Tag: Climate Change

Investing in Energy Benchmarking

Why You Should Invest In NYC Energy Benchmarking To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
As the world continues to face an uncertain and ever-changing environment, it is becoming increasingly important for businesses of all sizes to reduce their carbon footprints. One cost-effective way for companies in New York City (NYC) to do this is by investing in energy benchmarking. NYC’s Energy Benchmarking law has made it easier than ever before for building owners and tenants to monitor, compare, and improve their energy performance. With all the potential benefits that come from investing in benchmarking solutions, it’s a great opportunity for any company looking to go green! In this blog post we will explore why NYC Energy Benchmarking is key for your business operations and how you can begin taking advantage of its environmental advantages today.
What is NYC Energy Benchmarking?
NYC Energy Benchmarking is a mandatory energy efficiency program requiring certain buildings in New York City to track and submit energy use data on an annual basis. Buildings that participate in energy benchmarking are provided with energy efficiency ratings, giving owners insight into how their building compares to similar ones.
The overall goal of the local law is to improve the energy efficiency of NYC buildings throughout the five boroughs by providing comprehensive, actionable data that helps identify and reduce energy and emissions performance.
Leveraging the ENERGY STAR portfolio management tool, cities across the country can monitor progress and improve efficiency in thousands of public and private buildings at once.
NYC Energy Benchmarking is ultimately a cost-saving practice for landlords and building owners looking to make their property more efficient- friendly for both tenants’ wallets and our planet!
What are NYC Energy Benchmarking Requirements?
New York City has set out energy benchmarking requirements to help reduce the city’s pollution levels, which have had a devastating effect on public health and the environment. NYC Energy Benchmarking is a voluntary program that helps building owners understand the energy use of their buildings in comparison to similar buildings, setting targets for energy efficiency improvements.
This program requires that each year buildings over 25,000 sq ft track each and submit their annual energy and water usage with the intention of creating awareness of how much energy their buildings use. Owners then can compare their buildings’ energy performances throughout time with EPA ratings from over 5000 commercial buildings.
If a certain building is found to be an inefficient use of resources, NYC Energy Benchmarking provides suggestions on how to improve its performance in order to help reduce emissions and save money. All data is then used by the city as aggregate data only, reducing privacy concerns so authorities can assess the emission profiles of individuals or groups of buildings.
Through this program, New York City not only reduces its own carbon footprint and saves its renewable energy but other cities adopt these practices and are inspired by New York’s leadership in this effort thus leading to global impact.
Benefits of Investing in NYC Energy Benchmarking
New York City buildings account for nearly 75% of the city’s carbon emissions, making energy efficiency through benchmarking a critical factor in fighting climate change. Investing in NYC Energy Benchmarking can provide a significant return on investment by reducing energy costs and creating a healthier living environment.
For commercial buildings, it can mean improved occupancy rates from tenants who value eco-friendly options, better leasing deals as new efficiency measures lower energy bills even further, and tax incentives provided by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
Property managers also benefit from an easy-to-use online system to compare their buildings’ performance with similar properties and receive energy efficiency grades based on their energy savings efforts.
NYC Energy Benchmarking is an important step towards achieving greater sustainability at both an individual building level as well as community-wide.
Reasons to Invest in NYC Energy Benchmarking
Leverage Data for Real Estate Investment:
Benchmarking provides real estate owners and investors with data that can be used to make informed decisions. Real estate owners can use benchmarking data to compare their building’s energy performance against similar buildings, identify opportunities for improvement, and prioritize investments.
Improve Property Value:
Benchmarking can help improve property value by increasing overall efficiency and enhancing tenant comfort. Owners have the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to energy efficiency, which has become an increasingly important factor for tenants when selecting the property.
Reduce Operating Costs:
By benchmarking a building’s performance and identifying opportunities for improvement, owners can reduce operating costs. The data provides insight into potential cost savings and the ability to target investments towards areas of greatest return.
Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
