Vert Energy Group

Tag: energy efficiency

  • How Vert Energy Group can help you comply with Local Law 84

    How Vert Energy Group can help you comply with Local Law 84

    Are you looking for help to make sure your business is compliant with Local Law 84 (LL84)? Vert Energy Group has the expertise, skills, and resources to ensure that you are in compliance with this crucial legislation. With years of experience in energy efficiency consulting and project management, we understand how LL84 works and what it requires.

    We can work closely with you so that your business meets all the requirements, from building-wide analyses to designing custom solutions -rest assured, our team will walk you through every step! Moreover, we promise a professional but friendly attitude toward getting the job done properly and on time. Read on to learn more about how Vert Energy Group can assist your building in making sure it complies with LL84.

    What is Local Law 84?

    Local Law 84 (LL84) is a tool that can help energy and water-conscious organizations reduce their energy usage. LL84 requires the city’s largest businesses to track energy and water consumption in order to identify potential energy savings opportunities through an energy audit.

    These energy audits provide businesses with an opportunity to optimize energy usage, improve energy efficiency, and ultimately lower energy bills. Allowing companies to be more sustainable and resourceful with their energy solutions, LL84 helps create a brighter and greener future for us all.

    How to Comply with Local Law 84?

    Locals Law 84, otherwise known as the New York City energy conservation law, requires building owners of existing buildings to track energy consumption data and submit it in an energy benchmark report every other year. This helps to hold property owners accountable and encourages a decrease in energy usage within their respective properties.

    Property owners need to assess energy use according to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Portfolio Manager tool, and from there take steps to optimize energy performance. Energy benchmarking easily aids building owners in making energy decisions and helps keep New York City green.

    How Vert Energy Group can help to comply with LL84

    New York City’s world-renowned Local Law 84 requires building owners to report their energy performance rate annually using a benchmarking tool, with the aim of reducing existing building emissions by 80% by 2050. This is no small feat, yet the Vert Energy Group can help make the journey easier. Our team of experts provide services such as analyzing energy usage data, making recommendations for savings and enhancements, and even help to implement energy efficiency solutions.

    With an established track record of success, the company can deploy a tailored strategy to move your buildings up to defined LL84 standards. From equipment replacements and tenant engagement programs to installing smart sensors and developing efficient operating protocols, the Vert Energy Group can give you key assistance at every step of the process.

    What are Requirements for Local Law 84?

    Local Law 84 is a critical existing energy law in the country. Requiring all existing buildings bigger than 50,000 square feet to report their energy and water usage data each year, it acts as an important measure for reducing emissions. While businesses have many options to choose from, most local authorities and general contractors chose to use Energy Star Portfolio Manager to meet Local Law 84 requirements.

    Moreover, buildings that are able to display significant reductions in their energy and water usage can even become Energy Star certified – demonstrating their commitment to sustainability as well as helping them save on operational costs. Meeting the requirements of Local Law 84 is essential for ensuring an efficient future while continuing to drive progress towards cleaner environment.

    Benefits of Local Law 84

    Here are the benefits of Local Law 84:

    Improved Building Energy Efficiency

    LL84 helps buildings to become more energy efficient due to the benchmarking and mandatory disclosure of building energy performance data. This encourages landlords and building owners to invest in energy efficiency upgrades that can save money over time and reduce their carbon footprint.

    Reduced Operating Costs

    By making buildings more energy efficient, LL84 can help reduce the operating costs of a building. This is especially important for multifamily buildings where tenants are often responsible for paying their own utilities and other operating costs.

    Increased Property Value

    Buildings that have improved their energy efficiency through LL84 will typically be worth more than those without the improvements. This is because energy efficient buildings tend to have lower operating costs and attract more tenants, leading to a higher potential return on investment.

    Improved Health and Safety

    LL84 encourages building owners and landlords to upgrade their buildings with the latest safety features like smoke detectors, fire alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors which can keep occupants safe.

    Increased Tenant Satisfaction

    Improved energy efficiency and added safety features can lead to happier tenants. This means a better living experience for those in the building, as well as greater tenant retention which can be beneficial for landlords and owners.

    Reduced Carbon Footprint

    By encouraging buildings to become more energy efficient, LL84 helps to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the city. This is especially important in urban areas, where buildings account for a significant portion of emissions.

    These are just a few of the benefits that LL84 can provide to both building owners and tenants alike. By taking measures to improve energy efficiency, landlords will be able to save money on operating costs while providing their tenants with a safer and more comfortable living environment. By reducing the city’s carbon footprint, LL84 can also help to contribute to a healthier planet. Overall, it is an important step forward in improving building performance and energy efficiency in the city.

    Step-By-Step Guide to Local Law 84

    Knowing exactly how to use Local Law 84 can be complicated. Fortunately, following these simple steps can help any organization easily adhere to energy performance monitoring and energy star certification standards. First, you’ll want to determine your facility’s baseline energy usage. This information is the basis for comparing energy efficiency improvements over time.

    Second, record energy use data at least annually. If auditing or submetering technology is available, it should be used in situations where energy consumption varies significantly between tenants or areas of the building. Third, calculate energy-use intensity that is consistent with energy star guidelines and track progress with a benchmarking energy envelope each year.

    Finally, publish energy performance information in annual reports or other public documents and submit results to energy star for energy star certification annually. By following these four steps, your organization can easily stay on top of Local Law 84 compliance and lead the way in creating a cleaner future.

    Things To Consider When Complying with LL84

    When complying with Local Law 84, the benchmarking requirements for energy and water consumption, there are a few things that should be considered.

    1. Get Professional Assessment: A professional assessment of your property’s Energy Star score is important in order to understand how much energy it uses and what improvements can be made to make it more efficient. This can help you identify areas where energy savings can be made, so that you meet or exceed the benchmarking requirements of Local Law 84.

    2. Establish A Baseline: Establishing a baseline for your property’s energy and water usage is also important in order to measure progress over time. By tracking these metrics, you can ensure that your property is complying with the requirements of Local Law 84.

    3. Investigate Potential Savings: Once a baseline has been established, it’s important to investigate potential energy and water savings through upgrades or changes in operations. These could include switching to LED lighting, installing insulation, retrofitting older appliances and fixtures, and more.

    4. Take Advantage of Incentives: There are a number of incentives available to help offset the cost of energy-efficiency improvements, such as tax credits and federal grants. Taking advantage of these incentives can help you meet your benchmarking requirements while also saving money in the long run.

    5. Monitor Usage: Finally, monitoring your energy and water usage on an ongoing basis is essential in order to ensure that you are meeting the requirements of Local Law 84. By regularly tracking your property’s consumption, you can make changes or improvements as needed to stay within the guidelines.

    These are just a few of the considerations when it comes to complying with Local Law 84’s benchmarking requirements. With a bit of planning and research, your property can become more efficient, saving you money in the long run.

    Conclusion

    Local Law 84 is a lot to take in, but thankfully, you don’t have to go through it alone. The team at vert energy group has the experience and knowledge needed to help you comply with the law and upgrade your buildings. We want to help you make your property more sustainable, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information about how we can help you potentially save money and conserve energy.

  • How Does EBEWE Benchmarking Help in Building an Energy Management System?

    How Does EBEWE Benchmarking Help in Building an Energy Management System?

