What is Demand Control Ventilation?

retro-commissioning

Outside air for building, brought in via a rooftop unit, a Direct Outside Air System, or via an Energy Recovery Ventilator, are important for many reasons due to code. Fresh air is required in public spaces for a variety of reasons, but doing this means heating up outside air in the winter, and cooling hot air in the summer. There are different strategies for bringing in outside air, and often the most energy efficient way is with demand control ventilation.

Demand control ventilation (DCV) is a smart ventilation system that automatically adjusts the amount of fresh air brought into a building based on real-time conditions. It’s like a thermostat for fresh air, bringing in more when it’s needed and less when it’s not. These amounts needed are determined by local code, supported by ASHRAE standards.

How Does Demand Ventilation Work?

Typical ventilation strategies work around either a schedule, or a constant air volume. These work, but they are often providing more ventilation than needed.

Here’s how demand control ventilation works: Sensors, typically measuring CO2 levels or occupancy, detect changes in a space. As the number of people in a room increases, so does the CO2 level. The DCV system then responds by bringing in more outdoor air to maintain good air quality. Conversely, during off-peak hours or in unoccupied spaces, the system reduces airflow, saving energy.

This system brings in fresh air when it is needed or demanded, instead of all the time.

What are the Benefits to Demand Control Ventilation?

Demand control ventilation can save some serious energy. When you always bring in fresh air whether it is needed or not, you are wasting energy by having to heat or cool that incoming air. Limiting the amount of fresh air that comes in is smart because it saves energy.

Isn’t fresh air super important? Yes – but not on a day that a business is closed and it is very hot or cold. You are just wasting energy, as well as putting more hours on your HVAC equipment’s life. This leads to higher maintenance costs, and an earlier replacement.

Demand control ventilation also makes sure fresh air comes in when you do need it. A business may be open from 9-5pm most days, and then occasionally have an after work gathering with a lot of folks. If the ventilation is only brought in on a schedule, the space will not receive fresh air when there are a lot of people in it. But a Demand Control Ventilation system will respond to that large group of people and meet that need.

Additional benefits include:

  • Improved Indoor Air Quality. By adjusting ventilation based on occupancy, DCV ensures there’s always enough fresh air to dilute pollutants and prevent stuffiness.
  • Increased Occupant Comfort. A well-ventilated space with good air quality promotes better focus and overall well-being for building occupants.
  • Lower Equipment Maintenance Costs. Limiting outside air to only when it is needed reduces the wear and tear on equipment that happens when it is scheduled or always on.

What is the Energy Efficiency of Demand Control Ventilation?

ERV control strategy

DCV can significantly reduce energy consumption by optimizing how much fresh air is brought in. This translates to lower utility bills. It does this by only bringing in outside air when a space is occupied.

DCV is becoming increasingly common in modern buildings, especially in spaces with fluctuating occupancy like offices, classrooms, and conference rooms. It’s a win-win for both the environment and building occupants.

Think of a hot day that is close to 100 degrees. You need fresh air for occupants, and without a CO2 sensor to drive that decision, you must always bring in fresh air and blend it with the existing air. That means that 100 degree air is getting mixed in with your cool 72 degree air all the time – making the air conditioner work harder by a lot. By limiting this to actual need, you will only need to cool exactly the amount of 100 degree air you need based on occupancy.

Can I use Demand Control Ventilation on a Packaged Rooftop Unit?

In many cases, yes, you can use DCV (demand control ventilation) with a high efficiency packaged rooftop unit (RTU). Modern RTUs, typically within the last 10 years of manufacture, often come pre-equipped with a DCV input on the economizer board. This makes adding DCV a relatively simple process. You simply need to add a $300 CO2 sensor into the ductwork return, and Walla – DCV complete.

Even for older RTUs, there are retrofit options available. These can involve adding an economizer retrofit kit that includes a DCV compatible board. We prefer the Pelican Pearly Economizer and thermostat system, which add the CO2 sensor into the space within the thermostat itself. This enables the most accurate demand control ventilation, and is fairly inexpensive to add to older equipment.

Can I Use Demand Control Ventilation in a Restaurant?

Yes, Demand Control Ventilation works well in almost every building type. However, advanced HVC systems for restaurants are unique for two reasons.

First, they have exhaust fans above the cooking equipment, which leads to a lot of air leaving the space. You often need a dedicate outdoor air unit to bring in this air leaving, which needs to be heated or cooled first. So this needs to be considered in addition to the outside air for the guests and staff.

Finally, gas cooking equipment releases a lot of CO2, so it may change the levels of CO2 and not indicate people. While still important to remove, it is more complicated than an office or warehouse.

Does Demand Control Ventilation Save Gas as Well as Electricity?

Demand Control Ventilation will save both gas and electricity, as long as gas is your source of heating for your building. It is a true energy saving strategy, benefiting both heating and cooling seasons.

Because this strategy staves both gas and electricity, there are often duel incentives available for businesses and government buildings from both the gas and electric energy efficiency programs. This can be critical to help offset the capital costs of this equipment, which is typically very low on new equipment and higher on older retrofits.

I tis important to get a good energy savings calculation to help determine the benefit of this, which can often be provided by the same company that helps facilitate the utility rebates.

What is the Best Way to Control an ERV?

hospitality energy audit

An Energy Recovery Ventilator, or ERV, is a type of ventilation system that help to improve the air quality in your building. The ERV does this by bringing in fresh air from outside and exhausting stale air from inside, while recovering the energy in the air that is leaving and passing it along to the air entering.

This is one of the most sustainable products in the market, and used in combination with a heat pump system, can create efficiencies up to 600% more efficient than a standard electric system. This article talks about the best control strategies for Energy Recovery Ventilators.

What is the Efficiency of an ERV?

The Energy Recovery Ventilator can be up to 93% efficient in transferring energy from outgoing air to ingoing air. That means instead of heating or cooling all of that incoming air, you only need to heat or cool 7% of that air. It really makes a dramatic difference in terms of design, as well as energy savings.

The Energy Recovery Ventilator products we prefer do this by simply using a highly efficient set of motors to blow air in one direction for the incoming air, as well as the air entering. By using two motors blowing in opposite directions, the ERV system can also optimize and help balance the air in the building. The rest of the work is done with a membrane system that allows both heat and humidity to be transferred across the barrier in a passive methodology, so again the only work being done is by the fans in terms of energy usage in most climates.

What About Extreme Cold for an ERV?

One of the most unique parts of an ERV is that it is removing moisture even during very cold weather, and evacuating the water from the system. This can lead to frozen moisture if the system is not warmed up. At startup, and this is very important for the rest of this article, the system can start during very cold temperatures. To “warm” up the unit, there is an electric preheater. Since electric preheat is very inefficient, we prefer for this not to run unless absolutely needed. The preheater helps get the unit warmed up, and then backs off so the motors can do their work.

At some points during this process, depending on the brand and type of ERV that you have, the system may bypass and skip the core of the unit, leading to colder air entering the space than designed. This can really impact the timing of the control strategy for an ERV and when and how often you want them to be turned off.

ERV control strategy

What Are the Options for Controlling an ERV?

The three ways you can control an ERV is scheduling, Demand Control Ventilation, or constant air volume.

Constant Air Volume, or CAV, is the simplest. This means that the ERV is always running and providing fresh air to the space. This can be for buildings that are open 24 hours, or that have another reason to always provide air circulation. We have sometimes set constant air volume for spaces with high ceilings, to create a movement of air to help stratify the environment.

Another solid way to control your ERV is through Demand Control Ventilation, or DCV. This form of system control uses CO2 sensors in the space to help determine when people are in the space. This means that the 7% of reheating or recooling the air only happens when folks are actually in the space for a long enough time. If a small office has a single person in it for the day – likely the CO2 you breath out is not enough to drive the CO2 up high enough to trigger the system to turn on. But if 10 people are in that space, it will likely be enough to bring in outside air within about 30 minutes. This is demand controlled – meaning the system brings in outside air when it is needed.

Finally, you can schedule an ERV to run when the building is occupied. This is a great solution when you want to save the money on the CO2 sensors (which cost about $350 each) or when you have a very predicable schedule for a building. It can also be beneficial when you want to start bringing in fresh air before anyone enters the space, for some particular reason.

Which is the Best Control Strategy for ERVs?

In our experience with over 10 ERV systems installed – we find Demand Control Ventilation, or DCV, to be the best overall strategy. However, there are a time and place for each.

The reason we like the Demand Control setup is that you can always adjust to the other two scenarios after you start the system if you have the DCV CO2 sensors. You can run a schedule with or without the CO2 sensors giving input, you can run it all the time, and you can do a variety of any of these. But, without the CO2 sensors from the onset, you won’t be able to run DCV.

decarbonizing buildings in Chicago

How Do You Make Changes to the ERV System?

ERVs typically come with a controller that you can schedule and run after startup of a system. The controller is best run into the space it is controlling, so you can make adjustments inside of the building without having to go on the roof or mechanical rooms.

Most systems can also be BACnet controlled, which means that they can work with a Building Automation System. This can give you full control over an ERV system, but it does require upgrades to the software over time.

The UBX system from Ventacity is a new system that can allow remote access to your ERV system, without needing the BACnet BAS system access. This is exciting because it can allow a full building automation, without the expense of a full system, which is often very expensive. And the UBX system will eventually be able to also control a VRF system, which would really be a full building automation system without the huge expense.

What about the Control Strategy for a Heating Recovery Ventilator, or HRV?

The difference between an HRV or ERV is that an ERV can transfer moisture as well as heat. In terms of how you control them, everything would really be the exact same. So we would recommend a Demand Control Ventilation strategy to control an HRV, and we would always encourage a remote access system like the UBX from Ventacity, when budget allows.

Energy Recovery Ventilators, or Heat Recovery Ventilators, are an incredible benefit to any building in Chicagoland. We encourage DCV controls for these system, as well as to combine them with VRF heat pumps when possible.

Embracing Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Manufacturing

US Manufactured LED Lighting

Why Your Manufacturing Facility Should Already Be LED

In the dynamic landscape of modern manufacturing, where efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness are paramount, the adoption of LED lighting stands as a transformative step towards a brighter future. LED technology has revolutionized the illumination industry, offering a plethora of advantages over traditional lighting options, making it an indispensable choice for manufacturing facilities seeking to enhance their operations, optimize energy consumption, and minimize environmental impact.

Energy Savings: A Path to Financial Sustainability in Manufacturing

At the heart of LED’s appeal lies its unparalleled energy efficiency. Compared to traditional incandescent and fluorescent lighting, LEDs consume significantly less electricity, resulting in substantial cost savings over time. A study by the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that switching to LEDs can reduce lighting energy consumption by up to 50%. For manufacturing facilities operating around the clock, this translates into significant financial savings that can be reinvested into other areas of business growth.

Enhanced Productivity: Illuminating the Path to Success in Manufacturing

LED lighting’s impact extends beyond energy savings, positively influencing worker productivity and safety. The superior quality of LED illumination provides a more natural and consistent light, reducing eye strain and fatigue, thereby enhancing worker focus and concentration. This, in turn, leads to improved accuracy, reduced errors, and increased productivity. Additionally, LED lighting’s ability to accurately render colors is crucial in manufacturing processes that demand precise color differentiation, ensuring product quality and consistency.

Environmental Stewardship: A Manufacturing Commitment to a Sustainable Future

In an era of growing environmental consciousness, LED lighting emerges as a beacon of sustainability. LEDs, unlike traditional lighting options, do not contain hazardous materials such as mercury, minimizing the risk of environmental contamination. Moreover, their extended lifespan of up to 50,000 hours reduces the frequency of lamp replacements, thereby minimizing waste generation and resource consumption.

Manufacturing Safety and Durability: A Bastion of Reliability

Manufacturing environments often pose unique challenges for lighting systems. LEDs, with their exceptional durability and resistance to vibration and shock, are well-suited to withstand the rigors of industrial settings. They generate minimal heat, reducing the risk of fire hazards and contributing to a safer work environment.

Cost-Effectiveness: A Long-Term Manufacturing Investment

While the initial cost of LED lighting may be higher than traditional options, the long-term financial benefits far outweigh the upfront investment. The substantial energy savings, reduced maintenance requirements, and extended lifespan of LED lighting translate into significant cost savings over time. Additionally, government incentives and rebates often exist to encourage the adoption of LED technology, making the transition even more cost-effective.

Reduced Maintenance in Manufacturing

In a recent assessment at a manufacturing facility, they were only able to shut down their manufacturing line safely once a month for a few hours. This provided a very difficult window to do lighting maintenance, which was often needed with their outdated lighting.

LED lighting lasts longer than fluorescent or high intensity discharge lighting. Modern systems can last 70,000 hours or longer – meaning less ballast changes and less interruption in production to maintain lighting. These benefits are in addition to the clear energy savings available with LED as compared to previous lighting system technologies.

Conclusion: Illuminating the Path to a Brighter Future

As manufacturing facilities strive to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape, the adoption of LED lighting stands as a strategic decision with far-reaching benefits. By embracing energy efficiency, enhancing productivity, promoting sustainability, ensuring safety, and realizing long-term cost-effectiveness, LED lighting empowers manufacturing facilities to illuminate the path to a brighter future, one characterized by operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and financial prosperity. The time to embrace LED lighting is now, as it represents a transformative step towards a more sustainable, efficient, and successful future for manufacturing facilities worldwide.

Please set up an assessment to regain control of your building’s energy usage.

The Impact of Poor Building Energy Controls on Your Bottom Line

building control energy efficiency

The Impact of Poor Building Controls on Your Bottom Line

In today’s business world, where every dollar counts, it is more important than ever to be mindful of expenses. One often-overlooked area where businesses can save money is through effective building control. Poor building controls can lead to a significant increase in energy consumption, maintenance costs, and occupant dissatisfaction, all of which can have a negative impact on your bottom line.

Buildings energy usage can be controlled by a Building Automation System, or even a simple smart thermostat system. Both have their usages, and both prevent money from flowing outside of your windows and doors.

Increased Energy Consumption

One of the most immediate and noticeable impacts of poor building controls is increased energy consumption. Without proper controls, HVAC systems, lighting, and other energy-consuming equipment may operate inefficiently, leading to wasted energy and higher utility bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, poor building controls can account for up to 30% of a building’s energy consumption.

Higher Maintenance Costs

Poor building controls can also lead to higher maintenance costs. When equipment is not properly controlled, it is more likely to malfunction or break down, requiring more frequent repairs and replacements. Additionally, poorly maintained equipment often operates less efficiently, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills.

Reduced Occupant Productivity

In addition to the financial costs, poor building controls can also have a negative impact on occupant productivity. When the indoor environment is uncomfortable or unhealthy, it can lead to decreased focus, increased absenteeism, and higher rates of employee turnover. A study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that a comfortable indoor environment can improve employee productivity by up to 8%.

Reduced occupant productivity can have a significant impact on individuals, businesses, and the overall economy. Here are some of the potential consequences:

Individual Consequences:

  • Increased stress and anxiety: When employees are unable to meet deadlines or complete tasks to their usual standards, it can lead to increased stress and anxiety. This can have a negative impact on their mental and physical health, leading to burnout, absenteeism, and even presenteeism (being physically present at work but not mentally engaged).
  • Reduced job satisfaction: If employees feel like they are constantly struggling to keep up with their workload, it can lead to reduced job satisfaction. This can make it difficult to retain top talent and can also lead to higher turnover rates.
  • Decreased morale: When morale is low, it can create a negative atmosphere in the workplace. This can make it difficult for employees to work together effectively and can also lead to increased conflict and absenteeism.

Business Consequences:

  • Missed deadlines and lost opportunities: When employees are not productive, it can lead to missed deadlines and lost opportunities. This can damage a company’s reputation and make it difficult to compete in the marketplace.
  • Increased costs: Reduced productivity can also lead to increased costs for businesses. For example, companies may need to hire additional employees to compensate for the lost productivity, or they may need to pay overtime to employees who are working to meet deadlines.
  • Decreased profitability: Ultimately, reduced productivity can lead to decreased profitability for businesses. This can make it difficult for companies to invest in growth and innovation, and it can even put them at risk of bankruptcy.

Overall Economic Consequences:

  • Reduced economic growth: When businesses are not productive, it can have a ripple effect on the overall economy. Reduced productivity can lead to slower economic growth, higher unemployment, and decreased tax revenue.
  • Decreased competitiveness: In a global economy, it is important for businesses to be competitive. Reduced productivity can make it difficult for businesses to compete with companies from other countries that have a more productive workforce.
  • Increased social costs: Reduced productivity can also lead to increased social costs. For example, when people are unemployed, they are more likely to rely on government assistance. This can put a strain on social programs and can lead to increased taxes for everyone.

Steps to Improve Building Controls

Fortunately, there are a number of steps that businesses can take to improve their building controls and reap the associated benefits. Some of the most effective measures include:

  • Conducting a building energy audit: A building energy audit can identify areas where energy is being wasted and recommend specific measures for improvement.
  • Installing energy-efficient equipment: Replacing old, inefficient equipment with energy-efficient models can significantly reduce energy consumption.
  • Implementing occupancy sensors and timers: Occupancy sensors and timers can automatically turn off lights and other equipment when not in use, saving energy.
  • Upgrading to a Building Automation System (BAS): A BAS can centrally control and monitor all of the building’s systems, optimizing energy usage and preventing equipment malfunctions.
  • Regularly maintaining equipment: Regular maintenance can help to prevent equipment breakdowns and extend its lifespan.

Conclusion

The benefits of effective building controls are clear: lower energy costs, reduced maintenance expenses, and improved occupant productivity. By taking the necessary steps to improve their building controls, businesses can save money, improve their bottom line, and create a more comfortable and productive work environment for their employees. In today’s competitive business world, effective building control is not just a good idea, it is a necessity.

I hope this essay is helpful. Please set up an assessment to regain control of your building’s energy usage.

Improving Energy Efficiency in Illinois Schools

school energy efficiency

A Comprehensive Guide

Schools across Illinois are facing mounting pressure to reduce their energy consumption and environmental impact. With rising energy costs and increasing concerns about climate change, schools are seeking ways to become more energy efficient without compromising the comfort and safety of their students and staff. School boards are also being forced to do more with less resources, and saving energy expenditures is a very popular way to achieve this goal.

Fortunately, school energy efficiency is fairly straightforward, and most of the technology already exists to meet these goals for our schools. And, there are huge benefits in addition to energy efficiency such as improved lighting for learning for students, better air quality and health outcomes, and safety. Most of these improvements start with an energy efficiency assessment or audit, which can be provided for free through your utility or a local partner like Verde. These typically can be done in a single day to get a good baseline of energy usage, lighting and HVAC baselines, control strategies, and trending costs for electricity and natural gas.

The Importance of Energy Efficiency in Schools

There are many compelling reasons for schools to invest in energy efficiency measures. These measures can help schools:

  • Save money: By reducing energy consumption, schools can save significant amounts of money on their utility bills. These savings can be used to fund other important school programs and initiatives. Less money on energy means more money for direct education spending for students and teachers.
  • Reduce their environmental impact: Schools are major consumers of energy, and their energy use contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental problems. By becoming more energy efficient, schools can help to reduce their environmental footprint. Schools are also not typically going anywhere – the same building can sometimes remain for 50 – 100 years, so any investment into improving that building pays dividends for generations of students.
  • Improve the learning environment: Studies have shown that a comfortable and healthy indoor environment can improve student learning and performance. Energy-efficient measures can help to create a more comfortable and healthy learning environment for students and staff. There are a lot of studies that connect poor lighting or comfort to poor learning outcomes.

How Can Illinois Schools Become More Energy Efficient?

