Tag: 2022 Free Energy Benchmark

A Gift for You

A Gift for You! All New VertPro.com

Be one of the first to experience a new and improved Energy Benchmarking Dashboard with new easy-to-use features. Managing your entire portfolio has never been easier and faster!

With a growing client base and additional services, the new platform will create a better customer experience by managing multi-service compliance requirements in one easy-to-use space. From benchmarking and audits to building upgrades and rebates, the new platform will identify all energy-saving opportunities for multi-building portfolios with the click of a button.

New users can enjoy the new and improved dashboard that consolidates all their information in one safe and secure place upon sign-up. In contrast, existing users will experience the new dashboard and features upon rollout on January 2, 2023. A notable new feature is the chat box which adds to a more user-friendly platform, creating ease of contacting a professional with any questions. A refreshed energy scorecard tool utilizes all your building’s information to discover the amount of money that can be potentially saved by implementing energy-saving measures.

VertPro® makes it easy to identify new opportunities, implement upgrades, and comply with various, often confusing, local, and federal sustainability regulations. The platform’s innovative features simplify the process from start to finish, allowing building owners to save money, reduce project risks, decrease operating costs, and increase property values. From identifying underperforming buildings, and conducting Energy Audits to find cost-effective improvement opportunities, to sourcing energy rebates and financing opportunities to get your projects off the ground, VertPro® does it all. Sign up today to reveal the new features we couldn’t wait to share with you

“Without change, there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement.” – William Pollard

Closing out 2022 Compliance & Looking Ahead

As we close out 2022, and with 2023 quickly approaching, it is important to make sure you have complied with all benchmarking laws for 2022. With only 25 days left in 2022, time is of the essence to avoid potential fines and violations for non-compliance. If you have already completed your 2022 benchmark, it is a great time to start planning for your 2023 benchmark! Looking ahead to the upcoming year it is important to note that more cities are adopting benchmarking laws and requirements are being updated for already existing laws.

Adding to the already 50+ cities that have benchmarking requirements, New Jersey State and Miami, FL will begin to require compliance with benchmarking laws starting in 2023. The City of San Francisco will also require all multi-family buildings to upgrade fire alarm systems. Planning early for this will be beneficial as fire horn prices are set to drastically increase by 20-30% in 2023.

The City of San Francisco will require all multi-family buildings to upgrade fire alarm systems to pass the “Pillow Test” to comply with the SFFC Section 1103.7.6.1. After several devastating apartment fires hit the City in 2016, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed legislation to seriously strengthen safety in multi-family properties. Most of these requirements went into effect shortly thereafter. However, a new mandate goes into effect on July 1, 2023, requiring a manual fire alarm system that would be more likely to wake sleeping residents.

These new alarms are not only louder but more effective, as they also use low-frequency horns or speakers that are more likely to wake a sleeping person. These lower frequencies require more energy to make them sound and unfortunately most existing fire alarm systems are not designed to handle the additional power required. Therefore, a new system will often be required to be installed before July 1, 2023.

As energy efficiency continues to be an increasingly important issue for cities, states, and the nation, new energy laws and regulations are being enacted to mandate better performance from commercial and multifamily properties. Metrics you need to reach, deadlines, and specifics on how to file your energy performance with your municipality vary from city to city. To find out what this means for you and your building continue reading here: The Vert Report Vol. 25 – New Energy Efficiency Laws (vertenergygroup.com)

Get to Know Your Local Energy Audits

With consistently changing laws and regulations, and new requirements being added every year, we understand that compliance can be tricky. Energy Audits are the first and most critical step toward understanding how energy is being used, how it is being wasted, and how you can take control of future price increases. To ensure compliance by deadline it’s suggested that you request your audit 6-9 months prior to the due date, making it time to start planning for 2023!

