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  • How Energy Benchmarking – Improves Building Performance

    How Energy Benchmarking – Improves Building Performance

    Do you use energy benchmarking to assess your building’s performance? If not, now is the time to start. Energy benchmarking can help you make the most of the energy usage in your building and save money in the process. In this blog post, we’ll explore why your business needs to invest in energy benchmarking and some key strategies to help improve your building’s efficiency over time. From reduced costs and increased comfort levels, there are countless benefits that come with improving a building’s performance—so let’s take a look!

    What Is Energy Benchmarking?

    Energy benchmarking is an important tool to help measure energy efficiency in buildings. It compares energy consumption levels of buildings against similar facilities, allowing for energy performance comparisons over time and aiding in energy conservation decisions.

    Through energy benchmarking, building owners and property managers can monitor energy usage trends to identify problems, find energy savings opportunities across their portfolio or facility, and track progress and investments over time. In addition to helping buildings become more energy efficient, benchmarks also provide a way to measure the effectiveness of upgrading building systems with cutting-edge technology like renewable energy sources. As such, energy benchmarking is a valuable tool in the push toward green energy solutions that can help us save on operating costs and benefit the environment.

    How Can Energy Benchmarking Data Improve A Building’s Energy Performance?

    Benchmarking a building’s energy performance is essential in driving consumers towards higher-performing buildings. With benchmarking data, businesses and organizations can better understand their building’s energy performance and set targets for improved energy use and efficiency.

    There are benchmarking and transparency policies that promote the usage of benchmarking data and platforms, such as Energy Star Portfolio Manager, which allows users to compare their benchmarked buildings with other similar buildings in terms of energy use, consumption, emissions, and performance.

    Benchmarking a building’s energy performance can equip owners to identify potential opportunities for reducing energy costs and help to reduce waste so that they can make meaningful improvements in their buildings’ energy performance.

    Why Is Energy Benchmarking Important For Building Owners?

    Importance of Energy Benchmarking

    Energy benchmarking is an invaluable tool for building owners looking to reduce energy consumption and, ultimately, energy costs. By providing energy data collected from metering and energy use analysis, energy benchmarking helps building owners gain insight into their energy consumption. This data provides a snapshot of energy consumption in comparison to the energy performance of other similar buildings, helping them evaluate energy performance and understand how costly changes to their facility could impact energy use over time.

    For this reason, benchmarking has become an important part of the environmental protection agency’s (EPA) efforts toward creating more sustainable energy practices across the nation. For any property owner looking to make their building more energy-efficient and cost-effective, energy benchmarking is an invaluable tool that should be taken advantage of today.

    How To Conduct Energy Benchmarking Assessment?

    Energy benchmarking is an important part of building performance standards, as it helps to track energy consumption data and use it to implement energy-saving initiatives. An energy benchmarking assessment should begin with a survey to understand the building’s physical characteristics, including its size and age. Next, analyze building energy bills and other documents related to building operations.

    After collecting relevant information and data, compare the building’s Energy Star score against similar scores from other buildings in the area and develop potential ways to improve its score. With continued effort and consistent monitoring of the building’s energy usage, progress can be tracked over time to continuously reduce energy costs and drive greater efficiency for a more sustainable building.

    Tips To Reduce Energy Consumption Of A Building

    Here are some tips to reduce the energy consumption of a building:

    1. Utilize Natural Lighting: Take advantage of natural light to reduce the need for electric lighting during the day. Installing larger windows, and skylights, and adding reflective surfaces can all help to bring more natural light into your building while reducing energy consumption.

    2. Install Motion Detectors: Automatically turning off lights when no one is in the room can greatly reduce energy consumption. Installing motion detectors or sensors on lights and other appliances can help you save money.

    3. Install Efficient Lighting: Replacing traditional bulbs with LED bulbs can result in significant energy savings. Also, using task lighting instead of main lighting to reduce your energy costs.

    4. Utilize Power Strips: Plugging all computers and other electronics into one power strip can help reduce energy consumption by cutting off their power when not in use. You can also set a timer on the power strip so that it will automatically shut off after a certain period of time.

    5. Insulate Your Building:Insulating your building can help to keep the warm air inside during the winter and cool air inside during the summer. This can reduce your energy costs as you won’t need to use heating or cooling systems as often.

    6. Upgrade To Energy-Efficient Appliances: Replacing old appliances with newer, more efficient models can help you cut energy costs. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified appliances to ensure you get the most efficient models available.