Benchmarking helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing real estate owners with data that can inform operational decisions. By understanding energy use in their buildings and setting goals for improvement, owners can take action to reduce carbon dioxide emission levels.
Maximize Subsidies & Incentives:
Benchmarking can help owners maximize their access to subsidies and incentives offered by energy service companies, energy efficiency programs, and local governments. Depending on a building’s performance, owners may be eligible to receive funding or tax credits.
Attract Eco-conscious Tenants:
NYC Energy Benchmarking provides an opportunity for owners to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and attract tenants who prioritize energy efficiency. Owners can use the data to demonstrate their building’s performance in comparison with industry standards and showcase the improvements they have made.
Meet Legal Obligations:
NYC Energy Benchmarking is a legal requirement for buildings over 25,000 square feet in NYC. It’s important that owners comply with the law and submit their reports on time to avoid potential fines. Benchmarking also helps owners meet other legal obligations related to energy efficiency, such as the Carbon Emission Reduction Requirement.
Demonstrate Leadership:
Benchmarking provides owners with a powerful platform to demonstrate their commitment to energy efficiency. By investing in NYC Energy Benchmarking, owners can demonstrate their leadership to the market and gain recognition for their achievements. This will help them stand out from the competition and attract eco-conscious tenants.
By investing in NYC Energy Benchmarking, real estate owners and investors can capitalize on data to make informed decisions, improve property value and reduce operating costs, maximize subsidies and incentives, attract eco-conscious tenants, and meet legal obligations. Investing in benchmarking is an essential step for real estate owners to succeed in the changing market.
How NYC Energy Benchmarking Can Lower Your Carbon Footprint?
City-wide efforts to reduce carbon emissions are a must in the fight against climate change, and the New York city council is leading the way. Through NYC energy benchmarking, they are making new requirements that existing buildings need to meet regarding their heating and cooling systems.
By better understanding the energy and water usage of these buildings, owners have the data points needed to make informed decisions about new efficient equipment installations and timely repairs that improve efficiency.
These changes can significantly help lower the carbon footprint in New York City because less energy is being used which also reduces greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. In addition, it saves businesses money on their utility bills every month!
As NYC continues to invest in this practice, we’ll all be able to benefit from cleaner air, reduced costs, and a healthier planet.
How Building Owners Can Use NYC Energy Benchmarking To Increase Energy efficiency?
Building owners in New York City have the ability to increase their energy efficiency with NYC Energy Benchmarking. This program, put forth by the New York City Department of Buildings provides covered buildings with the resources to reduce their carbon footprint and save money.
By using this program covered building owners can access a wealth of knowledge on data-driven recommended investments, distributed energy resources, and ways they can measure their success.
NYC Energy Benchmarking allows building owners to identify where their buildings are wasting energy, understand their economic and environmental gains from implementing energy efficient solutions, as well as tracking progress over time.
With this invaluable information covered building owners will be able to save money while helping protect the environment.
How To Get Started With NYC Energy Benchmarking?
NYC Energy Benchmarking is a great way for building owners for reducing greenhouse gas emissions of their buildings while simultaneously reducing energy costs.
It requires an owner with an online NYC Buildings account to first log into the website and supply basic information about their building, including the address and borough.
The next step is uploading certain documents, including an energy report and electricity bills, then viewing your building’s initial energy score—generated by combining reported details on square footage, number of buildings, thermostat capacity, etc.—and comparing it against peer buildings.
NYC Energy Benchmarking projects power bill reductions of up to 10% each year when reducing energy use by 20%. Start reducing your energy footprint today with NYC Energy Benchmarking!
Conclusion
NYC energy benchmarking is an important step towards reducing your carbon footprint and saving on energy costs. By understanding how much energy your building uses, you can make informed decisions about how to reduce consumption and save money. And, by reducing your building’s energy use, you’ll also be doing your part to help the environment. If you’re interested in learning more about NYC energy benchmarking or would like help getting started, we’d be happy to talk with you.