There are many things that Illinois schools can do to become more energy efficient. Some of the most effective measures include:

  • Upgrade lighting systems: Replacing old incandescent and fluorescent lights with LED lights can save schools a significant amount of energy. LED lights are also more durable and last longer than traditional lights. They are also quieter and provide better lighting to make spaces better for learning and teaching.
  • Improve HVAC systems: HVAC systems are one of the largest energy consumers in schools. By upgrading to more efficient HVAC systems and implementing proper maintenance procedures, schools can save a significant amount of energy. And, running a compressor or boiler less also means less wear and tear and future maintenance costs, in addition to the energy savings.
  • Implement energy management systems: Energy management systems (EMS) or Building Automation Systems (BAS) can help schools to monitor and control their energy use. EMS and BAS systems can be implemented or improved to identify energy-saving opportunities and automatically adjust energy consumption based on occupancy and other factors.
  • Educate students and staff: Educating students and staff about energy conservation can help to raise awareness and encourage behavioral changes that can save energy. Schools can also implement incentive programs to encourage energy-saving behavior.

Financial Assistance for Energy Efficiency Projects

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) offers a variety of financial assistance programs to help schools implement energy efficiency projects. These programs can provide schools with grants, rebates, and low-interest loans.

Public and Private schools alike can participate in the Comed Energy Efficiency program, getting rebates to help offset the cost of the work they need to do to reduce energy. Lighting, HVAC and Control system incentives all exist and programs want and need to spend this money to help your school. Since there is a lot of research that goes into these programs on their savings – you can feel confident in the energy savings potential and calculations and share those with your board.

Do Public Schools or Private Schools Need to do Energy Efficiency Work

This is a trick question because both public and private schools need to do energy efficiency work.

Whatever school you work in, they all spend money on utility costs like electricity and natural gas. Some pay for the differently, either their own bill or a bill that is passed on to taxpayers. But all use utilities, and somehow they are paid for. Reducing that usage is good for the tax payers or private school boards and owners.

Private schools especially need to be competitive and no potential family wants to walk into a building with poor lighting or HVAC systems. It would show a lack of commitment to education – and make it difficult for them to spend money. Brighter lights, in our experience, leads to a better feeling when prospective students and parents enter a school. And a building that is too hot or too cold is also a clear sign to potential students that a building is not being maintained properly and they may conclude less investment in their child’s future.

Public boards have a greater responsibility to spend money in a thoughtful and impactful way, since they are tax payer dollars. Too often public schools do not do the work they need to do out of fear of Bidding or capital improvements. But holding off on moving forward only adds to the maintenance costs and puts off an eventual improvement in the schools lighting, HVAC or control system. And, today there is funding to help support these efforts and tomorrow there may not be – so it is important to be proactive on energy efficiency work.

Resources for Illinois Schools

There are a number of resources available to help Illinois schools become more energy efficient. These resources include:

  • The Illinois Energy Efficiency Program: This program provides schools with information and resources on energy efficiency.
  • The Illinois School Energy Efficiency Partnership: This partnership provides schools with technical assistance and financial support for energy efficiency projects.
  • The Energy Efficiency Improvement Corporation of Illinois (EEIC): This organization provides schools with financing and other support for energy efficiency projects.

Advanced Energy Efficiency for Schools – Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are a viable and beneficial choice for schools in Illinois due to their numerous advantages:

Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps offer exceptional energy efficiency, consuming significantly less electricity than traditional heating and cooling systems. This translates into substantial cost savings for schools, allowing them to allocate resources to other important educational initiatives.

Environmental Friendliness: Heat pumps operate using electricity and ambient air or ground source, eliminating the need for fossil fuels like natural gas or propane. This significantly reduces their carbon footprint and contributes to a cleaner environment, aligning with the growing emphasis on sustainability.

Year-Round Comfort: Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling capabilities, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment for students and staff throughout the year. This versatility eliminates the need for separate heating and cooling systems, simplifying maintenance and reducing overall costs.

Improved Indoor Air Quality: Heat pumps act as air filters, removing dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants from the indoor air. This leads to a healthier indoor environment, reducing the risk of allergies and respiratory illnesses among students and staff.

Government Incentives: The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers rebates and incentives for businesses that install heat pumps. These incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost of installing heat pumps, making them a financially attractive investment for schools.

Positive Impact on Learning: Studies have shown that a comfortable indoor environment can improve student learning and performance. Heat pumps help maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout the school year, potentially contributing to enhanced academic outcomes.

Sustainability Education Opportunities: Installing heat pumps provides an excellent opportunity for schools to incorporate sustainability education into their curriculum. Students can learn about the technology, its environmental benefits, and how it contributes to a more sustainable future.

In summary, heat pumps offer numerous advantages for schools in Illinois, including energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, year-round comfort, improved indoor air quality, government incentives, and positive impacts on learning and sustainability education. As schools strive to reduce their energy consumption, minimize their environmental impact, and create a healthy and comfortable learning environment, heat pumps emerge as a compelling and sustainable solution.

BAS System Energy Efficiency in Schools

A Building Automation System (BAS) is a computer-based system that monitors and controls a building’s mechanical and electrical systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and fire alarms.

Building Automation System

A BAS can help save energy by:

  • Optimizing HVAC operation: BAS systems can monitor and control HVAC systems to ensure that they are operating as efficiently as possible. This includes adjusting temperature setpoints, scheduling equipment to run during off-peak hours, and preventing equipment from running unnecessarily.
  • Reducing lighting costs: BAS systems can control lighting systems to ensure that lights are only on when they are needed. This can be done by using occupancy sensors, timers, and daylighting controls.
  • Identifying and fixing problems: BAS systems can monitor equipment performance and identify potential problems before they cause major breakdowns. This can help to prevent energy waste and costly repairs.
  • Providing data for energy-saving measures: BAS systems can collect data on energy consumption, which can be used to identify areas for improvement. This data can also be used to track the progress of energy-saving initiatives.
  • Improving occupant comfort: BAS systems can be used to control the temperature, humidity, and air quality in a building, which can help to improve occupant comfort. This can lead to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism.

In addition to the energy-saving benefits, upgrading the BAS system in your school can also lead to:

  • Reduced maintenance costs: BAS systems can help to extend the life of equipment and reduce the need for maintenance.
  • Improved safety: BAS systems can monitor fire alarms, security systems, and other safety-related equipment.
  • Increased property value: A well-maintained BAS system can increase the property value of a school.

The cost of upgrading a BAS system will vary depending on the size and complexity of the school. However, the energy-saving benefits can often offset the initial cost of the upgrade.

Here are some tips for upgrading the BAS system in your school:

  • Get quotes from several different vendors: Make sure to get quotes from several different vendors before making a decision.
  • Choose a system that is compatible with your existing equipment: Make sure to choose a BAS system that is compatible with your existing HVAC, lighting, and fire alarm systems.
  • Get training on how to use the system: Make sure to get training on how to use the BAS system so that you can take full advantage of its features.
  • Monitor your energy consumption: Monitor your energy consumption before and after upgrading the BAS system to see how much energy you are saving.
  • Use the BAS system to identify and fix problems: Use the BAS system to identify and fix problems with your HVAC, lighting, and other systems.

Upgrading the BAS system in your school can be a great way to save energy, improve comfort, and reduce costs. Retrocommissioning an existing BAS system can save a lot of energy by simply adjusting set points of a system.

Energy Recovery Ventilator in Schools

Fresh air for schools is incredibly important. Most schools provide fresh air through traditional ways, and that incoming air needs to be heated or cooled first before entering the schools.

However, energy recovery ventilators are an improving technology that pull the energy out of outgoing air, and place it directly into incoming air. On a very cold or hot day, the energy passively moves across a heat exchanger and significantly reduce the energy required to heat and cool a building. They often due this with very simple and low energy fans that move the air and let the engineering design do the rest. In addition to saving energy – these can provide far more fresh air for students and staff – reducing illness and slowing the spread of germs. We know that fresh air is important to keeping us safe in our modern world, and ERVs do this while saving energy.

Implementing Energy Efficiency in Schools

By implementing energy efficiency measures, Illinois schools can save money, reduce their environmental impact, and create a more comfortable and healthy learning environment for their students and staff. With the help of available resources and financial assistance, schools can overcome any challenges they may face in implementing energy efficiency projects.

If you want to start with a simple energy efficiency assessment for your school and your are in Illinois or Wisconsin, please reach out to us at (773) 413-9587 or fill out our free assessment form request to get started. We helped hundreds of schools reduce their energy burden, and it all starts with a baseline audit to get started.

Who Can Benefit from an ASHRAE Audit?

energy business consultant

Unlocking Savings and Sustainability with ASHRAE Audits: A Comprehensive Guide to Beneficiaries

In a world increasingly concerned with energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and occupant well-being, ASHRAE audits have emerged as a powerful tool for achieving these goals. ASHRAE, or the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, has developed a comprehensive audit process that identifies and evaluates energy-saving opportunities and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues within buildings. By undergoing an ASHRAE audit, a wide range of stakeholders can reap significant benefits, from building owners and tenants to government agencies and society as a whole.

Building Owners and Managers: Unlocking Financial and Environmental Gains with ASHRAE Audits

At the heart of ASHRAE audits lies the pursuit of financial savings and environmental responsibility for building owners and managers. By identifying areas of energy inefficiency, such as outdated HVAC systems or inefficient lighting fixtures, ASHRAE audits can help building owners implement cost-effective measures to reduce their utility bills. These savings can translate into improved profitability and a higher property value, making the investment in an ASHRAE audit well worth it.

Furthermore, ASHRAE audits go beyond mere financial gains by guiding building owners towards sustainable practices. By optimizing energy consumption, ASHRAE audits help reduce a building’s carbon footprint, contributing to a healthier environment and aligning the building with growing environmental regulations and consumer preferences.

Facility Operators and Maintenance Personnel: Enhancing Efficiency and Reliability

The benefits of ASHRAE audits extend to the operational side of building management, empowering facility operators and maintenance personnel to enhance the efficiency and reliability of building systems. By providing a detailed assessment of the building’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, ASHRAE audits identify potential issues such as malfunctioning equipment, faulty controls, or inadequate maintenance practices.

Armed with this information, facility operators can prioritize maintenance tasks, ensuring that building systems operate at peak performance and preventing costly breakdowns. This proactive approach to maintenance not only saves money but also ensures a more comfortable and productive work environment for occupants.

Tenants and Occupants: Achieving Comfort, Productivity, and Wellness

The benefits of ASHRAE audits extend beyond the walls of the building’s management team, reaching directly to its tenants and occupants. By addressing IEQ issues, ASHRAE audits help create a more comfortable, productive, and healthy indoor environment.

ASHRAE audits assess factors such as indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and lighting levels, identifying areas where improvements can be made to enhance occupant well-being. By addressing these issues, tenants can experience reduced absenteeism, improved productivity, and a more positive overall experience in their workspace.

Government Agencies and Regulatory Bodies: Shaping Policy and Programs

ASHRAE audits play a crucial role in shaping government policies and programs aimed at promoting energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. By providing valuable data on energy consumption patterns and IEQ issues in buildings, ASHRAE audits inform the development of building codes, energy efficiency standards, and incentive programs.

These policies and programs, in turn, encourage widespread adoption of energy-efficient practices and sustainable building design, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more environmentally responsible society.

In fact, many government buildings are required by federal guidelines to receive an ASHRAE audit every year, and most future capital improvements are budgeted and determined based on these audit findings.

Society as a Whole: Embracing a ASHRAE Sustainable Future

The benefits of ASHRAE audits extend far beyond the individual building level, encompassing society as a whole. By promoting energy efficiency and sustainable building practices, ASHRAE audits contribute to a reduction in our collective energy consumption, conservation of natural resources, and mitigation of the effects of climate change.

Furthermore, ASHRAE audits lead to lower prices for goods and services, as businesses operating in energy-efficient buildings can pass on their savings to consumers. Additionally, by improving IEQ, ASHRAE audits contribute to a healthier and more productive workforce, further benefiting society at large.

ASHRAE vs Utility Audit

ASHRAE and lighting audits are both important tools for improving energy efficiency in buildings. However, there are some key differences between the two.

ASHRAE Audits

ASHRAE audits are comprehensive assessments of a building’s energy efficiency. They are conducted by trained and certified ASHRAE auditors and evaluate all aspects of a building’s energy use, including its HVAC systems, lighting, appliances, and plug loads. ASHRAE audits typically include the following steps:

  • Reviewing utility bills and other energy data
  • Conducting a walk-through survey of the building
  • Conducting more detailed testing and analysis of specific systems
  • Identifying and recommending energy-saving opportunities
  • Preparing a report that summarizes the findings and recommendations

Lighting Audits

Lighting audits focus specifically on a building’s lighting systems. They are typically conducted by lighting engineers or other qualified professionals. Lighting audits typically include the following steps:

  • Evaluating the efficiency of the lighting fixtures
  • Assessing the lighting levels in different areas of the building
  • Identifying opportunities to upgrade to more efficient fixtures
  • Developing a plan for implementing the recommended upgrades

Benefits of ASHRAE Audits

ASHRAE audits can provide a number of benefits to building owners, including:

  • Reduced energy costs
  • Improved comfort for occupants
  • Increased property value
  • Compliance with environmental regulations

Benefits of Lighting Audits

Lighting audits can provide a number of benefits to building owners, including:

  • Reduced energy costs
  • Improved lighting levels and visibility
  • Increased productivity for occupants
  • Enhanced aesthetics

Which Audit is Right for You?

The best type of audit for your building will depend on your specific needs and goals. If you are looking for a comprehensive assessment of your building’s energy efficiency, then an ASHRAE audit is the best option. If you are primarily concerned with the efficiency of your lighting system, then a lighting audit is a good choice.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between ASHRAE audits and lighting audits:

FeatureASHRAE AuditLighting Audit
ScopeComprehensive assessment of a building’s energy efficiencyFocus on a building’s lighting systems
Conducted byTrained and certified ASHRAE auditorsLighting engineers or other qualified professionals
Typical stepsReviewing utility bills, walk-through survey, testing and analysis, identifying energy-saving opportunities, preparing a reportEvaluating lighting fixtures, assessing lighting levels, identifying upgrade opportunities, developing an implementation plan
BenefitsReduced energy costs, improved comfort, increased property value, compliance with regulationsReduced energy costs, improved lighting levels, increased productivity, enhanced aesthetics
ASHRAE vs Lighting Audit

Conclusion: An ASHRAE Path to a Sustainable Future

ASHRAE audits stand as a beacon of hope in a world facing the challenges of energy scarcity and environmental degradation. By empowering building owners, operators, tenants, and government agencies to make informed decisions about energy efficiency and IEQ, ASHRAE audits pave the way for a more sustainable future. As we collectively strive to create a healthier, more environmentally conscious, and economically prosperous society, ASHRAE audits serve as an indispensable tool for achieving these shared goals.

Does Installing an EV Charger Make Sense for Your Hotel?

outdoor led exterior lights

Gearing Up for the EV Revolution: A Comprehensive Guide to EV Charging Stations for Illinois Hotels

The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, adapting to the ever-changing needs and preferences of its guests. As the world transitions towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future, electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining popularity, becoming a common sight on roads worldwide. This shift in transportation preferences presents a unique opportunity for Illinois hotels to enhance their guest experience, attract new clientele, and solidify their position as forward-thinking establishments by embracing EV charging infrastructure.

Addressing a Growing Need for EV Chargers

The number of EV drivers in Illinois is steadily increasing, driven by factors such as advancements in EV technology, government incentives, and environmental concerns. According to the Illinois Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Deployment Plan, the state aims to have 1 million EVs on its roads by 2025. This growing EV population presents a significant opportunity for hotels to cater to this tech-savvy, environmentally conscious, and often affluent demographic. By providing convenient EV charging stations, hotels can attract new guests, retain existing ones, and strengthen their reputation as environmentally responsible businesses.

Attracting New Guests and Retaining Existing EV Charging Guests

EV drivers often face range anxiety, the fear of running out of charge before reaching their destination. This concern can make it difficult for them to choose hotels that lack charging facilities. By providing EV charging stations, Illinois hotels can alleviate this anxiety and attract EV drivers who would otherwise opt for accommodations with charging amenities. Additionally, by offering convenient charging options, hotels can enhance the overall experience of their EV guests, encouraging them to return for future stays and recommend the hotel to others.

ev charger install for a hotel

Boosting Brand Image and Reputation for EV Guests

In today’s environmentally conscious world, consumers are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on a company’s commitment to sustainability. By investing in EV charging infrastructure, Illinois hotels can demonstrate their dedication to environmental responsibility, aligning themselves with the values of their target audience. This positive brand association can attract environmentally conscious guests and enhance the hotel’s reputation as a forward-thinking establishment, ultimately contributing to its long-term success.

Generating Additional Revenue Streams with EV Chargers

EV charging stations can serve as a valuable source of additional revenue for Illinois hotels. By offering charging services to guests, hotels can generate an income stream that can cover the initial investment in EV charging infrastructure and provide a return on investment over time. Additionally, EV drivers are often willing to pay a premium for the convenience of having a charging station at their hotel, providing hotels with an opportunity to increase their revenue without negatively impacting guest satisfaction.

Leveraging Government Incentives for EV Chargers

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers rebates and incentives for businesses that install EV charging stations. These incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost of installing EV charging infrastructure, making it a more affordable investment for Illinois hotels. By taking advantage of these incentives, hotels can reap the benefits of EV charging stations without facing a significant financial burden.

Success Stories: Illinois Hotels Leading the EV Charge

Several Illinois hotels have already recognized the importance of EV charging infrastructure and have taken the initiative to install charging stations. These hotels are reaping the rewards of their foresight, experiencing increased occupancy rates among EV drivers, positive guest feedback, and a rise in revenue from charging fees.

The Hotel Indigo Chicago River North, for instance, has seen a significant surge in occupancy rates among EV drivers since installing charging stations in 2019. The hotel has also received overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests and has experienced a notable increase in revenue from charging fees.

These success stories serve as clear examples of the positive impact that EV charging stations can have on Illinois hotels. By following in the footsteps of these pioneers, other hotels can position themselves to attract new guests, retain existing ones, and enhance their reputation as forward-thinking establishments.

Do You Need Level 3 Car Chargers?

The difference between level 3 and level 2 car chargers is speed, how fast does a car battery charge? Level 3 is really important for full EVs, especially those on a cross country car trip. However, most cards can charger their battery overnight with a level 2 car charger, especially when connected to a hotel for an overnight stay.

Level 3 chargers are high voltage, usually 480V. This is rare to have this existing in a hotel, so it means often bringing in new service. In addition, these chargers are more expensive for the equipment, and they labor.

Most chargers are level 2. For hotels, we feel that level 2 chargers are incredibly logical. Many EVs are plug in hybrids, and those batteries only need a few hours to charge. While in a perfect world, every hotel would have level 3, we feel that majority of cases are ideal for level 2, both because of cost and situation.

Embracing the EV Future

The future of transportation is undeniably electric. As EV adoption continues to accelerate, Illinois hotels that embrace EV charging infrastructure will be well-positioned to thrive in this evolving landscape. By catering to the needs of EV drivers, hotels can enhance their guest experience, attract new clientele, and solidify their position as leaders in the hospitality industry. The time to act is now. Illinois hotels should seize the opportunity to become part of the EV revolution and pave the way for a sustainable future in hospitality.

Replacing a BAS vs. Retro-commissioning a BAS

retro-commissioning vs BAS upgrade

Which is right for your facility?