    7. Utilize Smart Thermostats: Installing programmable thermostats, and smart thermostats can help you better manage the temperature in your building without overworking your heating and cooling systems. This can help you save money while still maintaining a comfortable environment.

    Following these tips can reduce your energy consumption and lower your utility bills. Taking steps to become more energy efficient is an important part of being eco-friendly and responsible for the environment. Your efforts will also pay off in terms of savings as well!

    Benefits Of Energy Benchmarking

    Benefits of Energy Benchmarking

    Let’s have a look at the benefits of energy benchmarking:

    1. Cost Savings: Energy benchmarking provides a clear understanding of energy use and helps to identify cost savings opportunities. It allows organizations to track and measure their performance, compare it with similar buildings, set goals for improvement, and develop strategies for achieving those goals.

    2. Improved Performance: Benchmarking reveals inefficiencies and areas of improvement in the energy use of a building. It helps to illustrate how buildings operate and enables organizations to track progress over time. This information can be used to make informed energy consumption and performance decisions.

    3. Increased Awareness: Energy benchmarking encourages improved awareness of energy use among occupants and staff members, which often leads to increased consciousness and a better understanding of how energy can be used efficiently.

    4. Improved Energy Efficiency: By benchmarking the energy use of a building, organizations can develop strategies for improving its efficiency. This process helps identify areas where improvements can be made to reduce overall energy consumption and save money on utility bills.

    5. Increased Value: By making the necessary improvements to a building’s energy efficiency and performance, organizations can increase its value in the market by demonstrating to potential buyers that the building is well-managed and has a low environmental impact.

    Energy benchmarking is an important tool for helping organizations save money on energy costs and improve the overall performance of their buildings. It is a simple, cost-effective way to track and analyze energy use, identify opportunities for improvements, and set goals for future energy efficiency initiatives. Ultimately, benchmarking can lead to greater savings in energy costs and an improved bottom line for organizations.

    Best Energy Benchmarking Tools

    Regarding energy benchmarking, the best tools are those that provide detailed analytics, allow for customization and offer specific recommendations for efficiency improvement. Some of the top tools on the market today include Energy Star Portfolio Manager, and VertPro®.

    These programs provide various features to simplify energy benchmarking in commercial and buildings, such as user-friendly dashboards, automated data updates, and rebate options. With these powerful tools, anyone can improve energy efficiency with just a few clicks!

    Things To Consider When Investing In Energy Benchmarking

    Investing in energy benchmarking is a great way to improve the environment and cut your operating costs. Whether you are an individual investor or a company looking to reduce emissions, it’s important to consider a few components when determining the best strategy. First, identify what types of energy sources you need to analyze.

    Then assess the current and projected usage of that energy source by collecting data from previous bills or surveys of the customer base. Additionally, you should take into account how long it will take for any changes made through energy benchmarking to take effect; for example, if new equipment is being installed, this can significantly raise upfront costs but save money in the long run by heading off higher utility bills down the road.

    Finally, think about potential savings over time — are there any potential incentives you can use? If so, capitalize on them and maximize your return on investment while helping protect our planet.

    Conclusion

    Energy benchmarking is a valuable tool for improving building performance. By understanding how your buildings use energy, you can make informed decisions about where to invest in improvements. Benchmarking allows you to compare your building’s performance against similar properties and track progress over time. If you’re not already using energy benchmarking, now is the time to start!

  • 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.

  • Vert Energy Group – Ringing in the New Year with a New Website and New BM Laws

    Vert Energy Group – Ringing in the New Year with a New Website and New BM Laws

    Happy New Year from our Vert Energy Group Family to yours! We look forward to continuing to serve our property managers and building owners in 2023 and are thrilled to share some exciting news!

    VertPro® is ringing in the new year with a new platform with a fresh new design, improved speed, and easier to use! With a growing client base and ever-changing energy efficiency laws, the new platform will create a better customer experience by managing multi-service compliance requirements in one easy-to-use space. From energy benchmarking and energy audits to building upgrades and rebates, the new platform will identify all energy-saving opportunities for multi-building portfolios nationwide, with the click of a button.

    Both new and existing users will enjoy the new and improved dashboard which consolidates all the building’s information into one safe and secure place. 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 refresh of the energy scorecard tool utilizes all your building’s information to discover the amount of money that potentially can be saved by implementing energy-saving measures.

