A new database of energy use data and building features helps building managers, lenders, real estate investors, and owners evaluate low and high performing buildings along with the financial results of energy efficiency investment projects.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Performance Database is currently being developed by a team of researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.  The decision to create this database came from a request by building managers, owners, and the real estate investment community who all wanted a tool to help them better evaluate the financial costs and benefits of energy efficiency.

This database contains real performance data from over 63,000 commercial and residential buildings across the U.S. from both the public and private sectors.  The database currently contains basic data including, but not limited to: facility type, location, square footage, year built, hours occupied, energy performance metrics, and building system data.  Development of this tool is ongoing, with more building data to be added and also new features planned in the future.

The latest release of the tool includes a retrofit analysis feature, which compares the energy use of buildings with different technologies. The tool provides users with the probability of achieving different levels of energy savings for retrofits.

This database will allow users to evaluate not only their buildings in which they work in, but also their own homes.  The comparative data is a great way to measure how you stack up against similar buildings and how different technology can help to increase efficiency and save money.  If you have any questions about getting set up in this system and how energy efficiency can save you money, contact Plug Smart today! – EnergySavings@plugsmart.com

Read the Article in its entirety here – http://newscenter.lbl.gov/news-releases/2013/06/17/building-performance-database-helps-building-owners-investors-evaluate-energy-efficient-buildings/

DOE Building Performance Database Access – https://bpd.lbl.gov/

Summer is officially about a week away, but this heat really makes you wonder what those electricity bills will look like with the A/C on full force.  With summer, comes additional needs to cool your building and the associated exceedingly high electric bills. The good news is that as the mercury rises, so does your ability to ensure that your equipment is operating as efficiently as possible. Chiller optimization and control optimization have never been more important in today’s era of sky high demand charges.  Plug Smart has the ability to log the parameters of your chiller system in order to determine how they are operating.  Don’t despair this summer, let Plug Smart explore options to ensure that your cooling system is running at peak efficiency and your control system is managing demand, while only cooling what is absolutely needed!

Simple Summer Savings:

1. Ensuring proper delta T across your chiller – Often as usage patterns change in a building (EX: summer shutdown at a school) this delta T can get augmented to a less efficient operating point.
2. Efficient cooling cycle time – Ensuring that your chiller is cycling in an efficient manner reduces energy costs and also adds years of life to your equipment.
3. Demand Management – Using your controls system to better manage your demand and ensure that you are getting your money’s worth for every KW you purchase.
4. Control System Optimization – Ensuring that shutdowns are done in the most efficient way possible. Control systems need to be retro-commissioned to ensure maximum savings!

Contact Plug Smart today to ensure you are doing everything to make your building efficient for the summer months – EnergySavings@plugsmart.com

Several studies have shown that bad lighting can actually have a significant negative impact on workers’ productivity and safety.  Improving lighting does not only help to save money on electricity bils, but it also can lower costs on insurance premiums, improve employee moral, generate more sales, increase productivity, reduce accidents, and lower absenteeism. Below are several case studies derived from a white paper on Light Corp’s website.  Feel free to click on the links to read into each of the white papers further.

Contact Plug Smart today to schedule a time to look at your facility and learn ways to lower utility bills while increasing productivity – EnergySavings@plugsmart.com

SAFETY

Better Lighting Improves Safety: http://www.lightcorp.com/whitepaper/better-lighting-improves-safety

American Hardware Supply’s distribution center (318000 sq ft)

• Saved $1000/ year because of lower insurance premiums and paperwork
• 1-5% increase in productivity => $1800/year
• $50000 more in sales generated because of better lighting in the facility
• Improved employee moral

Metal Industries Inc. (100,000 sq ft industrial facility)

• Reduced accidents by 15% after new lighting = $3000/year
• $3000/year in lower insurance premiums
• Absenteeism also went down as a result of fewer accidents =$225,000/year
• They save ~ $200,000 a year just in safety
• $1.5 million dollars saved in productivity improvement
• Total: $1.9 million
• Project cost=just over $8000 payback…1.5 days

PRODUCTIVITY

Brighter Lights Greater Profit: http://www.lightcorp.com/whitepaper/brighter-lights-greater-profits/

Superior Die Set: employee absenteeism went down because operators were subjected to less glare and subsequently fewer headaches

http://www.myledlightingguide.com/WhitePapers/White%20Paper%20-%20LED%20lights%20improve%20office%20productivity.pdf

-Eyestrain associated with poor lighting has been cited as a major cause of headache in workers.

