Improve Energy Efficiency and Reduce Expenses with Local Utility Support On-Site
The achievement of sustainable design greatly benefits from the assistance and incentives provided by local clean energy partners, who deploy a team of energy-efficiency consultants.
Today, energy efficiency and sustainability are primary considerations in initial design talks and are anticipated to maintain their importance in the foreseeable future. Expenditures directed toward improving system efficiency and cutting energy consumption within the retrofit market alone are projected to surge from $161.2 billion in 2023 to $272.8 billion by 2032.
Designing retrofits is already a challenging task, particularly when clients demand rigorous sustainability standards or aim for net-zero goals. Keeping up with the latest innovations and performance testing for building systems can be time-consuming and demanding, further complicating matters.
Much like specialized team members in building retrofits, an energy-efficiency consultant from utility partners like National Grid can play a crucial role. They provide customized strategies tailored to site and climate conditions, not only reducing energy usage and long-term expenses but also cutting initial investment costs through incentives and rebates.
Christian Guzman, assistant energy manager at Stony Brook University, recognizes the significance of incentives received from National Grid. Guzman explains how these incentives facilitate reinvestment in other projects, like data analytics, enabling substantial savings of around $10,000 monthly by adjusting energy consumption during unoccupied periods across the campus.
The Aim of Energy Experts
Energy-efficiency consultants strive to reduce costs and energy consumption while championing sustainability. They aid businesses in meeting regional sustainability targets by pinpointing cost-effective solutions, offering suggestions like high-efficiency heat pumps, heating systems, building envelope enhancements, lighting strategies, and electric vehicle charging initiatives.
Role of an Energy Expert
An energy expert identifies opportunities for efficiency improvements by conducting on-site evaluations, delivering technical assistance, and securing tailored financial incentives for specific projects.
Karen Seward, director of energy management at Albany Medical Center, achieved substantial savings by teaming up with National Grid’s commercial energy-efficient consultant, Daniel Merrill. Together, they pursued various capital projects resulting in significant energy savings through LED fixtures, steam traps, and more. Seward lauds the dedicated team’s support and guidance, leading to over $1 million annual energy savings and nearly $1.8 million in National Grid incentives, offsetting initial investment costs.
Engaging local energy efficiency experts in the early stages of a project expands options for energy and financial savings. This approach aligns with client sustainability goals and enhances client satisfaction for architecture firms—a critical element for success.