    As of 2022, there were 54 Benchmarking laws nationwide, all with various and ever-changing requirements. Starting in 2023 that number jumps to 56, as New Jersey State and Miami, Florida adopt Benchmarking laws, with other cities and states following suit in future years. Starting in 2023, New Jersey State Law requires a benchmark to be completed by October 1, 2023, while the “Building Efficiency 305” ordinance of Miami has various deadlines depending on the square footage of your building. Properties covered under Miami’s “Building Efficiency 305’ ordinance include multi-family and commercial buildings with 20,000 square feet or greater of floor space and 5 or more units. The Miami deadlines are as follows:

    Size (Gross Floor
    Area)

    Initial Compliance
    Required by:

    Buildings 200,000 sq. ft. or larger

    June 30, 2023

    Buildings between 100,000 – 199,999 sq. ft.

    October 1, 2023

    Buildings between 50,000 – 99,999 sq. ft.

    October 1, 2024

    Buildings between 20,000 – 49,999 sq. ft.

    October 1, 2025

    Source: Building Efficiency 305 – BE305 – Miami (miamigov.com)

    VertPro® makes it easy to comply with all energy benchmarks, energy audits, mandatory building upgrades, and improvement laws nationwide. Find trusted contractors and simplify the process of the various, often confusing, local, and federal sustainability regulations with VertPro®. Stay in compliance, identify underperforming systems, and get multiple bids reviewed by a specialist, for all your building’s projects. Whether you have 1 property or hundreds, the VertPro® Platform does it all.

    “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” – Thomas Jefferson

    New Weekly Blog Series on VertPro.com/Blog/

     – Locations

    • Los Angeles, CA
    • New York, NY
    • Chicago, IL
    • Austin, TX
    • San Diego, CA
    • San Jose, CA

     – Commercial Service Types

    • Landscaping Contractors
    • Plumbing Contractors
    • Roofing Contractors
    • Renovation/Remodel
    • Concrete Contractors
    • Electrician Contractors

    Another exciting project of 2023 brings you a weekly blog series! As an industry expert, VertPro® powered by Vert Energy Group, is offering our expertise in various project categories, with a weekly blog series to provide you with critical information to help you make informed decisions. You’ll be able to find them on both VertEnergyGroup.com and VertPro.com.

    You can find frequently asked questions answered, more information about various laws, or simply additional knowledge and expertise on how to make your building more energy efficient. We know it can be difficult and time-consuming to find qualified and comparable vendors to complete large projects and understanding how to read bids can make the best of us crazy! These blogs will answer all those questions and more! Not fully aware of what your building requires to comply with state or city laws, this blog will help identify those exact requirements. Looking for more information on how to make your building more efficient and potentially save time and money? You’ve come to the right place! Check out a few that are already posted:

    The importance of creating a defined process for Los Angeles Benchmarking : Importance Of Creating Process For Los Angeles Benchmarking (vertenergygroup.com)

    Los Angeles Benchmarking Process

    Why you should Invest in NYC Energy Benchmarking to Reduce your Carbon Footprint: Invest In NYC Energy Benchmarking To Reduce Carbon Footprint (vertenergygroup.com)

    How Los Angeles Energy Benchmarking Performs: A Comparative Study: Los Angeles Energy Benchmarking Performs-A Comparative Study (vertenergygroup.com)

    LL84 Benchmarking and How It Affects ROI: NYC LL84 Benchmarking Report And How It Affects ROI (vertenergygroup.com)

    The Arctic Blast and how much strain it can put on a heating system

    As you may have personally experienced, an arctic blast recently brought about extremely cold temperatures, heavy snow, and high winds to much of the United States. This has caused at minimum many travel disruptions amidst the holiday season, but many around the country were more severely impacted by blizzards and dangerous negative-degree wind chills. A particularly harsh winter can put a lot of strain on your heating system, and as one of the most important parts of keeping your business safe and warm, it’s important to know how to best care for its efficient operation.

    Heating systems should be routinely serviced and properly maintained to prepare for the cold winter months. They should be inspected regularly for any wear and tear that may have occurred during the summer months, as well as ensuring all safety settings are up to date and not expired. Additionally, filters should be replaced regularly to ensure that the system is clean and functioning at its highest efficiency.  Heating systems should also be checked for proper levels of antifreeze, which will help keep the system running smoothly throughout the colder months. Finally, any blockages should be cleared to avoid any additional strain due to freezing temperatures. With proper maintenance and preparation, you can make sure that your heating system will be able to handle even the coldest winters.