December 27, 2022

San Jose Energy Audit Ordinance

San Jose’s Additional Energy Requirement

The past few years San Jose has been busy developing their city’s Energy programs.
Like other cities, San Jose began with an annual Energy Benchmark program and then added on an Audit program. On May 14, 2021, the city of San Jose announced that Ordinance No. 30550 aka the San Jose Energy Audit Ordinance was now in effect. But what exactly does this mean for property owners and managers in San Jose?

Beginning 2023 and 2024, San Jose property owners must prove that their building is
either energy and water-efficient or has been improving annually through the
annual Energy Benchmarking. Based on your building’s performance, you will
either need to file a Performance Verification Report and/or an Energy Audit
and Retro-Commissioning report by your assigned deadline. Deadlines are
determined by property Gross Floor Area (GFA sq. ft.) and the last digit of its
assigned Santa Clara County Tax Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN):

Properties 50,000+ sq. ft.
Last Digit of APN	First Deadline	Subsequent Deadlines
0	May 1, 2023	Every five years thereafter
1
2	May 1, 2024
3
4	May 1, 2025
5
6	May 1, 2026
7
8	May 1, 2027
9
Properties 20,000 sq. ft. – 49,999 sq. ft.
Last Digit of APN	First Deadline	Subsequent Deadlines
0	May 1, 2024	Every five years thereafter
1
2	May 1, 2025
3
4	May 1, 2026
5
6	May 1, 2027
7
8	May 1, 2028
9

Property owners looking to file a Performance Verification Report must demonstrate and
provide sufficient evidence that the building meets one of the following
requirements:

• A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy or a Certificate
of Occupancy to prove the property is new and has been occupied for less than five years from its first filing deadline

• A California Licensed Professional (e.g., engineer,
architect, or qualified Auditor or Retro-Commissioning Professional) has determined that the property has achieved one or more Energy and Water standards each for a minimum of two out of three calendar years prior to their filing deadline. These standards are:

o ENERGY STAR® and US EPA Water Scores:

§ Received a score of 75 or higher from the US EPA

§ Score has improved by 15 points or more relative to its performance during the baseline year

o Weather normalized site Energy Use Intensity (EUI) and
Water Use Intensity:

§ Site EUI and/or Water Use Intensity per the Benchmarking Tool calculations is 25% below the calculated mean for its given property type

§ Site EUI and/or Water Use Intensity has dropped by at least 15% relative to its performance during the baseline year

If you can prove that your San Jose building has met both one Energy and one Water standard, you will only need to file a Performance Verification Report before the filing deadline. Otherwise, a Performance Verification Report must be filed in tandem with either an Energy and Water Audit or Retro-Commissioning report, or an Efficiency Improvement Measure Report. It is important to note that an Efficiency Improvement Measure Report must demonstrate that two measures were completed and reported no later than May 1^st of your deadline year. The following is a list of Energy and Water Efficiency Improvement Measures set by the state of California:

• Installation of one or more of the following items on the property:

o In accordance with the California Building Standards Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24)

§ Common area and exterior lighting features

§ Domestic hot water heater

§ Plumbing systems

§ Outdoor landscaping and irrigation systems

§ Greywater system

o Smart thermostat

o Solar thermal heating/cooling system

o Insulation on all hot water pipes in, accessible
locations

• Replacement of one or more of the following items on
the property:

o All refrigerators to ENERGY STAR® Certified models

o All gas stoves to electric induction stoves

o All gas water heaters to an electric heat pump or tankless water heaters

• Enrollment or participation in department-approved
actions:

o A utility demand response program

o An Energy and/or water utility retrofit program (e.g., rebate and/or incentive programs pertaining to upgrades)

This extensive report is due no later than your deadline. You could apply for a 60-day extension – no more than 180 days if proof of hardship is available – but the city isn’t required to grant you this request. Given this, it’s best to get started with filing right away. Schedule a meeting with
one of our professionals to learn how we can help you meet this new San Jose requirement. Click here or the Audit department and here for Building Upgrades.

