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  • How to Qualify for an EBEWE Exemption from the Audit and Retro-commissioning

    How to Qualify for an EBEWE Exemption from the Audit and Retro-commissioning

    Are you looking to save time and money on the audit, commissioning, or retro-commissioning your building’s energy systems? EBEWE Exemptions are an invaluable resource for organizations that comply with various codes and standards that waive certain requirements to minimize tedious processes like inspections and additional paperwork.

    Learning more about eligibility criteria and potential exemptions can help reduce costly procedures while improving the effectiveness of existing strategies.

    In this post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about qualifying for an EBEWE Exemption from audit and retro-commissioning – so read on!

    What Are Audits And Retro-Commissions?

    Audits and retro-commissions are energy consumption surveys that tell us how energy is being used in a given building, system or organization. They provide us with a comprehensive understanding of energy use by measuring energy efficiency through diagnostic tools. This can highlight certain areas of energy waste.

    Moreover, retro-commissions provide a roadmap to help organizations reduce energy usage and save costs through pinpointing specific adjustments that can be made to increase energy efficiency. The ultimate goal of audits and retro-commissions is to give organizations the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their energy use going forward.

    How to Qualify for an EBEWE Exemption from the Audit and Retro-commissioning?

    Qualify for an EBEWE Exemption

    If you’re looking to qualify for an EBEWE exemption from the energy audit and retro-commissioning, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, it must be verified that energy and water consumption has steadily decreased over at least the last four years or until energy usage has reached a certain threshold.

    Additionally, energy audits should be conducted every two years to prove energy efficiency is improving. Finally, any energy efficiency measures recommended in the energy audits must be completed before an exemption is granted. By meeting these requirements, your organization can secure an exemption from energy auditing and retro-commissioning—ensuring your business is as energy efficient as possible!

    Who Can Comply With EBEWE Energy Benchmarking?

    Energy benchmarking is essential for building owners looking to improve energy performance and conserve energy. EBEWE energy benchmarking is no different – it’s an effective way to determine the energy consumption of existing buildings energy and measure energy efficiency. To comply, building owners must complete an energy consumption survey for each building and submit the results to an energy advisor.

    This process yields useful data and insights about how the building uses energy, allowing owners to make informed decisions about energy performance upgrades or to take other corrective measures.

    Compliance Deadline For EBEWE Energy Benchmarking Report

    Are you a business owner with central cooling systems in your commercial building? If so, you may want to take note of the upcoming compliance deadline for EBEWE Energy Benchmarking report. As of June 1st, 2021, all commercial buildings with central cooling systems must submit a water efficiency program report, including source energy use intensity data, to their local government.

    Doing this allows you to determine if your central cooling system is as efficient as possible, helping your business save money on utility bills in the long run. Don’t miss out on this opportunity – make sure to check your local government’s policies and get that report in before the deadline!

    Benefits Of EBEWE Exemption From The Audit And Retro Commissioning

    EBEWE Exemption from the Audit and Retro Commissioning can help reduce energy costs through:

    – Improved Efficiency: By performing an EBEWE Exemption, commercial building owners are able to identify areas of inefficiency and make improvements before the audit, or retro commissioning process is completed. This helps to improve the efficiency of all systems, resulting in lower energy costs.

    – Reduced Costs: By reducing the amount of time and money associated with pre-audit and retro commissioning, building owners can save money on audit and retro commissioning costs. This helps to reduce overall energy expenses over time.

    – Improved Comfort Level: EBEWE Exemptions allow building owners to ensure that all systems function correctly and efficiently. This helps to improve comfort levels for occupants, resulting in improved productivity and reduced absenteeism.

    – Increased Safety: EBEWE Exemptions can help reduce the risk of fire or other safety issues by ensuring that all systems are functioning properly and safely. This helps to increase the overall safety of a building, ensuring that occupants are safe and secure.

    – Increased Productivity: EBEWE Exemptions help to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs, resulting in increased productivity for occupants. This can lead to higher revenues for businesses, as well as improved morale for employees.

    Overall, EBEWE Exemptions can positively impact a building’s energy efficiency and costs, resulting in improved comfort levels for occupants, increased safety, and higher productivity. This makes EBEWE Exemption from the Audit and Retro Commissioning an attractive option for many building owners.