-A Cornell university study estimated good lighting could improve employee productivity by 3-5%.

-Workforce costs are almost 90 % of the total costs of a facility. Clearly any gains in this area will be significant. Since these costs are 8 times more than the property costs, a gain of 1 % in the productivity of the workforce equals an 8 % reduction in property costs.

http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/EPA_BUM_CH6_Lighting.pdf?2498-7c08

Reno Post Office

• 1986- The post office was a modern warehouse
• Project: new ceiling and retrofit lighting- $300,000
• Energy Savings: $22,400
• O & M: $30,000
• Productivity gains: $400,000-$500,000

Boeing

• Reduced lighting electricity use by up to 90%
• “With the old lighting, a rivet head would occasionally break off, fly through the air, hit one of the old fluorescent light tubes, and possibly break  the  lamp.  The  new  high-efficiency  metal-halide lamps have hard plastic covers that don’t break when a flying rivet head hits them.”
• Improved workers abilities to detect imperfections in the shop by 20%

Hyde Tools

• Cost of project- $98,000
• Amount covered by local utility- $48,000
• Energy savings – $ 48,000
• “DeVries notes that every dollar saved on the shop floor is worth $10 in direct sales. In other words, the improved quality from the efficient lighting was the equivalent of a $250,000 increase in sales.”

According to a recent article in the Columbus Dispatch, the “green” energy provisions within Senate Bill 221 have saved Ohio electricity customers nearly $200 million.  Senate Bill 221 is a law that was passed in 2008 and it states that the utilities must meet annual benchmarks for energy efficiency and renewable energy.  Many arguments have been made that this bill will contribute to an increased cost for consumers, but this has been found false through Ohio State University findings.

The study was sponsored by Advanced Energy Economy Ohio and it found that customers’ electricity bills were 1.4% lower than they would have been without this law.  The savings throughout Ohio add up to nearly $200 million in the four year span between 2008 and 2012.  According to this study, the energy efficiency requirements are responsible for all of the savings, canceling out the small increase in costs related to the renewable energy rules.

Along with cutting costs for consumers, these new rules have also spurred $660 million in public and private investment and led to over 3,000 new jobs.  Plug Smart is an avid supporter of this bill because it has created jobs for our company and the entire State, lowers utility rates for consumers, and also significantly helps our environment.

If you would like to learn more about incentives that utility companies are currently offering or if you have any questions about Senate Bill 221, please don’t hesitate to contact Plug Smart today – EnergySavings@plugsmart.com

Visit the following link to read the Dispatch article in its entirety – http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2013/05/21/ratepayers-save-under-ohio-law-group-says.html

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Electricity plays a vital part in everyday life. Using electricity, people can turn on lights, prepare meals, and complete home improvement projects. However, electricity is a very powerful force, and if proper safety measures are not taken, it can be extremely dangerous and even deadly.

Accidents can be prevented by practicing safety around electric appliances, tools, and power lines. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) offers these tips for safety when working with electricity, indoors and outdoors in recognition of May being National Electrical Safety Month.

Indoor safety:

• Check to make sure all electric cords are free of fraying or cracking. Replace any cords that may be damaged.
• When unplugging appliances, always pull from the plug, not the cord.
• Avoid using extension cords, especially for a long period of time. Do not string extension cords together, and make sure that the appliances do not exceed the amperage capability of the extension cord.
• Unplug appliances when they are not in use.
• Keep all electric appliances away from sinks, baths, and other water sources. If an appliance falls into water, never reach in to get it.
• Never use a metal object to dislodge something from an electric appliance.
• Make sure all electric plugs fit securely into the outlet. Never try to force a plug into an outlet, or use another object to make the plug fit.
• Avoid overloading an outlet with too many appliances.

Outdoor safety:

• Downed power lines are often caused by thunderstorms or other severe weather. Always treat a downed power line as if it were live, and do not touch it or any objects around it. If you see a downed power line, contact the police department, fire department, or your electric company immediately.
• Keep all ladders, scaffolding, and tools at least 10 feet away from any overhead power lines. For high-voltage lines, allow even more clearance. Remember that overhead power lines may not be insulated like normal electric cords, so you should never touch an overhead line.
• Use clean, dry wood or fiberglass ladders around electric lines instead of metal.
• When installing a satellite dish on a roof, allow a distance of at least 1.5 times the length of the dish away from any power line. If the dish falls during installation, do not attempt to catch it.
• Before beginning a project that requires digging, call the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS) at 8-1-1 to have underground electric and utility wires marked. You should call at least 48 hours before digging.
• Select low-growing plants and shrubs that will not grow high enough to touch overhead power lines. If you are landscaping near an electric transformer, plant at least 10 feet away from it.
• Don’t attempt to trim trees or shrubs that are growing near power lines. Call the local electric company if there are trees growing too close to a power line.
• Don’t use electric powered lawn tools in wet conditions.
• Always wear rubber-soled shoes or boots when using electric lawn tools. Never operate an electric tool barefoot.
• Never allow children to climb trees that are touching electric lines.
• Never allow children to fly kites, balloons, or other toys near power lines. If a flying toy becomes tangled in a power line, do not attempt to retrieve it. Instead, call your local electric company for assistance.