Tackling Climate Change

“Climate change is no longer some far-off problem; it is happening here, it is happening now.” – Barack Obama

Last month, the World Economic Forum published a 14-page report titled “Urban Transformation: Integrated Energy Solution” in which they discuss how cities worldwide can become “decarbonized, sustainable, and resilient urban ecosystems” to help fight climate change. Through 13-case studies, World Economic Forum discovered that to achieve net-zero carbon goals and promote healthy communities, cities must develop integrated urban ecosystems based on two things:

1. Environment: green building standards, low-cost green financing, and smart energy infrastructures

2. Mobility: decarbonized public fleets and compact urban forms and planning

Based on the 13-case studies, there were a few notable projects and initiatives that we feel cities and building owners should consider adopting. In Asia, the Jurong Lake District in Singapore is considered a leading sustainable district with its mixed-use buildings (e.g. office and retail spaces, entertainment and attractions, and residential and travel accommodations). With numerous walking and cycling paths and plans for four major rail lines, the Jurong Lake District aims to reduce locals and visitors’ reliance on cars while still meeting high sustainability targets. At the Viettel corporate headquarters in Hanoi, Vietnam, they have saved up to 20% in energy fees by making the switch to smart building technologies. Using smart building technologies, Viettel worked with ABB to set up a digital system to enable precise controlling of the building’s operational systems (e.g., lighting, heating, security, and energy).

Over in Italy, they have developed two separate consumer programs: 110% Superbonus and Open Meter. Via the 110% Superbonus, apartment buildings, and homeowners can claim up to 110% tax credit on energy efficiency and/or anti-seismic improvements. The credit can be used over 5-year towards their taxes, sold to third parties, or used as credit on their supplier invoices. Italy’s Open Meter project aims to allow 35 million Italian consumers the ability to track and control their usage via a smart meter device that collects real-time energy data from the grid. Similar to Italy’s Open Meter project, Wellington and Auckland, New Zealand has FutureFit – a “gamified carbon calculator” that allows citizens to measure their personal climate impacts in regards to transportation, food, energy, and living. Based on their individual carbon emissions, citizens can participate in “challenges” to help reduce their carbon impact. And like any other game, you can share your progress and/or compete with friends and family.

Whether it’s constructing new walking and cycling paths, adopting smart building systems, or releasing consumer programs (i.e., Open Meter and FutureFit) there are numerous ways that governments and the people can help fight the global climate crisis. To read the full report by the World Economic Forum, click here.

Feliz Día de los Muertos

Día de Los Muertos, aka Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday where families honor and celebrate the lives of deceased loved ones. This two-day celebration – November 1^st and 2^nd – has traditions inspired by Aztec religious beliefs and practices. The Aztecs believed that when a person dies, their souls would travel to Mictlán – the final destination in the afterlife. To help the souls on their journey, the living would leave offerings upon decorated tree stumps. This Aztec tradition is like the Ofrendas that Mexican families create for their deceased. Ofrendas are typically adorned with pictures of the deceased, marigolds, calaveras (sugar skulls), foods, and objects the deceased enjoyed. In Disney’s Coco, we see the bridge the deceased are traveling on is made of marigolds which highlights the flower’s importance to the celebration. Marigolds, or flor de cempasúchil, have strong unique scents that are believed to attract spirits hence why they are placed on ofrendas to help guide the departed souls home. Something that many of us may be able to relate to is how families will even clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones where they will then share meals and stories beside the graves. To best summarize, Dayofthedead.holiday writes that Día de Los Muertos “is unlike any holiday where mourning is exchanged for celebration.”

Fun Fact:

Halloween originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain and was popularized in the United States by Irish immigrants around the 1850s. – History.com.