    Things To Consider When Qualifying For An EBEWE Exemption From The Audit And Retro-Commissioning

    EBEWE Exemption Guidelines

    1. The project must meet all applicable building code requirements and have been constructed according to the approved plans, including any changes or modifications made during construction.

    2. The building systems must be operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the EBEWE Exemption Guidelines (see Appendix A).

    3. The building must have been designed according to recognized energy efficiency design principles and practices, including use of renewable energy technologies (e.g., solar hot water or photovoltaic systems).

    4. The building must be equipped with a Building Automation System (BAS) that is set up for remote monitoring and control of the building’s energy systems to enable continuous and/or periodic monitoring of energy performance.

    5. The building must have been designed with energy efficiency measures that are not dependent on the BAS, such as occupancy sensors and automatic lighting controls.

    6. The building must be equipped with a comprehensive system of meters that accurately monitor energy consumption and provide data for comparison of energy performance before and after the retro-commissioning process.

    7. The building must have been designed with systems that allow easy access to make any necessary adjustments or repairs to the building’s energy systems.

    8. The building must be equipped with an ongoing training program for staff and/or occupants, so they can become familiar with the systems and use them efficiently.

    9. The building must be certified as meeting current energy efficiency standards by an approved third-party auditor or commissioning authority. This certification must be renewed on a regular basis to ensure ongoing compliance with the EBEWE Exemption Guidelines.

    10. An application for the exemption must include a detailed description of the energy efficiency measures implemented in the building, along with supporting documentation. This must include copies of all applicable building permits and a complete list of equipment and materials used in the cooling process.

    Penalty For EBEWE Energy Benchmarking Report

    Recent energy benchmarking regulations require local governments to track and report their buildings’ energy usage in EBEWE Energy Benchmarking Reports. Those who do not comply may face hefty fines. Businesses and corporate entities have not been exempt from this, ensuring everyone can quickly submit the necessary documentation or deal with the consequences. The only exception is residential properties, which are far from getting away with anything, since they still need to adhere to all local municipal requirements. Anyone avoiding compliance will surely face the penalty for their non-compliance, so it’s essential for everyone to take these regulations seriously.

    The Final Word

    You can save energy and money by following these simple tips to qualify for an EBEWE exemption from the audit and retro-commissioning. The first step is to find a reputable company like Vert Energy Group to help you with the process. Once you have found a reputable company, they will take care of the rest!

  • What are the Benefits of Renewable Energy for Business Owners

    What are the Benefits of Renewable Energy for Business Owners

    As businesses across the world are looking for new ways to reduce their carbon footprint, renewable energy sources have become an increasingly attractive path forward.

    Not only does investing in renewable energy allow companies to do their part for the environment by reducing emissions and saving non-renewable resources like oil, but it also holds several unique economic advantages that make it a wise financial decision as well.

    In this post, we’ll dive into exactly how renewable energy can benefit your business, from lowering costs and increasing efficiency to improving employee morale and creating positive public perception of your organization. Read on to learn all about why investing in renewable energy makes smart business sense!

    Basics Of Renewable Energy

    Renewable energy is a cutting-edge technology transforming how we approach sustainability and protecting the environment. From solar farms to wind turbines, renewable sources of energy offer vast potential for reducing emissions, improving air quality and conserving natural resources.

    By harnessing nature’s power, whether it be from the sun, wind or water, renewable energy systems provide clean and reliable electricity without generating harmful pollutants.

    Innovative advances in this field have made significant strides in increasing efficiency while decreasing cost – making it an increasingly viable solution to traditional methods of energy production.

    With a more conscious shift toward renewables, we can minimize our ecological footprint while harnessing the many advantages provided by this rapidly evolving industry.

    Types Of Renewable Energies And What Are They Used For

    There are many different types of renewable energies that are being used and explored today. These include solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass energy.

    Solar Energy

    Renewable Energy Types

    Solar energy is a viable renewable energy source that can power homes, businesses, and entire cities. By harnessing the power of sunlight and converting it into electricity, solar energy can bring significant economic benefits and contribute to global sustainability.

    In addition to its economic benefits, this eco-friendly form of energy production can help reduce emissions, contribute to better air quality and even provide clean water in developing countries.

    With these types of benefits, solar energy is an investment worth considering for anyone looking to save money while helping preserve our planet for generations to come.

    Wind Energy

    Wind energy is a powerful source of renewable energy that is already powering entire regions and economies across the world.