Facility managers are constantly faced with decisions regarding the upkeep and improvement of their buildings. Two common options for enhancing building performance are retrocommissioning (RCx) and building automation system (BAS) upgrades. While both approaches aim to optimize building operations, they differ in their scope, methodology, and potential outcomes. Understanding the nuances of each option is crucial for making an informed decision about which investment is best suited for your facility.

Retrocommissioning: A Comprehensive Approach to Optimization

RCx is a systematic process that involves revisiting and optimizing an existing building’s systems to ensure they are operating as intended and delivering peak performance. It encompasses a thorough examination of all building systems, including HVAC, lighting, controls, and energy management strategies. The goal of RCx is to identify and address operational inefficiencies, equipment malfunctions, and outdated control sequences that hinder energy savings and occupant comfort.

BAS System Upgrade: Enhancing Automation and Control

A BAS upgrade involves replacing or updating the software, hardware, or network infrastructure of an existing BAS. This can include installing new sensors, actuators, and controllers, upgrading the central control unit, and implementing advanced control algorithms. The purpose of a BAS upgrade is to enhance the system’s capabilities, enabling more precise control of building systems, improved data analytics, and enhanced integration with other building technologies.

Evaluating the Need for Each Approach

The decision to pursue RCx or a BAS upgrade should be based on a comprehensive assessment of your facility’s current performance and identified needs. RCx is typically recommended for buildings that have not been commissioned or have experienced significant changes since their initial commissioning. It is also beneficial for buildings exhibiting signs of operational inefficiencies, such as high energy consumption, occupant comfort issues, or frequent equipment malfunctions.

A BAS upgrade is more appropriate for buildings with an existing BAS that has become outdated or lacks the capabilities to meet current requirements. It may also be considered for buildings undergoing renovations or implementing new technologies that require integration with the BAS.

Comparative Analysis of RCx and BAS Upgrades

FactorRetrocommissioningBAS System Upgrade
ScopeComprehensive review of all building systemsFocused on the BAS
MethodologyField measurements, data analysis, and operational adjustmentsSoftware, hardware, or network upgrades
OutcomesImproved energy efficiency, enhanced occupant comfort, reduced maintenance costsEnhanced system capabilities, improved control accuracy, advanced data analytics
Investment CostsModerate to high, depending on the scopeCan range from low to high, depending on the extent of upgrades
Return on InvestmentTypically medium to long term, with potential savings of 15-30% in energy costsCan vary depending on the specific upgrades and their impact on energy savings and operational efficiency
analysis of BAS upgrade vs retro-commision

Determining the Optimal Choice

The decision between RCx and a BAS upgrade should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific needs and characteristics of your facility. If your building is exhibiting signs of operational inefficiencies and energy waste, RCx is likely to yield significant improvements in performance and cost savings. However, if your existing BAS is outdated or lacking in capabilities, a BAS upgrade may be necessary to achieve optimal control and automation.

In some cases, a combination of RCx and a BAS upgrade may be most effective. RCx can identify areas for improvement, while a BAS upgrade can provide the tools and capabilities to implement those improvements. This integrated approach can lead to the most comprehensive and sustainable optimization of your facility’s performance.

Conclusion

Retro-commissioning and BAS upgrades are both valuable tools for enhancing building performance and achieving operational excellence. By carefully evaluating your facility’s needs and considering the strengths and limitations of each approach, you can make an informed decision that will maximize the return on your investment and contribute to a more sustainable and efficient building operation.

If you are in Illinois, the best place to start is with a comprehensive free building energy efficiency assessment.

A Comprehensive Guide to Energy Efficiency in Hotels

building control energy efficiency

Enhancing Hospitality with Sustainability

The hospitality industry, with its vast network of hotels and resorts, plays a significant role in shaping global energy consumption patterns. As environmental concerns and resource scarcity become increasingly prominent, hotels are under pressure to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their energy footprint. Embracing energy efficiency not only benefits the environment but also enhances a hotel’s reputation, attracts eco-conscious clientele, and contributes to long-term cost savings.

Identifying Energy Consumption Patterns

The first step towards energy efficiency in hotels is to thoroughly understand current energy consumption patterns. This involves conducting a hospitality energy audit, which is a comprehensive assessment of the hotel’s energy across various parts of the hotel operations. The audit should identify areas of high energy consumption and potential inefficiencies, providing valuable insights for implementing targeted energy-saving measures.

A strong audit should start with current lighting systems, both in common areas and rooms. Common area lighting will typically have longer hours of operation, and therefore, more energy draw. But both are important, especially as customers spend more time in rooms typically and are impacted by the lighting in the room in how they perceive your space.

HVAC system, which are typically from a centralizes cooling and heating system, have a fan in each room to heat and cool the space. Again, the usage may be higher in the common areas, especially if the hotel has a pool, dining area, conference room, etc. These large spaces can be closed for large time periods at night or off times, and yet still heated and cooled like they are used 24/7.

Refrigeration systems are also critical to look at in hotels that have food service or storage. Refrigeration systems can use huge amounts of power, and modern EC motors and controls can save a ton of energy.

Finally, a control system is critical to measure and manage energy. You can’t change what you can’t measure is the old adage, and it is even more important in energy usage. If your hotel lacks a control system, modern Energy Management Systems can really impact monitoring how the energy is used, as well as adjusting settings to find deep savings.

Optimizing HVAC and Lighting Systems

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are typically the largest energy consumers in hotels. Implementing smart controls and optimizing HVAC operation schedules can significantly reduce energy consumption. Additionally, upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC equipment, such as variable-speed drives and high-efficiency chillers, can further enhance energy savings.

hotel energy efficiency in Chicago

Lighting systems are another major source of energy consumption in hotels. Replacing traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights can reduce lighting energy consumption by up to 80%. Additionally, installing occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting controls, and motion detectors can further optimize lighting usage.

Adopting Water-Efficient Practices

Water conservation is an integral part of energy efficiency in hotels. Implementing water-efficient fixtures, such as low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and high-efficiency toilets, can significantly reduce water consumption and associated energy costs. Additionally, educating guests about water conservation practices and encouraging towel reuse can further contribute to water savings.

Many hotels now offer towel replacement after 3 days, instead of the assumed every day. A small change that makes a huge impact in both energy and labor costs, and most hotel guests prefer this. For those that do not, a simple adjustment can be made to meet their needs.

Enhancing Building Envelope and Insulation

The building envelope, which includes walls, roofs, and windows, plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor temperature and reducing energy consumption. Upgrading insulation, sealing air leaks, and utilizing energy-efficient windows can significantly improve the building’s thermal performance, reducing heating and cooling costs.

It can be hard to make large capital changes to a hotel. But very simple door sweeps can make a big difference on heating, cooling, and more importantly – comfort. This small product can cost less than $5 and just a few minutes of labor from someone experienced, who you likely already have one staff.

Harnessing Renewable Energy Sources

Hotels can further reduce their environmental impact and energy costs by incorporating renewable energy sources into their operations. Installing solar panels to generate electricity, utilizing solar thermal systems for water heating, and exploring geothermal energy options can contribute to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.

Rural hotels have a huge advantage in this area – with the ability to put solar PV arrays on the ground near your hotel. This can save the problems that can impact roofs with solar systems, as well as make a more visible statement to your guests.

hospitality energy audit

Implementing Smart Building Technologies

Smart building technologies, such as building automation systems (BAS) and energy management systems, can provide real-time data on energy consumption patterns and enable automated adjustments to optimize energy usage. These systems can also monitor and control various building systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and appliances, to ensure efficient operation and reduce energy waste.

Promoting Sustainability Through Guest Engagement

Engaging guests in sustainability initiatives can enhance a hotel’s reputation and encourage eco-conscious practices. Providing clear information about the hotel’s sustainability efforts, offering incentives for conserving energy and water, and incorporating sustainable options into guest amenities can all contribute to a more environmentally responsible hospitality experience.

Enhancing Hospitality with Sustainability

The hospitality industry, with its vast network of hotels and resorts, plays a significant role in shaping global energy consumption patterns. As environmental concerns and resource scarcity become increasingly prominent, hotels are under pressure to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their energy footprint. Embracing energy efficiency not only benefits the environment but also enhances a hotel’s reputation, attracts eco-conscious clientele, and contributes to long-term cost savings.

Identifying Energy Consumption Patterns

The first step towards energy efficiency in hotels is to thoroughly understand current energy consumption patterns. This involves conducting an energy audit, which is a comprehensive assessment of the hotel’s energy usage across various departments and operations. The audit should identify areas of high energy consumption and potential inefficiencies, providing valuable insights for implementing targeted energy-saving measures.

A strong audit should start with current lighting systems, both in common areas and rooms. Common area lighting will typically have longer hours of operation, and therefore, more energy draw. But both are important, especially as customers spend more time in rooms typically and are impacted by the lighting in the room in how they perceive your space.

HVAC system, which are typically from a centralizes cooling and heating system, have a fan in each room to heat and cool the space. Again, the usage may be higher in the common areas, especially if the hotel has a pool, dining area, conference room, etc. These large spaces can be closed for large time periods at night or off times, and yet still heated and cooled like they are used 24/7.

Refrigeration systems are also critical to look at in hotels that have food service or storage. Refrigeration systems can use huge amounts of power, and modern EC motors and controls can save a ton of energy.

Finally, a control system is critical to measure and manage energy. You can’t change what you can’t measure is the old adage, and it is even more important in energy usage. If your hotel lacks a control system, modern Energy Management Systems can really impact monitoring how the energy is used, as well as adjusting settings to find deep savings.

Optimizing HVAC and Lighting Systems

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are typically the largest energy consumers in hotels. Implementing smart controls and optimizing HVAC operation schedules can significantly reduce energy consumption. Additionally, upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC equipment, such as variable-speed drives and high-efficiency chillers, can further enhance energy savings.

Lighting systems are another major source of energy consumption in hotels. Replacing traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights can reduce lighting energy consumption by up to 80%. Additionally, installing occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting controls, and motion detectors can further optimize lighting usage.

Adopting Water-Efficient Practices

Water conservation is an integral part of energy efficiency in hotels. Implementing water-efficient fixtures, such as low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and high-efficiency toilets, can significantly reduce water consumption and associated energy costs. Additionally, educating guests about water conservation practices and encouraging towel reuse can further contribute to water savings.

Many hotels now offer towel replacement after 3 days, instead of the assumed every day. A small change that makes a huge impact in both energy and labor costs, and most hotel guests prefer this. For those that do not, a simple adjustment can be made to meet their needs.

Enhancing Building Envelope and Insulation

The building envelope, which includes walls, roofs, and windows, plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor temperature and reducing energy consumption. Upgrading insulation, sealing air leaks, and utilizing energy-efficient windows can significantly improve the building’s thermal performance, reducing heating and cooling costs.

It can be hard to make large capital changes to a hotel. But very simple door sweeps can make a big difference on heating, cooling, and more importantly – comfort. This small product can cost less than $5 and just a few minutes of labor from someone experienced, who you likely already have one staff.

Harnessing Renewable Energy Sources

Hotels can further reduce their environmental impact and energy costs by incorporating renewable energy sources into their operations. Installing solar panels to generate electricity, utilizing solar thermal systems for water heating, and exploring geothermal energy options can contribute to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.

Rural hotels have a huge advantage in this area – with the ability to put solar PV arrays on the ground near your hotel. This can save the problems that can impact roofs with solar systems, as well as make a more visible statement to your guests.

Implementing Smart Building Technologies

Smart building technologies, such as building automation systems (BAS) and energy management systems, can provide real-time data on energy consumption patterns and enable automated adjustments to optimize energy usage. These systems can also monitor and control various building systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and appliances, to ensure efficient operation and reduce energy waste.

Whenever possible, an Energy Recovery Ventilator should be used in hospitality spaces because of how much energy they save, with up to 93% of energy saved by these new products.

Promoting Sustainability Through Guest Engagement

Engaging guests in sustainability initiatives can enhance a hotel’s reputation and encourage eco-conscious practices. Providing clear information about the hotel’s sustainability efforts, offering incentives for conserving energy and water, and incorporating sustainable options into guest amenities can all contribute to a more environmentally responsible hospitality experience.

Are Hotels a Good Location for EV Car Chargers?

Hotels can be good places for EV car chargers, but it depends on a few factors. Here are some of the pros and cons:

Pros:

  • Convenience for guests: Hotels are a natural stopping point for EV drivers on road trips, so having chargers on-site can be a major convenience for them. It allows them to charge their car while they sleep or eat, which can save them time and money.
  • Improved brand image: Hotels that offer EV charging can be seen as being more environmentally friendly and forward-thinking, which can appeal to eco-conscious customers.
  • Potential for additional revenue: Hotels can charge guests for using the chargers, which can generate additional income.

Cons:

  • Cost of installation: Installing EV chargers can be expensive, and hotels may not be willing to make the investment if they don’t think there will be enough demand. Hotels often have a lot of power being used, so there may not be available space on electrical panels for new service.
  • Limited availability: There may not be enough space at the hotel to install enough chargers for all of their guests, especially making service close to the parking lot. When there is a lot of space between the building at the parking lot, electric lines need to be trenched underground, which adds to costs.

Overall, whether or not hotels are good places for EV car chargers is a decision that each hotel will need to make on a case-by-case basis. There are both pros and cons to consider, and the decision will ultimately depend on the specific needs of the hotel and its guests. There is no doubt though that a growing number of hotel guests are driving EVs, and those hotels that build loyalty to those drivers will find dividends for years, whether they charge for the service or not. A full hotel room brings in a lot of revenue, and a full charge on an EV costs very little.

What Are Some Top Recommendations to Save Energy from a Hospitality Energy Audit

  • Converting Parking Lot lighting to LED is the right place to start, since parking lot lights are on all night long for most hotels and use a ton of energy. In addition, upgrading to LED can save money on maintenance, an unexpected benefit to this energy efficiency project.
  • Daylight harvesting and photocell systems are a very inexpensive tool to keep lights off during the day. Often costing less than $20 each, photocells turn off outdoor lights during the day and save a ton of energy and are better than timer clocks, that can become out of whack over time. Daylight harvesting is a strategy that dims indoor lights when there is plenty of daylight, savings energy and wasted system life. Daylight harvesting is great for pools and other sunny interior areas of a building.
  • Interior LED lighting conversions for the back of house are often still an opportunity at some place in a hotel. Most hotels have upgraded their public facing common area lighting to LED. However, we have seen back of house lighting are more often than not still fluorescent lighting, making these areas a big place to consider upgrading to LED. And since they are often not visible to the public, a Type A, B or C LED retrofit can be a great place to start and very fast payback.
  • Retrocommissioning saves a lot of energy for large hotels. This approach helps adjust the Building Automation System to get it back to original design. Retrocommissioning, or RCx, usually has low capital investment and only recommends adjustments that lead to a 1.5 year simple pay back.

How Do I Begin a Hospitality Energy Audit

Adopting energy-efficient practices is not only a responsibility towards the environment but also a strategic business decision for hotels in 2024. By implementing comprehensive energy-saving measures, hotels can reduce their operating costs, enhance their brand image, and attract an increasing number of environmentally conscious guests. As the world shifts towards a more sustainable future, hotels that embrace energy efficiency will be well-positioned for success and long-term growth.

The Potential of Passive Income from EV Car Charging Stations

passive income ev car charging stations

A Comprehensive Analysis for Illinois Businesses and Public Buildings


The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is rapidly gaining momentum, driven by environmental concerns, technological advancements, and government incentives. As EV adoption continues to rise, so does the demand for accessible charging infrastructure. This presents a significant opportunity for businesses to generate passive income by installing EV charging stations at their locations.

The Allure of Passive Income from EV Car Chargers: Freedom or Fantasy?

The idea of earning money while you sleep, travel the world, or pursue your passions is undeniably attractive. That’s the promise of passive income: a steady stream of cash flow generated with minimal ongoing effort. But before you dive headfirst into the latest “get rich quick” scheme, let’s peel back the layers and understand what passive income truly entails.

At its core, passive income comes from assets or systems that work for you, not the other way around. Rental properties, dividend-paying stocks, and established online businesses are classic examples. While upfront effort and investment are often required, the ongoing maintenance should be minimal. Imagine a rental property with a reliable tenant, or a blog that generates ad revenue even while you’re on vacation.

Remember, the key word here is “passive,” not “effortless.” Building any sustainable income stream takes time, research, and often some initial hard work. There’s no magic formula that guarantees riches without putting in your dues. Be wary of unrealistic claims or get-rich-quick schemes that promise passive income with little to no effort.

So, is passive income a path to financial freedom? It can be, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Carefully evaluate your skills, resources, and risk tolerance before choosing a path. Remember, there’s no substitute for hard work, smart planning, and a touch of patience. But if you’re willing to invest the time and effort, passive income can be a valuable tool to diversify your income streams and build a more secure financial future.

Passive income for a business, government building or non-profit is just as valuable as for an individual. It helps businesses improve the bottom line. It works as an additional form of income for government buildings, to help offset taxation or provide more services. Or a non-profit can treat passive income like additional donations, or help them achieve greater services to their clients.

EV Charging Stations: A Viable Passive Income Source

EV charging stations offer a compelling opportunity for businesses to generate passive income. Once installed, these stations require minimal ongoing effort to operate and maintain. Businesses can charge a fee for each charging session, creating a steady stream of revenue.

There is typically a cost to install the chargers, and then a cost each time the system is used. But, the amount you charge can be greater than the amount that you pay, generating passive income each time the system is used. As soon as you get past the initial investment of the system, the remainder of the charging income is all passive income, which could last for decades.

A new great input into this system is that in Illinois, utility programs are helping to cover some of the cost to install an EV Car Charger. This can help reduce the time it takes to recoup the investment, or speed up the time that passive income will come to the organization.

Factors Influencing Passive Income Potential

Several factors influence the amount of passive income a business can generate from EV charging stations:

  • Location: Installing chargers in high-traffic areas, such as shopping centers, workplaces, or public parking lots, can significantly increase usage and revenue. If there is an existing charger right next to your building, this makes your location less desirable. Unless that charger is always full, then adding one could be a big win.
  • Charging Speed: Offering a mix of Level 2 and DC fast chargers can cater to a wider range of EV users and potentially attract more customers.
  • Charging Fees: Setting competitive charging fees that align with local market rates and the type of chargers offered is crucial to attract and retain customers.
  • Partnerships: Collaborating with local businesses or organizations to promote the use of EV chargers can expand the customer base and boost revenue.
  • Maintenance: Regular maintenance of EV chargers ensures their reliability and uptime, minimizing disruptions to customer service and maximizing revenue potential.
EV Charging installations

Calculating Potential Passive Income

Estimating the potential passive income from EV charging stations requires considering several factors:

  • Average Daily Usage: Estimating the number of charging sessions per day based on location, traffic patterns, and charger type. More cars charging means more money.
  • Average Charging Fee: Determining the average fee per charging session based on local market rates and charger type. This can be a competitive rate, but more available chargers means you can likely charge less. If you are the only game in town, you can charge whatever you would like.
  • Operating Costs: Considering the costs of electricity, maintenance, and any applicable fees or taxes. Maintenance is relatively low on EV car chargers, but you do need to watch what how your energy rate changes and update your pricing accordingly.

By multiplying the average daily usage by the average charging fee and subtracting operating costs, businesses can estimate their potential daily passive income. This can be further extrapolated to project monthly or annual revenue.

There are several factors that impact how much electricty (kWh) flows from your charger into batteries, and how much you charge. Some chargers will use time as a rate, but most use the amount of electricity.

Electricity is based on amperacity, and voltage. Both of those are impacted by your electric panel, and the amount of electricity available in your building and panel. Most commercial building have 240V available, and we typically see at least 50 amps of power available now that most buildings have been doing LED lighting retrofits. So the power (kWh) is available as a formula of ampacity * voltage. The greater either of those inputs is, the greater the flow of energy will be to the cars.

