How is your business' energy plan progressing? Last issue we talked about how to set the plan in motion and the various steps required in order to be successful. Now let's identify the energy efficiency measures your building needs.
If you've already gone through the Greater Greener Building Plan benchmarking process - a requirement that was to be completed by August 1 for all New York building owners with 50,000 s/f or more - then you are aware of your building's energy performance rating. If the rating showed your facility is not performing as well as similar buildings, the next step in your energy plan is to commission an energy audit. An energy audit can identify how energy is used in your facility and recommend ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce your energy costs.
There are various energy audit options. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recognizes three levels:
Walk-Through Assessment (Level 1): This is the least costly of the three levels. It provides an energy bill analysis and possibly a brief survey of the facility. Subsequently, the report outlines no-cost and low-cost opportunities.
Energy Survey and Analysis (Level 2): A more detailed analysis taking into consideration the owners' operations and maintenance, constraints and economic factors. The final report may include potential capital intensive energy efficiency opportunities.
Detailed Analysis (Investment Grade Audit) (Level 3): This analysis provides a higher degree of data collection, monitoring and analysis and focuses on capital intensive opportunities. The report usually includes detailed analysis on project cost and savings and may include a timeline for implementation for each measure.
After an energy audit you should be able to effectively evaluate the many sustainability investment options available and understand where your green dollars will have the greatest impact.
The Green Team can be a valuable partner on this front. The Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Energy Efficiency Program funds Level 3 audits, up to 50% of the study cost can be co-funded (up to $67,000), allowing you the opportunity to explore various energy efficient options.
The Green Team offers incentives and rebates on all C&I projects, no matter the scale. Con Edison's Market Partner Network offers reputable, experienced and knowledgeable energy efficiency contractors, distributors and other professionals that can help building owners design, develop and implement the right measures for their buildings and budgets.
Read Pospisil's previous article at http://nyrej.com/50857
The Con Edison Green Team is eager to help you maximize your building's efficiencymailto:. Join the discussion on LinkedIn (Con-Edison-Commercial-Industrial), Facebook (ConEd Green Team C&I), Twitter (ConEd Green Team C&I) and YouTube (ConEd Green Team C&I).
For information about Con Edison's Commercial & Industrial Energy Efficiency Program, visit conEd.com/energysavings or call 1-877-797-6347.
David Pospisil is program manager of Con Edison's Commercial & Industrial Energy Efficiency Program, New York, N.Y.



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