    Benchmarking is an important component in building a successful energy management system, helping you recognize areas for improvement, prioritize strategies and track performance. EBEWE Benchmarking is an innovative benchmarking tool specifically developed to help organizations size up their own energy performance against comparable facilities and take steps toward reducing energy costs.

    It uses key baseline indicators – including historical data, available technologies, and current market prices – to identify opportunities for increasing efficiency and optimizing operations at the organizational level. In this blog post, we’ll explore how EBEWE benchmarking can help identify areas of significant savings potential that contribute towards a strong energy management plan.

    What is EBEWE Benchmarking?

    EBEWE Benchmarking is a powerful benchmarking tool used to measure performance against industry standards or best practices. It allows decision-makers to see how their business stacks up against competitors in a way that goes beyond pure financial metrics. With EBEWE, businesses can identify areas of improvement by studying successful traits, such as customer service processes, and understanding where they stand relative to the rest of the market.

    The process of benchmarking through EBEWE helps organizations increase efficiencies and make better strategic decisions based on accurate data and analysis. By having detailed insights into industry positionings and opportunities, companies can compare their current performance with trends across their sector to identify key areas for growth.

    Step-By-Step Guide To EBEWE Benchmarking

    Learning energy benchmarking with the EBEWE energy benchmarking system is a straightforward and simple way to measure energy performance. This energy benchmarking system takes you through every step to accurately measure energy consumption in buildings. The process starts with completion of an energy consumption survey, which helps identify areas where energy can be saved or improved upon.

    After this step is complete, you will submit the survey along with other building and tenant data for printing a score card that meets requirements set by the Los Angeles Municipal Code and California Green Building Standards Code. Finally, EBEWE streamlines the tracking process for long-term energy performance goals, helping you meet sustainability standards easily and efficiently.

    How does EBEWE benchmarking help in building an energy management system?

    Through EBEWE Benchmarking, energy performance across many types of buildings is monitored and routinely tracked. This energy performance is represented as an energy efficiency grade, which illustrates energy usage in comparison to other similar buildings or to energy benchmarking standard points. With this energy efficiency grade, building owners have access to better energy management feedback that helps them make informed decisions on energy spending.

    The energy audit process from EBEWE allows building owners to see where energy and water can be saved, which helps with cost savings for any company. In addition, the water efficiency program provided through EBEWE allows for enhanced tracking and reporting of commercial building water requirements, providing valuable insight on your business’s resource consumption. All this information gathered from EBEWE energy benchmarking helps in shaping up a more effective energy management system.

    How to Comply with EBEWE Benchmarking?

    Complying with EBEWE Benchmarking is a great way for businesses and organizations to track energy savings and become energy-efficient. The energy star portfolio manager is an easy one-stop energy assessment and efficiency tracking tool that allows businesses to measure energy savings, set goals, and compare their energy performance against others in the same industry.

    With energy star certification, businesses can promote their efforts to be energy conscious and demonstrate their commitment to energy conservation through online recognition of their accomplishments. Becoming energy efficient not only saves money on energy costs but also shows your organization places importance on taking care of our environment. With the help of the energy star portfolio manager, you can easily monitor and improve your energy efficiency goals!

    Requirements for EBEWE Benchmarking?

    The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has strict requirements when it comes to benchmarking a building’s energy performance. The EBEWE benchmarking process is designed to provide detailed insight into the inherent energy efficiency of any given structure, giving owners and tenants the tools they need to make informed decisions about their building’s use of resources.

    With EBEWE, certain metrics must be reported in order for benchmarking to be completed, including details such as utility bills and occupancy rates. For an even more comprehensive look at a building’s energy usage, benchmarks can be adjusted to account for weather patterns and other matters that influence a space’s energy consumption levels. It is important to remember that benchmarking is not necessarily mandatory but can certainly provide helpful insights.

    Deadline for EBEWE Benchmarking Report

    Starting off in the new year, it’s a great time to assess performance and goals. The EBEWE Benchmarking Report allows you to gain insight into your organization’s progress and future targets for improvement. It is essential to submit the report by the June 1st deadline.

    That way, your leadership can use the data for developing strategies and plans for further growth. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and stay current with industry trends – be sure to submit your report on-time!

    Benefits Of EBEWE Benchmarking

    Here are the benefits of EBEWE benchmarking:

    Improved Performance

    EBEWE benchmarking helps to identify areas of improvement in performance and processes, enabling organizations to make adjustments that can lead to improved performance. This can be especially beneficial for organizations that are looking to optimize their operations and become more efficient.

    Identifying Best Practices

    By comparing different companies’ performance and processes, EBEWE benchmarking can help identify best practices that can be adopted to improve performance. This allows organizations to easily identify the most successful strategies employed by their competitors and adapt them to their own operations.

    Cost Savings

    By identifying areas of improvement through EBEWE benchmarking, organizations can save money on costs associated with inefficient processes. This can lead to significant cost savings, which can be used to fund further improvements or reinvested in other areas of the business.

    More Efficient Processes

    EBEWE benchmarking can help to identify and streamline processes that are not performing as efficiently as they could be. By reducing inefficiencies in processes, companies can improve their overall efficiency and performance.

    Improved Decision Making

    By providing a comprehensive view of the business environment, EBEWE benchmarking can help organizations make better decisions that are informed by accurate data. This has the potential to increase the success rate of strategic decisions and ensure that organizations remain competitive in the market.

    Competitive Advantage

    By identifying best practices and improving performance, EBEWE benchmarking can give organizations a competitive edge in their industry. This can help companies to stay ahead of their competitors and remain at the top of their game.

    Increased Customer Satisfaction

    Finally, improved performance and processes resulting from EBEWE benchmarking can lead to increased customer satisfaction. By offering a better product or service, organizations can increase their customer base and create loyal customers that will help them grow in the future.

    By taking advantage of EBEWE benchmarking, organizations can reap many benefits and gain a competitive edge in the market. This type of analysis can help to identify areas of improvement and ensure that organizations remain on the cutting edge of performance and efficiency.

    Why is EBEWE Benchmarking Important?

    Benchmarking is a vital tool when running any business, and EBEWE Benchmarking helps businesses gain insightful and valuable data that allows for informed decision-making. It enables enterprises to accurately assess the performance of their products and services against those of their competitors, making it possible to gain invaluable insight into how they are performing in the marketplace.

    Not only does this boost efficiency, but it also provides insight regarding different areas such as product features, pricing, quality control, customer service, and more. Moreover, benchmarking can be extremely useful in helping establish long-term goals for business growth and positive personal development. With EBEWE Benchmarking, businesses can stay ahead of the competition by looking beyond what others are doing to gain an edge in the ever changing economic environment.

    Things to Consider when Complying with EBEWE Benchmarking

    Here is what you should consider before complying with EBEWE benchmarking:

    1. Understand your business: Understanding the ins and outs of your business operations is the first step to successful benchmarking. Analyze what you have done in the past, what processes need improvement, where you are doing well, and where there may be opportunities for improvement.

    2. Set measurable goals: Setting clear objectives that can be measured is essential. It allows you to track your progress and measure success or failure. This will also help you identify the areas where the greatest improvements need to be made in order to achieve your goals.

    3. Compare industry standards: With EBEWE benchmarking, you are comparing your operations with those of competitors in the same industry. Comparing yourself to industry averages will give you an idea of how your operations are performing and where there is room for improvement.