    By harnessing the kinetic energy of the wind, wind turbines are able to generate electricity that can be used in an array of applications. The best wind resources are found in rural areas, such as ocean coasts and mountain ridges, with a steady flow of strong winds.

    There, turbines efficiently convert the wind into mechanical power, which is then turned into electricity that can be used for various purposes, from providing individual homes with electricity to servicing entire cities.

    Wind energy has rapidly become one of the fastest growing global clean energies and continues to revolutionize how mankind produces its much-needed electricity.

    Hydropower

    Producing electricity with the force of falling water almost sounds like something out of a fairytale. But that’s exactly what hydropower does – and it’s one of the most widely used sources of renewable energy today.

    As the world attempts to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and move towards a greener future, nations have come to recognize the potential in harnessing hydropower as an efficient and dependable energy source.

    Simple yet effective turbines take advantage of naturally occurring waterfalls and rivers, transforming the kinetic energy into electricity that can be sent directly for use or stored later.

    Advances in turbine technology mean that countries large and small can now access hydropower as a reliable electricity provider – from providing a full power grid to powering an individual home.

    Hydropower shows no signs of slowing down: as we continue towards a bright renewable future, this clean energy source offers limitless possibilities.

    Geothermal Energy

    Using geothermal energy is an innovative and cost-efficient way to power homes, businesses and even entire cities. By channelling the natural heat from beneath the earth’s surface, we can tap into something that is truly renewable and sustainable.

    Not only does this form of energy produce little or no emissions, but it can also provide heating systems with a constant source of hot water – making geothermal energy significantly lower on both operation and maintenance costs.

    Moreover, geothermal energy is also exceptionally reliable because temperature below the surface tends to stay constant throughout the seasons. All in all, these factors make it clear why geography plays such a central role in taking advantage of this renewable energy source – one which will become increasingly utilised as people seek ways to reduce their environmental footprint while still having access to 24/7 electricity supply.

    Biomass Energy

    Biomass energy is a clean and renewable electricity source with great potential benefits. These include using renewable resources like wood, crop residues, manure, and other biological materials that can be used to generate electricity and for heating and cooling applications.

    This form of energy promotes energy security for a region or country and provides economic development opportunities due to the value of bioproducts created in the production process. Furthermore, biomass energy helps reduce carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels, making it an attractive and sustainable solution for the entire world.

    All of these types of renewable energies have different advantages and disadvantages. Solar energy is one of the most widely used forms of renewable energy due to its abundance, cost effectiveness, and lack of greenhouse gas emissions.

    Wind energy is also gaining popularity due to its ability to generate large amounts of electricity with relatively little environmental impact. Hydropower, geothermal energy, and biomass energy are all more expensive than solar or wind but can provide reliable sources of energy as well.

    Benefits Of Renewable Energy Technologies

    Role of Renewable Energy TechnologiesUtilizing solar panels and other renewable energy technologies are becoming increasingly popular to create clean and green energy that can significantly reduce energy bills. In fact, solar systems can generate solar power with no emissions or pollutants, while natural gas is still considered a cleaner alternative to electricity generated by fossil fuels.

    Furthermore, governments worldwide have begun offering green energy incentives – such as solar rebates – to those investing in solar installation or renewable energy technology. With such financial incentive policies in place, now might be the right time to start thinking about switching to solar.

    Things To Consider When Using Any Renewable Energy Form

    When it comes to using any form of renewable energy, there are several things to consider. First and foremost, global warming emissions should be taken into account. Renewable energy sources will drastically reduce the global warming emissions that come from burning fossil fuels for energy production compared to traditional sources like coal and oil.

    Additionally, renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly affordable, meaning that people have more access to cleaner and greener forms of energy; this has the potential to significantly drive down global energy prices if utilized on a global scale.

    Lastly, when deciding whether or not a particular renewable source is suitable, its availability must also be considered. Different areas around the world may have greater access to certain types of renewable energy than others based on factors such as seasons or geography. All these details should be considered when deciding which type of renewable energy form is appropriate for your needs.

    The Final Verdict

    Renewable energy has a lot of benefits for businesses. It can help them save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and become more sustainable. If you’re interested in learning more about how your business can benefit from renewable energy, contact Vert Energy Group today. We specialize in helping businesses switch to renewable energy sources and would happily answer any of your questions.