Vert Energy Group has been servicing the Los Angeles and San Francisco area for many years and are experts in the Energy Benchmarks and Energy Audits/RCx field. Vert Energy Group engineers conduct their audits in accordance with the high standards developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

We have compiled a breakdown of important dates and requirements for upcoming Energy Audit deadlines for Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Austin, TX; Seattle, WA; and Reno, NV. These are cities in which we are now available to help complete your Energy Audit and keep you in compliance! Mark your calendars with important dates, and requirements to avoid potential fines/violations.

Atlanta, GA

CBEEO- Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Ordinance

Deadline:

· Dec 31, 2022: Bldg IDs ending in “2”

*2022 deadline extended to January 4th, 2023

· Dec 31, 2023: Bldg IDs ending in “3”

· Dec 31, 2024: Bldg IDs ending in “4”

· Dec 31, 2025: Bldg IDs ending in “5”

· Dec 31, 2026: Bldg IDs ending in “6”

· Dec 31, 2027: Bldg IDs ending in “7”

· Dec 31, 2028: Bldg IDs ending in “8”

· Dec 31, 2029: Bldg IDs ending in “9”

Sq. Ft. Minimum:

· Commercial ≥ 50,000

· Public ≥ 25,000

Length of Compliance: Every 10 years starting in 2020

Audit must be comparable to an ASHRAE Level II
audit.

Austin, TX

ECAD – The Energy Conservation Audit & Disclosure Ordinance

Deadline: Time of Sale / June 1, 2023

Sq. Ft. Minimum:

· Multifamily bldgs ≥ 5 units, 10 years or older

· Homes 1-4 units, 10 years or older

Length of Compliance: Time of Sale & once every 10 years after

Exemptions:

·Bldg is less than 10 years of age.

· Bldg participated in Austin Electric Utility program or Austin Energy Free Weatherization Program within 10 years of the sale and performed appropriate efficiency measures, or the purchaser has agreed to do so within six months after the time of sale.

Energy Audits + Mandatory Upgrades: After conducting an audit, multifamily owners whose energy use exceeds 150% of the average must implement improvements
to reduce energy use by 20%.

Boston, MA

BERDO – Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance

Deadline:

· May 15, 2021: Non-residential bldgs 35,000 to 50,000 sq. ft.

· May 15, 2022: Residential bldgs ≥ 35 units or 35,000 sq. ft.

· May 15, 2024: Non-residential bldgs ≥ 50,000 sq. ft.

· May 15, 2025: Residential bldgs ≥ 50 units or 50,000 sq. ft.

Sq. Ft. Minimum:

· Commercial ≥ 35,000

· Public ≥ 25,000

· MultiFamily ≥ 35,000/35 units

· All Public/Gov’t

Length of Compliance: Every 5 years

Audit OR performance actions required. Actions are significant investment in efficiency, comprehensive energy management plan, or retro-commissioning of energy systems. Bldgs over 50,000 sq. ft. have more stringent requirements. Owners can comply by retro-commissioning instead of an audit.

Reno, NV

ReEnergize: Energy and Water Efficiency Program

Deadline:

· 2026: City bldgs.

· 2028: Agency-owned/privately-owned bldgs ≥ 100,000 sq. ft.

· 2029: Agency-owned/privately-owned bldgs ≥ 50,000 sq. ft.

· 2032: Agency-owned/privately-owned bldgs ≥ 30,000 sq. ft.

Sq. Ft. Minimum:

· Commercial & Multifamily ≥30,000 and does not meet performance target

· Public/Gov’t ≥ 10,000 and does not meet performance target

Length of Compliance: Every 7 years

Exemptions: For energy and water audit:

· LEED Existing blgs (2009 or later)

· LEED O&M for existing bldg (Version 4 or 4.1)
Comparable rating system for existing bldgs

Retuning or an energy and water audit are pathways to fulfill performance targets of the law.

Seattle, WA

Building Tune-Ups, SMC: 22.930

Deadline:

· Oct. 1, 2021: bldgs 50,000 to 69,999 sq. ft. excluding parking

· Oct. 1, 2023: bldgs ≥ 200,000 sq. ft.