    4. Analyze external factors: It is important to consider any external influences that may be affecting your business performance such as changes in the economy, customer trends, technological advancements, etc. This can provide valuable insight into why your operations may not be as successful as they could be.

    5. Create an improvement plan: Once you have identified the areas that need improvement, create an action plan to help you reach your goals. This could include implementing new processes, training employees, investing in technology, etc. Depending on the size of your business, it might even be beneficial to hire an external consultant who can provide specialized advice and guidance.

    6. Monitor progress: It is essential to monitor your progress in order to determine if the changes you have implemented are having the desired effect. Track and assess the results of your improvement efforts on a regular basis so that you can adjust as necessary.

    Conclusion

    Adopting an EBEWE approach to energy benchmarking and management can help you identify cost-saving opportunities, track your progress over time, and make informed decisions about future investments. Energy benchmarking is a powerful tool that can help you optimize your facility’s performance and achieve long-term sustainability goals. Are you ready to start saving money and reducing your environmental impact? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get started with EBEWE benchmarking.

  • Los Angeles energy benchmarking program

    Los Angeles energy benchmarking program

    Residents of Los Angeles have the opportunity to gain insight into their energy consumption—and their role in climate change—through energy benchmarking. A tool developed by cities like Los Angeles, it allows users to compare the performance of buildings and businesses when it comes to energy efforts and emissions tracking. This makes it easier for everyone involved to understand opportunities for improved efficiency, as well as changes that could be made on a smaller scale that drastically impacts larger-scale success. In this blog post, we take an in-depth look at how Los Angeles’s energy benchmarking program prospers and why city residents should take advantage of its offerings.

    Los Angeles Energy Benchmarking

    Los Angeles is leading the charge in revolutionizing a sustainable future through the Energy Benchmarking and Disclosure for Existing Commercial Buildings (EBEWE) program. Requiring all existing large multiple buildings to be benchmarked annually and reported to the City, EBEWE provides homeowners of these properties with full disclosure of their respective energy usage, helping them make responsible decisions toward reducing emissions.

    For example, owners can access actionable steps for lowering their building’s carbon footprint. Not only does EBEWE assist in analyzing energy trends over time and contribute to emissions reduction targets chosen by the local government, but it also serves to encourage an environmental consciousness within residential communities.

    By making energy efficiency more accessible and tangible, Los Angeles is laying down an inspiring path other cities can follow toward improving the planet’s future.

    Requirements For Los Angeles Energy Benchmarking

    Owning a commercial building in Los Angeles is a one-of-a-kind opportunity, and with that comes a unique responsibility – to comply with the city’s energy benchmarking law. This law requires detailed energy consumption data to be reported by property owners directly to the Department of Water & Power (LADWP).

    As a result, property owners have access to the Energy Star Portfolio Manager – an online database designed for convenient and efficient benchmarking. This system will generate scores for each property based on how much energy it uses compared to an associated building.

    All relevant information must be entered and properly documented by June 1st of every year, so officials can review and evaluate current usage data. By complying with this program, property owners are helping reduce energy consumption for a more sustainable future for us all!

    What Is Los Angeles Energy Benchmark Compliance?

    Energy Benchmark Compliance

    Los Angeles Energy Benchmark Compliance is a citywide initiative to improve the sustainability and energy efficiency of buildings. Through innovative energy management and reporting practices, this program helps reduce the consumption of electricity, natural gas, energy, and water in buildings, helping them meet their energy savings goals and save money. From small apartment buildings to large office towers, all commercial properties are required to comply with LA’s requirements for benchmark compliance.

    This data-driven approach ensures that building owners have accurate information on their total energy usage so they can make well-informed decisions about how best to conserve. By increasing our knowledge of how our built environment performs under real operating conditions, Los Angeles Energy Benchmark Compliance is working to ensure a more sustainable future for us all.

    How Does Los Angeles Benchmarking Work?

    Benchmarking in Los Angeles is designed to help improve the performance of companies in the region. The process involves collecting and analyzing data on key indicators, such as capabilities, procedures, processes, and costs associated with a company’s operations.

    Companies then compare their results against others within their own industry or compare them to a group of peers. These comparisons are used to create goals that lead to improvements through better practices and more efficient practices over time.

    As part of the benchmarking process, Los Angeles businesses use cost-benefit analysis to identify how changes can be implemented quickly and profitably. In other words, benchmarking provides businesses with an opportunity to imitate proven practices from peer companies in order to achieve greater success.

    Who Is Required To Comply With The LA Energy Benchmarking Law?

    Since the enactment of the LA Energy Benchmarking Law, numerous organizations have been required to abide by its regulations. Any non-residential building exceeding 20,000 square feet must comply, as well as any multifamily space that has five or more units and meets certain criteria.

    Furthermore, any residential building with over 20 units must follow the law. All participants must regularly report their energy data so that their progress can be tracked over time as a measure of efficiency and improvement. Adherence to the LA Energy Benchmarking Law is not just a civic duty, but an important step toward environmental sustainability and preservation.

    Benefits Of LA Energy Benchmarking

    Here are the benefits of LA energy benchmarking:

    Improved Sustainability

    Energy benchmarking helps identify areas for improvement in energy efficiency, enabling organizations to better understand their environmental impact and reduce their carbon footprint. Benchmarking also allows companies to track progress against established sustainability goals.

    Cost Savings

    By understanding where energy is being used or wasted, benchmarking can help organizations identify cost-saving opportunities. This information can be used to develop more efficient systems and practices, resulting in greater savings on energy bills.

    Improved Compliance

    LA’s benchmarking program requires the tracking and reporting of energy use data, which helps companies stay compliant with local ordinances and regulations.

    Increased Awareness

    Energy benchmarking helps foster a culture of energy efficiency within organizations. By understanding and tracking their energy use, employees can become more aware of how their practices affect greenhouse gas emissions. This awareness can help them to make better decisions and take ownership in reducing the environmental impact of their workplace.

    Increased Transparency

    Energy performance data collected through LA’s benchmarking program is available publicly, providing transparency to stakeholders and customers. This information gives customers greater insight into the sustainability of an organization, which can improve customer loyalty and trust.

    Overall, LA energy benchmarking helps organizations reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, save money on energy bills, stay compliant with local regulations and increase transparency to customers. With the benefits of LA energy benchmarking, it is easy to understand why so many organizations are becoming more committed to sustainability.

    Step-To-Step Guide On How Los Energy Benchmarking Performs

    Los energy benchmarking is a process that provides energy performance ratings for commercial and multifamily buildings based on energy consumption. This energy performance rating system helps building owners and managers track the building’s energy efficiency, compare the energy use of similar buildings, identify potential areas of improvement, and develop strategies for energy consumption reduction. The following guide outlines the steps involved in energy benchmarking for commercial and multifamily residential buildings.

    Data Collection

    The first step of energy benchmarking is to collect energy consumption data from the building’s energy utility bill, energy audit, or energy management system (EMS). This energy data can be used to determine a baseline energy performance rating.

    Benchmark Analysis

    The energy data is then analyzed to gain insights into energy use patterns and energy consumption by different building systems. This analysis helps identify energy-saving opportunities.

