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  • 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 a Corporate Efficiency Program Protects Profits, Asset Value & Compliance Risks?

    How a Corporate Efficiency Program Protects Profits, Asset Value & Compliance Risks?

    As a business, it is important to value efficiency in order to ensure profitability and compliance with regulations. However, many companies overlook the importance of implementing an effective corporate efficiency program. Not only does this approach help protect your organization’s financial assets, but it can also reduce risks that could lead to costly lawsuits or fines for noncompliance. In this blog post, we will discuss why an initiative focused on achieving corporate efficiency is essential for modern organizations as well as offer tips and strategies you can use when launching such a program at your company.

    What is Corporate Efficiency Program?

    A corporate efficiency program is a strategic initiative to help a company or business reduce waste and increase productivity. By assessing processes and workflows, companies can identify opportunities to reduce costs, streamline operations, and improve overall performance. These cost-saving initiatives are key in developing a profitable workplace that is able to deliver the same high-quality products or services while investing in resources more efficiently. Introducing corporate efficiency strategies helps create an environment that encourages collaboration between teams, allowing each job to be completed as quickly and accurately as possible. With this model of execution comes increased customer satisfaction, improved financial performance, and greater employee development—ultimately boosting the success of any organization.

    How a Corporate Efficiency Program Protects Profits, Asset Value & Compliance Risks?

    Corporate efficiency programs are essential for any organization looking to protect its profits, asset value, and compliance risks. These programs involve taking a strategic approach to achieving greater productivity and efficiency across multiple areas of the business by streamlining administrative processes, minimizing redundant workflows and costs, and ensuring that critical tasks are automated correctly.

    Additionally, corporate efficiency programs can help protect against compliance risks by providing stakeholders with transparency into how their resources are being managed, as well as better visibility into overall processes that could potentially expose their business to risk. By optimizing operational performance, an organization can protect its profits, asset value, and minimize potential risks.

    How can Corporate Efficiency Program Help Businesses?

    Corporate efficiency programs offer businesses the means to alleviate risk and make their operations more effective. A risk management process helps by identifying risks within business processes and reducing them through effective risk mitigation strategies. Likewise, you can improve business efficiency through investment management firms that specialize in consulting services and corporate finance.

    These organizations leverage financial resources to help businesses reallocate resources, streamline processes, and increase profits. By investing in a corporate efficiency program, companies have the potential to optimize their activities with less risk involved, resulting in higher profits for the company.

    Why Is Corporate Efficiency Program Important

    A corporate efficiency program is vital for companies to remain compliant, competitive and successful. These programs help companies with compliance and regulatory issues as well as enabling them to operate in an efficient way. The compliance program encourages organizational compliance with laws and industry regulations that are applicable to the business model.

    Additionally, corporate efficiency programs allow businesses to minimize costs and make more informed decisions regarding their business model. It assesses current practices and identifies areas that need improvement to maximize productivity within the organization while also maximizing profits.

    By embracing a corporate efficiency program, businesses can ensure they are up-to-date on compliance issues while also improving their bottom line by making sure work is done quickly, correctly and efficiently.

    Does Corporate Efficiency Improve Efficiency of a Business?

    Corporate efficiency is a necessity for today’s businesses as competition in the marketplace is tougher and fiercer than ever. High levels of efficiency allow companies to increase their profits and productivity while reducing costs and risks associated with outdated practices. By using technology automation, streamlining processes, and maximizing resources, businesses are able to achieve more with less.

    As such, corporate efficiency helps organizations run smoother operations and ensures efficient use of resources so that the customer experience remains top-notch. With an optimized workflow and empowered employees driving business growth, corporations can set themselves up for long-term success.

    Common Risks Associated With Assets

    Let’s check out some common risks associated with assets:

    Market risk

    This is the risk of changes in market prices that can impact the value of an asset. An example would be a decline in stock prices due to macroeconomic factors like recession or inflation.

    Interest rate risk

    This refers to the risk posed by change in interest rates which may reduce the return on an asset. For example, higher interest rates may reduce the value of bonds as investors seek out other investments with higher returns.

