to adjust, many cities either pushed back or halted their Energy Benchmark programs. It has now been roughly a year since the pandemic hit the U.S., and while it still rages on, it appears that many cities are reinstating their Energy Benchmark programs to their pre-COVID-19 standards. Depending on your city, you may have already begun to receive notices to file your 2021 reports. For example, Los Angeles sent property owners and managers the first notice to comply with the 2021 deadline back in December. Please keep in mind, that while the cities do attempt to notify owners, they aren’t always successful. Given this, it’s always a good idea to take a proactive approach and check for yourself – especially as deadlines and requirements can be altered.

    What’s My Deadline?

    Presently, there are 39 existing Energy Benchmark programs nationwide. With so many programs it can be hard to keep track of your 2021 energy benchmark deadlines. To make it easy for you, we complied a chart for your reference.

    Benchmark Deadlines Due Dates

    PORTLAND, ORGEON HAS SUSPENDED THE 2021 DEADLINE. NO REPORT IS DUE THIS YEAR. – find out if your city has suspended!”

    Download the Full Calendar

    We’re Here to Help: Filing your Energy Benchmarks and Audits can be a long and sometimes stressful process. If you have multiple properties it can be an even bigger headache to accomplish alone. At Vert Energy Group, we want you to know that we are here to make it easier for you with our technology platform, VertPro®. On VertPro you can get started on your Energy Benchmarks, chat with a representative, and even get bids on your Energy upgrade projects.

    Now that you know your deadlines, why not get started today? Some cities are having deadlines as early as April 1st, that’s only 4-months away. From our experience, it can take a minimum of 4-7 weeks to obtain the necessary data from utility companies to file an Energy Benchmark. The Audit process is more in-depth and requires a minimum of two on-site visits. With all this in mind, it is important to get started as soon as you can to ensure you meet your deadlines.

    Need Help?

    For more information about the 2021 energy benchmark deadlines or to speak to a team member you can email us at support@vertpro.com or call 800-585-2690.

    To learn more, request a free 1-on-1 webinar. You will learn an overview of new Audit/RCx requirements, review the upcoming deadlines, and focus on exemptions specific to your building(s). To register, go to https://www.EBEWEordinance.com/learn for Los Angeles and https://calendly.com/vertenergygroup/ll97 for NYC.

    The Vert Energy Group Team
  • Ho, Ho, Holy Energy Savings

    Ho, Ho, Holy Energy Savings

    ‘Tis the Season to Save Energy as the holiday season is here! While we at Vert Energy Group hope you’re taking some much-needed time off to spend with loved ones, we want to remind you that Energy never takes a break. That’s why we wanted to give you some helpful Energy saving tips to keep the fun going, but not break the bank.

    Fun Fact: LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs use 75% less energy than standard lights.

    Every holiday season you see houses decked out with the flashiest and fanciest of lights. Every year those houses – unless they’re using LED lights – are seeing a surge in their electric bills. You can still go all out on decorations, but instead of using decorations with standard lights try switching to LED options. Not only do LEDs use 75% less energy than standard lights, but they also last longer. According to Energy Star, LED options can last up to 100,000 hours, are safer, and more durable than regular lights.

    It’s not just about making the switch to LED options though. You want to keep in mind how long you let the decorations stay on. Gas South recommends that you should only keep your decorations lit for six-hours of the day and only turn them on once it’s dark out. Some lights have timer functions so put that function to use. If you know it gets dark and bright out in your area at a certain time, set the timer to turn your lights on and off during that timeframe.

    One of our personal favorite lighting tips is to turn off all the lights in the house after dinner and just use the lights coming from the Christmas lights. Not only do the lights provide a warm – or colorful depending on your lights – glow to your rooms, but it makes it all the cozier. It creates the perfect environment and mood to cozy up with a loved one or furry friend and watch some holiday movies all while helping to save just a bit of energy.

    Need help? Visit www.VertPro.com

    According to the U.S. Department of Energy, cooking alone can account for roughly 4.5% of total home energy usage.”

    Prepping a Holiday Feast

    Holiday meals – whether big or small – is a staple in many homes during the holidays. While the menus may vary, the common thing many of us can relate to is all the prep required. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, cooking alone can account for roughly 4.5% of total home energy usage. Though 4.5% isn’t extreme, there are some ways you can cut back on the usage and save some money all while prepping your holiday feast.

     

    Three common, and often overlooked, tips we can all apply when cooking is adjusting the thermostat, preparing dishes with the same temperature settings simultaneously, and using ceramic dishes and wide pots. First up – adjusting your thermostat. Energy company, Constellation, states that by simply lowering your thermostat while cooking, you can decrease your energy usage by 3%. As long as all your windows and doors aren’t open, you won’t have to worry about freezing as the heat from your oven and stove combined with the body heat in the room will keep you and your guests warm.

     

    Second: bake similar dishes at the same time. Doing this will save you energy and time as it allows you to check on multiple dishes at once – just remember to try to use the oven window and light feature when applicable. Each time you open the oven door heat escapes reducing the temperature up to 25 degrees. As a result, the oven will have to work harder to bring the temperature back up and thus more energy is used. The same goes for cooking on the stove – the more you open the lid, the more heat escapes. The takeaway: keep your oven doors and pot lids closed.

     

    Finally, try to cook in ceramic or glass dishes as the material can contain heat generated better than their metal counterparts. If you’re using the stovetop, use pans with wide bottoms that will cover the burner. Energy.gov found that roughly $18-36 dollars a month can be saved just by using the right pot when using your stove.

     

    Saving energy isn’t just applicable to your home or business during the holidays. All these tips can be adopted into your everyday life for year-round energy savings.

    From us at Vert Energy Group to you, we wish you a happy holiday season.
    The Vert Energy Group Team