    Energy Performance Rating

    After analyzing the energy data, a performance rating is assigned to the building based on how efficiently it manages energy use compared with similar existing buildings.

    Develop Strategies and Action Plans

    Once energy performance ratings are established, the next step is to develop energy-saving strategies and action plans. This includes assessing energy efficiency retrofit opportunities, energy management systems upgrades, and energy policy development.

    Monitor Progress

    The energy benchmarking process should also include a periodic review of energy consumption data to ensure that energy savings goals are met. This helps identify any energy management issues that need to be addressed.

    Energy benchmarking not only provides energy performance ratings, but it also helps building owners and managers develop energy-saving strategies, track energy use patterns, and reduce energy consumption over time. By following these steps, commercial and multifamily buildings can achieve improved energy efficiency and lower energy bills.

    By utilizing energy benchmarking, commercial and multifamily buildings can not only reduce energy consumption but also save money. By making energy efficiency improvements and developing energy-saving strategies, building owners and managers can significantly reduce energy costs while providing a more comfortable living or working environment. This is why energy benchmarking is becoming increasingly popular in the commercial and multifamily building sector.

    When Is The Los Angeles Energy Benchmarking Report Due?

    Los Angeles Energy Benchmarking Report

    The Los Angeles Energy Benchmarking Report is a yearly commitment for property owners of commercial and multifamily buildings larger than 50,000 square feet and municipal buildings over 10,000 square feet of gross floor area in the city.

    Completing this report by June 1st each year provides invaluable insight into the effectiveness of energy usage, helps the Earth Engineering Center develop actionable plans towards sustainability, and gives local owners an opportunity to become part of the solution to climate change.

    Owners are therefore encouraged to submit their reports early so that more collective progress can be made in energy efficiency.

    What Are The Penalties For Non-Compliance With The Los Angeles Energy Benchmarking Law?

    The Los Angeles building Energy Benchmarking Law is an important legislation set at the city level to reduce energy use in commercial and residential buildings. What many may not know is that failure to comply or not submitting reports can result in serious consequences.

    In cases of non-compliance, the first step taken by the City of Los Angeles is a warning letter demanding corrective action – if it goes ignored, misdemeanor charges may follow along with fines up to $2,500; an amount that can easily add up with additional community service hours depending on the judge’s ruling.

    For this reason, those affected should be sure to meet all obligations outlined in the law and stay informed on any changes or notices from local authorities to avoid facing penalties for non-compliance.

    How To Submit Los Angeles Benchmarking Report?

    Submitting the Benchmarking Report for Los Angeles is simple, efficient, and green! All you need to do is create an online profile with the City of Los Angeles Performance Reporting website. Then you can easily find and submit your report in a standard online form. For easy access, you can also start the Benchmarking survey process by calling toll-free from anywhere in Southern California. Finally, if the paper is more your style, you can request a paper version of your report from their customer service department. Once your report is completed, simply mail it to their address for review and submission. Submitting the Benchmarking Report has never been easier!

     

  • New Evolving Energy Efficiency Laws

    New Evolving Energy Efficiency Laws

    Today, nearly everyone accepts that we must transition away from the use of fossil fuels, as the damage happening to our planet and environment is astronomical. This has led to many science and business innovations as we search for new sustainable or renewable alternatives to coal, oil, and gas.

    One such innovation is energy efficiency. This is the practice of using less energy to achieve the same goal, whether that’s powering a home, running a business, or manufacturing a product. For example, new energy-efficient lightbulbs use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs to produce the same amount of light. In the United States, new energy efficiency standards for appliances and equipment have led to significant savings in electricity use. New laws and regulations are increasingly requiring that products use less energy, and while some of these new efficient products may cost more upfront, over time they save money and help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

    As the world transitions to a low-carbon future, energy efficiency will play a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and slowing the rate of climate change. In 2018, the United States updated its energy efficiency standards for commercial buildings. These new standards will require new buildings to be more energy efficient than ever before, and they will spur businesses to invest in energy efficiency upgrades for existing buildings. The new standards are estimated to save businesses $12 billion in energy costs over the next 30 years. And by 2030, the standards are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 160 million metric tons—the equivalent of taking 33 million cars off the road for a year.

    As energy efficiency becomes 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.

    For commercial building owners, new energy efficiency laws are taking effect that will require significant improvements in the way their buildings use energy. These laws are designed to promote energy conservation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many commercial building owners are already taking steps to improve their buildings’ energy efficiency, but the new laws will require even more changes. There are incentives for those who do make their buildings more energy efficient, including tax breaks, utility rebates, and other financial assistance. It is also important to note that building owners who don’t comply with the new laws may be subject to fines or other penalties.

    An example of such regulations is the newly adopted standards for consumer appliances and the energy-saving rules for federal buildings. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released new building energy code requirements “that will save taxpayer dollars and ensure that the federal government leads by example in energy efficiency. Beginning in April 2023, all new buildings and major retrofits constructed by the Federal government must comply with the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the 2019 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers Standard 90.1 building energy codes. DOE estimates that this measure will save $4.2 million dollars in operating costs within the first year of implementation.” Source

    Another example is California’s Building Decarbonization Partnership. The Building Decarbonization Partnership is a voluntary, non-regulatory program that helps buildings stakeholders identify and overcome barriers to achieving deep energy savings in their buildings. The Partnership provides resources and technical assistance to help participants save energy, money, and water, and achieve their climate goals. The Partnership is open to any multifamily or commercial building owner, manager, or operator who is interested in reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in their buildings. There is no cost to participate in the Partnership. “California’s buildings produce a quarter of the state’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making homes and businesses a major factor in climate change. The California Building Decarbonization Assessment provides a framework to tackle the challenges in developing a path toward reducing GHG emissions associated with California’s buildings.” Source

    These are just two examples of how the United States is leading the way in energy efficiency. While making your commercial building more energy efficient can be a challenge, it’s one that is well worth the effort. Not only will you save money, but you’ll be doing your part to help protect our environment.

     

    “In reality, studies show that investments to spur renewable energy and boost energy efficiency generate far more jobs than oil and coal.”-Jeff Goodell

    Upcoming Energy Audits deadlines for (LA, SF, SJ, Austin Tx, Seattle WA, Atlanta GA, Boston, Washington State)

    Upcoming Energy Audits deadlines With consistently updating laws and ever-changing regulations, we have compiled a list of important dates and requirements for the upcoming Energy Audit deadlines for Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Austin, Seattle, Atlanta, Boston, and the state of Washington. Mark your calendars with important dates, and requirements to avoid potential fines/violations.

    Location

    Deadline

    Additional Requirements:

    Los Angeles, CA

    June 1, 2023: Bldg IDs ending in “4” December 1, 2023: Bldg IDS sending in “5”

    Energy Audit, Water Audit & Retro-Commissioning (Every 5 years)

    San Francisco, CA

    April 1, 2023

    Energy Audit or RCx (Every 5 years)

    San Jose, CA

    May 1, 2023

    Last Digit of APN 0,1

    Atlanta, GA

    December 31, 2023

    *2022 deadline, extended to January 4th, 2023

    *Every 10 years) starting in 2020

    Boston, MA

    June 15, 2023

    Every 5 years starting in 2010

    Austin, TX

    June 1, 2023

    Energy Audits + Mandatory Upgrades

    Seattle, WA

    October 1, 2023

    Periodic Tune-Ups for Larger Commercial Buildings

    Washington (State)

    April 1, 2023

    Energy Audits



    Audits and RCx can take substantially longer than benchmarks as on-site inspections conducted by licensed professionals (LP) are required. A minimum of one on-site inspection is required to gather information and depending on the complexity and size of the building, additional on-site visits may be needed to get a full scope of the building and its systems and equipment. Any missing information can cause inaccurate reporting and delay the process of filing. To assure compliance by the deadline it is suggested that you request your audit 6-9 months prior to the due date, making this the time to start planning for 2023!