Accidents:

• If someone receives an electric shock, do not touch the victim because you could receive a shock. Immediately turn off the power source and call for medical assistance.
• If an electrical appliance catches on fire, do not try to put the fire out with water. Unplug the appliance, turn off the fuse or circuit, and use a fire extinguisher approved for use on electrical fires.
• If you are in a car and come in contact with a downed power line, stay in the car and call for help. If you need to get out of the car, jump away from the car and do not touch both the car and the ground at the same time. Immediately call for help, and do not provide physical assistance to anyone who may still be in the car.
• By keeping these safety tips in mind, you can prevent electrical accidents from happening and be prepared to respond if an accident occurs.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is the sole agency charged with regulating public utility service. The role of the PUCO is to assure all residential, business, and industrial consumers have access to adequate, safe, and reliable utility services at fair prices while facilitating an environment that provides competitive choices. Consumers with utility-related questions or concerns can call the PUCO Call Center at (800) 686-PUCO (7826) and speak with a representative.

View this article in it’s entirety on the PUCO website - http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/OHPUC-7a51b7

The U.S. Department of Energy mandated that T12 fluorescent lamps be phased out of production in July of last year.  T12 lamps are considered outdated compared to the newer T8 and T5 lighting and switching can save up to 33% in energy costs per fixture.  You can save a considerable amount on electric bills while creating a brighter, more pleasant environment for you, your employees, and your customers.

Eventually everyone will have to replace their T12 lighting, but there is only one more month left to replace this inefficient lighting and receive the T12 incentive.  A lighting retrofit from this inefficient lighting will result in energy savings and also will be eligible for a custom rebate at any point.  On top of this, if you complete a T12 retrofit before June 30^th you will receive an additional incentive through your utility.  An example of this program is with American Electric Power (AEP), they are currently offering $3 per T12 lamp that is replaced with more efficient technology until June 30^th.  This incentive is on top of the savings that would be created and realized through your electricity bill.

We would like to remind you that this technology will need to be replaced in the near future no matter what, wouldn’t you like to be incentivized for it while the opportunity is still available? Not sure what lighting technology you are currently using at your facility? Plug Smart can come out for free and make sure that you are taking full advantage of all existing opportunities.

Read more about the AEP T12 Incentives – https://www.aepohio.com/save/programs/T12Lighting.aspx

Contact us today! EnergySavings@plugsmart.com

Earth Day was celebrated on Monday, which started as an annual event in 1970 to demonstrate support for environmental protection.  Plug Smart likes to recognize this day on April 22^nd, but also feels that the ideology should be echoed throughout the entire year.  We don’t want Earth Day to become just another ‘New Year’s Resolution’ where we are focused on the goal at hand and that goal is compromised over time.  This is a goal to make the earth a better place today than it was yesterday and do our part as individuals to ensure that it happens.  This goal will not and cannot be reached overnight, it takes dedication from us all and every little change can make a difference.

There are thousands of ways in which we can do our part to make this earth a better place, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, recycling, reducing waste, and changing the way we eat, just to name a few.  Plug Smart’s main focus is energy efficiency and renewable energy, we have done our part over the past several years and we plan on continuing on this path for a very long time.  Making buildings more energy efficient is one of the most cost effective and easiest ways to better our earth.  Not only will you save money on your utility bills and get new technology, but you will also reduce harmful emissions.  One of the most simple and cost effective changes to make is lighting, which generates savings through reduction in kilowatts and maintenance, while also providing carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide reductions.  While lighting is a quick and easy fix that makes a big difference, heating and cooling your facility accounts for over half of a typical facility’s energy use.  The temperature in Ohio is finally turning the corner and while we are all excited for an actual spring it can only mean one thing, air conditioners will be kicking on soon.  It is always a good idea to make sure that your HVAC is operating optimally and you have taken all provisions to ensure you aren’t wasting unnecessary amounts of energy.

