Vert Energy Group

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  • How Energy Audits Can Boost Commercial Building Performance

    How Energy Audits Can Boost Commercial Building Performance

    As businesses across the world strive to become more eco-friendly, many are turning their attention to energy efficiency. Energy audits are a critical tool in the effort to reduce your business’s environmental footprint and get the most from your building.

    By examining how resources such as electricity, gas, and water are used in commercial buildings, energy audit processes can reveal invaluable information about how these resources can be managed for maximum savings without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

    Let’s look at some ways an energy audit may boost the performance of energy efficiency upgrades in any commercial building.

    What are energy audits?

    Energy audits are assessments of the energy use in a building. An auditor looks at how much energy is used, where it’s used, and what can be done to reduce the overall energy consumption and improve efficiency.

    Audits provide detailed data which helps identify potential improvement areas and pinpoint savings opportunities. They also provide guidance on ways to enhance comfort and energy efficiency improvements, increase safety, and reduce operating systems and equipment costs.

    Energy audits can range from basic walk-throughs that capture a snapshot of current conditions to more in-depth analyses covering all aspects of mechanical and electrical systems within a facility or an entire campus. Auditors may use tools such as infrared cameras, blower door tests, computer simulations, or other diagnostic equipment to assess energy consumption and uncover opportunities for improvement.

    Overall, energy audits are used to help identify the most cost-effective ways to reduce a building’s energy consumption and improve energy efficiency. They can be a helpful tool in helping facility managers meet their goals of reducing operating costs while still providing adequate comfort and safety levels.

    Energy audits also provide an opportunity to gain valuable insight into the performance of a building’s systems and its potential areas of improvement. Building energy audits and evaluating current conditions can help inform decisions about future investments in equipment or upgrades that may prove beneficial in the long run.

    In summary, energy audits are invaluable for facilities looking to save on operating costs, enhance occupant comfort, and improve efficiency. They can help identify areas where improvements and significant energy savings are needed and provide guidance on the most effective ways to implement changes that will lead to long-term savings.

    Benefits of an Energy Audit for Your Commercial Building

    The following are the benefits of an Energy Audit for Your Commercial Building:

    1. Identify areas of inefficiency:

    A professional energy audit will analyze your building’s current energy usage and identify potential problem areas where you can save on energy costs. The proper energy audit may uncover problems with insulation, energy efficiency measures, HVAC systems, lighting systems, control systems, or other equipment that can be resolved to reduce your overall operating costs.

    2. Improve air quality:

    By assessing the air quality inside your commercial building, an energy audit will detect any harmful toxins or allergens present within the space. These contaminants could not only affect the health of employees but also lead to a decrease in productivity if left unaddressed.

    3. Reduce operating costs:

    An energy audit can provide detailed reports outlining how changes to the building can reduce energy consumption, thereby reducing operating costs for commercial building owners. This could be in the form of installing more efficient appliances and implementing smarter control systems that automatically adjust temperature or lighting depending on occupancy levels.

    4. Maximize operational efficiency:

    An energy audit can help you maximize operational efficiency by identifying equipment that is not being used effectively and making recommendations for more efficient operation. These efficiency improvements could include replacing old HVAC systems with newer models or optimizing airflow patterns to improve airflow and reduce energy usage.

    5. Increase environmental sustainability:

    Environmental Sustainability - Reduce your Carbon Footprint

    By improving the efficiency of your commercial building, an energy audit will help you decrease your carbon footprint while meeting green building standards. This could involve switching to LED lighting, installing solar panels, or upgrading insulation to save energy and reduce the energy needed to power your building. In addition, reducing emissions will also help you meet local regulations and improve air quality in the area.

    6. Develop a long-term energy plan:

    An energy audit can provide an in-depth analysis of your current energy consumption patterns and develop a customized plan for reducing operating costs over time. This could involve implementing more efficient operation strategies, such as investing in smart technology or scheduling regular maintenance checks on equipment.

    You can also do energy bill analysis and use this information to create budgeting plans that allow you to make strategic investments into green initiatives without breaking the bank.

    7. Enhance customer satisfaction:

    By improving the efficiency of your commercial building, you can reduce energy and utility bills and create a more comfortable environment for customers. This will lead to enhanced customer satisfaction, which could translate into increased sales or an improved reputation in the business world.

    8. Increase the value of your property:

    Lastly, making improvements suggested by an energy audit may increase the value of your commercial building. The upgrades made as part of an audit can help you save money on energy costs while also increasing the commercial building owner’s resale value if you ever decide to sell or lease the space.

    An energy audit provides many benefits for commercial buildings. By identifying areas where efficiency can be improved, improving air quality, reducing operating costs, maximizing operational efficiency, and increasing environmental sustainability, an energy audit can help you make your building more efficient and increase its value.

    Additionally, it can help you develop a long-term energy plan to ensure that you are always meeting your customers’ needs while staying within budget. Doing an energy survey and investing in an energy audit will pay off in the long run!