    Fines or Violations for missed Energy Benchmark Deadlines

    Penalties for Missed benchmark deadlines Missed benchmark deadlines can be a costly mistake for building owners. Every year building owners and managers are required to ensure their property is in compliance with their local city or state energy benchmark programs. Many benchmarking programs have penalties, and failure to file can result in written warnings and/or monetary fines. Non-compliance fines can add up quickly, so it is important to be aware of deadlines and the penalties for missing those deadlines. While not all benchmark programs have monetary fines or official warnings, each city and state agency keeps records. These are often made public via a compliance list, to hold building owners accountable and enforce compliance. These compliance lists can be located on your local city or state benchmarking website or by contacting your local programs support line directly. The following is a complete chart of Benchmark programs with existing penalties for non-compliance:

    Benchmark Program

    Annual Deadline

    Penalty for Non-Compliance

    Atlanta Commercial Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance

    June 1st

    $1,000

    Austin Energy Conservation Audit & Disclosure (ECAD) Ordinance

    June 1st

    $500-2,000

    Berkeley Building Energy Saving Ordinance

    July 1st

    $100-1,000

    Boston Energy Reporting & Disclosure Ordinance

    May 15th

    $35-200

    California Assembly Bill 802 (CA AB802)

    June 1st

    $500-2,000

    Cambridge Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance

    May 1st

    $300/day

    Chicago Building Energy Use Benchmarking Ordinance

    June 1st

    $100 + $25/day

    Chula Vista Building Energy Saving Ordinance

    May 20th

    $750-2,250

    Denver Commercial & Multifamily Building Benchmarking

    June 1st

    $2,000

    Des Moines Energy & Water Benchmarking Ordinance

    May 1st

    $50 + $300-500/day

    Evanston Building Energy & Water Use Benchmarking Ordinance

    June 30th

    $100

    Fort Collins, CO Ordinance 144 Building Energy & Water Scoring

    March 1st

    $1,000

    Los Angeles Energy & Water Efficiency (LA EBEWE)

    June 1st

    $202

    New York City Local Law 84 (NYC LL84)

    May 1st*

    $500-$2,000

    Philadelphia Building Energy Benchmarking Ordinance

    June 30th

    $300 + $100/day

    Pittsburgh Building Benchmarking Ordinance

    June 1st

    Publicly listed non-Compliant

    Portland Energy & Water Use Performance Benchmarking Ordinance (Maine)

    May 1st

    $20/day

    Portland Commercial Building Energy Reporting (Oregon)

    April 22nd

    $500

    Reno Energy & Water Efficiency Program (Ordinance 7068)

    April 1st

    $850

    Saint Louis Building Energy Awareness Bill

    April 1st

    $50-1,000

    Salt Lake City Elevate Buildings

    May 1st

    $500-1,000

    San Francisco Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance (SF EBO)

    April 1st*

    $50-2,500

    Seattle Council Bill 116731 (CB116731)

    July 1st

    $150-500/day

     

    Quote: “Energy-saving technologies keep improving faster than they’re applied, so efficiency is an ever larger and cheaper resource.” – Amory Lovins

    Top 10 Vert Employees Halloween Movies

    Hocus Pocus Copyright by Disney 1993
    Hocus Pocus Copyright by Disney 1993 – disneyplus.com

    Halloween movies are a great way to get into the Halloween spirit. Whether you’re looking for spooky, funny, family-friendly, or just downright creepy, there’s sure to be a Halloween movie out there for you. Grab some popcorn and get ready to be scared because the Vert Energy Team has compiled a list of our all-time favorite movies to watch on All Hallows Eve and these are the top 10 winners!

    In order of the most suggested titles by employees:

    1. Hocus Pocus
    2. Nightmare on Elm Street
    3. Halloweentown
    4. The Nightmare before Christmas
    5. Halloween
    6. Practical Magic
    7. The exorcist
    8. Young Frankenstein
    9. The Thing
    10. Scary Movie

    As one of the most iconic Halloween movies of all time, it’s no surprise Hocus Pocus was the most chosen Halloween movie to watch among Vert Energy Group employees! Hocus Pocus has been praised for years for its humor, performances, and iconic songs. For an extra special surprise, head on over to Disney+, as Disney released Hocus Pocus 2, just in time for Halloween 2022! Gather your coven, grab your candy corn, and prepare for the ultimate Halloween movie night with a Hocus Pocus double feature!

     

    Fun Fact:

    Halloween is a big industry in America. Every year, Americans spend billions of dollars on Halloween costumes, decorations, and candy. The Halloween industry has grown significantly in recent years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. According to the National Retail Federation‘s seasonal shopping trends this year, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, Americans are predicted to spend $2.6 billion buying candy for Halloween, in comparison to $3.2 billion on costumes and $2.7 billion on decorations. 172 million people in the United States celebrate Halloween — and about 95% are predicted to purchase candy. That’s a lot of candy corn!

     

    Houdini’s Final Performance

    Stephanie’s Section

    Houdini’s Final Performance

    Halloween, a fun holiday with costumes, and candy, also happens to be the death date of one of the best escape artists in history, Harry Houdini.

    Harry Houdini was a famous magician who dazzled crowds for over 30 years. He was born in Hungary in 1874, and he immigrated to the United States with his family when he was a young boy. Houdini was known for his daring escape acts. He would escape from handcuffs, chains, and even straight jackets, often in water or other dangerous situations. Houdini was also an accomplished aviator, and he set many records for flying machines.

    On October 24, 1926, Harry Houdini was performing at the Princess Theatre in Montreal. During his show, he invited a member of the audience to come onstage and punch him in the stomach as hard as they could. This was part of Houdini’s act, and he had done it many times before without incident. However, this time was different. The student who punched Houdini, J. Gordon Whitehead, hit him so hard that Houdini collapsed and had to be taken to the hospital.

    Houdini initially seemed to recover from the incident, but his condition quickly deteriorated. He is said to have died of peritonitis after his appendix ruptured, but the circumstances of his death remain mysterious to this day. At age 52, on October 31, 1926, Halloween night, Harry Houdini died.

    While none would argue Harry Houdini’s death was a tragic event, some people believe that Harry Houdini’s death was not accidental. There are many wild theories about what really happened to Houdini, and many seem to believe that he was murdered.

    One theory is that Houdini was killed by the Mafia. It’s well known that Houdini was very critical of the Mob, and he had made enemies within the organization. It is possible that the Mafia ordered Whitehead to punch Houdini in the stomach as a way of getting revenge.

    Another theory is that Houdini was killed by the KGB. This theory emerged after the release of previously classified documents in 2006. These documents showed that Houdini had been under surveillance by the KGB for many years. It is possible that the KGB ordered Whitehead to punch Houdini to silence him.