Jack-O-Lanterns – More Than Just a Pumpkin

Did you know that the term “jack-o-lantern” originates from an old Irish folktale? According to History.com, there is an Irish myth about a man named “Stingy Jack” who tricked the Devil twice. On the first occasion, Stingy Jack invited the Devil for a drink and convinced the Devil to turn into a coin so they could pay. Instead of paying, Stingy Jack pocketed the money and kept it next to a silver cross so the Devil couldn’t escape. The Devil only got free once he agreed would leave Stingy Jack alone for a year and not claim his soul. A year passes and when the Devil goes to see Stingy Jack, he’s tricked again. This time Stingy Jack convinces the Devil to climb a tree to retrieve a piece of fruit. Once in the tree, Stingy Jack carved the sign of the cross on the tree so the Devil could not climb down until he agreed to leave Stingy Jack alone for another 10-years. When Stingy Jack dies, it’s believed that God refused to let him in for his poor behavior. The Devil – still upset for having been tricked twice – keeps his word to not claim Stingy Jack’s soul and therefore cannot let him into hell. Instead, the Devil gives Stingy Jack a lump of single burning coal to use as light and sends him off into the night. It is said that Stingy Jack took the coal and placed it in a carved-out turnip and uses it to wander the earth for eternity. The Irish would see his ghostly figure and deemed it “Jack of the Lantern” which was later shortened to “Jack O’Lantern.” But it doesn’t end there. To scare off Stingy Jack and any other potential evil spirits, people in Ireland, Scotland, and England began carving scary faces into vegetables such as turnips, potatoes, and beets. When the Irish immigrants came to the U.S., they brought Halloween and began carving faces into pumpkins instead of turnips and potatoes. And that’s how the jack-o-lanterns as we know it came to be.

Danielle’s Corner

Halloween Halloween is easily one of my favorite holidays so even during a pandemic I’m on the hunt for fun ways to celebrate while also staying safe. Personally, I think the safest way to celebrate is virtual as you can participate from the confines of your own home. You can either attend a virtual event or host your own. Eventbrite.com has a good selection of free and paid virtual events all throughout October to get you in the Halloween mood. On October 17^th, the Historic Dumfries Virginia, Inc. is hosting a free event called Halloween Tea where you’ll hear scary stories and learn fun food and drink recipes. You’ll even get a PDF copy of the recipes in case you plan on hosting a Halloween soirée of your own. Speaking of, for those who enjoy being hostess with the mostest, you can plan a virtual Halloween celebration. For those with kids, I’d recommend doing Halloween-themed Bingo or Scavenger Hunts. You can get free Halloween Bingo and Scavenger Hunt templates from teambuilding.com or create your own. Even as an adult I think that sounds like fun! Should you have little ones who enjoy the thrills of trick-or-treating, I would recommend pre-making goodie bags. Now, this may take some cooperation with your neighbors, but if they agree, you simply give your neighbors pre-filled and sealed goodie bags full of candies and treats to hand to your kids when they come knocking on Halloween night. This allows your kids to enjoy some semblance of Halloween normalcy while also helping to keep them safe. Even if you don’t have kids, you could do this with your friends. I made my boyfriend a “spooky basket” last year filled with Halloween and autumnal-themed goodies – not just food – and he loved it. Spooky baskets are a fun way for adults to almost relive the excitement of trick-or-treating. Plus, if you’re a creative soul it’s just fun to make. Have a spooktacular Halloween and if you end up doing something fun, tag us on Instagram @vertenergygroup so the Vert Community can get ideas for next year!

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.

October 6, 2021

Tag: Climate Change

Investing in Energy Benchmarking

Why You Should Invest In NYC Energy Benchmarking To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

What is NYC Energy Benchmarking?

What are NYC Energy Benchmarking Requirements?

Benefits of Investing in NYC Energy Benchmarking

Reasons to Invest in NYC Energy Benchmarking

Leverage Data for Real Estate Investment:

Improve Property Value:

Reduce Operating Costs:

Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Maximize Subsidies & Incentives:

Attract Eco-conscious Tenants:

Meet Legal Obligations:

Demonstrate Leadership:

How NYC Energy Benchmarking Can Lower Your Carbon Footprint?

How Building Owners Can Use NYC Energy Benchmarking To Increase Energy efficiency?

How To Get Started With NYC Energy Benchmarking?

Conclusion