    What Should Commercial Property Owners Look for in an Energy Audit?

    As a commercial property owner, it is important to understand the energy efficiency of your building and its systems. A building energy audit assesses the building’s current energy performance, identifies potential wasteful practices, and offers recommendations for improvement.

    Here are some tips on what to look for when selecting an energy auditor:

    Look for Certified Energy Auditors

    Certified Commercial Building Energy Auditors

    The first thing that any commercial property owner should consider is ensuring that the person or organization they choose has been certified by Building Performance Institute (BPI). These organizations train and certify their members as professional inspectors and commercial building energy audit auditors. Certified energy auditors are more qualified than non-certified auditors because they have received specific training in inspecting and evaluating energy efficiency.

    Consider Specialty Services Available

    A commercial property owner will also want to review any specialty services their potential auditor offers that may not be included in a standard inspection. Many organizations offer these services at an additional cost, such as indoor air quality testing or air leakage tests. Depending on the size of the facility and its specific needs, these added services could be essential for ensuring the building’s health and long-term sustainability.

    Understand Any Additional Fees

    Many auditors charge additional fees beyond the base rate for their service. These extra costs can include things like travel fees, report fees, equipment rental fees, personnel costs, or setup/testing fees – so make sure you understand what kind of additional expenses you may encounter with your selected auditor.

    The good news is that many government programs will reimburse businesses for part or all of these costs if they meet certain criteria. Research these programs before undertaking your audit to see if they might apply to you.

    Verify Credibility Through References & Reviews

    Finally, everyone–especially business owners responsible for large properties–should check references from past clients before hiring an auditor. Online reviews can also be helpful—on sites like Yelp! For instance—but take them with a grain of salt; sometimes competitors leave negative reviews about each other under fictitious names just to sway customers one way or another.

    Asking for references from prior customers is a great way to verify an auditor’s credibility so you can decide who will do the best job vetting your property’s energy efficiency potential.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, energy audits can help commercial building owners and operators gain greater insight into how their buildings are performing, pinpoint areas for potential improvement, and take steps to make those improvements. Not only will these changes improve the efficiency of their buildings, but they’ll also save money in the long run. That’s a win-win solution!

    Moreover, regular energy auditing improves asset performance. Furthermore, by partnering with an experienced energy audit provider such as VertPro®, building owners can benefit from sophisticated technology, accurate assessment results, detailed data collection, and analysis tools, among other advantages designed to help develop strategic energy management plans suited to individual business needs.

  • Which Renewable Energy is Better, Wind or Solar?

    Which Renewable Energy is Better, Wind or Solar?

    As global energy consumption rises, finding sustainable ways to produce electricity is growing ever more important. Numerous renewable energy sources are available, such as wind and solar power, but which of these should you choose?

    In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential of wind and solar power, their advantages and disadvantages over traditional fuel sources, and their suitability for different locations.

    What is Wind Energy?

    Wind energy is one of the oldest forms of renewable energy. It’s a form of solar energy that harnesses the kinetic power of wind and converts it into useful mechanical or electrical energy. Wind turbines are used to capture the wind’s kinetic power, converting it into electricity through an electric generator.

    This electricity can then be stored in batteries or used to power businesses directly. Wind energy is clean and has few environmental impacts, making it an attractive renewable energy resource for many people.

    Many countries worldwide have invested in wind farms and large collections of wind turbines that generate significant electricity. It is estimated that wind energy could potentially provide up to 20% of global electricity demand by 2050.

    The wind turbine is also becoming more affordable and cost-efficient, making it a viable option as a solar power system for people looking to reduce their carbon footprint. With further technological advancements, wind energy could be the key to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

    At present, wind power is mainly used for electricity generation across Europe and North America. In the US, wind power generates about 5% of total electricity generation. In some countries like Denmark, more than 40% of all power generated comes from wind.

    However, the UK is one of the major players in this area of more green energy sources, with a growing number of wind farms across the country. Wind energy provides an important renewable energy source and is set to significantly contribute to meeting the growing global demand for electricity.

    Pros of Wind and Solar Energy

    The following are the pros of solar and wind energy:

    1. Wind energy is a renewable power source, of energy which means it will never run out and is continually replenished. It does not emit any air pollution, making it an attractive form of clean and green energy.

    2. Wind turbines are a more efficient power source and can produce large amounts of energy over their life span, making them an attractive form of energy generation in rural regions.

    3. Wind turbines can be installed onshore or offshore, depending on the location’s wind patterns. This flexibility allows for greater access to potential sources of energy.

    4. Wind energy has the potential to create thousands of new jobs in installation and maintenance, as well as related industries such as manufacturing and research & development.

    5. Once installed, operating costs are relatively low since no fuel is required to move solar panels and the wind turbines generate energy from the wind.