    Whether or not he was murdered, his death shocked the world, and his legacy has lived on ever since. Harry Houdini was a true pioneer in the world of magic, and his death is still the subject of conversation decades later.

    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.

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  • Changing Landscape of Energy Efficiency

    Changing Landscape of Energy Efficiency

    The landscape of energy efficiency is ever-changing. New technologies and approaches are emerging that are transforming the way we use and conserve energy. As our understanding of energy efficiency evolves, so too do the ways in which we can make our businesses more energy efficient. From solar panels to LED lighting, from benchmarks to building upgrades there are a variety of options available to help save energy and money.

    States are continuing to adopt ordinances and laws, that make it easier for business owners and businesses to “go green.”  Some of these laws and ordinances are designed to increase the use of renewable energy, while others aim to improve energy efficiency. These laws and ordinances are always changing and updating, with new laws coming into effect every year.

    Many states are mandating compliance with the updated International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which includes provisions for increased energy efficiency in commercial buildings. The code is updated every three years, with the most recent version being published in 2021. The 2024 IECC will be more stringent than the 2021 IECC in terms of overall energy performance. The ICC board gave the committee this directive: “The code is updated on a three-year cycle with each subsequent edition providing increased energy savings over the prior edition.”

    The IECC provides a minimum baseline for Energy Efficiency standards that must be met or exceeded to obtain a building permit. The code is designed to reduce energy consumption and encourage the use of energy-efficient practices and technologies. Some of the provisions of the IECC include:

    CommercialNon-Commercial
    Improved insulation for walls, ceilings, floors, and windowsImproved insulation for walls, ceilings, floors, and windows
    Reduced air leakage through cracks and openings in the building envelopeReduced air leakage through cracks and openings in the building envelope
    More efficient heating and cooling systemsMore efficient heating and cooling systems
    Improved lighting efficiency                                 X
    Reduced water consumption                                 X
    Improved ventilation rates                                 X

    As you can see the IECC includes additional requirements and provisions for commercial buildings. Many cities and states are also adopting additional energy efficiency measures beyond what is required by the IECC, particularly for existing commercial buildings. These measures can vary from state to state, but some common examples include offering incentives to businesses to make energy efficiency improvements and establishing building energy codes that are more stringent than the IECC.

    Additional energy efficiency measures such as energy benchmarks and disclosure for commercial buildings are becoming more and more prevalent across the United States. This means that owners of commercial buildings must track their energy use and report it to the state on a regular basis. With 32 Benchmark Laws adopted in 2021, which increased to 45 by 2022, and at least 6 more coming into effect in 2023, it’s ever apparent that energy benchmarking will continue to play a vital role for more and more cities in the years to come.

    As the number of Benchmark Laws increases every year, so do the mandates for Energy audits and other additional requirements. For instance, commercial buildings will soon be required to supply part, if not all, of their own electrical usage through sustainable means. By making energy use more transparent, building owners are encouraged to make improvements that can save money and help the environment. The goal of these measures is to promote energy efficiency and help reduce energy consumption.

    The trend toward more energy-efficient businesses is likely to continue in the years ahead, as we look for ways to save energy and money with new technologies and approaches. As the landscape of energy efficiency continues to adapt and change, there are sure to be new and exciting developments in the field that we can all benefit from.

       Beginning in 2023, VertPro® will be switching to online payments only, following suit with paper-free companies such as Google, Apple, and Facebook. Join the paper-free revolution with VertPro® and enjoy all the same benefits in a more environmentally friendly way!

    Mountain View Seismic Ordinance

    Following suit with many other California cities, Mountain View is mandating the retrofit of unreinforced masonry-bearing wall buildings constructed prior to 1933. The provisions of City code Article x111. – Earthquake Hazard Reduction in Existing Buildings depicts minimum standards for structural seismic resistance established primarily to reduce the risk of loss of life or injury and to reduce earthquake damage to rehabilitated buildings. So, what does this mean for Mountain View?

    In the United States, seismic ordinances have been adopted in several jurisdictions, including California, Oregon, and Washington. These ordinances generally require the evaluation of buildings identified as being vulnerable to earthquake damage and the implementation of specific retrofit measures if the building is found to be deficient.  The type of buildings typically covered by these ordinances includes unreinforced masonry buildings, soft-story buildings, and non-ductile concrete buildings. These requirements address critical safety concerns by increasing the likelihood that occupants can safely exit the building in the event of an earthquake.

    Historically, many of these ordinances were passed because of devastating earthquakes. The 1994 Northridge earthquake resulted in 57 deaths and over $20 billion in damage. The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake caused 63 deaths and over $12 billion in damage. And the 1971 San Fernando earthquake resulted in 65 deaths and over $500 million in damage. These earthquakes – and others like them – led to a greater understanding of the importance of seismic safety. As a result, cities began mandating retrofits for buildings of a certain age and construction type. If your building falls into one of these categories, it’s important to get in compliance as soon as possible.

    Unfortunately, many buildings in California are at risk of collapse during an earthquake. A study by the US Geological Survey found that, in a major earthquake, up to 28% of wood-frame soft-story buildings could collapse. Wood-frame soft-story buildings make up a large portion of the housing stock in California – an estimated 60% of all apartments in the state are soft-story buildings. Different cities in California have different seismic retrofit ordinances. The City of Los Angeles passed its Seismic Retrofit Ordinance in 2015, which applies to wood-frame soft-story buildings and non-ductile concrete buildings. San Francisco’s Soft-Story Program applies to wood-frame buildings with five or more stories that have soft, weak, or open-front walls and were built before 1978. And Berkeley’s Seismic Retrofit Program applies to all buildings, regardless of construction type or year built.

    Mountain View is now mandating all buildings constructed or under construction prior to 1933 which have bearing walls constructed of unreinforced masonry to be retrofitted. Unreinforced masonry buildings are defined as any building built prior to 1933 containing walls constructed wholly or partially with any of the following materials:

    •      • Unreinforced brick masonry
    •      • Unreinforced concrete masonry
    •      • Hollow clay tile
    •      • Adobe or unburned clay masonry
    •      • Any other unreinforced tile or masonry construction material.

    “This article shall not apply to group M occupancies; detached group R, division 3 occupancies; detached group R, division 1 occupancies with less than five (5) dwelling units used solely for residential purposes; nor to any undamaged building less than nine hundred (900) square feet and containing less than five (5) occupants as determined by 33-A of the 1985 Uniform Building Code.” Source

    Time Limits for Compliance starting from August 12, 2022

    Structural Analysis

    REQUIRED ACTION BY THE OWNER

    TIME FRAME FOR COMPLIANCE

    The building owner submits structural analysis or other data indicating that the building complies with this article; or

    270 calendar days from.

    The building owner submits structural analysis and plans for proposed structural alterations of the building to ensure compliance; or

    270 calendar days from.

    The building owner submits plans for the demolition of the building.

    270 calendar days from.

    Structural Upgrade

    REQUIRED ACTION BY THE OWNER

    TIME FRAME FOR COMPLIANCE

    The City council shall establish a mandatory compliance date for completion of the URM building structural upgrade for demolition.

    Within 120 calendar days from the end of the 270-calendar day structural analysis period.

