Moving into an Organized Methodology of Calculating Energy Efficiencies for Your Facility

We need to begin the energy story somewhere and clearly it is a large subject, one that will require many installments to even begin to address the different levels of the appropriate solutions that are out there for each of us in the various parts of the United States that makes sense either from an economic or technological evaluation to move forward. Also just as clearly, energy solutions that apply in the Northeastern US, will not apply in the Southwestern US, for example. A KW and a BTUH is the same whereever it is used, and to that end all energy is created equal, but the thermal electric balance, physical proximity to the end use and fuel supply to generate energy be it electric only, thermal electric or thermal varies with each application.

Obiously if we look at the following general outline, we can look at the following as a general outline: a) implementing energy conservation to reduce energy consumption; b) integrating more efficient equipment and systems; c) implementing technologies such as combined heat and power or tri generation to optimize efficiencies; d) implementing local independemt power producers for local power generation along with thermal production; e)  utilizing systems that allows the use of alternative energy source such as solar, biomass, wind, micro hydro, and others; f) utilizing other technologies that allow green solutions such as geothermal heat pump solutions, carbon neutral applications and similar systems; g) utilizing systems that have been developed and been implemented in other parts of theworld that can now be applied effectively here in the US, for example chilled ceilings, using ORC technology, and other successful energy technologies that have used in both a commercial and industrial arena; h) evaluation of "cutting edge technologies"  that are presently being developed under some of the DOE Research Funding along with DOE and EPA funding grants as well as more specific state specific "Clean Energy" or USDA energy grants..

It should be noted that in many of these systems and subsystems, the true life is in excess of 25 years and with proper maintenance, approaches or exceeds 40 years. In addition with the present funding that is availabel for energy, incentives and grants are available to accelerate payback on projects. We use a number of pieces of software to evaluate many of the factors for projects including but not limited to capital cost, savings, life cycle costs, operating costs, depreciation, available grants and funding as well as many other factors. We use software that is well recognized by a number of Federal Agencies, as well recognized in the economic community so it is excellent to compare technologies one with another. We are firm believers in modeling and completed models of many different projects in course of optimizing and intergrating systems.

The evaluation of energy conservation issues is easy and the attached link will get you to a link that addresses architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and other elements that should be addressed when looking at implementing energy conservation especially in a commercial or industrial facility. In many of these cases we begin with the concept that we need or want to achieve a "green" building, one with lttle or no carbon footprint, per haps a "net zero" facility achieved with highly efficient systems and subsystems or at the vary least a sustainable energy sourced building with minimum carbon footprint.  Obviously USGBC is the organization that controls all LEED Certified Buildings and information can be found at this link:

http://www.usgbc.org/

In addition, some other links that provide information which can be helpful include:

http://www.energy.gov/

http://www.epa.gov/chp/

http://www.urbangreencouncil.org/

http://www.plantservices.com/industrynews/2004/42.html

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=labeled_buildings.locator

In the past few years we are seeing the general trend going toward "High Performance Buildings and Building Systems" as being a more focused use of capital dollars when considering the implementation of larger capital intensive projects.  Depending on  your specific project, and the goal that you wish to achieve with the overall affect of either building certification, energy savings, cost optimization or the balance between these factors, proceeding along the High Performance project route may be an appropriate choice for you.

Here is a link that might help you decide-

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/commercial_initiative/

So in recap, this becomes an economic, societal, and engineering decision as these projects are evaluated in a long term committment. It takes the combined knowledge of all stakeholders to evaluate of all aspects of the building systems and subsystems to properly make a correct plan and decision for the good of the project and the client's long term success.

Energy is our most important commodity

Since energy of all types is so important to us throughout the world to drive our economic engine, we need to optimize the use use of all forms of energy, use alternative energy sources and be intelligent about the proper balance of energy throughout our world. We have been active in the energy world since the 1970's so beginning today, we will be posting a weekly blog about different types of energy opportunities to assist in lowering energy use and costs be it through energy conservation, use of alternatitve energy, carbon reduction or improved technology that allows energy users to save money and reduce energy.

Over the next few months we will address individual energy approaches and attributes. Thanks for checking in today!