Of course, how often the charger is used also impacts the amount of energy that flows. The longer the charging and more cars charging will lead to more passive income.

JB Pritzker EV charger
JB Pritzker touring EVBox in Libertyville, Illinois

Real-World Examples

Numerous businesses have successfully implemented EV charging stations and generated substantial passive income. For instance, a shopping mall in California reported earning over $20,000 per month from its EV charging stations. Similarly, a hotel chain in Texas generated over $10,000 per month from EV chargers installed at its properties.

We have installed EV car chargers for several libraries in Illinois, including Oak Park Library and Vernon Area Libraries. Those libraries do not charge for the users of this service, but they have instead brought another reason for usage of this public space. And for an institution like a library, that can add more value than an additional revenue stream, especially if they aspire to be local thought leaders.

Additional Considerations

Beyond the financial benefits, installing EV charging stations can enhance a business’s reputation for sustainability and innovation. This can attract environmentally conscious customers and strengthen the brand’s image.

How EV Car Charging impacts your image is likely positive in Illinois, but more rural areas can have different brand image impact on your business. So that is something to consider, but it also can bring in new clients that may not otherwise visit your establishment. EV car ownership is growing – so that means more future income and more future passive income.

1. Percentage of all new car sales:

  • In 2023, the share of the total US vehicle market captured by EVs was 7.6%, according to estimates from Kelley Blue Book. This is up from 5.9% in 2022.

2. Percentage of new light-duty vehicle sales:

  • Including hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles alongside battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the combined share of these electrified options reached 17.7% of new light-duty vehicle sales in the third quarter of 2023, according to the Energy Information Administration. This translates to around 15-16% for the whole year considering the increasing EV adoption throughout 2023.

Other Passive Income From Sustainability Projects

Along with generating passive income from EV Car Charging Access, there are several other ways to generate passive income from sustainability projects.

First are fast payback energy efficiency projects. If you have outdating lighting, HVAC, compressed air, or refrigeration – the savings each month can be calculated and compared to the savings to generate a payback on the investment. After the payback is achieved in 6 months to 3 years, the savings each month can be looked at as passive income.

Additionally, the same can be considered for a renewable energy project. After the payback is completed, the energy generated is passive income. I had a client do a renewable solar PV project on their roof simply as a way to deal with inflation in the future. He knew his investment would not need to be repeated, would only get more expensive, and the price of energy would only go up faster than other opportunities.

All three of these passive income opportunities, EV Car Charging, Energy Efficiency, and Solar PV, all have a lower capital investment if rebates and SREC incentives are taken advantage of by the building owner. And tax savings are additional reasons to consider these projects, and all of them have their own benefits via taxation, some that can even be assigned to another entity for non profits and government buildings via the 179D tax strategy.

Consider Goodwill as a Passive Income for Your Business

While income is super nice to add to any business, the fact is you probably make better margins on whatever you sell. You also likely spend some money on advertising to bring customers in the door.

EVs do not actually cost a lot of money to charge in Illinois because our energy rates are pretty low. At an average cost for businesses of $.12 per kWh, you can fill 300 miles on a car for about $10 to $15. And even at very fast speeds of level 2 charging, someone is likely going to put far less energy in their battery.

So if you sell a widget, and you make $10 of profit on each widget – giving away a few dollars of charging for a customer who is likely going to buy your widget is a great opportunity. If you have a high margin business, like a coffee or tea shop, it could be even more valuable. So basically, the more you make on each new customer, the more you can consider EV as a viable way to bring customers in the door by giving away free charging.

Employees love this as well, and depending on how sticky your employees are, you can help retain staff by offering this for them, whether it is paid or not. Do you have an employee of the month program? How about free charging for the winner? There are plenty of ways to use this resource as “goodwill” to drive your business forward, whether you charge or not for the electricity.

Conclusion

EV charging stations offer a promising avenue for businesses to generate passive income while contributing to the transition to a sustainable transportation future. By carefully considering location, charger types, pricing strategies, and partnerships, businesses can maximize their revenue potential from this emerging market. As EV adoption continues to grow, the demand for charging infrastructure will increase, presenting even greater opportunities for businesses to capitalize on this trend.

The Rise of EV Chargers in Public Libraries

energy efficiency for libraries

A Sustainable and Equitable Approach to Transportation

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum worldwide, driven by environmental concerns and advancements in battery technology. As EV adoption grows, so does the need for accessible charging infrastructure. Public libraries, with their central locations and commitment to community service, are emerging as ideal hubs for EV charging stations in Illinois.

Environmental Benefits

EVs offer significant environmental benefits over traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. They produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Installing EV chargers at public libraries encourages Illinois residents to adopt EVs, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier planet.

Most importantly for a library, they lead to better local air quality directly around the physical library location. Idling and starting combustion engine cars lead to exhaust – which is bad for the staff, residents, and kids that are using the library. Supporting and advocating for more electric vehicles is a positive to the local air quality for a library in meaningful ways.

This is both important because people walk to and from their car to the library, but more importantly, the outside air near a library is pulled inside for fresh air. Having less car exhaust and other pollutants near the library is important for the air quality inside this important public building.

EV Charging installations

Community Access and Equity

Public libraries are cornerstones of communities in Illinois, providing access to information, resources, and educational opportunities for all. By installing EV chargers, libraries expand their role as community hubs, promoting sustainable transportation options and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This is particularly beneficial for low-income residents who may not have access to EV charging at home.

Many people that are buying new cars do not have access to a garage and location that they can charge their vehicle. The more public locations available, means the more people in a community that can make this switch if they decide to. Whether a Plug in Hybrid vehicle or a full electric vehicle, both can be charged and supported by a public library.

Economic Advantages

The installation of EV chargers at public libraries can also bring economic benefits to Illinois. As more people switch to EVs, demand for charging stations will increase. Libraries that offer EV charging can attract new visitors, potentially boosting local businesses and revitalizing neighborhoods. Additionally, libraries can generate revenue from charging fees, which can be used to fund other library programs and services.

There are a variety of software that can be used to help charge different end users, either for free or at a cost to the charger. A myriad of ways can be designed, including free charging for library card holders, free charging for staff, subsidized charging, and more. The flexibility of this infrastructure is a huge benefit to both the library for potential income, and residents for access.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Many public libraries in Illinois are partnering with local governments, utilities, and businesses to install EV chargers. These partnerships leverage resources and expertise, ensuring that EV charging infrastructure is developed in a coordinated and sustainable manner. Additionally, partnerships can help libraries secure funding and obtain grants for EV charger installations.

In fact, Illinois and the federal government are both supporting these installations now in our community, and more and more municipal governments are supporting these efforts. Now is truly the time to consider this investment, because of the strong state, federal and utility support. More support means less out of pocket for a community.

Examples of Success

Several public libraries across Illinois have already successfully installed EV chargers. For instance, the Skokie Public Library has partnered with the village and a local utility to install chargers at the library. The project has been well-received by the community and has helped to increase EV adoption in the city.

Similarly, the Champaign Public Library has installed EV chargers at the library in partnership with the city. The library has also implemented educational programs to raise awareness about EVs and encourage residents to make the switch.

Finally, Vernon Area Public Library installed an EV car charger with the EV Match software installed in 2022 for free public consumption. This project allows charging access for residents and staff alike, and has been incredibly popular within the library district. It also shows the commitment and leadership that a library can have on important dialogues and public discussions. Who should make EV car charging accessible to the community – some library boards are saying we will be leaders on this topic because it is important to our building and overall future.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite the many benefits of installing EV chargers at public libraries in Illinois, there are also some challenges to consider. One challenge is the cost of installation and maintenance. Libraries may need to secure funding from external sources to cover these costs. Additionally, libraries need to establish policies and procedures for managing EV charging, including determining charging fees and ensuring equitable access for all users.

Locations of breakers and electrical conduit is important to consider for charging stations, especially how they relate to where a charging station might be located. Often, there is long runs of grass or parking lot between a building and the desired stations, which leads to higher costs for trenching and breaking up concrete. This can be mitigated with being flexible in desired locations.

In addition, libraries may have a limited amount of power available, either coming into the building or on existing electrical panels. However, the recent energy efficiency work that most libraries have undertaken with LED lighting upgrades have helped free up available space. As long as the desire for the number of charging stations is modest, we find most libraries currently have enough power to add several charging stations. Of course, adding 20 charging stations to a library would be unrealistic for most current buildings, and making that many available would lead to higher costs for bringing in larger electrical supply.

Do We Need a Permit to Add One or Two Stations

Yes, in most situation, a permit should be expected for adding an Electric Vehicle station to an existing library. An engineering study is often needed to determine the correct breakers and wire sizes for this kind of work in a public space.

However, as more and more engineering firms take on this style of work, costs are reducing and more efficiency and specialty firms are opening up. They have more experience in getting these permits, so therefore, less questions and time that needs to go into the permitting process. Inspectors are also getting more experience, which enables faster permit approval and less back and forth to determine that things are being done safely and within code.

We typically find a 40 amp charger to be the right size for a library, especially since most libraries have 220-270V space within their panels. This is usually about 4 times faster charging than available in most homes, depending on what is existing and available. With a 40 amp charger, typically a 50 amp breaker is required, but this needs to be determined by an engineering process. Bringing this framework to an engineer can help speed up the process and get them closer and faster to a solution.

Another important consideration is how far the charging station will be located from the breaker panel. The further away, the larger sized wire that needs to be used by code to account for the natural loss that occurs in long electricity runs. In one project we looked at, we were able to reduce the size of the wire by being very accurate in our measurements. In the second run of measurements, we saved several thousand dollars in wire costs by making sure it was accurate and not a higher assumption to be on the safe side.

Do We Require Protective Barriers for Charging Stations

If the charging station is free standing, and it is possible that a car can hit it, you absolutely should put up protective barriers to avoid this from happening. Even an accidental reverse can do huge damage and create an unsafe situation, as well as cost someone thousands of dollars to repair.

If a charging station is mounted to a wall, barriers may not be required. They could still be helpful, but have less of an opportunity to get a vehicle to directly impact it.

In general, it is better to be safe than sorry with electric vehicle charging stations in a public space, and local inspectors can be a good resource to help you navigate this topic. As can an experienced engineering firm, or experienced local contractor or energy efficiency firm.

What about Level 3 Fast Charging Stations

Level 1 charging stations are common in homes, level 2 charging stations are common in public and commercial spaces with 220-277V electricity available, and level 3 (or high voltage 480V and above) are rare. Level 3 chargers are very fast, often charging in under 20 minutes an entire 300 mile electric vehicle. These are important for places that people may stop during long distance trips and need a rapid recharge, or in places that have large commercial fleets for trucks that have been electrified.

Level 3 charging stations are not a good fit for most public libraries, since they are really a way to provide access to charging, and not fully fill an electric car in a very fast manner. While some library boards may elect to do this, most that we have worked with have done level 2 charging – fast and safe access to people that may be in the library for several hours and receive 50-75 miles of charge during that time.

ev charger install for a library

Future Direction for EV Car Charging Stations

As EV adoption continues to grow, the role of public libraries in providing EV charging infrastructure in Illinois is likely to expand. Libraries can play a crucial role in ensuring that sustainable transportation options are accessible to everyone, regardless of income or location. Additionally, libraries can continue to provide educational resources and programs to raise awareness about EVs and encourage their adoption.

Utility funding will also support this type of “beneficial electrification” in 2024, as supported by the CEJA law for energy efficiency in Illinois. The consistent support for this topic from our state and utility seems clear at this time, so we expect more and more support to be added over the next 10 years in Illinois. Utilities benefit from meeting state goals for providing access and support, as well as adding revenue to their clean power source and replacing gasoline powered purchases.

Why Library Boards are Making These Investments

The installation of EV chargers at public libraries in Illinois is a forward-thinking and sustainable approach to transportation. By providing accessible charging infrastructure, libraries are helping to reduce air pollution, promote equity, and foster a transition to a cleaner and more sustainable future. As EV adoption accelerates, public libraries will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of transportation in Illinois.

All that said, there is really one major reason libraries are driving (pun intended) this investment into electric vehicle charging infrastructure available to the public. Their constituents are requesting it and being responsible for taxpayer funds, they must listen and honor the desires of the community they serve. Many library boards are themselves leaning into this, getting ahead of public requests. But more and more people are buying EVs or desiring to buy partial or full electric vehicles, and that trend will continue into 2025 and beyond.

Just like our buildings evolved to allow public access to those that are disabled, our buildings and codes are evolving to make free and public access to charging so we can make a transition into the new future of transportation – one that is healthier, less impact on the environment, and even costs less for ownership.

Can Libraries Generate Revenue with EV Car Chargers or Should they be Free for Patrons?

Yes! Both! Or really, whatever the library would like to do, it is really up to each library board to decide how they would like the chargers to be used. We recommend chargers to be added that have a 3rd party software, enabling a library to charge or make it available to free. As long as the charger has the correct software, you can change your mind at any time and begin charging, or stop charging. We believe in access, and then making that decision each building at a time.

As a personal EV driver, I love paying for EV charging in public spaces. I don’t mind it – my EV is a PHEV, meaning I have limited mileage before an engine kicks on to generate electricity for the battery. When it is an option, I will gladly take it if it is easy to access and nearby a place I am visiting – especially if further than 10 miles from my home. However, when it is free, that is even better and leaves me with a positive feeling about the business, grocery store, or public place I visited.

So if the goodwill generated is worth more to the library than the revenue, that we support free charging access. If they want to have free access for patrons, but charge to anyone else who wants to stop by, that is possible. And finally, they can make it free for staff and/or village residents who pay taxes, and charge for those that are outside the village boundaries. Once you have the right charger and software, anything is possible.

How Do I Take the First Steps Toward EV Car Chargers in my Library?

If you would like to get started on the process of an Electric Vehicle charging station quote for your library, please call us at (773) 413-9587 or fill out our free assessment form. Never to early to start exploring.

We recommend generally exploring 2 chargers for a public building to start, and explore usage before expanding to a greater number. However, making sure the pathways are available on the initial installation for multiple chargers can be cost savings down the road, even if you do not install more than a few chargers. And no matter what, it doesn’t cost anything more than a little time to begin the process of exploring what might be right for your library.

Beneficial Electrification in Illinois

EV Charging installations

What is Beneficial Electrification?

Beneficial Electrification is a new and important concept being promoted in Illinois. This new term seems somewhat self-explanatory, you can benefit something by electrifying it. It is essentially the process of switching from fossil fuels to electricity. The source of how the energy is generated can be cleaner with this switch – fossil fuel sources are natural gas or petroleum, whereas electricity sources can come from renewable or nuclear sources that do not release carbon dioxide.  

In Illinois, beneficial electrification is supported by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which was passed in 2021. CEJA requires the state’s two largest utilities, Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) and Ameren, develop and implement beneficial electrification plans. These plans must include programs to support the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps, and other electric technologies. This is a policy priority of the Illinois government and supported by a lot of taxpayer funds, which are on each and every electric and natural gas utility bill in our state.  In fact, up to $85 million in Illinois Comed Rebates will be spent on businesses and government buildings in 2024 alone, in addition to the $450 million spent on energy efficiency.  

Benefits of Beneficial Electrification

There are many benefits to Beneficial Electrification (BE) and it’s important for several reasons. In general, BE will improve local air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Electricity can be generated from a variety of renewable sources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower. In fact, in 2022, 33% of our power came from Nuclear Power, and 42% from renewables such as wind, solar and hydroelectric.  

The reason our state passed this law is because it cares about climate change and our contribution to it as a society. Our lawmakers that we elected made this decision, and in my biased opinion, we have some of the most progressive state lawmakers in the country on this topic. The last 8 years were the hottest on record. The first level 5 hurricane hit the Pacific coast of Mexico this week. Record water temperatures in the gulf of Mexico is impacting marine life and intensifying storms. How we heat and cool our homes and how we transport ourselves directly impact this. You don’t have to believe this (I believe enough for the both of us), but you should be aware of the money that is going to be spent by our state programs on this, and if you don’t use this funding,  your competitors and neighboring towns will. As your energy efficiency consultant resource, it is our job to help keep you up to date on available funding.  

Improved air quality: Electric vehicles and heat pumps do not produce tailpipe emissions, which can help to improve air quality and reduce public health risks. 

On the point of local air quality, I’ve lived in Chicagoland my entire 45 years and I developed asthma as an adult when I moved into the city – no doubt in part because of our air quality. Electric vehicles, trucks and buses do not release emissions from their tailpipe, and therefore, improve local air quality when they replace traditional vehicles. Sure, the electricity generated does often have emissions, but it is not concentrated in the streets where our kids play and where we run and bike. 

Heart disease and strokes are also impacted by local air quality, something often overlooked. Trucks, buses, vehicle cars and coal power plants emit a lot of particulate matter, which can make its way through your lungs and into your bloodstream.  Eventually, the body protects you from them and clots form, a percentage of those can end up in the heart or brain. This is a scary fact of our modern world – food and stress are huge contributors to heart disease and stroke, but particulate matter should not be overlooked. In fact, one of the highest contributors to particulate matter in the air is small lawn care equipment and forklifts, incredibly well-suited for electrification.  

Economic benefits: Beneficial electrification can create jobs in the clean energy sector and help to reduce Illinois’ reliance on imported fossil fuels. The 30 jobs at Verde have been created as a result of our laws that support reducing our environmental impact.   

Energy efficiency: Electric appliances and vehicles are far more energy-efficient than their fossil fuel-powered counterparts. This can help to reduce operating costs for business and municipalities long term and relieve stress from that burden.  

benefits to electrifying our grid

Some other ways Beneficial Electrification can be applied:

  • Converting propane or diesel forklifts into electric/battery powered forklifts
  • Converting bus and truck fleets into electric vehicles.  You may not know this, but many of our local school districts are buying Lion Electric Buses made right here in Normal IL
  • Converting commuter vehicles to electric vehicles  
  • Replacing natural gas heating systems that are the end of life, like boilers, to heat pump systems. While capital intensive, these system upgrades have huge values to occupants like better room temperature control and better air quality
  • Adding EV car chargers at public businesses and government buildings for employees and customers

Here are just a few reasons why Illinois buildings should install EV charging stations:

  • Attract and retain customers. More and more people are buying electric vehicles, and they’re looking for places to charge them. By installing EV charging stations, you can attract new customers and encourage your existing customers to stay longer.
  • Improve your brand image. Customers and employees alike are increasingly looking to support businesses that are committed to sustainability. Installing EV charging stations shows that you’re a forward-thinking company that is serious about reducing its environmental impact.
  • Save money. In the long run, EV charging stations can save your business money on energy costs. Electricity is a cheaper and cleaner fuel than gasoline, and our utility company offers incentives for businesses to install EV charging stations.

If you’re a business owner or operate a government building, I encourage you to consider installing EV charging stations at your location. It’s a smart investment for your business, and it’s good for the environment.

electric trucks and vehicles

Concluding Thoughts

The truth is, electrifying heating, cooling and transit is becoming more affordable every day. The cost of renewable energy has come down dramatically in recent years and the cost of electric heat pumps and other efficient electric heating and cooling technologies is also declining. More and more of the cars on the road are electric vehicles and lifetime cost of ownership for an EV is actually cheaper than an internal combustion engine vehicle.  

When we burn fossil fuels to heat and cool our homes and businesses, as well as get around our community, we release harmful pollutants into the air. These pollutants can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. They also contribute to climate change.

But when we electrify heating and cooling, we eliminate these pollutants. We also reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which makes us less vulnerable to price shocks and supply interruptions.