    Letter of Intent

    REQUIRED ACTION BY THE OWNER

    TIME FRAME FOR COMPLIANCE

    The building owner shall submit a letter of intent to the building official stating intent to upgrade or demolish the building.

    Within 180 calendar days after the council adopts the mandatory compliance date.

    1  Where two (2) or more adjacent buildings under separate ownership are to be rehabilitated simultaneously, an extension may be allowed, with a suggested minimum extension of six (6) months. An extension could be granted on submission of a binding agreement between the owners involved, with the actual date of compliance to be determined by the chief building official.

    Furthermore, while Mountain View does not currently mandate the retrofit of wood-frame soft-story buildings (as of January 2022) it is likely the city soon will, and this provision will apply to existing buildings that have the following characteristics:

         • Ground-floor wood-frame construction with an open layout

         • Minimum of two stories

         • Three or more dwelling units on a single parcel of land

         • Constructed prior to approximately 1980

    The May 2018 Mountain View Soft Story Study Report, estimates that approximately 488 buildings within the City of Mountain View would fall within the scope of this potential wood-frame soft-story building ordinance. The 488 buildings identified within the survey have at least three residential units, a total of 5,123 housing units which represents about 16 percent of the city’s total housing, which rivals the percentage of earthquake-vulnerable homes in Oakland and San Francisco.

    Seismic retrofitting is vital for the safety of your tenants, employees, and customers. It’s also required by law in many cases and can result in heavy fines from the city for non-compliance. Additionally, if your building is found to be at risk of collapse in an earthquake, you may be ordered to vacate the premises until the retrofit is complete. Check with your city to see what ordinances apply to your commercial building, don’t wait until it’s too late – retrofit your building today and help ensure the safety of everyone inside.

     

    New Energy Benchmark Laws for 2023

    New Energy Benchmark Laws As more and more states look to benchmarking to improve energy efficiency, several new laws and ordinances are set to go into effect in 2023. These laws will require benchmarking for all commercial buildings over a certain size and will impose penalties for those that do not comply. While some building owners may see this as a burden, benchmarking can be a valuable tool. It can help identify areas where a building is wasting energy and can also help reduce a building’s energy consumption and be more sustainable. In the long run, benchmarking can save building owners money by helping them make their buildings more efficient. Not only are new laws and ordinances being implemented, but existing laws are constantly being updated. These updates include lowering the size threshold for buildings covered by the benchmarking requirements, establishing new third-party data verification requirements, requiring the use of whole-building utility data, including aggregate data directly from utilities when applicable, and clarification of violations and the enforcement process. IMT Benchmarking Map Source: IMT Benchmarking Map 08312022 CURRENT If you own a commercial building, now is the time to start getting ready for the new benchmarking laws, and if you’re not already benchmarking your building, now is a good time to start. Many new states will require benchmarking compliance in 2023 and will enforce penalties on those who do not follow the new benchmarking laws. However, benchmarking can be simple and easy with the help of Vert Energy Group! Once you know where your building stands in terms of energy efficiency, you can make changes to ensure that your property is as efficient as possible with VertPro®.    

    “I have a firm belief in the ability and power of women to achieve the things they want to achieve” – Eleanor Roosevelt

    A Brief History of Labor Day

    United States, Labor Day In the United States, Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September. It’s a day off for many workers, and a time to enjoy the last few days of summer, but did you know that Labor Day is more than just a day off from work? This American institution has a long and interesting history so let’s take a quick look at the origins of Labor Day and how it’s evolved over the years. Labor Day has its roots in the labor movement of the late 19th century. At that time, working conditions were often very dangerous, and workers were frequently required to work long hours for little pay. In an effort to improve these conditions, workers began organizing into unions. On September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers took unpaid leave and marched in New York City to demand better working conditions. The following year, another labor parade was held in New York City. Inspired by these events, workers across the country began holding their own parades and rallies on the first Monday in September. In 1884, the first formal proposal to make Labor Day a national holiday was made at a meeting of the Central Labor Union. The proposal was approved, and the first National Labor Day was celebrated on September 5, 1884. In 1894, Congress passed a law making the first Monday in September, a national holiday, Labor Day. The first Monday in September was selected as the official date for a few reasons: first, it allowed workers a three-day weekend (as Friday and Saturday were already days off); second, it prevented summer vacations from being cut short; and third, it avoided competition with Independence Day celebrations. Today, Labor Day is celebrated in countries around the world to recognize the achievements of workers and to celebrate the labor movement. Over time, the meaning of Labor Day has changed somewhat. It’s still a day to celebrate workers and their achievements, but it has also become a day for barbecues, picnics, and other outdoor activities. For many Americans, it marks the end of summer and the start of the school year. No matter how you choose to spend your Labor Day, one thing is for sure: it’s a day to kick back and enjoy some well-deserved time off! There you have it: a brief history of Labor Day. Next time you’re enjoying a cookout or taking a leisurely stroll on this day off from work, remember that it exists because workers fought—and sometimes died—for the right to a fair wage and reasonable working hours. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day!  

    Fun Fact: As of 2021, 65% of Americans believe there is intelligent life on other planets!

    Aliens vs. Voyager

    Stephanie’s Section

    Aliens vs. Voyager 1 Do you believe in aliens? It’s a question that has been debated for centuries, and there is still no clear answer. There are those who firmly believe that aliens exist, and others are convinced that aliens are nothing more than a figment of our imagination. There is no right or wrong answer, but it’s certainly an interesting topic to debate. Recently, Voyager 1 has been at the center of this very debate. How and why? You may be wondering what is Voyager 1? Voyager 1 is a space probe launched by NASA on September 5, 1977, to study the outer solar system and interstellar space beyond the sun’s heliosphere. Voyager 1 has been in operation for almost 45 years, and still transmits data back to earth through the Deep Space Network! Recently, Nasa’s engineering team is investigating a mystery taking place on the Voyager 1 spacecraft. The vehicle is more than 11 billion miles from Earth, and for the past several months has been sending back strange readings that have left engineers baffled. As the most distant human-made object from Earth, Voyager 1 is operating at the edge of the solar system, beyond the Sun’s influence, and while the craft is successfully receiving and executing commands from Earth, the readouts from the probe’s AACS (attitude articulation and control system) show something strange is happening on board. The AACS maintains the craft’s orientation, keeping the antenna pointed directly at Earth so that data can be successfully sent back to Nasa. While all indicators suggest the AACS is working as normal, the readings show that something is interfering with the spacecraft’s ability to communicate with Earth. The interference is coming from an unknown source and it’s preventing Voyager 1 from sending back data at its full capacity. It appears Voyager 1 is detecting a never-before-seen interaction between particles from inside our solar system and particles from interstellar space. This is something that was not predicted by models of how these particles should behave. The new findings have been published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, and they could help scientists to better understand the environment around Voyager 1, as well as the transition between our solar system and interstellar space. “The spacecraft are both almost 45 years old, which is far beyond what the mission planners anticipated. We’re also in interstellar space – a high-radiation environment that no spacecraft have flown in before. So there are some big challenges for the engineering team. But I think if there’s a way to solve this issue with the AACS, our team will find it” said Suzanne Dodd, project manager for Voyager 1 and 2 at Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. Source Although the interference is preventing Voyager 1 from functioning at its full capacity, and the team is working to determine the cause of the interference, they haven’t been able to find a definitive answer. They’re confident that they’ll eventually be able to solve the mystery and figure out what’s causing the strange signals.  This isn’t the first time that Voyager 1 has picked up strange signals. In 1977, the spacecraft recorded a series of pulses that were later determined to be from two objects colliding in deep space. The last time we picked up strange signals onboard the Voyager 1 it was later explained, but many have theorized that the spacecraft is now picking up signals from an unknown intelligent life form and that’s what is causing the interference. So, what do you believe? Are aliens causing the interference onboard Voyager 1?  
    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 »
  • Budgeting for Benchmarking and Beyond