    Credit risk

    This is the risk that a borrower will default on their debt obligation and fail to repay any money that is owed. It can be difficult to manage credit risks because it is impossible to predict when a borrower may default, so it is important to have adequate risk management procedures in place.

    Liquidity risk

    This is the risk that an asset cannot be easily converted into cash if needed. It can be difficult to manage liquidity risks because they are often unpredictable and not always foreseeable.

    By understanding these common risks associated with assets, businesses can better manage their operational efficiency, financial efficiency and maximum efficiency by mitigating them. Risk management should be a priority for any business, whether large or small. It is important to understand the risks associated with your assets in order to ensure that you are taking all steps necessary to protect them from potential losses.

    Ways in which Corporate Efficiency Programs Protect Profits

    Here is how it protects profits:

    Accounts Receivable Turnover

    Corporate efficiency programs help to ensure that accounts receivable turnover is optimized. This means that the accounts receivable are paid in a timely manner, reducing the risk of debtors defaulting on payments and improving the cash flow. It also helps to manage accounts receivables more efficiently by identifying any issues or accounts that may require further attention.

    Mitigating Risk

    Corporate efficiency programs help to mitigate risk by analyzing the accounts receivable and accounts payable data. This helps in identifying potential areas of risk exposure and taking corrective action before losses are incurred. Investment managers also use these programs to gain a better understanding of the company’s accounts and investment portfolios, allowing them to make smarter investment decisions.

    Cutting Costs

    Corporate efficiency programs can help to reduce overhead costs by automating manual tasks and streamlining processes. This allows businesses to save money on labor costs while improving the quality of their services. The programs also allow investment managers to identify cost-cutting opportunities within the company’s investment portfolio.

    Compliance Guidelines

    Corporate efficiency programs enable businesses to adhere to compliance guidelines and regulations more effectively. This helps asset managers to ensure that the investment portfolios meet all regulatory requirements and remain compliant with industry standards. The programs also help investment managers stay up-to-date with changes in compliance guidelines, thus avoiding potential costly penalties and fines.

    In summary, corporate efficiency programs are beneficial for investment managers as they can help to protect profits, mitigate risk, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines. By investing in these programs, investment managers can improve their business efficiency and maximize returns on investment.

    Benefits of the Corporate Efficiency Program

    Here are some more advantages of corporate efficiency program:

    Improved Productivity

    By improving the efficiency of businesses, corporate efficiency programs can lead to improved productivity and better results. This in turn can help increase profits and create more successful business operations.

    Reduced Overhead Costs

    By implementing a corporate efficiency program, businesses can reduce their overhead costs by improving the way they manage their resources. For example, by improving the way they use energy and other resources, businesses can save money in the long run.

    Increased Employee Morale

    Improving efficiency also helps to increase employee morale. By improving the way businesses operate and manage their processes, employees feel more engaged and motivated which can lead to increased productivity and better work outcomes.

    Faster Growth

    By improving the way businesses manage their resources, corporate efficiency programs can help to speed up growth. This is because increasing efficiency leads to increased profits, which gives businesses more money to reinvest into new initiatives or expand operations further.

    Improved Quality

    Improving efficiency also helps to improve product and service quality. By improving the way processes are managed, businesses can ensure that their products and services are of the highest standard possible, leading to improved customer satisfaction.

    Overall, improving business efficiency through corporate efficiency programs provides many advantages for businesses. From improved productivity and cost savings to better employee morale and quality improvement, it is an effective way for businesses to improve their operations and create better outcomes.

    Conclusion

    A corporate efficiency program is the best way to improve your business and make it run smoother. Not only will this help protect your profits, but your asset value and compliance risks will be improved as well. If you want to learn more about how we can help you with your corporate efficiency program, contact us today. We would be happy to discuss what options are available to you and how we can tailor a program specifically for your company’s needs. Don’t wait – an efficient business is a profitable business!

  • 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

    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 »
  • 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.

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

    Find Applicable Energy Laws Search by Zip to Find Applicable Energy Laws

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

    FIND OUT HERE »