So why should we electrify heating and cooling? Because it’s good for our health, good for the environment, and good for our economy.

And because it’s the right thing to do.

We have a responsibility to future generations to leave them a clean and healthy planet. Electrifying heating, cooling, and transportation is a state goal we can feel optimistic about achieving. 

If it has been a while, I highly encourage you to set up an energy efficiency assessment for your location to look for all the ways you can take advantage of an exciting and well funded 2024 program.

Energy Efficiency in Buildings Calculations

business energy efficiency

Energy efficiency in buildings is the ability to reduce energy consumption while maintaining the same level of comfort and functionality. It can be achieved through a variety of measures, such as improving insulation, air sealing, and window efficiency, as well as using more efficient lighting and HVAC systems. While using an energy efficiency consulting firm is ideal, much of it can be done in-house by your team.

Calculating Energy Efficiency in Buildings

There are a number of different ways to calculate energy efficiency in buildings. The most common approach is to use energy simulation software. This software takes into account a variety of factors, such as the building’s size, shape, orientation, materials, and climate, to estimate its energy consumption.

Another way to calculate energy efficiency is to use energy benchmarks. Energy benchmarks are comparisons of energy consumption between similar buildings. They can be used to identify buildings that are using more energy than they should and to develop energy efficiency strategies.

Factors that Affect Energy Efficiency in Buildings

There are a number of factors that affect energy efficiency in buildings, including:

  • Building type: Some building types, such as hospitals and data centers, are inherently more energy-intensive than others.
  • Building size: Larger buildings tend to be less energy-efficient than smaller buildings.
  • Building age: Older buildings are often less energy-efficient than newer buildings due to less stringent building codes and less efficient equipment.
  • Climate: Buildings in colder climates tend to use more energy for heating, while buildings in warmer climates tend to use more energy for cooling.
  • Building materials: Buildings that are made of materials with good insulation properties are more energy-efficient.
  • Window efficiency: Energy-efficient windows have a low U-factor and a high solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC).
  • Lighting efficiency: Energy-efficient lighting fixtures use less energy to produce the same amount of light.
  • HVAC system efficiency: Energy-efficient HVAC systems use less energy to heat and cool buildings.

Energy Efficiency Measures

There are a number of energy efficiency measures that can be implemented to reduce energy consumption in buildings. Some of the most common measures include:

  • Insulation: Insulation helps to keep buildings warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It can be added to walls, attics, and floors.
  • Air sealing: Air sealing helps to seal up gaps and cracks in buildings, which can prevent heat and cool air from escaping.
  • Efficient windows: Energy-efficient windows have a low U-factor and a high SHGC. This means that they allow less heat to escape in the winter and more heat to enter in the summer.
  • Efficient lighting: Energy-efficient lighting fixtures use less energy to produce the same amount of light. Some common types of energy-efficient lighting fixtures include LED lights and CFL lights.
  • Efficient HVAC systems: Energy-efficient HVAC systems use less energy to heat and cool buildings. Some common types of energy-efficient HVAC systems include heat pumps and programmable thermostats.

Benefits of Energy Efficiency in Buildings

There are a number of benefits to improving energy efficiency in buildings, including:

  • Reduced energy costs: Energy efficiency measures can help to reduce energy costs by reducing the amount of energy that buildings consume.
  • Reduced environmental impact: Energy efficiency measures can help to reduce the environmental impact of buildings by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.
  • Improved comfort: Energy efficiency measures can help to improve the comfort of buildings by making them more comfortable to live and work in.
  • Increased property value: Energy-efficient buildings are often more valuable than non-energy-efficient buildings.

Energy efficiency in buildings is an important way to reduce energy consumption, save money, and protect the environment. There are a number of different energy efficiency measures that can be implemented to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. The best measures to implement will vary depending on the specific building and its needs.

Here are some additional tips for improving energy efficiency in buildings:

  • Use natural light: Open up curtains and blinds during the day to let in natural light. This can help to reduce the need for artificial lighting.
  • Turn off lights and appliances when you’re not using them: This may seem obvious, but it’s important to turn off lights and appliances when you’re not using them to save energy.
  • Unplug electronics when they’re not in use: Electronics continue to use energy even when they’re turned off, so it’s a good idea to unplug them when you’re not using them.
  • Wash clothes in cold water: Heating water accounts for a significant portion of energy consumption in homes, so washing clothes in cold water can help to save energy.
  • Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature: The US Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.

By following these tips, you can help to improve energy efficiency. You can also use a free energy efficiency assessment if your building is located in Illinois – and let our experienced analysts do the calculations for you.

Why Use a Business Energy Consultant?

energy business consultant

While fortune 500 companies can access top tier consultants, they often have huge budgets to pay for energy efficiency consulting firms like Deloitte, Bain, Boston Consulting Group, and McKinsey and Company.  However, most companies are small businesses, and can’t get access to those firms. However, the good news is there are a variety of firms that can help you reach your goals and save energy for your business.  

Business Energy Consultants: How They Can Help You Save Energy in Illinois

Business energy consultants are professionals who help businesses reduce their energy consumption and costs. They do this by conducting energy audits, recommending energy-efficient upgrades, and negotiating better energy contracts.

In Illinois, businesses can benefit from working with a business energy consultant in a number of ways. For example, consultants can help businesses:

  • Save money on their energy bills. Energy costs can be a significant expense for businesses, especially in Illinois, where the cost of electricity is relatively high. A business energy consultant can help businesses identify ways to reduce their energy consumption, which can lead to significant savings on their energy bills.
  • Meet sustainability goals. Many businesses are committed to reducing their environmental impact. A business energy consultant can help businesses develop and implement energy-efficiency measures that can help them meet their sustainability goals.
  • Improve their bottom line. By reducing their energy consumption, businesses can improve their bottom line. This is because energy costs are a variable cost, meaning that they can fluctuate over time. By reducing their energy consumption, businesses can lock in a lower energy rate, which can help them to budget more effectively and improve their profitability.

How Do Business Energy Consultants Save Energy?

There are a number of ways that business energy consultants can help businesses save energy. Some of the most common methods include:

  • Conducting energy audits. An energy audit is a comprehensive assessment of a business’s energy usage. The audit will identify areas where energy is being wasted and make recommendations for improvement.
  • Recommending energy-efficient upgrades. There are a number of energy-efficient upgrades that businesses can make to reduce their energy consumption. These upgrades can include installing new lighting, upgrading HVAC systems, and weatherizing the building.
  • Negotiating better energy contracts. Businesses often have the option to choose their energy supplier. A business energy consultant can help businesses negotiate better energy contracts, which can lead to lower energy rates.  However, we encourage our customers to stay with Comed in our local geography – as we tend to see better rates from customers who stay and focus on investing in energy efficiency. 

How to Choose a Business Energy Consultant

When choosing a business energy consultant, it is important to consider a few factors, such as:

  • The consultant’s experience. Make sure to choose a consultant who has experience working with businesses in Illinois.
  • The consultant’s qualifications. The consultant should be certified by a recognized organization, such as the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).
  • The consultant’s fees. The consultant’s fees should be transparent and competitive.  Verde Energy Efficiency Experts offers free assessments in Chicagoland for our customers.

Where to Find a Business Energy Consultant

Business energy consultants can be a valuable resource for businesses in Illinois. By working with a consultant, businesses can identify ways to reduce their energy consumption and costs, meet sustainability goals, and improve their bottom line.

Here are some additional tips for businesses that are considering working with a business energy consultant:

  • Get multiple quotes from different consultants.
  • Be clear about your goals and objectives.
  • Be prepared to make changes to your operations.
  • Be patient. It may take some time to see results.

Working with a business energy consultant can be a great way to save energy and money. By following these tips, businesses can find the right consultant for their needs and achieve their energy-saving goals.  Please give us a call to discuss more at 773.413.9587 or info@verde.expert.

Top Energy Efficiency Consulting Firms in the United States

energy efficiency consulting firm chicago

In our Chicago-based energy efficiency company, we love to read publications from national thought leaders around energy efficiency.  Here is a list of the top consulting firms that focus on energy efficiency.  Please also consider reading our more local list on the top 10 sustainable leaders in Chicagoland.  

McKinsey & Company – Global Management Consulting Firm

McKinsey & Company is a global management consulting firm that helps organizations across the private, public, and social sectors solve their most pressing challenges. McKinsey has a strong track record in energy efficiency, having helped clients save billions of dollars through energy efficiency projects. McKinsey’s energy efficiency consulting services include:

  • Strategic planning and implementation
  • Technical assessments and benchmarking
  • Financial analysis and modeling
  • Program management and execution
  • Measurement and verification

Boston Consulting Group – Global Management Consulting Firm

Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is another leading global management consulting firm that offers energy efficiency consulting services. BCG has helped clients in a variety of industries improve their energy efficiency, including the manufacturing, retail, and healthcare sectors. BCG’s energy efficiency consulting services include:

  • Portfolio optimization
  • Demand-side management
  • Renewable energy procurement
  • Energy efficiency financing
  • Carbon emissions reduction

Bain &  Company – Global Energy Efficiency Consulting Services

Bain & Company is a third global management consulting firm that provides energy efficiency consulting services. Bain has helped clients in a variety of industries reduce their energy use and costs, including the energy, transportation, and utilities sectors. Bain’s energy efficiency consulting services include:

  • Market research and analysis
  • Technology assessment and selection
  • Vendor negotiations and contracting
  • Project management and execution
  • ROI tracking and measurement

Ernst & Young – Global Professional Services Firm

EY (Ernst & Young) is a global professional services firm that offers energy efficiency consulting services. EY has helped clients in a variety of industries improve their energy efficiency, including the commercial real estate, manufacturing, and transportation sectors. EY’s energy efficiency consulting services include:

  • Energy audits and assessments
  • Energy benchmarking and reporting
  • Energy management systems implementation
  • Demand-side management programs
  • Renewable energy procurement

Deloitte – Global Energy Efficiency Consulting Firm

Deloitte is another global professional services firm that offers energy efficiency consulting services. Deloitte has helped clients in a variety of industries reduce their energy use and costs, including the financial services, healthcare, and retail sectors. Deloitte’s energy efficiency consulting services include:

  • Energy strategy development
  • Portfolio optimization
  • Technology assessment and selection
  • Project management and execution
  • ROI tracking and measurement

In addition to the above firms, there are a number of other smaller, boutique energy efficiency consulting firms that offer specialized services. These firms may be a good option if you have a specific energy efficiency challenge that requires a customized solution.  Verde offers these services on a local level, and specializes in free energy efficiency auditing services for businesses and municipal buildings.  

No matter which energy efficiency consulting firm you choose, it is important to make sure that you have a clear understanding of your goals and objectives before you start working with them. This will help to ensure that you get the most out of the engagement and achieve the desired results.  We call this our pre-qualification phase, understanding how the buildings is used and what the goals are for the leadership of the organization.  

Factors to consider when choosing an energy efficiency firm:

  • The firm’s experience and expertise in the energy efficiency industry
  • The firm’s track record of success
  • The firm’s size and resources
  • The firm’s fees
  • The firm’s communication and collaboration style

The Benefits of a No Loss Condensate Drain

compressed air energy efficiency

A no loss condensate drain is a device that removes condensate from a compressed air system without allowing any compressed air to escape. This is in contrast to a manual drain or a timed drain, which both allow some compressed air to escape when the condensate is removed. There can be huge energy savings, as well as potentially large rebates and incentives from the local utility energy efficiency program, when installing this product.

There are a number of benefits to no loss condensate drains.

  • Reduced energy costs: Compressed air is a valuable resource, and any loss of compressed air can lead to increased energy costs. A no loss condensate drain helps to prevent this by eliminating the loss of compressed air when the condensate is removed.
  • Improved air quality: Condensate can contain moisture, oil, and other contaminants. If this condensate is not removed from the compressed air system, it can contaminate the air and lead to problems with the system and the products that are produced with the air. A no loss condensate drain helps to prevent this by removing the condensate before it can contaminate the air.
  • Increased system uptime: Condensate can also cause corrosion and blockages in the compressed air system. This can lead to downtime and repairs. A no loss condensate drain helps to prevent this by removing the condensate before it can cause damage to the system.
  • Reduced maintenance costs: A no loss condensate drain can help to reduce maintenance costs by eliminating the need to manually drain the condensate. This can save time and money.
  • Improved safety: Condensate can be a health hazard, especially in food and pharmaceutical industries. A no loss condensate drain helps to prevent the spread of contaminants and the risk of injury.

Overall, a no loss condensate drain is a valuable investment for any business that uses compressed air. It can help to save energy, improve air quality, increase system uptime, reduce maintenance costs, and improve safety.

Some additional benefits of a no loss condensate drain:

  • Increased product quality: A no loss condensate drain can help to improve the quality of products that are produced with compressed air. This is because the air will be free of moisture and other contaminants, which can affect the quality of the products.
  • Extended equipment life: A no loss condensate drain can help to extend the life of compressed air equipment by preventing corrosion and blockages. This can save money on repairs and replacements.
  • Reduced noise levels: A no loss condensate drain can help to reduce noise levels in the workplace. This is because the condensate is removed quietly, without the need for a noisy pump or valve.

If you are considering installing a no loss condensate drain, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that the drain is compatible with your compressed air system. Second, you need to choose a drain that is the right size for your system. Third, you need to install the drain properly.

A no loss condensate drain is a wise investment for any business that uses compressed air. It can help to save money, improve air quality, increase system uptime, and reduce maintenance costs. If you are considering installing a no loss condensate drain, I encourage you to do so. The benefits are clear, and the investment is well worth it.

The Importance of Converting to LED Display Case Lighting

replacing t8 lights in coolers

Light emitting diode (LED) lighting is quickly becoming the standard for display case lighting. This is due to a number of advantages that LED lights have over traditional lighting technologies, such as incandescent and fluorescent lights.

Energy Efficiency

One of the biggest advantages of LED lights is their energy efficiency. LED lights use up to 75% less energy than incandescent lights and up to 50% less energy than fluorescent lights. This can lead to significant savings on energy bills, especially for businesses that have a lot of display cases.

Long Lifespan

Another advantage of LED lights is their long lifespan. LED lights can last up to 20 years, which is much longer than the lifespan of incandescent lights (1,000 hours) and fluorescent lights (10,000 hours). This means that businesses that convert to LED display case lighting will need to replace their lights much less often, which can save them money in the long run. Our preference for quality and long life span is the Philips Display Case products.

Color Consistency

LED lights also offer better color consistency than traditional lighting technologies. This is important for businesses that want to display their products in the best possible light. LED lights can produce a wide range of colors, and they do so consistently, which can help businesses to create a more visually appealing display.

Durability

LED lights are also more durable than traditional lighting technologies. They are not as susceptible to damage from vibration, heat, and moisture, which makes them ideal for use in display cases that are located in high-traffic areas.

Instantaneous On/Off

LED lights also turn on instantly, unlike fluorescent lights, which can take several seconds to warm up. This is important for businesses that want to be able to turn their display cases on and off quickly, such as in retail stores that are open late at night.

Dimmable

LED lights are also dimmable, which gives businesses more control over the light levels in their display cases. This can be useful for creating a variety of moods and atmospheres, such as a warm and inviting atmosphere in a retail store or a cool and sophisticated atmosphere in a museum.

Environmentally Friendly

LED lights are also more environmentally friendly than traditional lighting technologies. They do not contain mercury, which is a toxic substance that is harmful to the environment. LED lights also produce less heat than traditional lighting technologies, which can help to reduce energy consumption and air pollution.

Overall, LED display case lighting offers a number of advantages over traditional lighting technologies. Businesses that convert to LED lighting can save money on energy bills, reduce their environmental impact, and improve the appearance of their products.

In addition to the advantages mentioned above, LED display case lighting can also help to:

  • Improve the visibility of products
  • Increase sales
  • Create a more inviting and attractive shopping experience
  • Enhance the overall appearance of a business

If you are considering converting to LED display case lighting, I encourage you to do so. The benefits are clear, and the investment is well worth it.

Here are some additional things to consider when converting to LED display case lighting:

  • The type of LED light fixture you choose will depend on the size and shape of your display case, as well as the desired light output.
  • You will also need to choose the right color temperature for your LED lights. The color temperature of a light is measured in Kelvin (K). Warmer light temperatures (2700-3000K) create a more inviting and relaxing atmosphere, while cooler light temperatures (4000-5000K) create a more crisp and professional atmosphere.
  • LED lights can be dimmed, so you can adjust the light output to create the desired mood or atmosphere.
  • LED lights are typically more expensive than traditional lighting technologies, but the upfront cost is offset by the savings on energy bills and maintenance costs.

If you are still unsure about whether or not to convert to LED display case lighting, I recommend talking to a lighting or energy efficiency consultant. They can help you to choose the right LED lights for your needs and budget, as well as often find rebates and incentives to help offset the cost of an upgrade.

Connection Between Energy Efficiency and Air Pollution

air pollution and energy usage

Air pollution and energy efficiency are two of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the world today. Air pollution is caused by the release of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, while energy efficiency is the use of less energy to achieve the same outcome. Both air pollution and energy inefficiency have significant negative impacts on human health, the environment, and the economy.

However, there are also synergies between air pollution and energy efficiency. By taking steps to improve energy efficiency, we can also reduce air pollution. This is because many of the same measures that can improve energy efficiency can also reduce air pollution emissions. For example, using more efficient appliances and LED lighting in Chicagoland can reduce energy consumption and also reduce emissions of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.

In addition, improving energy efficiency can help to reduce the need for new power plants, which can also help to reduce air pollution emissions. This is because new power plants often emit more pollutants than older, more efficient power plants.

What Causes Poor Air Quality?

There are a wide variety of things that cause poor air quality, some natural and many are man-made. They ebb and flow with the seasons, especially during the hot and dry seasons.

Natural causes to poor air quality are quite varied by region. Locally, in Illinois, we have seen a huge impact on local air quality from wildfires in Canada. Much of the Western United State struggles with this, with wildfires being exasperated by climate change. Climate change makes droughts more common, leading to prolonged spread of fire from dry forests and underbrush.

Humans have also impacted fires in the United States, with a long history of preventing and putting out fires. This allows a large buildup of fuel, so when a fire burns, it really gets going. Small burns of forests are actually quite healthy, as it allows new trees to develop and grow. Some seeds need fire to get started.

Volcanoes also impact air quality, although not as much in our area.

More local to us, farming practices can impact air quality. The last 100 years has shows farming practices that strip the land each year, and plant fresh. This can lead to soil erosion in a dry spring and winter – so windy weather will actually pick a lot of topsoil and dirt up into the air and send it miles. This was prevalent in the early 1900s, and we have all the tools to fix this. But it means changing some practices that farmers have done for hundreds of years.

Energy production creates a lot of poor air quality, most notable is coal energy power plants. They release a lot of emissions, not just global warming CO2. From mercury to particulate matter – coal power plants are among the worst polluters on our planet. In fact, they can lead to early deaths for people, as particulate matter ends up in our lungs and clots form around it to lead to heart attacks and strokes.

There is a lot of industry that leads to poor air quality, like steel and chemical manufacturing. While most obvious to us – think of the Lorax story and the obvious smoke coming from the stack – most pollution is smaller and not something you would think about. Home fires burn not just the wood on a home, but all the little plastic and materials that are dangerous when burned. And considering that there are 400,000 house fires in the United States each year – that is a lot of pollution.

Finally, tail pipe emissions are a huge source of local air quality issues, especially in areas where the smog can get trapped like valleys. I was in Los Angeles at least 4 times before I realized you could see the mountains nearby from the beach, because of how much smog gets trapped by the natural boundaries.

