Energy Services, Solutions and Optimization – A Process That Can Save You Money on Energy Performance
Despite your buildings age or size, there are numerous opportunities available to optimize its efficiency and sustainability. Even when the financial and environmental benefits of energy performance are known, it is often hard for building owners to understand the options and solutions available to them. As a full-service engineering firm, C.T. Male Associates can educate you about your options, and guide you through a customizable optimization process to meet your needs and improve the performance of your building.
The energy process typically includes:
A walk-through of your building or facility is performed to observe the building, building systems (HVAC, lighting), how the building/facility is operated and any process loads. It also includes a review of your existing utility bills, usually 2-3 years worth, to understand the energy use/consumption of your building. After completion of the walk-through, a report is developed highlighting potential energy savings opportunities along with estimated costs.
2) Retro-Commissioning (RetroCx)
Working with your existing facilities staff and controls contractor, C.T. Male Associates develops a systematic approach to “test” the operation of all or a part of the systems in your building. The focus is on verification and identification of proper control strategies; sequences of operation; operational and maintenance plans; and efficient operation of existing building systems. The end result is a prioritized list of operating deficiencies with a corrective action plan. C.T. Male Associates can assist with implementing the action plan and confirming satisfactory completion.
3) Energy Master Planning
Focusing on your facilities current and projected future energy use, we will assist with strategies to reduce energy and natural resource use. In addition to fossil fuel and electricity reduction, an energy master plan may include water and wastewater reduction strategies and fuel use for things such as service and maintenance vehicles.
4) Performance Contracting
Performance contracting is a project delivery method for implementing energy efficiency retrofits and building infrastructure improvements. Energy and operational savings over a specific time period are used to fund infrastructure improvement projects through lease arrangement provided by a third-party financial institution. Projects are designed so that annual energy and operational savings are greater than, or equal to, the required payments over the term of the contract, leaving a positive impact on the customer’s budget.
After our team of Energy Specialists makes their assessments, we will present our recommendations to optimize your building efficiency. Recommendations will reflect associated benefits and short and long term goals for your building. After we recommend the strategies that will work best for your building, we will begin implementation and provide full support through the ongoing building optimization process. To view recent Energy projects please visit our Energy Services Portfolio. For more information on how we can help you, please contact our Energy Services Division Manager, Scott Goodwill, PE, CEM, at 518-786-7442.