    Budgeting for Benchmarking and Beyond

    Energy Efficiency Costs

    Maintaining the Energy Efficiency of your buildings can appear costly when you’re not planning ahead. There’s the yearly Benchmark filing followed by the 5-10 year Audit and RetroCommissioning (RCx) reports and finally the upgrades and projects you need to complete based on the results of your Audits and RCx. While it’s relatively easy to account for the annual filings, the Audit and RCxs can sneak up on you. In the worst-case scenario, one of your building’s operational systems breaks and needs to be repaired or upgraded immediately. If you haven’t set aside the necessary funds, you’ll most likely find yourself in a pinch.

    Planning Ahead

    “All the things I could do if I had a little money…” – ABBA

    One of the easiest, and best, ways to begin budgeting for your Energy needs is to include it in your Capital Expenditures (CapEx). According to Investopedia, capital expenditures are important for two key reasons:

    •  The funds help to maintain a building and its equipment
    • Allows you to “invest in new technology and other assets for growth”

    As a reminder, Benchmarking and Audits/RCxs quite literally track your buildings’ Energy consumptions and needs to be upgraded. By this logic, Benchmarking and Audits/RCxs are investments in a building’s maintenance and growth.

    There are a few things to consider when setting up your capital expenditures year-to-year. Firstly, your capital expenditures are not to be confused with your operating expenses. The capital expenditures pertain to expenses that do not occur on a regular basis – such as building upgrades. Conversely, operating expenses deal with your regular or frequent expenses – think utility bills and rent. It’s important to keep your capital and operational expenditures separate so as to avoid confusion or issues.

    Based on your yearly Benchmark reports, you will see your Energy Score increase, stay the same, or drop. If your building’s Energy Score begins to drop, that’s a good indication to start prepping your CapEx as there’s a high chance that your building’s operations need to be upgraded. Many Audit/RCx deadlines for city and state ordinances fall around the end of the year, so conducting your Audit and planning your capital expenditures go hand-in-hand.

    An Audit/RCx conducted by a licensed professional (LP) is the best way to pinpoint the exact cause for your decreased Energy Score. The finalized Audit/RCx report will provide you with areas for improvement and projected costs for those projects that will save you money and energy in the long run. Potential areas of improvement include, but are not limited to, your building’s HVAC, Lighting, Automation, and Solar systems. Based on these findings, your company will be able to implement a minimum and maximum budget to encompass immediate and maintenance expenses. Investopedia states that common capital expenditure plans are “constructed to over a period of five to 10 years” thus serving as “a company’s ‘five-year plan’ or long-term goals.” As Audits and RCx are only conducted every 5-10 years, it is pertinent that you’re including the head of daily operations in CapEx discussions for your building as they are the most knowledgeable on building issues and repairs. By consulting an LP and your head of daily operations will ensure that the appropriate funds are allocated for your capital expenditures.

    Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.” – Russell Baker

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    Surviving the Summer Heat

    Summer heat is in full swing and rising, but that doesn’t mean your energy bills have to increase. There are still many ways to stay cool without racking up the costs. Monitoring your AC and fans’ usage is one of the simplest ways to be energy efficient. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again if you have a smart thermostat make use of it. The Department of Energy found that setting your thermostat 7-10 degrees lower than the outdoor temperature can save up to 10% on AC expenses each year. With that in mind, set your thermostat to kick in when it reaches a certain temperature – for example, 78 degrees – and be sure to turn this feature off when no one’s home to ensure energy is not being wasted cooling an empty home. Keep in mind that the lower the temperature setting, the lower the settings so if you’re at 72 degrees, then you’ll only be saving up to 3% on AC expenses. You also want to be sure that your AC vents are regularly cleaned and dust-free to ensure optimal airflow. If the AC vents are dusty, it’s going to block the cool air trying to get out and you’ll find yourself trying to lower the temperature more and more to feel the effects. The lower the setting, the more your AC is going to have to work and the higher your energy bills.

    Department of EnergyAccording to the Department of Energy, 90% of the energy from incandescent lights is actually just the heat with the remaining 10% being actual light. Crazy right? Needless to say, if you’re using incandescent lighting, you might want to keep those off and use natural lighting while the sun’s out unless you want to raise the room’s temperature. A better option would be to switch to LED lighting as they generally give off low amounts of heat. There’s the added bonus that in comparison to incandescent lighting, LEDs use significantly less energy and last significantly longer – 75% less and 25 times longer respectively. Switching to LED will ensure no additional heat is being generated while helping you save money. It’s a win-win.

     

    Moving Past COVID

    Benchmark and Audit/RCx deadlines

    Many cities have begun to reopen and resume normal operations thus resulting in the reinforcement of Energy ordinances and programs*. As many cities and states start to reinstate their original, pre-pandemic Benchmark and Audit/RCx deadlines, it is important to note that there will also be less leniency. That means, deadlines will be enforced and penalties will be distributed as cities and states see fit. Vert Energy Group has continued to work through these unprecedented times to ensure we’re staying up-to-date with any and all changes made to the various nationwide Energy ordinances. If you’re finding yourself in the position to begin filing again, we’re here for you. Head over to VertPro.com to begin meeting your Benchmark, Audit, and RCx, and/or building upgrade needs. If you’re unsure if your city or state has reinstated your local Energy programs, our support team can help you via email at support@vertpro.com and by phone at 800-585-2690.

    *Please note at the time of drafting this section things were beginning to open up. Check with your city’s or state’s guidelines for the most up-to-date information.

    Fun Fact: In Northern Australia, the first Monday in August marks the public holiday “Picnic Day

    Back-to-School Season

    Danielle’s Corner

    Back-to-School Season…

    August marks back-to-school season! Hopefully the activities I shared in our June and July Vert Report helped keep your little ones occupied all summer long. Now I’m here to help you face the back-to-school shopping nightmare. When I was a struggling college student, I used to hit up my local malls to see what deals they had going on. Pre-COVID, the Irvine Spectrum in Irvine, CA used to handed out little booklets full of coupons to use at participating stores and restaurants and held summer night events in August. This provided a great way to stock up on back-to-school supplies and clothes while getting your grub on and attending fun events. The Irvine Spectrum has yet to announce any fun back-to-school event, but you can always do your own little celebration to make the process fun for your kiddos.

    Start your day off hitting the back-to-school sales and reward yourself and/or your family with a yummy meal out. And remember, shop for EnergySTAR certified electronics to ensure energy efficiency year-round. If you’re unsure if a product is EnergyStar certified simply look for the official logo or double-check the EnergySTAR website. If you spot any great back-to-school deals for EnergyStar products, share them with the Vert Energy Group community on our Facebook and LinkedIn or find us on Instagram. We’re all one big community, so let’s continue to help one another out!

    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 »