In the public sector alone, our team has helped over 43 million square feet of space become more energy efficient through a variety of different projects.  These projects have resulted in a reduction of carbon emissions of nearly 16,000 metric tons annually and a nearly $300 million reduction in utility and maintenance bills. This reduction in carbon emissions every year equates to over 36,000 barrels of oil being burned, over 3,000 cars on the road, nearly 1.8 million gallons of gas being consumed, over 100 homes energy use, or nearly 3,400 acres of pine trees being cut down.

Plug Smart is doing everything that we can to help this earth through energy efficiency, one project at a time.  If you would like to learn more about how your facilities can become more energy efficient and how you can do your part to help the environment, don’t hesitate to contact us today.  We even offer free audits in most areas of Ohio to qualifying organizations who would like to learn how their buildings operate and the ways to decrease their energy spend.

Happy Earth Week and make sure you do your part to make this earth a better place tomorrow than it is today!

Plug Smart recently joined the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE).  COSE is the region’s largest small business support organization and they provide cost-effective group purchasing programs, advocacy on legislative and regulatory issues, and networking and education resources to help Ohio’s small businesses grow.  COSE currently has nearly 14,000 members and Plug Smart is proud to be associated with such a great organization.

COSE is a strong advocate for energy efficiency and renewable energy.  This is a big reason why Plug Smart felt that joining COSE would be a great fit, our goals are aligned.  COSE recently published an article in their April Newsletter that explained the benefits of energy efficiency with an example of a small business in Cleveland.  The Cleveland Brew Shop is a small business, so being on budget is extremely important.  Every single penny is important in a small business, so when their electricity bill was more than double what they had budgeted, this became a huge problem.  A quick audit of their facility left this small business with a 25-page report that helped give a visual of what the anticipated energy output for the year would be and where that could be if they followed some recommendations. One of the easiest and quickest payback items for this small business and many other facilities are lighting improvements.  This small business was able to realize nearly $1,000 annually by making a few quick changes to their lighting and would see nearly $500 more a year in savings by installing a programmable thermostat.  Click on the link below to read the article in its entirety on the COSE website.

The savings at this small business are very substantial to them and may seem minuscule to larger facilities, but imagine taking these savings and multiplying them by 50 or even 100.  Large facilities can see savings on this scale of between $75,000 and $150,000 a year for a few simple changes to their current lighting and controls.  Learn more about how organizations like COSE and Plug Smart can help you become more energy efficient and save money! Email us today – EnergySavings@plugsmart.com

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EASING THE PAIN

New wrinkles in several different House Bill programs allow Plug Smart to help School Districts, Municipalities, Cities, Board of Developmental Disabilities, and others achieve predictable and promised financial results.  Most of these entities are bracing for a tough reality, as difficult as budget cuts have been, tougher times are likely ahead.  In most cases these entities must turn to their voters to pass levies in order to address the most common problems.  This is much easier said than done, as much as 70% of all levies have failed recently state wide.

Nationwide, schools alone spend more than $6 billion on energy costs and it is estimated that these schools could save at least 25 percent of that by implementing smart energy measures.  At the state level people are implementing energy efficiency upgrades to help save money, save jobs, and help improve their facilities during tough economic times.

Plug Smart is one of the few firms that offer school districts, municipalities, cities, BODD’s, and others creative ways to finance and mitigate risk on these types of projects.  Plug Smart is able to execute a performance contract, which helps to ensure that the client sees every penny of the promised energy savings.  When executed properly, there is very little downside to implementing energy efficiency projects.  Not only do they reduce costs, improve cash flow, help the environment, and put people to work, but you also get new and more reliable equipment.

They key is picking a partner has the right amount of experience, vendor neutrality, and willingness to partner with the client by putting some skin in the game.  Plug Smart is Ohio-based and an expert on all different types of House Bill projects.  Contact Plug Smart today on how you can create financial breathing room while also making your buildings more efficient and comfortable.

Plug Smart recently installed 14-6 lamp T5 fluorescent in a small warehousing facility to increase their lighting quality and foot candles at the floor. As a byproduct to the project we also decreased their operational costs by reducing energy consumption per fixture and reduced maintenance costs.

Annually this small facility will save around $1,000 which may not seem like a lot, however it is over 50% of their current spend. This also equates to 2.5 tons of coal not being burned.

Your facility could also have the potential to become an operational profit verses a deficit with increase quality of lighting. Ask us how.  EnergySavings@plugsmart.com

Difference between Metal Halide High Bay facilities versus Fluorescent High Bay facilities