In these terms, each car that we convert from fossil fuels to EV makes a large difference, even though the electricity is still produced somewhere – it isn’t locally within your city. It is also less emissions in general, and there is the opportunity for nuclear, wind and solar, which have no emissions.

And, those that use public transit and bicycling or walking are even better, as no energy is used for each additional rider.

Air Quality Outside Your Building vs Inside

It is important to think of these as two very different conversations, although closely intertwined. As more of the United States is seeing the impact of wildfire smoke during the summer seasons – outdoor air quality is important for our way of life. Nothing replaced being outside and enjoying fresh air – which is hard to do when the air quality is poor.

Breathing isn’t just about taking in air; it’s about taking in clean air. But how do we know when the air outside is safe to breathe? Enter the fascinating world of air quality measurement, a complex yet crucial endeavor that impacts our health and well-being.

The workhorses of air quality monitoring are ground-based stations. Equipped with sophisticated sensors, these stations continuously sample the air, sniffing out harmful pollutants like fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10), ground-level ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. Each pollutant has its own detection method. For example, lasers dance within the stations, measuring the amount of light scattered by tiny particles, revealing their presence and concentration.

But ground stations aren’t loners. Satellites play a crucial role too. Their eagle-eyed view allows them to track air pollution over vast areas, capturing large-scale events like dust storms or wildfires. By analyzing the reflected or emitted light, satellites can map pollutant concentrations, providing valuable insights for regional and global air quality assessments.

The data collected from both ground and space isn’t just a bunch of numbers. It’s carefully processed and analyzed to create the Air Quality Index (AQI), a simple yet powerful tool for public understanding. The AQI translates complex pollutant concentrations into a single number, categorized by color (green, yellow, orange, red, purple) that reflects the health risk associated with those levels. This allows everyone, from policymakers to individuals, to quickly grasp the state of their air and make informed decisions.

So, the next time you check the weather report, remember to glance at the air quality index as well. It’s a reminder that the air we breathe is a precious resource, and understanding its quality is essential for a healthy planet and healthy lives.

chicago skyline with good air quality

Indoor air quality is different – and dependent on how your building filters air. A very reputable HVAC technician once told me that we work so hard to clean and purify our air, why would you open the windows to let in the outside dirty air. While I don’t agree with him, I do understand what he was trying to say. Our air in our buildings is often cleaner than the air outside.

Ensuring clean, healthy air in buildings is crucial for our well-being and productivity. Fortunately, several methods exist to filter air and create a more comfortable environment. Here’s a glimpse into the world of building air filtration and best practices:

The Filtration Arsenal for Indoor Air Quality

The workhorses of air filtration are HVAC systems. These giants pull in outside air, filter it through various mechanisms, and distribute it throughout the building. The filtration levels vary depending on the system and filters used. Common options include:

  • MERV-rated filters: These capture particles of different sizes, with higher MERV numbers indicating better efficiency. MERV 13 or higher is often recommended for buildings, especially in areas with higher pollution levels.
  • HEPA filters: These filters capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger, making them highly effective for allergy and asthma sufferers. However, they require more powerful systems and can restrict airflow.
  • Activated carbon filters: These remove gaseous pollutants like VOCs and odors, improving overall air quality.

While HVAC systems are crucial, additional measures can enhance air quality:

  • Source control: This involves minimizing pollutants at their source, like using low-VOC paints and cleaning products.
  • Natural ventilation: When possible, opening windows and doors allows fresh air to circulate, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.
  • Air purifiers: Portable units can target specific areas, especially beneficial for removing allergens or smoke.
  • Regular maintenance: Replacing filters regularly and maintaining HVAC systems is key to optimal performance.
  • Conduct regular air quality tests: Identify specific pollutants and tailor filtration solutions accordingly.
  • Consult with HVAC professionals: They can recommend the right filtration system and maintenance schedule for your needs.
  • Invest in high-quality filters: Opting for MERV 13 or higher filters can significantly improve air quality.
  • Monitor CO2 levels: High CO2 levels indicate poor ventilation and can impact occupant health. Aim for levels below 1,000 ppm.
  • Educate occupants: Promote healthy habits like handwashing and avoiding bringing allergens into the building.

By understanding air filtration methods and implementing best practices, we can create healthier and more comfortable environments in our buildings, leading to improved well-being and productivity for everyone within. Remember, clean air is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for a healthy and thriving society.

The Synergies between Air Pollution and Energy Efficiency

There are many ways in which air pollution and energy efficiency can have synergies. Some of the most important synergies include:

  • Improved air quality: Improving energy efficiency can lead to reduced emissions of air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. These pollutants can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.
  • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Improving energy efficiency can also lead to reduced emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide. Greenhouse gases contribute to climate change, which is a major environmental threat.
  • Lower energy costs: Improving energy efficiency can help to lower energy costs, which can benefit businesses and consumers. This can also help to reduce the need for new power plants, which can further reduce air pollution emissions.
  • Job creation: The transition to a more energy-efficient economy can create jobs in a variety of sectors, such as manufacturing, construction, and installation. This can help to boost economic growth and create a more sustainable future.
  • Improved public health: Improving air quality can lead to improved public health, as people are less likely to suffer from respiratory problems and other health problems caused by air pollution. This can lead to a healthier and more productive workforce.

Examples of Synergies between Air Pollution and Energy Efficiency

There are many examples of synergies between air pollution and energy efficiency. Some of the most notable examples include:

  • The use of renewable energy: Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, do not produce air pollution emissions. This makes them a good option for reducing air pollution and improving air quality.
  • The use of energy-efficient appliances and lighting: Energy-efficient appliances and lighting use less energy than traditional appliances and lighting. This can lead to reduced emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases.
  • The use of public transportation: Public transportation is a more energy-efficient way to travel than private vehicles. This can help to reduce air pollution emissions from transportation.
  • The development of smart grids: Smart grids are more efficient than traditional power grids. This can help to reduce energy consumption and air pollution emissions.
  • The implementation of energy efficiency standards: Energy efficiency standards can help to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, appliances, and other products. This can lead to reduced emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases.

Ways to Improve Energy Efficiency

The synergies between air pollution and energy efficiency are clear. By taking steps to improve energy efficiency, we can also reduce air pollution and improve public health. This is a win-win situation for both the environment and the economy.

There are many ways to improve energy efficiency. Some of the most effective measures include:

By taking these steps, we can all help to improve air quality and protect our environment.

How to Electrify a Commercial Building in Chicagoland

commercial recycling

What is Commercial Electrification?

Commercial electrification is the process of replacing fossil-fuel burning equipment in a commercial building with electric equipment. This includes replacing boilers, furnaces, water heaters, and other appliances with electric equivalents like VRF and ERV systems. Electrification can also include installing electric vehicle charging stations and other renewable energy technologies.

Why Electrify a Commercial Building in Chicago?

There are many reasons why commercial building owners in Chicago should consider electrifying their buildings. Here are a few of the benefits:

  • Reduced emissions: Electrification can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), commercial buildings account for about 17% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. By electrifying their buildings, commercial building owners can help to reduce their environmental impact.
  • Energy efficiency: Electric appliances are typically more energy-efficient than their fossil fuel-burning counterparts. This means that electrifying a commercial building can help to reduce energy costs. According to the EPA, commercial buildings spend about $120 billion per year on energy. By electrifying their buildings, commercial building owners can save money on their energy bills.
  • Improved air quality: Electric appliances produce fewer emissions than fossil fuel-burning appliances. This can help to improve air quality, which can benefit the health of building occupants and the surrounding community. According to the EPA, air pollution is responsible for about 200,000 premature deaths in the United States each year. By electrifying their buildings, commercial building owners can help to improve air quality and reduce the number of premature deaths.
  • Increased comfort: Electric appliances can provide a more comfortable environment for building occupants. For example, electric heat pumps can provide more precise temperature control than traditional furnaces. This can be especially beneficial in buildings with large temperature swings.
  • New opportunities for renewable energy: Electrification can create new opportunities for commercial building owners to use renewable energy. For example, commercial buildings can install solar panels to generate their own electricity. This can help to reduce their reliance on the grid and save money on their energy bills.

How to Electrify a Commercial Building in Chicago

There are a few different ways to electrify a commercial building in Chicago. The best approach will vary depending on the specific building and its needs. Here are some of the options:

  • Retrofit: This involves replacing existing fossil fuel-burning equipment with electric equipment. This can be a cost-effective option for buildings that are already well-insulated and have a good electrical infrastructure. Verde recently help convert a boiler based and water cooled system in Oak Park IL to heat pump based systems. On the -10 degree day in December, the building was warm and toasty.
  • New construction: This involves designing and building a new building that is fully electric. This can be a more expensive option, but it can also be more efficient and sustainable.
  • Hybrid approach: This involves a combination of retrofit and new construction. This can be a good option for buildings that are not yet ready for a full retrofit.
Recent Building Electrification Project by Verde in Oak Park, IL

The Cost of Electrifying a Commercial Building in Chicago

The cost of electrifying a commercial building in Chicago will vary depending on the size and type of building, the equipment that is being replaced, and the cost of labor. However, in general, electrification can be a cost-effective investment. According to a study by the Rocky Mountain Institute, the average payback period for electrifying a commercial building is about 10 years.

Incentives for Electrifying Commercial Buildings in Chicago

There are a number of incentives available to commercial building owners who electrify their buildings. These incentives can include tax breaks, rebates, and grants. The specific incentives available will vary depending on the city and state.

Conclusion

Electrification is a promising way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and save money on energy costs. Commercial building owners in Chicago who are considering electrifying their buildings should carefully evaluate their options and take advantage of the available incentives.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, electrification can also help commercial building owners to improve their energy security and resilience. By reducing their reliance on fossil fuels, commercial building owners can better withstand disruptions to the energy supply. This is especially important in a city like Chicago, which is prone to extreme weather events.

If you are a commercial building owner in Chicago and you are interested in learning mhttps://www.verde.expert/contact/free-energy-assessment/ore about electrification, I encourage you to contact your local utility company or a qualified energy advisor.

The Importance of Cleaning Outdoor Coils for Commercial RTUs

high efficiency hvac

The Importance of Cleaning Outdoor Air Conditioning Coils

Air conditioning units are essential for keeping commercial buildings cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. However, over time, the outdoor coils of these units can become dirty and clogged with dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris. This can lead to a number of problems, including:

  • Reduced efficiency: When the coils are dirty, they cannot transfer heat as effectively, which can lead to your air conditioner working harder and using more energy. This can increase your energy bills by up to 20%.
  • Shortened lifespan: The coils are an important part of your air conditioner, and if they are not properly maintained, they can wear out prematurely. This can lead to costly repairs or even the need to replace your entire unit.
  • Poor indoor air quality: The dirty coils can also become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which can release harmful allergens into the air. This can cause respiratory problems for people with allergies or asthma.

To prevent these problems, it is important to clean the outdoor coils of your air conditioning unit on a regular basis. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the environment in which your unit is located. In areas with a lot of dust and pollen, you may need to clean the coils more often.

Different ways to clean outdoor air conditioning coils.

You can do it yourself, or you can hire a professional. If you choose to do it yourself, there are a few things you will need:

  • A garden hose
  • A mild detergent
  • A brush
  • A ladder

First, disconnect the power to the air conditioner. Then, use the garden hose to rinse off the coils. Be careful not to spray too much water directly onto the unit, as this can damage the electrical components.

Next, mix the mild detergent with water and apply it to the coils with the brush. Be sure to scrub all of the dirt and debris away.

Finally, rinse the coils again with the garden hose and dry them with a towel.

If you are not comfortable cleaning the coils yourself, you can hire a professional to do it for you. This is the best option if you have a large unit or if the coils are very dirty.

Regularly cleaning the outdoor coils of your air conditioning unit is an important way to keep your unit running efficiently and prevent costly repairs. It is also a good way to improve the indoor air quality in your building.

In addition to cleaning the coils, there are a few other things you can do to keep your air conditioning unit running properly:

  • Change the air filter regularly.
  • Have the unit serviced by a qualified technician once a year.
  • Keep the unit clear of debris and obstructions.

By following these simple tips, you can help extend the life of your air conditioning unit and keep your building cool and comfortable all summer long.

Additional benefits of cleaning outdoor air conditioning coils:

  • Reduced noise: When the coils are clean, they can operate more efficiently, which can lead to reduced noise levels.
  • Increased lifespan of other components: The condenser fan and compressor are also affected by dirty coils. Cleaning the coils can help extend the lifespan of these components.
  • Improved appearance: A clean air conditioning unit looks better and can add to the curb appeal of your building.

If you are concerned about the condition of your air conditioning unit’s coils, or if you are not comfortable cleaning them yourself, it is a good idea to have a qualified technician inspect them. They can determine if the coils need to be cleaned and can also recommend other maintenance procedures that may be necessary.

If you are in the Chicagoland area, Verde Energy Efficiency Experts can help and even benefit from Utility Rebates and Incentives to help you keep your HVAC equipment clean and efficient.

What Does a Ballast Do for LED Lighting?

led ballast

What Does a Ballast Do for LED Lights?

A ballast is a device that regulates the flow of electricity to a light bulb. It is used in fluorescent and HID (high-intensity discharge) lights to ensure that the bulbs operate at the correct voltage and current. Ballasts are not necessary for LED lights, as LEDs do not require the same level of regulation.

How Does a Ballast Work?

A ballast works by converting the incoming AC (alternating current) voltage to a DC (direct current) voltage that is suitable for the light bulb. It also provides a starting current that is higher than the operating current, which helps the bulb to start up.

Types of Ballasts

There are two main types of ballasts: magnetic ballasts and electronic ballasts. Magnetic ballasts are older and less efficient, but they are also less expensive. Electronic ballasts are newer and more efficient, but they are also more expensive.

Do LED Lights Need a Ballast?

LED lights do not need a ballast. LEDs are self-regulating, which means that they do not require the same level of voltage and current regulation as fluorescent and HID lights. This makes LEDs more efficient and longer-lasting than traditional light bulbs.

Can LED Lights Work with a Ballast?

Yes, LED lights can work with a ballast. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • The ballast must be compatible with the LED lights.
  • The ballast may not be able to provide the correct amount of current for the LED lights.
  • The ballast may not be able to dim the LED lights.

If you are considering using a ballast with LED lights, it is important to consult with a lighting professional to ensure that the system will work properly.

led lighting change of ballast

Benefits of Using LED Lights without a Ballast

There are a few benefits to using LED lights without a ballast:

  • Increased efficiency: LED lights are more efficient than traditional light bulbs, and they do not require a ballast, which can further improve their efficiency.
  • Longer lifespan: LED lights have a much longer lifespan than traditional light bulbs, and they do not require a ballast, which can further extend their lifespan.
  • Reduced maintenance: LED lights require less maintenance than traditional light bulbs, and they do not require a ballast, which can further reduce maintenance costs.

Conclusion

LED lights do not need a ballast. This makes them more efficient, longer-lasting, and easier to maintain than traditional light bulbs. If you are considering using LED lights, it is important to consult with a lighting professional to ensure that the system will work properly.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, LED lights also offer a number of other advantages over traditional light bulbs, including:

  • They produce less heat, which can help to reduce energy costs and improve comfort.
  • They are available in a wide variety of colors and styles.
  • They are dimmable, which can be useful for creating a variety of lighting effects.

If you are looking for a more efficient, long-lasting, and versatile lighting solution, LED lights are a great option.

How Does Daylighting Harvesting Work in LED Lighting Systems?

Night and security led

Daylight Harvesting: A Guide to Energy-Efficient Lighting

Daylight harvesting is a control strategy that uses natural light to reduce the amount of electricly driven LED lighting required in a space. This can lead to significant energy savings, as well as a number of other benefits, such as improved occupant comfort and productivity. In this article, we will talk about how daylight harvesting works, why it is important, and how you can upgrade your lights to include this feature.

How Does Daylight Harvesting Work?

Daylight harvesting systems use a combination of sensors, controls, and lighting fixtures to automatically adjust the amount of electric lighting in a space based on the availability of daylight. The sensors measure the amount of daylight entering the space, and the controls then dim or switch off the electric lights as needed.

Daylight harvesting is a clever way to utilize natural light and reduce your reliance on artificial lighting, saving energy and creating a more comfortable environment. Daylight harvesting is about doing less with more – using the natural environment instead of working against it. And there are so many benefits to doing so and being more aligned within your building to the outside world.

The Key Components of Daylight Harvesting

Light Sensors: These are the eyes of the system, strategically placed to measure the available natural light. There are two main types, open-loop sensors and closed-loop sensors. Open-loop sensors measure daylight only, typically positioned near windows or skylights in a building. Closed-loop sensors measure both daylight and artificial light from the entire space.

Most of the sensors we use in our work with public buildings and businesses are closed-loop sensors, typically integrated into each fixture and communicating via zigbee or another wireless protocol. The benefit of having more sensors is that it creates more opportunities to get the reading correct – avoiding issues with shadows. More sensors means better light reading. And these days, the sensors can communicate easily between each other without having to run low voltage communication wires throughout a building, adding both material and labor costs.

Lighting Control System: Once you have sensors reading a light level, you need a system to intepret this. This brain receives the light sensor data and controls the artificial lighting. It can dim, switch, or adjust the brightness of the lights based on the detected natural light level. We prefer to use the Signify (formerly Philips) Interact system for many reasons – but mostly because of how easy it is to use and program.

In this style of system, you have a small amount of software in each sensor. Together, they group and make a larger network of systems. You can include a gateway, which allows access to the cloud and greater control, or you can let the system reside within the fixtures. They can do all of the great things that daylight harvesting and occupancy sensors can do without the gateway, but with it you can schedule lights and see when drivers have failed or having other issues. You can also get a greater sense of energy usage, as well as patterns of people inside the building, when the Interact System has a gateway added.

Dimmable LED Lighting. And of course, you need the workhorses that provide additional light when needed. LED technology is particularly well-suited for daylight harvesting due to its dimmability and energy efficiency. But all LED lights are not created equal. You need a dimmable driver for your LED system, one that is sophisticated to provide smooth dimming from 0% on to 100% on.

The Dance of Light in Daylight Harvesting

As sunlight streams through windows or skylights, the sensors pick up the increased light levels. This light is measured and tells the system how much available light there is in a space. On a bright day, there is obviously a lot of available light, even in an indoor building. On a cloudy day, there is less. At night, there is rarely any available light inside of a building.

As the amount of available light is interpretted by the system, the LEDs are told to go brighter or dimmer. There is a required amount of task lighting in each space – for example, you need more lighting for a manufacturing facility, and less light in a closet. These can be set and adjusted with a responsive system – or can be interpreted to the max of a light fixture.

Throughout the day, as light increases and clouds come and go, the system responds. The control system changes light output of artificial LED lighting, either altogether or in groups or individually.

Benefits of Daylight Harvesting:

  • Energy Savings: Reduced reliance on artificial lighting translates to lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. This can be meaningful on spaces with great windows and lots of available daylight. Even cloudy days will put out a lot more light than nighttime.
  • Improved Visual Comfort: Natural light has a positive impact on mood, productivity, and well-being. Daylight harvesting helps create a more natural and comfortable lighting environment. Natural light has a higher Kelvin, or light level in terms of color temperature, and it is hard to mimic with artificial systems. In fact, natural light is closer to 7200 Kelvin, while the normal lighting in an office is 4000 Kelvin. That difference is really hard to match with artificial light, as you get higher it gets harsher and more surreal looking.
  • Enhanced Building Design: Integrating daylight harvesting can lead to buildings with larger windows and better control over light penetration, making them more aesthetically pleasing and sustainable. A well designed light system is barely noticeable in a building, when the lights transition smoothly and slowly. You get the savings without the disco ball effect that can happen when lights just turn on and off.
  • Long Term Maintenance Savings: Each time you dim a light, it takes heat off of the driver that runs the system. Heat is actually what ruins an LED, so this really extends a LED fixture. Typically, we install systems for our clients that operate about 70,000 hours. Since there are about 8,000 hours in a year, that is close to 10 years if the lights are on all the time. But each time a light is turned off, or dimmed, it extends this time frame even longer. With a very well controlled system, you could see lights lasting over 30 years, with huge savings on energy and maintenance during that time.