    6. Wind turbines and solar panels can be installed in areas unsuitable for traditional development forms, preserving natural habitats while providing clean energy.

    7. Solar and Wind emit no carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases, making it a form of clean energy that can help reduce our carbon footprint.

    8. Wind is widely available in many parts of the world, making it an ideal renewable energy source.

    9. With advances in technology, wind turbines are now much quieter than they used to be, reducing the noise pollution associated with wind energy production.

    10. Wind turbines require minimal maintenance compared to other forms of energy generation, making the less maintenance of them an attractive option for green energy and producers.

    Cons of Wind Energy

    The following are the cons of wind energy:

    1. Wind energy systems can be expensive to install, especially large-scale ones. It can cost millions of dollars to build just one wind turbine farm.

    2. Wind turbines require reliable wind in order to generate electricity, so they are not always the best option for remote locations that don’t have access to regular wind sources.

    3. Wind turbines can have a negative effect on the local environment by disturbing wildlife habitats, interfering with migration paths, and even affecting weather patterns in some areas.

    What is Solar Energy?

    Explained Solar Energy

    Solar energy is the form of energy that is derived from the sun. It is one of the most abundant and clean sources of renewable energy available. Solar energy has been around since ancient times, but modern advances in technology have made it much easier to capture and convert into usable electricity or heat.

    Solar power can be used to generate electricity, heat water for hot showers, or provide lighting for businesses. It can even be used to produce renewable fuels such as hydrogen. Solar energy is an incredibly efficient, clean, renewable energy source that will help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

    With the right technology, solar energy could revolutionize how we power our businesses.

    There are many benefits to utilizing a solar panel for energy, including reduced electricity bills, lower maintenance costs, and the potential to save on energy costs over time. Additionally, solar energy is a safe form of energy that will not damage the environment and do not pose any health risks when used properly.

    As technology advances and becomes more affordable, solar energy will become increasingly accessible and play a bigger role in powering our lives.

    Pros of Solar Energy

    Here are some of the pros of solar energy:

    1. Solar energy is renewable and can be used endlessly without running out.

    2. Solar energy does not produce any pollutants or greenhouse gases, making it environmentally friendly to use.

    3. Solar energy can be used both in off-grid solar farms and on-grid to provide clean, green, reliable power for businesses and even entire communities.

    4. It is easy to install and does not require complex wiring or costly infrastructure.

    5. Solar energy is silent and does not produce any noise pollution.

    6. Solar energy systems are versatile and can be used to power a wide range of applications, from lighting to powering entire cities.

    Cons of Solar Energy

    1. Solar energy is a relatively expensive renewable power source compared to traditional sources such as coal and natural gas. The high installation costs make it difficult for many households or businesses to install solar panels independently.

    2. Weather conditions can greatly influence the amount of energy a solar panel system produces, leading to inconsistent energy production.

    3. Solar energy systems require the same amount of regular maintenance and upkeep. The panels must be cleaned regularly to ensure optimal performance, and the batteries must be replaced periodically.

    4. Many solar panel systems are not designed for long-term use and may need to be upgraded or replaced after a few years of operation in order to maintain maximum efficiency.

    Comparison of Cost, Maintenance, and Efficiency between Wind and Solar Power

    Comparison Between Solar Power and Wind Energy

    Wind and other energy, compared to solar power, are renewable sources of energy that can be used to generate electricity. However, there are significant differences between the two in terms of cost, maintenance, and efficiency.

    Cost:

    Wind power is generally less expensive than solar power, especially for large-scale projects, due to the lower initial outlay required. Solar power, however, is the most cost-effective choice for residential projects because of its affordability and availability.

    Maintenance:

    Wind turbines require frequent maintenance to keep them running at optimal efficiency; this includes regular inspections and repairs as necessary. Solar cells and panels, on the other hand, are much simpler to maintain and only need occasional cleaning.

    Efficiency:

    Wind energy is generally more efficient than solar power because of its greater availability and ability to generate electricity even at low wind speeds. However, solar energy is the most reliable renewable energy source due to its ability to produce electricity even on cloudy days.

    Overall, both wind and solar energy are viable alternatives for generating electricity. It is important to consider the cost, maintenance, and efficiency of each when choosing which one to invest in. Depending on the specific needs of each project, one may be more advantageous than the other.

    Conclusion

    All in all, choosing between wind and solar energy is a deeply subjective decision. Weighing up the pros and cons, it’s clear that although wind and solar have individual advantages, they both help tackle climate change while providing clean energy.

    While one might be the better option for your business than the other, ultimately, it will depend on which works best with your budget, location, and lifestyle. Ultimately, whether you go wind or solar, you can feel confident that it’s an important part of taking care of our planet for generations to come.

    Together, these technologies offer hope for a cleaner future powered by renewable energy resources that are sustainable in our fight against climate change. VertPro® can help you make a better choice. Sign up today to make your life easier!