· Oct. 1, 2024: bldgs 100,000 to 199,999 sq. ft. excluding parking

· Oct. 1, 2025: bldgs 70,000 to 99,999 sq. ft. excluding parking

Sq. Ft. Minimum:

· Commercial and City-owned ≥ 50,000

Length of Compliance: Every 5 years

Building energy and water tune-ups include both mandatory and voluntary corrective actions for building owners to undertake.

If you are looking for more information about your city’s requirements or if your city isn’t listed above, head on over to https://vertpro.com/2023-Energy-Audits to speak with a professional today! A compliance specialist will answer any questions you may have and help simplify any requirement to get you in compliance today!

“The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement.” – Helmut Schmidt

How to Build Santa’s Sleigh

Santa’s sleigh is one of the most iconic images of Christmas, but have you ever wondered how it is put together? Santa sure knows his way around a toolbox! Here are some tips on how to build your own sleigh just like him.

First, you’ll need to gather your materials. For the frame and body of the sleigh, you’ll need wood. Make sure you pick pieces that are strong and light! You’ll also need some large nails or screws to hold it together. For the runners, you can use either metal or wood – just make sure they’re smooth for a comfortable ride. Next up is painting your sleigh. Choose a festive color like red, green, or white to get that classic Santa look. Don’t forget to add some eye-catching decorations like jingle bells and candy cane stripes!

Once you’re done painting and decorating, it’s time to attach the runners. Make sure they are securely fastened so your sleigh can take off with ease. To give it an extra special touch, why not add a few reindeer figurines on the front? Finally, you’ll need to give your sleigh some oomph. You can buy pre-made rocket boosters or attach some large helium balloons for a classic Santa lift-off! Be sure to keep the balloons safely away from any heat sources.

And there you have it – a festive sleigh that’s sure to make Santa proud! Whether you plan on taking off around the world or just using it for decoration, building your own Santa sleigh is an exciting and rewarding project. What are you waiting for? Get to building your Santa sleigh today!

Fun Fact:

Did you know that Jingle Bells was the first song to ever be broadcast from space? Upon re-entry to the earth’s atmosphere, ground controllers began to hear Jingle Bells being played by the astronauts aboard the Gemini 6!

Another fun fact about Jingle Bells: It was never written to be a Christmas song! James Lord Pierpont who wrote Jingle Bells first performed it at a thanksgiving church service. If you listen to the lyrics there is no mention of any holiday at all! Jingle Bells only became a Christmas song decades later in 1857! Source

Stephanie’s Section

Holiday Celebrations

No matter where you go, you can find something special to celebrate in the wintertime! Holidays during this season range from religious observances to secular festivities all around the world. Here are some of our favorite winter holidays from different countries. In Germany, people gather for Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Markets) which are festive public markets filled with traditional treats and sweets. Decorated stalls are scattered throughout the streets, offering visitors hot drinks, handmade items, and plenty of holiday cheer.

In Japan, people celebrate Oshogatsu (New Year’s Day). It is a time for families to come together and reflect on the past year while looking forward to the future. Although gifts are exchanged, the emphasis is on spiritual renewal and appreciation for nature’s beauty. In the United Arab Emirates, Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan—a month-long period of fasting. After a day spent celebrating with family and friends, people dress in their finest clothes to attend mosques and offer prayers of gratitude. This is followed by a huge feast shared with family and friends known as the “Breaking of the Fast”.

Regardless of where you are in the world, winter is a special time to come together and celebrate! Holidays around the world provide us opportunities to come together and appreciate our differences while uniting over shared experiences and moments of joy. So, wherever you are this winter season, take a moment to explore the holiday traditions that make us all unique!

Happy Holidays!

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.