  • 7 Factors to Consider when Choosing a Commercial Roofing Contractor

    7 Factors to Consider when Choosing a Commercial Roofing Contractor

    Whether you’re building a new roof or looking to re-roof your commercial property, choosing the right contractor is important. Not all roofers are created equal, and it’s critical that you select one who is experienced, reliable and trustworthy when it comes to tackling commercial roofs. Here are 7 factors that can help you determine which commercial roofing contractor best fits your needs.

    Who are Roofing Contractors?

    Roofing contractors are professionals who specialize in installing, repairing and maintaining roofs. An experienced and skilled contractor can take on many projects – from small repairs to complete overhauls – to keep roofs safe from water infiltration and other damage caused by storms, hail, snow and ice. Professional roofers use a wide range of specialized techniques to ensure the installation is done properly. Similarly they also have the proper tools to conduct detailed inspections when conducting repairs or maintenance.

    Roofing contractors assess the current state of each project and advise customers on the ideal materials, such as asphalt shingles, metal tiles or clay tiles, depending on their budget and needs. With their expert knowledge and experience, professional roofers offer solutions that meet stringent building codes while ensuring a long lasting roof.

    What is The Cost of Hiring Commercial Roofing Companies?

    Hiring a commercial roofing company can add value to your business, but it is important to consider the cost. Professional roofing services typically charge by square foot or linear foot, and there are other factors that can drive up the cost of a job. For example, how extensive the repairs are, how many layers the business wants to be removed and replaced, if a building requires flashing installed, and what kind of materials are used.

    It is also wise to factor in tools and disposal costs as well as additional unforeseen expenses that may come up. Fortunately, hiring professional commercial roofing companies will ensure quality repairs completed in a timely manner, and you can always identify ways to stay within budget without compromising quality or safety.

    7 factors to consider when choosing a commercial roofing contractor

    Here are is what you should know before choosing a roofing service provider:

    Experience and Reputation

    Before hiring a roofing contractor, it is essential to ensure that they have the necessary experience and reputation in the industry. Look at their portfolio to ensure they have successfully completed similar projects. Research customer reviews and ratings for past projects to get an idea of how well the roofer can get the job done.

    Insurance and License

    Ensure the roofer is licensed and insured to carry out the work in your area. Ask for proof of insurance before you sign any contracts or agreements, as this protects you from liability if anything goes wrong during the project.

    Price

    Don’t just opt for the lowest bidder when it comes to roofing. Ensuring that you are getting quality workmanship at a fair price is important. Get quotes from several different contractors and compare prices before making your decision.

    Materials

    The materials used in the project should be of the highest quality available, as this will ensure that your roof lasts longer. Make sure to ask about the type of materials being used and verify all meets local building codes.

    Warranty

    Most reputable contractors offer warranties on their workmanship, so it is important to ensure you get one. This will cover any issues that may arise in the future, so you can rest assured that your roof will be in good condition.

    Communication

    Ensure that the chosen contractor is open and willing to communicate with you throughout the project. Ask them questions about their methods and processes so that you can make informed decisions about your roofing needs. This also gives you the opportunity to gauge how well you work together.

    Safety

    The most important factor to consider when hiring a commercial roofer is safety. Ask about the contractor’s safety standards and procedures to ensure they follow all relevant regulations and laws. You don’t want any accidents or injuries occurring on your property, so be sure to determine what measures the roofer takes to ensure everyone’s safety.

    By taking the time to consider each of these factors, you can make an informed decision when it comes to selecting a commercial roofing contractor. Doing your research upfront will pay off in the long run and ensure that your roof is installed properly and in a timely manner.

    Benefits Of Hiring Commercial Roofing Services

    Roofing contractors provide a wide range of services and can be an excellent resource for homeowners. Here are some of the benefits that come with hiring roofing contractors:

    1. Expertise and Experience – Roofing contractors have years of experience in their field and understand the different types of roofs available and the materials needed to complete the job. Their experience and knowledge can help you get the most out of your roofing project.

    2. Licensed and Insured – Roofing contractors are required to be licensed in their state, and many also carry additional insurance policies as well. This provides additional peace of mind for building owners that any potential damages will be covered should a problem arise.

    3. Quality Materials and Products – Roofing contractors use high-quality materials for all their projects, ensuring that your roof will last for years. They also have access to a wide range of products, allowing you to customize your roof however desired.

    4. Cost-Effective Solutions – Roofing contractors can access discounted materials, labor costs, and other resources that help them keep their rates competitive. This means you can get the best possible deal on your roofing project.