    As well as regular maintenance, understanding your specific type of heating system can really make a difference when preparing for the cold winter season. Heating systems come in all shapes and sizes, and some require special maintenance requirements or procedures. Taking the time to research your system will ensure that you know how best to prepare it for heavy winters.

    Two questions we always hear are what to do if you lose power in the winter, and what temperature is best to leave your heating system. If you do lose power during a winter storm it is important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your heating system. If you are using an electric heater, make sure that all cords are unplugged before venturing outside in cold weather. Additionally, use flashlights or lanterns instead of candles as these are much safer when dealing with a power outage. In the event of a prolonged power outage, it is important to keep your heating system turned off as this can help to protect against any damage that may occur due to a lack of power. The best temperature to leave your heating system on during a particularly harsh winter depends on your needs and the type of heating system you have. Heating systems should be adjusted accordingly to keep your business comfortable during cold winter months, while also avoiding any unnecessary strain that may arise with too high temperatures.

    Taking care of your heating system will ensure that it runs properly and efficiently all winter long. Heating systems should not be taken lightly, but with proper preparation and maintenance, you can ensure that your system is ready to handle even the most extreme winter conditions. Heating systems are an essential part of keeping warm in the winter so take the time to get to know yours!

    “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” —Oprah Winfrey

     

    Does everyone celebrate the New Year on the same day?

    New Year is a widely celebrated holiday around the world, with many countries having their own specific New Year traditions. Some countries celebrate New Year’s according to the Gregorian calendar, which traditionally falls on 1 January, while others mark New Year’s on other dates, such as 1 March or the Chinese New Year. While New Year’s Day is celebrated on different dates around the world, we all can find solace in celebrating the start of the New Year and new opportunities.

    Some examples of the different celebrations are, in Japan New Year’s Day is known as Oshogatsu and is celebrated by families gathering to eat a traditional New Year’s meal called osechi ryori. In many Latin American countries, New Year is a time for friends and family to gather, enjoy a meal, and light fireworks. New Year’s Day is also celebrated with parades and festivals in many countries, such as the famous New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in New York City’s Times Square or the Sydney Harbour fireworks display in Australia. No matter where you are, New Year is a time for celebration!

     As New Year is celebrated at different times in different parts of the world, it means that New Year’s Day celebrations span days and even weeks rather than just one single day. This allows people to experience New Year and its traditions throughout its start, giving New Year’s celebrations around the world a truly global flavor. So, even if New Year doesn’t fall on the same day for everyone, it remains an important global celebration that brings us all together.

    No matter where you are or when New Year falls on your calendar, New Year’s Day is a time to come together with friends and family and celebrate the New Year. However, you celebrate New Year’s – whether that’s according to the Gregorian calendar or your own cultural traditions – it’s a time of renewal, reflection, and hope for the future. So, while New Year may not fall on the same day for everyone, it’s a time to celebrate!

    Fun Fact:

     

    The first known celebration of a new year took place in Ancient Babylon nearly 4,000 years ago. The Babylonians celebrated their new year, known as Akitu, for 11 days in what would be modern-day Iraq. The festivities were filled with parades and parties, and a re-enactment of the myth of Marduk—the god who defeated the chaos monster Tiamat. The ancient Romans also marked the beginning of a new year with celebrations, usually lasting from December 17th through January 1st. The celebration was called “Saturnalia” and featured feasting, drinking, gift-giving, and merrymaking. The Roman version of New Year’s resolutions involved asking the gods for forgiveness for any wrongdoings from the previous year.

    Stephanie’s Section

    New Year’s Resolutions

    New Year’s Resolutions are an important part of planning for a successful year ahead. New Year’s resolutions have been used for centuries to set intentions and goals for the upcoming year. Making New Year’s resolutions can be an empowering first step in focusing your energy on achieving the things you want to accomplish. Whether it’s personal, professional, or financial goals, New Year’s resolutions can help you gain clarity and direction for your life.

    The key to successful New Year’s resolutions is setting achievable goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Set realistic expectations for yourself and be sure to break down long-term goals into smaller, achievable tasks. As you track your progress and start to reach milestones, remember to reward yourself for your accomplishments along the way.

    By setting New Year’s resolutions and following through on them, you can make this year a great success. Take some time to reflect on what you want to achieve in the upcoming year and create a plan of action to make it happen. With some dedication and hard work, you can use New Year’s resolutions to make real and lasting positive changes in your life.  Stay focused and don’t forget to reward yourself along the way. Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best for 2023!

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

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

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  • 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 »