November 28, 2022

Energy Benchmark for 2022 compliance

Last chance for a free 2022 Energy Benchmark for 2022 compliance
Vert Energy Group is offering a Free 2022 Energy Benchmark to 150 building owners/property managers! Sign up today to claim your free Energy Benchmark! (Limit one per user for one property not complied for 2022) With 2023 right around the corner, Vert Energy Group wants to protect you from multiple years of non-compliance, as some of you may already be incurring fines or penalties! Use this free code to avoid continued fees and get in compliance today!
With 50+ Energy programs nationwide, it can feel like you’re in a maze trying to identify and meet your building’s specific requirements. Vert Energy Group takes the guesswork out of compliance, assuring data accuracy and ease of filing. We offer several tools to help you best determine how to optimize your building’s efficiency and now offer Vert Rebates on Energy Benchmarks and Energy Audits when you post a project on VertPro® Upgrades. Limitations do apply but check with your project specialist to determine which of your projects may qualify for the Vert Rebate.
Vert Energy Group makes benchmarking fast and easy for your entire portfolio of properties when you register on our platform VertPro®. All it takes is 30 minutes- or less- 3 easy steps and you are done. If you have any questions schedule a 1-on-1 demo with our team of experts.
Get started today as the promo code BMFREE2022 is only valid until November 18th, 2022.

“Production is the only answer to inflation.” – Chester Bowles

Inflation vs building material costs

With rising inflation rates and turmoil in a post covid world, many are concerned about what this means to the building industry. Inflation can have a significant impact on building costs, as the cost of materials and labor tends to increase when inflation rates are high. To stay within budget, it is important to monitor inflation rates and be prepared for potential cost increases.
Inflation rates can vary significantly from year to year. For example, inflation in 2020 was around 2%, but the inflation rate as of September 2022 was a whopping 8.2% year over year. Source “CBRE’s new Construction Cost Index forecasts a 14.1% year-over-year increase in construction costs by year-end 2022 as labor and material costs continue to rise. Escalation should stabilize to the 2%-4% range in 2023 and 2024, on par with historical averages. A confluence of events—including soaring construction demand, inflation, pandemic-related restrictions, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and the war in Ukraine—are spurring rising, costs and uncertainty across the construction industry.” 2022 U.S. Construction Cost Trends | CBRE
Just one example of the impact is lumber costs. Lumber costs reached an all-time high in 2021, and while the cost has backed down some since 2021, more than 90% of builders say they still face shortages of wood for framing. The expectation is cost inflation for materials will begin to slow and largely return to typical levels by mid-2023.” However, given the large number of construction inputs—many of which are often subject to geopolitical risks such as tariffs and sanctions—costs for some materials may remain volatile. Supply chain-related disruptions should begin to ease, but ongoing global labor and component shortages will hamper production and logistics capacity. As a result, long lead times and material shortages will likely continue in the short term.” Source
Graph Source
Inflation is one of the key factors in building costs, making it very important to monitor rates and be prepared for potential cost increases year to year to stay within budget.

2023 SF Energy Audits approaching quickly

San Francisco Energy Audits are quickly approaching. The requirements of a San Francisco energy audit vary with the size, and use of a building. The San Francisco Environment Code Chapter 20 sets a high standard: audits must meet or exceed the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Procedures for Commercial Building Audits, with larger facilities required to receive a more rigorous evaluation than smaller facilities. The San Francisco Existing Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance requires buildings that are 50,000 square feet and larger to conduct an ASHRAE Level II audit or an “intermediate” survey and energy analysis. Buildings that are 10,000 to 49,999 square feet in size require an ASHRAE Level I audit or basic energy analysis. Deadlines vary based on when the last report was submitted, but an energy audit is required to be completed every 5 years. Important dates to remember of when these requirements were enacted: April 1, 2021: Non-residential bldgs ≥ 50,000 sq. ft. Apr 1, 2022: Non-residential bldgs 25,000 to 49,999 sq. ft. Apr 1, 2023: Non-residential bldgs 10,000 to 24,999 sq. ft. Check with your Vert Energy Audit specialist today to see if your building is due for an energy audit and if any additional requirements are mandatory.