    5. Accurate Estimates – Roofers are experienced in providing accurate estimates for any size job. This allows you to budget accordingly for your project, ensuring you have enough funds to cover the costs of your new roof.

    By hiring a qualified, experienced roofing contractor, building owners can rest assured that their projects will be completed on time and with quality results. With these benefits, it’s easy to see why so many people enlist professionals’ help when they need a new roof.

    Why Are The Best Roofing Contractors Important?

    Roofing contractors are essential for any roofing project. They have the necessary skills and expertise to install or replace a roof and have their own tools and materials. A roofing contractor can provide important advice on roofing installation and repair, ensuring that roofing projects are done properly with quality materials.

    Moreover, roofing contractors carry liability insurance, so you’ll be protected if an accident or mishap occurs during the roofing job. In short, roofing contractors provide invaluable knowledge regarding roof repair and installation and valuable protection against potential damages or injuries.

    How To Find A Licensed Roofing Contractor?

    Finding a licensed roofing contractor is important in ensuring your home is in tip-top condition. By doing your research and interviewing a few potential contractors, you can feel more confident about choosing one with the right credentials, experience and references.

    Make sure to check that all contractors have valid state licensure, proof of insurance, and at least three recent client references before meeting with them individually or getting a quote. You should also review the contractor’s portfolio, if available, to get an idea of their work. Ultimately, selecting the best fit for you means knowing what you want upfront and having patience as you make all necessary inquiries before making a decision.

    The Final Verdict

    If you are a business owner needing commercial roofing repairs or replacements, do your research before hiring a contractor. By considering the seven factors listed above, you can be sure to find a reputable and qualified contractor who will get the job done right. Contact Vert Energy Group today for more information or to schedule a consultation.

  • Los Angeles EBEWE Benchmarking Process and Information

    Los Angeles EBEWE Benchmarking Process and Information

    Are you a business owner in Los Angeles looking to gain an advantage over your competition? EBEWE – the acronym for “Efficient Business Evaluation and Web-Enabled Functionality” – is a benchmarking program encouraging local businesses to evaluate their operations and leverage web technology for better performance. Energy benchmarking provides insights into areas of improvement, giving companies in Los Angeles the key competitive edge they need in today’s increasingly global marketplace. Read on for more information about this influential benchmarking system and how it could benefit you!

    What Is Los Angeles EBEWE Benchmarking?

    Los Angeles EBEWE Benchmarking is a performance management system many local authorities use. It assesses strategies and processes used to manage services in the area and enables councils to compare their performance against other areas. This helps them identify best practices, weaknesses, and how they can improve efficiency, effectiveness, and customer service delivery. It allows councils to measure their progress over time, so they have an accurate record of improvement or regression. Los Angeles EBEWE Benchmarking provides reliable insights that local authorities can use when making decisions that affect the lives of their citizens.

    Who Should Comply With Los Angeles EBEWE Benchmarking?

    Complying with the Los Angeles existing buildings’ energy and water efficiency (EBEWE) benchmarking requirements is a great way for existing buildings to increase their energy and water efficiency. Enacting the Los Angeles municipal code, existing building owners must measure their energy and water usage annually, estimate the emissions from those sources, and report these results publicly. All multifamily and commercial buildings greater than 20,000 sq. ft. are required to comply, developing an accurate picture of existing building performance and setting future targets for building sustainability standards. Those who meet the requirements can proudly showcase their commitment to helping reduce harmful building emissions and build a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow!

    Los Angeles EBEWE Benchmarking Process And Information

    LA EBEWE Benchmarking Requirements

    The Los Angeles Department of Energy and Environment is leading the way in benchmarking energy efficiency. As part of this process, they’ve implemented a comprehensive enterprise-wide benchmarking system that strengthens their capacity for data collection, quality checkers, and analytics. This system helps them achieve Energy Star certifications in their buildings, which educates the public on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Ultimately, their work will help build healthier and more sustainable cities for generations to come.

    Requirements For Los Angeles EBEWE Benchmarking

    If you’re looking to benchmark your facility’s energy performance in Los Angeles, there are a few requirements you’ll need to meet. To get started, you’ll need to create a portfolio manager account and have your facility go through a data quality checker. From there, your facility will be eligible for an Energy Star certification necessary for the formal benchmarking process. By fulfilling these requirements, your facility will be well on its way to lowering energy costs and ultimately reducing its impact on the environment in LA.

