Vert Energy Group

Tag: Fines or Violations

  • A Gift for You

    A Gift for You

    A Gift for You! All New VertPro.com

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

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

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

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

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

    Closing out 2022 Compliance & Looking Ahead

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

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

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

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

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

    Get to Know Your Local Energy Audits

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

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

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

     

    Atlanta, GA

     

    CBEEO- Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Ordinance

     

    Deadline:

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

    *2022 deadline extended to January 4th, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

    Sq. Ft. Minimum:

    ·      Commercial ≥ 50,000

    ·      Public ≥ 25,000

    Length of Compliance: Every 10 years starting in 2020

     

    Audit must be comparable to an ASHRAE Level II
    audit.

     

     

    Austin, TX

     

    ECAD – The Energy Conservation Audit & Disclosure Ordinance

     

    Deadline: Time of Sale / June 1, 2023

     

    Sq. Ft. Minimum:

    · Multifamily bldgs ≥ 5 units, 10 years or older

    ·  Homes 1-4 units, 10 years or older

     

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

     

    Exemptions:

    ·Bldg is less than 10 years of age.

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

     

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

     

     

    Boston, MA

     

    BERDO – Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance

     

    Deadline:

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

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

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

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

     

    Sq. Ft. Minimum:

    ·  Commercial ≥ 35,000

    ·  Public ≥ 25,000

    ·  MultiFamily ≥ 35,000/35 units

    ·  All Public/Gov’t

    Length of Compliance: Every 5 years


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

     

    Reno, NV

    ReEnergize: Energy and Water Efficiency Program

    Deadline:

    ·      2026: City bldgs.

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

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

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

    Sq. Ft. Minimum:

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

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

    Length of Compliance: Every 7 years

    Exemptions: For energy and water audit:

    ·       LEED Existing blgs (2009 or later)

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

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

     

    Seattle, WA

    Building Tune-Ups, SMC: 22.930

    Deadline:

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

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

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

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

    Sq. Ft. Minimum:

    ·      Commercial and City-owned ≥ 50,000

    Length of Compliance: Every 5 years

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

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

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

     

    How to Build Santa’s Sleigh

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

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

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

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

    Fun Fact:

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

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

    Stephanie’s Section

    Holiday Celebrations

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

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

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

    Happy Holidays!

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

    Energy Compliance, Nationwide Search by Zip to Find Applicable Energy Laws

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

    FIND OUT HERE »
  • Energy Benchmark for 2022 compliance

    Energy Benchmark for 2022 compliance

    Last chance for a free 2022 Energy Benchmark for 2022 compliance

    Vert Energy Group is offering a Free 2022 Energy Benchmark to 150 building owners/property managers! Sign up today to claim your free Energy Benchmark! (Limit one per user for one property not complied for 2022) With 2023 right around the corner, Vert Energy Group wants to protect you from multiple years of non-compliance, as some of you may already be incurring fines or penalties! Use this free code to avoid continued fees and get in compliance today!

    With 50+ Energy programs nationwide, it can feel like you’re in a maze trying to identify and meet your building’s specific requirements. Vert Energy Group takes the guesswork out of compliance, assuring data accuracy and ease of filing. We offer several tools to help you best determine how to optimize your building’s efficiency and now offer Vert Rebates on Energy Benchmarks and Energy Audits when you post a project on VertPro® Upgrades. Limitations do apply but check with your project specialist to determine which of your projects may qualify for the Vert Rebate.

    Vert Energy Group makes benchmarking fast and easy for your entire portfolio of properties when you register on our platform VertPro®. All it takes is 30 minutes- or less- 3 easy steps and you are done. If you have any questions schedule a 1-on-1 demo with our team of experts.

    Get started today as the promo code BMFREE2022 is only valid until November 18th, 2022.

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

    Inflation vs building material costs

    San Francisco Energy AuditsWith rising inflation rates and turmoil in a post covid world, many are concerned about what this means to the building industry. Inflation can have a significant impact on building costs, as the cost of materials and labor tends to increase when inflation rates are high. To stay within budget, it is important to monitor inflation rates and be prepared for potential cost increases.

    Inflation rates can vary significantly from year to year. For example, inflation in 2020 was around 2%, but the inflation rate as of September 2022 was a whopping 8.2% year over year. Source “CBRE’s new Construction Cost Index forecasts a 14.1% year-over-year increase in construction costs by year-end 2022 as labor and material costs continue to rise. Escalation should stabilize to the 2%-4% range in 2023 and 2024, on par with historical averages. A confluence of events—including soaring construction demand, inflation, pandemic-related restrictions, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and the war in Ukraine—are spurring rising, costs and uncertainty across the construction industry.” 2022 U.S. Construction Cost Trends | CBRE

    Just one example of the impact is lumber costs. Lumber costs reached an all-time high in 2021, and while the cost has backed down some since 2021, more than 90% of builders say they still face shortages of wood for framing. The expectation is cost inflation for materials will begin to slow and largely return to typical levels by mid-2023.” However, given the large number of construction inputs—many of which are often subject to geopolitical risks such as tariffs and sanctions—costs for some materials may remain volatile. Supply chain-related disruptions should begin to ease, but ongoing global labor and component shortages will hamper production and logistics capacity. As a result, long lead times and material shortages will likely continue in the short term.” Source

    Inflation GraphGraph Source

    Inflation is one of the key factors in building costs, making it very important to monitor rates and be prepared for potential cost increases year to year to stay within budget.

     

    2023 SF Energy Audits approaching quickly

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

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

    Building Materials and Process for Mayflower Ships

    We all know the Mayflower set sail for America in 1620, but how many of us understand the long and complicated building process that led to the success of that maiden voyage? The Mayflower ships were built using traditional materials and methods but were equipped with state-of-the-art guns and cannons for protection and sails that were made from the best materials available, resulting in a ship that was able to sail across the Atlantic Ocean and reach America safely.

    The Mayflower ship was built using several traditional materials and methods for the time, but this was far from a simple feat. The hull of the Mayflower was made from oak timbers that were cut down and hand-shaped into the desired shape. The oak timbers were then hewn by hand to make them smoother and fastened together with wooden pegs. Finally, the sails were made from linen or hemp, and the hemp or flax rigging was installed. The back-breaking work required to source the materials used to build, and the manpower required for these building methods made the success of the Mayflower’s journey even more impressive.

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

    Fun Fact:

    thankgiving day

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

     
    Queen Elizabeth

    Stephanie’s Section

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

    Energy Compliance, Nationwide 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 »
  • 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.

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