“We shape our buildings: Thereafter, they shape us.” -Winston Churchill

Building Materials and Process for Mayflower Ships
We all know the Mayflower set sail for America in 1620, but how many of us understand the long and complicated building process that led to the success of that maiden voyage? The Mayflower ships were built using traditional materials and methods but were equipped with state-of-the-art guns and cannons for protection and sails that were made from the best materials available, resulting in a ship that was able to sail across the Atlantic Ocean and reach America safely.
The Mayflower ship was built using several traditional materials and methods for the time, but this was far from a simple feat. The hull of the Mayflower was made from oak timbers that were cut down and hand-shaped into the desired shape. The oak timbers were then hewn by hand to make them smoother and fastened together with wooden pegs. Finally, the sails were made from linen or hemp, and the hemp or flax rigging was installed. The back-breaking work required to source the materials used to build, and the manpower required for these building methods made the success of the Mayflower’s journey even more impressive.

Comparatively building the Mayflower today would be a much easier feat. With the technology and machines, we now have, it would take a fraction of the time and effort. We would replace oak timbers with steel for the hull, aluminum for the sails, and synthetic materials for the rigging. The guns and cannons would be replaced with machine guns and missile launchers. Overall, the mayflower ship was a technologically advanced ship for its time.

Nowadays, there are mayflower replicas that you can visit and tour to get a feel of how life may have been like on the original mayflower ship. These replicas are also built using traditional methods and materials, so you can get a sense of how difficult and time-consuming the process was.

It took a lot of hard work and dedication to build the Mayflower ship, but thanks to the efforts of the builders, the Mayflower ship was able to set sail and successfully cross the Atlantic Ocean, a remarkable feat and building material choice for its time.

Fun Fact:

Thanksgiving Day continues to be one of the busiest travel days year after year. The entire week of thanksgiving will see a record number of people traveling, with an expected 54 million Americans traveling to see friends and family. According to a recent Thanksgiving Travel Survey, ’more than 43% of American adults plan on traveling to a vacation destination or holiday gathering this year on Turkey Day. With travel rapidly recovering, the 2022 holiday season is looking to be extremely busy, with many people flying for the first time in a few years.” Source According to thevacationer.com the best day to fly is Thanksgiving Day or Black Friday if you can’t depart earlier in the week. See the table below for more suggestions!

Stephanie’s Section
British Royal Family Post Queen Elizabeth Queen Elizabeth II, reigning queen for 67 years, was one of the most respected and beloved members of the British royal family. Her recent passing will largely impact not only the British Royal Family but also British society and culture. Queen Elizabeth was not only head of state but a stabilizing force for the royal family, and her death will likely change the way in which the British royal family functions. Prince Charles, now king, will hold more power than the former queen, as Britain is a constitutional monarchy. A constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch is head of state, but the powers of the monarch are limited by a constitution. Many believe Prince Charles will be a more hands-on King than his mother, and we will see many changes under his reign. Prince Williams’s future in the British royal family is also unclear. While a current working member of the royal family, it is possible that he will step back from his role or even leave the royal family entirely. The role of the British royal family in 21^st-century Britain is primarily ceremonial. While the royal family is of noble birth, they do not hold any real political power, but play a very important role in British society and culture. The family’s main duties are to represent Britain domestically and internationally, to support British interests, and to provide a focus for national unity. Some of the challenges the British Royal family faces in the 21^st century include maintaining relevance in a society that is increasingly secular, the royal family must manage public perception in the wake of negative publicity and scrutiny, dealing with financial constraints, addressing the issue of succession, while navigating changing social norms and expectations. With a net worth estimated to be around $88 billion, the world is watching to see what will come of the British Royal family post-Queen Elizabeth II. A beacon for the British people and British society, her impact and passing will be felt for years to come.

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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 »

November 3, 2022