    Deadline For Los Angeles EBEWE Energy Benchmark Report

    Have you taken the time to fill out your Los Angeles EBEWE Energy Benchmark Report? Don’t wait too long – the deadline for submission is quickly approaching! Make sure you have all of the necessary information to complete your report accurately, as it will help inform relevant energy initiatives in the City of Los Angeles. Benchmarking reports must be submitted by June 1st, so don’t delay. Taking a few moments today to fill out the report can pay off greatly in the future— not only will you do your part to make a difference in fighting climate change, but you could also save money on utility costs and improve working and living conditions.

    Penalty For Los Angeles EBEWE Energy Benchmarking Report

    Los Angeles has become the first city in the United States to impose a financial penalty on property owners whose buildings fail to meet minimum energy efficiency standards, as outlined in their EBEWE Energy Benchmarking Report. In order to comply with this new policy, property owners have to complete an annual energy benchmarking report to calculate any disparity against the average usage range of similar properties throughout the city. If they fail to achieve 80% efficiency or higher, they face a $200 fine each month. Taking such steps helps leaders underscore the importance of making building operations more environmentally friendly by using efficient advanced technologies while reducing emissions and pollution levels. It is Los Angeles’ firm intention that all stakeholders focus on reducing their carbon footprint, ultimately leading to a healthier environment for everyone.

    Benefits Of Los Angeles EBEWE Benchmarking

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

    1. Improved operational efficiency: Benchmarking can help identify areas for improvement in building energy use and operations. By comparing buildings to one another, facility managers can recognize where their building is performing well and where adjustments might be needed to improve overall performance. This comparison allows managers to make informed decisions on optimizing the building’s energy efficiency and reducing wasted energy.

    2. Cost savings: Benchmarking can help identify areas of potential cost savings. By comparing buildings to one another, facility managers can recognize where their building is performing well and where adjustments might be needed to improve overall performance. This comparison allows them to make informed decisions on ways to optimize energy use and reduce energy costs.

    3. Better performance tracking: Los Angeles EBEWE Program provides information about energy use, enabling facility managers to track the performance of their building over time and respond quickly to changes in the market or their operations. By looking at how a building performs relative to similar buildings, they can adjust their strategies to increase energy efficiency.

    4. Opportunities for improvement: Benchmarking can illustrate areas requiring improvement so building owners can implement new energy-saving measures, such as installing more efficient equipment or technology and improving building maintenance practices. This helps to ensure that buildings are running at optimal levels and providing the best possible performance for occupants.

    5. Compliance with energy regulations: Benchmarking helps ensure that a building complies with local and state energy codes. By providing a comprehensive picture of the building’s energy use, it can help facility managers to make sure they are meeting all regulatory requirements.

    In conclusion, Los Angeles EBEWE Benchmarking provides an invaluable tool for building owners and property managers to track and improve their energy use performance. By comparing buildings to one another, managers can identify areas for improvement in energy efficiency and cost savings and help ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

    Things To Consider When Complying With Los Angeles Benchmarking

    Complying with EBEWE Benchmarking

    Here is what you should consider when complying with EBEWE Benchmarking:

    1. Understand the legal requirements: Ensure you are well-versed in all applicable rules, regulations, and laws regarding energy benchmarking for buildings in Los Angeles. This includes knowing what records need to be maintained and submitted and any penalties or fines associated with non-compliance.

    2. Educate yourself on the EBEWE benchmarking process: Become familiar with the terminology and process of energy benchmarking. Understand how to properly measure, track, and analyze building performance over time. Additionally, understand which data points are required by EBEWE for reporting and filing purposes.

    3. Get the right tools for tracking your progress: Develop a comprehensive plan for keeping track of your energy use. Invest in software, such as Portfolio Manager, or VertPro® to help you easily track and monitor your building’s energy performance. Energy benchmarking can be a time-consuming and confusing process. VertPro® helps simplify energy benchmarking for your entire portfolio! It’s as easy as 1,2,3! Sign up for free today at VertPro®.

    4. Develop strategies for improving efficiency: Assess areas where improvements can be made to increase the building’s overall efficiency. Work with a consultant to develop an action plan for implementing energy efficiency retrofits.

    5. Regularly inspect your building’s performance: Maintain a close eye on any changes in energy usage as you implement new efficiency measures. Regularly review results with staff to ensure that the strategies are being properly implemented and have the desired effect.