Overall, daylight harvesting is a win-win solution for saving energy, promoting wellbeing, and creating energy-efficient buildings. So next time you see lights dimming as the sun shines through, know that it’s not magic, it’s the clever dance of daylight harvesting in action!

daylight LED output reduction

Benefits of Daylight Harvesting

Daylight harvesting offers a number of benefits, including:

  • Energy savings: Daylight harvesting can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% in well-lit spaces. This can lead to significant cost savings, as well as a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Improved occupant comfort: Natural light has been shown to improve occupant comfort and productivity. Daylight harvesting can help to create a more comfortable and productive work environment.
  • Enhanced circadian rhythm: Natural light helps to regulate our circadian rhythm, which is our natural sleep-wake cycle. Daylight harvesting can help to improve our sleep quality and overall health.
  • Reduced glare: Daylight harvesting can help to reduce glare, which can improve visibility and reduce eye strain.
  • Increased safety: Daylight harvesting can help to improve safety by reducing shadows and glare.

How to Implement Daylight Harvesting

There are a few things to consider when implementing daylight harvesting in a building:

The amount of daylight: The amount of daylight available in a space will determine how much energy can be saved with daylight harvesting. The additional cost of daylight harvesting is more important on a space that has available natural lighting. And there are often incentives from a local energy efficiency utility program – which will not be available if there is not natural light in a space.

The type of building: Daylight harvesting is more effective in buildings with large windows and skylights. It is also important to look at how the building is used. For example, a warehouse or storage space would not make sense for daylight harvesting, even if there is natural light, since the lights are off majority of the time.

The type of lighting: Daylight harvesting systems can be used with a variety of lighting fixtures, including fluorescent, LED, and incandescent lights. However, we recommend our clients only put daylight harvesting on LED fixtures, since fluorescent and incandescent lighting is outdated and hard to maintain and replace.

The cost: The cost of daylight harvesting systems can vary depending on the size and complexity of the system. And again, local utility rebates can play a big part of offsetting the cost. And, something in particular to our Illinois Clean Equity Jobs Act law – utilities can actually claim the savings on daylight sensors and controls over a longer period of time than LED lighting upgrades, which often translates to more money for you in incentives.

The Experience of the Installation Partner: Daylight harvesting and controls is more nuanced than a simple lighting upgrade – and it is important to have a partner than understands it and has experience. Not only does this lead to lower costs, but also a better experience. For example, Verde almost only exclusively buys Indoor Office and Warehouse fixtures that have Interact controls integrated inside of them. This helps us drive down costs of the product, but also allows us to maintain our expertise in this area. Since the technology changes fast, it is important to always have your hands on it.

What is the Best Way to Add Daylighting Controls to My Building?

It all starts with an energy efficiency assessment, or energy efficiency audit. This is often a free process that brings an expert into your space, and they will inventory all of your existing interior lights. They will look at your heating and cooling systems, your ventilation, refrigeration and compressed air (if you have those), as well as exterior lighting. They are looking and quantifying how your building currently uses energy today.

After getting a baseline of what exists, they will make recommendations and have cost and savings estimates of what new lighting, HVAC, refrigeration and compressed air will be like after upgrades. They will often provide a return on any investment, as well as a payback in how long it will take to recoup any cost. While very few firms can install all of those upgrades, they frequently have partners that can bring their expertise to a project for a turn-key solution.

Finally, and the best part, they often can help get local utility incentives or rebates to offset the cost. These rebates are paid for through taxes on utility bills, and can reduce the cost of upgrades by up to 75% – even some small parts of a project may not have a cost associated with it.

Does Daylight Harvesting Work on Exterior Lights?

In exterior lights, photocells are often used to turn lights off during the day. Similar to a daylight sensor, a photocell measures when the sun rises and cuts power to a light. It can do this in a slow dimming fashion, or off at a certain point.

These photocells can be on each fixture, or can be on a master sensor that controls a group of lights. Modern systems can also work together, communicating wirelessly and measuring daylight, motion and occupancy, and more. Since exterior lights often are much higher in wattage, this small sensor can be very valuable in long term savings. And maintenance often includes a lift and is expensive, so keeping them dimmed or off when not needed is even more important.

What are the Best LED Fixtures for Daylight Harvesting

We find the best application for daylight harvesting are on LED troffers, like the Philips Evokit, or highbay LED lighting fixtures commonly found in warehouses. Both of these fixtures are ideal because the sensors can be paired in a network, enabling each sensor to be stronger when working as a team. When either of these situations do not have available daylight, the additional cost of daylight harvesting is not a good investment.

Harvesting daylight can typically be done on any fixture, but the application is key and a good analyst can help you decide this cost benefit analysis. For example, we often do LED refrofits in a McDonalds kitchen, where daylight harvesting does not make sense. However, those lights are often controlled at the breaker level, so adding occupancy sensors to each fixture is critical for long term energy savings. Often the same sensor can do both, but it depends on the fixture.

We like the Philips Interact System, because all of the sensors at the same, and you simply need a gateway to add features like scheduling and monitoring hours of usage on a driver. These advanced features do not make sense for all, but the easy commissioning of the daylight harvesting fixtures is critical and is done with a simple phone application.

Conclusion on Daylight Harvesting Sensor

Daylight harvesting is a proven way to reduce energy consumption and improve occupant comfort in buildings. If you are looking for a way to make your building more sustainable and efficient, daylight harvesting is a great option to consider.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, daylight harvesting can also help to improve the aesthetic appeal of a building. Natural light can create a more inviting and comfortable space, which can be beneficial for both employees and customers.

If you are interested in implementing daylight harvesting in your building, there are a number of resources available to help you get started. The Lighting Controls Association (LCA) has a website with a wealth of information on daylight harvesting, including case studies, technical resources, and a directory of daylight harvesting experts.

The U.S. Department of Energy also offers a number of resources on daylight harvesting, including a guide to designing and installing daylight harvesting systems.

With careful planning and implementation, daylight harvesting can be a win-win for both your building and the environment.

What Does the Illinois EV Car Charging Act Mean for You?

EV Charging installations

What is Illinois SB40?

The Illinois EV Car Charging Act (SB40) was signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker on June 9, 2023. The law requires all new single-family homes and newly constructed or renovated multi-unit residential buildings with parking spaces to have at least one electric vehicle capable parking space for each residential unit that has dedicated parking. The law also prohibits landlords and homeowners associations from unreasonably restricting the installation of electric vehicle charging stations by tenants or homeowners.

The law takes effect on January 1, 2024, for new single-family homes and on January 1, 2026, for newly constructed or renovated multi-unit residential buildings.

The law is designed to help Illinois meet its goal of having one million electric vehicles on the road by 2030. Electric vehicles are powered by electricity, which does not produce tailpipe emissions, so they can help to reduce air pollution and improve air quality. Electricity in Illinois also is 70% sourced from means that do not release global warming gas, which is above the national standard.

What does the EV Car Charging Act do?

The law is also designed to make it easier for people to own and operate electric vehicles. By requiring new homes and apartments to have electric vehicle capable parking spaces, the law makes it more likely that people will be able to charge their vehicles at home. And by prohibiting landlords and homeowners associations from unreasonably restricting the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, the law makes it easier for people to install chargers in their homes or apartments.

The Illinois EV Car Charging Act is a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to promote the adoption of electric vehicles. The law is expected to help to make electric vehicles more accessible and affordable for Illinois residents, and it is expected to play a role in reducing air pollution and improving air quality in the state.

Here are some additional things to know about the Illinois EV Car Charging Act:

  • The law applies to all new single-family homes and newly constructed or renovated multi-unit residential buildings with parking spaces.
  • The law requires that each electric vehicle capable parking space have a 20-amp circuit and a NEMA 14-50 outlet.
  • The law does not require landlords or homeowners associations to pay for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations.
  • The law does not prevent landlords or homeowners associations from charging reasonable fees for the installation or use of electric vehicle charging stations.

How will the Illinois EV Car Charging Act Impact Business and Government Buildings

The Illinois EV Car Charging Act is expected to have a significant impact on businesses and government in the state. Here are some of the ways the law is expected to impact businesses:

  • Increased demand for electric vehicle charging stations. The law is expected to lead to an increased demand for electric vehicle charging stations in businesses, such as office buildings, hotels, and retail stores. Businesses that want to attract and retain customers who drive electric vehicles will need to make sure they have adequate charging infrastructure in place.
  • New opportunities for businesses. The law also creates new opportunities for businesses that install and maintain electric vehicle charging stations. Businesses that can provide these services can expect to see increased demand in the coming years.
  • Potential for cost savings. Businesses that install electric vehicle charging stations may be able to save money on their energy costs. Electric vehicles are more efficient than gasoline-powered vehicles, so they can help businesses to reduce their energy consumption.

Here are some of the ways the law is expected to impact government:

  • Increased investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The law is expected to lead to increased investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure by the government. The state government is already providing funding for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, and the law is expected to encourage more investment from local governments and utilities.
  • Improved air quality. The law is expected to help to improve air quality in the state. Electric vehicles produce zero emissions, so they can help to reduce air pollution and improve public health.
  • Reduced dependence on foreign oil. The law is also expected to help to reduce Illinois’ dependence on foreign oil. Electric vehicles run on electricity, which is a domestically produced resource.

Overall, the Illinois EV Car Charging Act is expected to have a positive impact on businesses and government in the state. The law is expected to lead to increased investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, improved air quality, and reduced dependence on foreign oil.

Energy Savings Consults for Businesses in Chicago

10 year savings accouting

Energy costs are a major expense for businesses of all sizes. In Chicago, the average business spends about $10,000 per year on energy. However, there are a number of ways to reduce energy costs, and hiring an energy savings consultant can be a great way to get started.

An energy savings consultant can help you identify areas of energy waste in your business and develop a plan to reduce your energy consumption. They can also help you implement the plan and monitor your progress.

There are a number of energy savings consultants in Chicago. When choosing a consultant, it is important to find one who is experienced in the type of business you operate and who has a good understanding of the latest energy technologies.

Here are some of the benefits of hiring an energy savings consultant in Chicago:

  • Reduced energy costs. An energy savings consultant can help you reduce your energy costs by up to 30%. This can save you thousands of dollars each year.
  • Improved energy efficiency. An energy savings consultant can help you improve the energy efficiency of your business, which can lead to a number of benefits, including reduced emissions, improved comfort, and increased productivity.
  • Increased compliance with regulations. Many businesses are subject to energy efficiency regulations. An energy savings consultant can help you ensure that you are compliant with these regulations, which can help you avoid penalties.
  • Improved image. Businesses that are seen as being energy efficient are often seen as being more environmentally responsible. This can improve your image with customers, employees, and investors.

Access to Utility Rebates and Incentives

Often, the right energy efficiency consultant can have better access to utility energy efficiency rebates and incentives. This can be critical at actually implementing some of the recommendations, since a rebate will lower your out of pocket cost and improve your payback or ROI on projects. This can be applied to lighting, HVAC, compressed air, and refrigeration upgrades. Even cool roof, windows and insulation can find incentives, helping the overall building value and efficiency.

If you are looking for ways to reduce your energy costs and improve the environmental performance of your business, then hiring an energy savings consultant is a good option. A qualified consultant can help you identify areas of waste, develop a plan to reduce your energy consumption, and implement the plan. This can lead to significant savings for your business. Reach out to any of our great energy efficiency analysts today! Whether your building is a restaurant, fire station, warehouse or library – we’ve got you covered.

HRV vs. ERV: What’s the Difference

energy recovery ventilator unit

HRV and ERV are both types of ventilation systems that help to improve the air quality in your building. They do this by bringing in fresh air from outside and exhausting stale air from inside. However, there are some key differences between the two systems.

What is an HRV?

HRV stands for heat recovery ventilator. It transfers heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air, which helps to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home. HRVs are a good choice for homes in cold climates, as they can help to prevent your home from becoming too cold in the winter.

However, in our climate in Illinois, we have very warm and humid summers, along with cold winters. For this reason, we need to keep moisture out of a building during cooling season. For this, an Energy Recovery Ventilator is a better choice (ERV).

What is an ERV?

ERV stands for energy recovery ventilator. It transfers both heat and moisture from the outgoing air to the incoming air. This helps to keep the humidity levels in your home more balanced, which can be beneficial for both your health and your home’s comfort. ERVs are a good choice for buildings in all climates, but they are especially beneficial in humid climates.

What are the Key Differences Between HRV and ERV:

FeatureHRVERV
Transfers heatYesYes
Transfers moistureNoYes
Best forCold climatesAll climates
BenefitsReduces energy costs, prevents home from becoming too coldKeeps humidity levels balanced, beneficial for health and comfort
Key differences between HRV and ERV. Verde typically installs ERVs only in Chicagoland

Which ERV or HRV system is right for you?

The best way to choose between an HRV and an ERV is to consider your climate and your specific needs. If you live in a cold climate, an HRV is a good choice. If you live in a humid climate, an ERV is a better choice. If you are concerned about the health benefits of humidity control, an ERV is also a good choice.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which system is right for you is to consult with a qualified HVAC contractor. They can assess your needs and recommend the best system for your building. Since fresh air is so important to a business or public building, making sure your space has proper ventilation is critical. Musty smells, high use of sick time by employees, and imbalanced air pressure in a space are just a few of the signs that your fresh air may be lacking. Even if you do have proper fresh air, an ERV or HRV will allow you to regain up to 93% of the energy in the air leaving the building, as well as maintain the humidity.

Here are some additional things to consider when choosing between an HRV and an ERV

The size of your building is important to consider when deciding between an heating recovery ventilator and an energy recovery ventilator. A larger building will require a larger system, and how the space is used will determine how much air flow you need.

Warehouses need little air flow, public gathers spaces need a high amount of air flow. An engineer can help you determine this calculation, as can manufacturers of ERVs and HRVs.

The age of your building is also a key determinant on whether an ERV or HRV is better for your building. Older buildings may not be as airtight as newer buildings, so they may require a more powerful system.

What is More Expensive between an ERV and HRV?

HRVs and ERVs can range in price from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousand dollars. In general, a ERV is slightly more money than a HRV, when you keep all other considerations the same like CFM and manufacturer. Your building may require many, or just one. An easy way to think about a building with existing rooftop units is that one rooftop unit will be replaced by one ERV or HRV, unless you change the duct design inside of the space.

HRVs and ERVs only move air. So a good thing to consider is how will a space be heated or cooled properly, and we encourage the use of VRF heat pump systems. When combining ERV/HRVs and VRF heat pumps, you can actually significantly reduce the CFM requirement of the ERV/HRV, as well as reduce the heating/cooling needs of the VRF by combining them to a system that works as a team.

Does a HRV Transfer Moisture Between Air Flows?

No, an HRV does not transfer moistures between air flows, while an ERV does. This is the main difference between the two, and a critical one in warm and humid climates. Once you work hard to remove the moisture during the cooling system, you want to keep humidity out to make the space more comfortable. While a subtle difference, this can really reduce the need for cooling and make a space feel much more comfortable, as well as reduce the need for additional dehumidification.

I hope this post has helped you to understand the difference between HRV and ERV. If you have any other questions, please let us know.

Type A, B and C TLED Retrofits

Night and security led

Tubular LED Retrofits

There are a variety of ways to retrofit old fluorescent in to Tubular LED (TLED). Whether or not you reuse the ballast depends on what kind of TLED retrofit you do.

Type A LED retrofits are compatible with existing fluorescent ballasts.

They have a built-in electronic driver that converts the power from the ballast to the voltage that the LED needs. This type of retrofit is the most affordable option, but it may not be compatible with all ballasts. These lamps typically receive $4 per lamp for an instant discount from the utility.

Type B LED retrofits are direct-wired to the mains.

They do not have a built-in driver, so they require a separate driver that is installed in the fixture. This type of retrofit is more expensive than type A, but it is more versatile and can be used in fixtures that do not have a compatible ballast. This involves more labor, and also qualify for a $4 instant discount.

Type C LED retrofits are also direct-wired to the mains.

They have a built-in driver that is mounted outside of the fixture. This type of retrofit is the most expensive option, but it is the most versatile and can be used in any fixture. It also has a longer live as a system, typically up to 70,000 hours. This is often because the external driver allows for greater heat dissipation. This type of retrofit also has the largest utility incentive, including a watts reduced incentive close to $.80 per watt reduced.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between type A, type B, and type C LED retrofits:

FeatureType AType BType C
CompatibilityCompatible with existing fluorescent ballastsNot compatible with fluorescent ballastsNot compatible with fluorescent ballasts
CostMost affordableMore expensiveMost expensive
VersatilityLess versatileMore versatileMost versatile
InstallationEasiest to installMore difficult to installMost difficult to install

The best type of LED retrofit for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements. If you are looking for the most affordable option, then type A is a good choice. If you are looking for a more versatile option, then type B or type C is a good choice. If you are looking for the easiest to install option, then type A is a good choice.

Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing a LED retrofit:

  • The age and condition of your fixtures. If your fixtures are old or damaged, you may need to replace them altogether.
  • The size of your fixtures. Some LED retrofits are only available in certain sizes.
  • The color temperature of the light. LED retrofits come in a variety of color temperatures, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
  • The dimming capabilities. Some LED retrofits are dimmable, while others are not.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right LED retrofit for your needs and requirements.

 

SEER Meaning for Energy Efficiency in HVAC

commercial hvac efficiency

What Does SEER Mean in HVAC?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a measure of how efficiently an air conditioner or heat pump cools your home. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit is.

SEER is calculated by dividing the total cooling output of the unit by the total energy used over a typical cooling season. For example, a unit with a SEER rating of 15 will produce 15 BTUs of cooling for every watt of electricity it uses.

The minimum SEER rating for new air conditioners and heat pumps sold in the United States is 13. However, many manufacturers offer units with SEER ratings of 16, 18, 20, and even higher. For our customers, our average SEER installation for our High Efficiency Rooftop Unit installation is 16 SEER. However, on our Very High Efficiency system upgrades, the SEER ratings are much higher, closer to 23.

The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the unit is. This means that you will save money on your energy bills by choosing a unit with a higher SEER rating.

For example, if you have a 13 SEER unit and you replace it with a 20 SEER unit, you could save up to 30% on your energy bills.

In addition to saving money, choosing a unit with a higher SEER rating can also help to reduce your carbon footprint. This is because less energy is used, which means that fewer emissions are produced.

If you are considering buying a new air conditioner or heat pump, be sure to factor in the SEER rating. A higher SEER rating will save you money on your energy bills and help to reduce your carbon footprint.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when choosing an air conditioner or heat pump:

  • The size of your building. The larger your building, the larger the unit you will need.
  • The climate in your area. If you live in a hot climate, you will need a unit with a higher SEER rating. In Illinois, we need a high SEER, but also an efficient heating system. The typical efficiency of a rooftop HVAC unit is 80%.
  • The insulation in your building. The better the insulation in your building, the more less heating or cooling you will need due to wasted energy through the envelope.
  • The type of unit you want. There are many different types of air conditioners and heat pumps available, so be sure to choose one that is right for your needs.

SEER is an important factor to consider when choosing an air conditioner or heat pump. By choosing a unit with a high SEER rating, you can save money on your energy bills and help to reduce your carbon footprint.