    6. Stay informed of updates to the EBEWE benchmarking program: Changes in the benchmarking process, rules, and regulations may occur over time. Keep up with any updates to ensure that your building is always in compliance and optimized for performance.

    Following these tips will help you stay compliant with EBEWE Benchmarking while also improving the overall efficiency of your building. With the right resources and strategies in place, you can be sure that your building meets all legal requirements while also taking advantage of available energy savings.

    Conclusion

    The Los Angeles EBEWE benchmarking process is essential for businesses to ensure they are ahead of the competition. With so many businesses in the area, staying on top of trends and developments is important. This process allows business owners to see where they stand in relation to other companies and make necessary changes to remain competitive. Information gathered through this process can also attract new customers and grow the business.

  • 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!

  • New Evolving Energy Efficiency Laws

    New Evolving Energy Efficiency Laws

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

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

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

    As energy efficiency becomes an increasingly important issue for cities, states, and the nation, new energy laws and regulations are being enacted to mandate better performance from commercial and multifamily properties. Metrics you need to reach, deadlines, and specifics on how to file your energy performance with your municipality vary from city to city.

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

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

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

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

     

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

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

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

    Location

    Deadline

    Additional Requirements:

    Los Angeles, CA

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

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

    San Francisco, CA

    April 1, 2023

    Energy Audit or RCx (Every 5 years)

    San Jose, CA

    May 1, 2023

    Last Digit of APN 0,1

    Atlanta, GA

    December 31, 2023

    *2022 deadline, extended to January 4th, 2023

    *Every 10 years) starting in 2020

    Boston, MA

    June 15, 2023

    Every 5 years starting in 2010

    Austin, TX

    June 1, 2023

    Energy Audits + Mandatory Upgrades

    Seattle, WA

    October 1, 2023

    Periodic Tune-Ups for Larger Commercial Buildings

    Washington (State)

    April 1, 2023

    Energy Audits



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

    Fines or Violations for missed Energy Benchmark Deadlines

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

    Benchmark Program

    Annual Deadline

    Penalty for Non-Compliance

    Atlanta Commercial Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance

    June 1st

    $1,000

    Austin Energy Conservation Audit & Disclosure (ECAD) Ordinance

    June 1st

    $500-2,000

    Berkeley Building Energy Saving Ordinance

    July 1st

    $100-1,000

    Boston Energy Reporting & Disclosure Ordinance

    May 15th

    $35-200

    California Assembly Bill 802 (CA AB802)

    June 1st

    $500-2,000

    Cambridge Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance

    May 1st

    $300/day

    Chicago Building Energy Use Benchmarking Ordinance

    June 1st

    $100 + $25/day

    Chula Vista Building Energy Saving Ordinance

    May 20th

    $750-2,250

    Denver Commercial & Multifamily Building Benchmarking

    June 1st

    $2,000

    Des Moines Energy & Water Benchmarking Ordinance

    May 1st

    $50 + $300-500/day

    Evanston Building Energy & Water Use Benchmarking Ordinance

    June 30th

    $100

    Fort Collins, CO Ordinance 144 Building Energy & Water Scoring

    March 1st

    $1,000

    Los Angeles Energy & Water Efficiency (LA EBEWE)

    June 1st

    $202

    New York City Local Law 84 (NYC LL84)

    May 1st*

    $500-$2,000

    Philadelphia Building Energy Benchmarking Ordinance

    June 30th

    $300 + $100/day

    Pittsburgh Building Benchmarking Ordinance

    June 1st

    Publicly listed non-Compliant

    Portland Energy & Water Use Performance Benchmarking Ordinance (Maine)

    May 1st

    $20/day

    Portland Commercial Building Energy Reporting (Oregon)

    April 22nd

    $500

    Reno Energy & Water Efficiency Program (Ordinance 7068)

    April 1st

    $850

    Saint Louis Building Energy Awareness Bill

    April 1st

    $50-1,000

    Salt Lake City Elevate Buildings

    May 1st

    $500-1,000

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

    April 1st*

    $50-2,500

    Seattle Council Bill 116731 (CB116731)

    July 1st

    $150-500/day

     

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

    Top 10 Vert Employees Halloween Movies

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

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

    In order of the most suggested titles by employees:

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

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

     

    Fun Fact:

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

     

    Houdini’s Final Performance

    Stephanie’s Section

    Houdini’s Final Performance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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