 

Compressed Air Energy Efficiency

two stage air compressor

Compressed Air Energy Efficiency: How to Save Money and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Compressed air is a versatile and essential tool for many businesses. However, it can also be a significant source of energy consumption. In fact, compressed air systems can account for up to 30% of a facility’s electricity use.

There are a number of ways to improve the energy efficiency of compressed air systems. By implementing some simple changes, businesses can save money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.

Here are some tips for improving compressed air energy efficiency:

  • Eliminate air leaks. Air leaks are one of the biggest sources of wasted energy in compressed air systems. A single leak can waste as much as 100 cubic feet of air per minute.
  • Reduce the pressure. The higher the pressure, the more energy is required to produce compressed air. Reducing the pressure by just 10% can save up to 5% on energy costs.
  • Use variable speed drives. Variable speed drives (VSDs) can help to improve the efficiency of air compressors by adjusting the speed of the motor to match the demand for compressed air.
  • Install a heat recovery unit. Heat recovery units can capture the heat generated by air compressors and use it to heat water or air. This can save up to 30% on energy costs.
  • Maintain your system regularly. Regular maintenance can help to keep your compressed air system running efficiently. This includes changing filters, lubricating components, and inspecting for leaks.

By following these tips, businesses can save money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. These savings can be significant, and they can help businesses to become more sustainable.

Other Energy Efficiency Measures

In addition to the tips above, there are a number of other ways to improve the energy efficiency of compressed air systems. These include:

  • Using energy-efficient air compressors. There are a number of energy-efficient air compressors on the market that can help to reduce energy consumption.
  • Optimizing your compressed air system. A qualified compressed air engineer can help you to optimize your compressed air system for maximum efficiency.
  • Implementing a compressed air management program. A compressed air management program can help you to identify and address areas of inefficiency in your compressed air system.

By taking steps to improve the energy efficiency of their compressed air systems, businesses can save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and become more sustainable.

 

What is an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)?

energy recovery ventilator unit


Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) for Bu
ildings

In today’s world, businesses and public buildings are more aware than ever of the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ). Not only does good IAQ improve employee health and productivity, but it can also save businesses money on energy costs. In fact, there can be huge savings with energy recovery ventilators?

Why do Energy Recovery Ventilators save energy for commercial and public buildings? Public and commercial buildings are required by code to bring in outside fresh air. This is required for many reasons, the least of which is to help prevent the spread of germs. As you bring in outside air, your HVAC equipment has to work hard to reheat or cool that outside air, as well as remove humidity. An Energy Recovery Ventilator does just what it says – it recovers energy from outgoing air and gives it to the incoming air. Wala – energy savings.

What is an Energy Recovery Ventilator Unit?

Typically, an energy recovery ventilator unit is a box that moves air from inside your space to outside, while also bringing air inside. There can be many ways this can happen, but our preferred version has two fans that are high efficiency blowing in opposite directions. This simple but elegant design has an added benefit – it can help balance the air pressure in a space that is highly important.

The energy recovery ventilator can be inside your building, with ducts going outside. Or the unit itself can be outside the building, either on the roof or the side of the building, and then push air inside.

When on top of a roof, the unit can be horizontally aligned, where the ducts come out the side and then into the building. Or they can go straight down and into the building, called a vertically aligned energy recovery ventilator unit. Most modern units can actually be configured for both, making the purchasing decision easier with just a little work needed to be done onsite by installing technicians.

What is an ERV

Ventilation Energy Recovery in Buildings

Ventilation can be the way that heating and cooling is spread through your building, but it does not have to be that way. In fact, our favorite design for a building separates these two, making ventilation separate from the source of heating and cooling. Why is this important?

Well, a ventilation energy recovery ducts may not go to every small area of a building. This means that those areas without duct work may not get proper heating or cooling. It can mean that walls might be cold that have pipes running through them and risk freezing. It might mean that the entire building is equally uncomfortable, and each room is not the right space temperature. It can mean a lot of things, but essentially it means ventilation is forever tied to cooling and heating.

What is our favorite design? A Very High Efficiency HVAC approach, which combines an energy recovery ventilator unit with a Variable Refrigerant Flow heat pump system. This allows systems to be up to 600% more efficient than a standard electric resistance system because of ultra high recovery rates of Energy Recovery Ventilator units and super high COPs for heat pumps.

And, you also don’t need as much CFM often for ventilation when they are only doing building and people requirements, and you don’t need to move the ventilation to get the heating and cooling transferred.

What is the ERV System Include?

Imagine enjoying fresh, healthy air in your building while saving money on heating and cooling bills. That’s the magic of an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) system. This innovative addition to your HVAC system continuously brings in fresh outdoor air while removing stale, pollutant-laden air from inside. But the real superpower lies in its energy-saving capabilities.

An ERV system acts like a smart air exchanger. Using a specialized core, it captures heat and moisture from outgoing air before it leaves your home. In the winter, this captured energy preheats incoming fresh air, reducing the strain on your furnace. Conversely, in the summer, the system pre-cools and dehumidifies incoming air, minimizing the workload of your air conditioner. This remarkable transfer of energy translates to lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment year-round.

However, ERVs aren’t just about energy savings. They also improve indoor air quality by filtering out pollen, dust, and other allergens, creating a healthier environment for you, your employees and your customers. So, if you’re looking for a way to breathe easier, save money, and make your building more energy-efficient, an ERV system might be the perfect solution.

The ERV system is basically the outdoor energy recovery ventilator unit, which typically has two small energy efficient fans and typically a small pre-heater. The unit then has four sets of duct – two in and two out – if it is inside. If it is outside, it will just have two sets of ducts inside the building, and then directly ventilate out of the unit. There is typically a controller for each ERV, as well as power run to the unit from a breaker panel.

Your Energy Recovery Ventilator can have one large unit, or it can have multiple units that all work in the same building. The system can include multiple units working as one, controlled as a team or individually.

What are the typical CFM sizes for an Energy Recovery Ventilator?


CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. It’s a measurement of airflow volume, specifically indicating how much air passes a point in one minute. Think of it like this: the higher the CFM, the more air moves in a given time.

As noted earlier, CFM typically delivers heating and cooling, so you need a system designed to carry the right amount of CFM to deliver this heating and cooling. This means bigger fans, which draw bigger power amounts.

However, a slimmed down Energy Recovery Ventilator system can have lower CFM requirements, allowing for lower electrical requirements and less energy wasted in multiple ways. CFM is important, but the lowest amount you can have by code requirements for a building is also critically important for design.

What is the difference between an ERV and HRV?


HRVs and ERVs are both ventilation systems commonly used in modern building construction and design, but they differ in their ability to recover energy and manage moisture.

An HRV, or heating recovery ventilator, transfers heat from outgoing stale air to preheat incoming fresh air. It focuses on energy saving in colder climates where heating dominates energy costs and where high humidity is not a big issue.

The ERV transfers both heat and moisture from outgoing stale air to incoming fresh air. It is more versatile, as it balanced humidity levels throughout the year, benefiting more types of climates. While typically a few more dollars than an HRV, modern systems can be fairly close. For that reason, and because Illinois climate are so humid in the summer, we almost always recommend ERVs for our clients.

What is the Definition of ERV?

While already noted above, the concept of an ERV is so important we want to highlight it again. An energy recovery ventilator by definition recovers and saves energy. It layers outgoing air over incoming air to save energy – transferring the heat and sometimes moisture between the two air flows. This dramatically reduces the amount of heat you need to provide a building (or remove from).

Energy recovery ventilators define the term energy efficiency. Instead of producing heat or removing heat from a space, you are saving it. An energy recovery ventilator is at the heart of sustainability.

In addition, ERVs also improve IAQ along with saving a building’s energy waste. An ERV is a mechanical ventilation system that provides fresh, filtered air to a building while also recovering heat and moisture from the outgoing air. This helps to reduce the amount of energy that is needed to heat or cool the incoming air, which can lead to significant savings on energy bills.

In addition to energy savings, ERVs also offer a number of other benefits for businesses, including:

  • Improved IAQ: ERVs help to remove pollutants, allergens, and other contaminants from the air, which can improve employee health and productivity.
  • Increased comfort: ERVs can help to regulate the humidity levels in a building, which can make it more comfortable for employees to work.
  • Reduced sick building syndrome: ERVs can help to reduce the incidence of sick building syndrome, which is a condition that is caused by poor IAQ.

What Should I do if My Business is Considering an Energy Recovery Ventilator?

If you are considering installing an ERV in your business, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that the ERV is the right size for your building. Second, you need to choose an ERV that is designed for the type of climate you live in. Finally, you need to make sure that the ERV is properly installed and maintained. Verde can help you with all of these assessments and installations, so please let us know how we can help you.

With proper installation and maintenance, an ERV can provide your business with many years of reliable service. The benefits of improved IAQ, energy savings, and increased comfort make ERVs a wise investment for any business.

Here are some additional benefits of ERVs for businesses:

  • They can help to reduce the spread of germs and viruses.
  • They can help to improve the overall health and well-being of employees.
  • They can help to increase productivity.
  • They can help to reduce the number of sick days taken by employees.
  • They can help to improve the overall image of your business.

If you are looking for a way to improve the IAQ in your business, an ERV is a great option. They offer a number of benefits that can help to improve the health, productivity, and overall image of your business.

Demand Control Ventilation for ERVs

Our preferred method for controlling when ventilation occurs is via demand control ventilation (DCV). This methodology uses a CO2 sensor to start ventilation when people are in the space. While this does add to the cost, it is typically a few hundred dollars for the sensor and really adds to the benefits of the system as a whole.

While ERVs can be up to 93% efficient, they are still losing 7% of energy that can be saved when not running, in addition to the fun energy draw and occasional preheating. We will also cover scheduling as an option, but that can be hard to effectively manage with dynamically used buildings and often misses days the building is closed.

Scheduling ERVs instead of Demand Control Ventilation

Scheduling is how we have done many of our ERV systems, which programs a set time to start up and shut down the ventilation system. This works really well for offices and schools, since those schedules are fairly predictable. We typically start an hour before occupied space times, and end around the time the space vacates.

This is a slightly cheaper method than DCV, and does have some reasons that it should be considered over DCV. For example, you may want ventilation even when there are not people in the building. Or, you may need the ventilation to help evenly distribute air throughout the space, like with high ceilings. So your designer or engineer should think through this carefully, and you can always add a CO2 sensor after the fact to upgrade to DCV. And once you have a CO2 sensor, you can typically do both and prioritize them at different times.

What Should I Do Next if I’m Considering an ERV for My Building?

If you are considering installing an ERV in your business, I encourage you to do your research and talk to a qualified HVAC contractor like Verde Energy Efficiency Experts. An ERV can be a great investment for your business, and it can help you to improve the health, productivity, and overall image of your business. As it saves money and energy, it can also qualify for energy efficiency rebates and incentives.

So First Do Some Pre-Qualification Conversations with Engineers or designers or a qualified contractor. Then explore your utility incentives, as well as federal money that is available. Finally, check with your local authority having jurisdiction on the process for getting any permits that might be required.

 

Electric Heat vs Heat Pumps

outdoor heat pumps

We recently had an experience where a customer decided to go with a traditional heating and cooling system upgrade over a Very High Efficiency HVAC upgrade. A Very High Efficiency HVAC system is an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) combined with a VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) Heat pump system. Combining these two systems brings in plenty of fresh outside air, but allows you to design a smaller heat pump system since the energy is recovered in the outgoing air. In fact, these systems can save up to 80% on energy costs and have a huge benefit in reducing the carbon footprint of a building.  

I realized through this experience that we failed to educate the customer fully on the difference between electric heating systems vs VRF heat pump technologies. When the project was considered by the board, one of the board members was very critical of electric heating for buildings, due to a previous expensive experience in building operations. While both electric resistance heating use electricity as a  primary source of power, they are very different in energy usage, technology and cost to operate. 

What is Electric Resistance Heating? 

Electric resistance heating works on a simple principle: the conversion of electrical energy into heat through resistance. It’s like a glorified toaster element, albeit more sophisticated. Here’s the breakdown:

The Resistor: The core of electric resistance heating is a material with high electrical resistance, like nichrome, nichrome, or tungsten. When electricity flows through this material, it encounters opposition, causing tiny vibrations within the atoms. These vibrations translate into heat.

The Energy Conversion: The amount of heat generated depends on two factors: * Resistance: Higher resistance leads to more heat generation. Think of it like a narrower pipe – the water has to push harder, generating friction and heat. * Current: More current passing through the resistor creates more collisions and friction, leading to even more heat.

Transferring the Heat: Once the resistor gets hot, it needs to transfer the heat to its surroundings. Different appliances do this in different ways: * Space heaters: Fans blow air over the hot element, warming the air that circulates and heats the room. * Baseboard heaters: The hot element warms a metal plate, which radiates heat into the room. * Electric furnaces: Similar to space heaters, a blower pushes air over a series of hot coils, warming the air that gets distributed through ducts.

Environmental Applications of Electric Resistance Heating:

Beyond simple heating, electric resistance heating also has applications in environmental remediation. By passing current through contaminated soil, the heat generated can evaporate pollutants, allowing for easier extraction and treatment.

Key points to remember:

  • Electric resistance heating is simple, reliable, and efficient (almost 100% of the electricity is converted to heat).
  • It doesn’t require combustion, eliminating fumes and making it suitable for indoor use.
  • However, it can be expensive due to the high cost of electricity compared to other heating sources like natural gas.

What is a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps are versatile and efficient systems that can provide both heating and cooling to your building, using the same basic principle as your refrigerator or air conditioner. While historically, they are not made for cold weather, the technology has improved and they now work up to 85% of capacity down to negative 10 degree Fahrenheit. Brrrrr. Here’s how they work:

The Magic of Refrigerant

At the heart of a heat pump lies a special liquid called refrigerant. This refrigerant can absorb and release heat as it changes between its liquid and gaseous states. It’s like a heat taxi, picking up warmth in one place and dropping it off somewhere else.

Think of as you boil water. It takes a lot of heat to do this, usually from a natural gas or wood fire. But, if you have a refrigerant change state because of pressure changes from liquid to gas – it still takes a lot of heat (or absorbs a lot of heat). Remember that old formula, PV = nRT?

Two Modes, One System

A heat pump can operate in two modes, driven by a reversing valve that directs the flow of the refrigerant:

  • Heating Mode: In this mode, the heat pump acts like a reverse air conditioner.
    • The outdoor unit’s evaporator coil absorbs low-grade heat from the outside air, even when it’s extremely cold.
    • The compressed refrigerant carries this absorbed heat to the indoor unit’s condenser coil, where it releases the heat, warming the air that circulates in your home.
  • Cooling Mode: This mode works like a traditional air conditioner.
    • The indoor unit’s evaporator coil absorbs heat from the warm air inside your home.
    • The compressed refrigerant carries this heat to the outdoor unit’s condenser coil, where it’s released into the outside air, cooling your home.
  • Heat Recovery Mode: There can even be a super cool third mode, where the system can move heat from one space inside the building to another. It can do this with a small box that the gas and liquid can change state within the building, called a branch selector box.

Beyond Air: Different Heat Sources

While some heat pumps use outdoor air as their heat source, others can tap into other sources, like the ground or water:

  • Ground-source heat pumps: These extract heat from the Earth’s constant underground temperature, making them highly efficient, especially in colder climates. This is geothermal heating and cooling – something more efficient than air-sourced heat pumps, but also more expensive and requires more land usage. You can go either very deep, or very long and wide in a property to get the proper surface area to heat and cool a building.
  • Water-source heat pumps: These use water from lakes, rivers, or wells as their heat source. In Chicago, it is illegal to use water from Lake Michigan, although what a wonderful source of cooling that would be in the summer-time.

Benefits of Heat Pumps

  • Energy Efficiency: Compared to traditional electric heating or gas furnaces, heat pumps can be significantly more efficient, translating to lower energy bills.
  • Versatility: They provide both heating and cooling in one system, eliminating the need for separate units.
  • Environmental Friendliness: Heat pumps don’t generate heat themselves, they transfer it, making them a more sustainable option for reducing your carbon footprint.

Things to Consider When Considering Heat Pumps

Heat pumps can have a higher upfront cost than traditional systems. While prices are dropping on the equipment, labor is critical to connect all of the refrigeration lines needed. This is typically done by brazing, which is done with a small torch that permanently connects the copper lines where the refrigeration lines run. This is important as refrigeration gases themselves are global warming gasses, so making sure they do not leak is critically important.

Heat pumps are also more electrical and refrigeration components that traditional HVAC equipment. For this reason, many contractors are unfamiliar with the process of installing them. As more and more contractors become confident, the prices will decrease. In fact, we really think of heat pumps to be more akin to walk in coolers and freezers, with a lot of electrical and communication lines running between them. It is important to have a good partner to set up the system correctly from the beginning.

Some air-source heat pumps may have reduced efficiency in extremely cold climates. It is important to select the correct version of the heat pump for your climate. Daikin, the original company to first release the VRF system in the 1980s, has several lines of commercial equipment. The Emerion, for example, has 85% heating at 0 degrees Farenheit. That is great, but at -10 degrees Farenheit, the system will not produce as much heat. This means you either need to accept that your building will be cold, have another supplemental system to provide heat, or put in way more BTUs of heating in your system than you need 99% of the year just for the extreme cold protection.

However, the Aurora system allows 85% heating down to -13 degrees Fahrenheit, a much more effective system for cold weather climates. This small difference in units from the same manufacturer can really impact both comfort, but also cost on the number of units needed for your system. While more and more engineers are getting comfortable with heat pumps, it is nice to work with someone experienced and confident in VRF heat pumps.

Overall, heat pumps are a smart choice for those looking for an energy-efficient and versatile heating and cooling solution. If you’re considering a heat pump, consult with a qualified HVAC professional or design engineering firm to assess your needs and find the best system for your building.

Source: Energyeducation.ca

Which One Costs More to Operate?

Electric resistance heat costs far more than heat pumps to operate.  While they are efficient in theory, they take heat burned from natural gas at a power plant far away and run it through power lines to get to your building.  Over time and distance, that energy is lost. A heat pump, however, just transfers heat from outside a building to the inside during the winter.  This is much more local, and therefore, less costly in almost every application.

Is a Heat Pump Good for the Environment?

No matter how efficient a natural gas or propane heat system is, it always releases CO2. Most commercial rooftops have packaged rooftop units, and those are only 80% efficient in using the natural gas to create heat. 20% is wasted, but again – all of it releases climate changing gases.

In our local grid in Illinois, 53% of our energy comes from Nuclear Power. While it has it’s own concerns, it does not release CO2. There is also 20% wind powering our grid, along with increasing solar PV and some small amount of hydroelectric in our state. That all adds up to almost 80% of our electricity being clean in terms of global warming gasses – quite a feat for a midwestern state. So heat pumps are incredibly good for the environment in general, and twice as good in a state like ours with plenty of clean energy. In fact, most of our energy usage peaks in the summer with heavy Air Conditioning, leaving the heating season with more capacity to add heat pumps.

solar sales commission

What if I have solar PV on my building?

Solar PV is a great partner to heat pumps, far better than electric resistance.  For the same number of solar panels, you could put a lot more heat into a building as compared to electric resistance, at least three times as much in theory.  Or, if you already have heat pumps, you would need far less solar PV panels to provide enough energy to heat your building.

And, but adding the infrastructure now in terms of copper lines and communication systems, you will only get more heating bang for your buck as the systems increase in efficiency, both solar and heat pumps.

Conclusion

As we move toward new technologies to solve some of our greatest challenges, we will need to focus on education to get momentum. Heat pumps do work in cold weather – we have the data and the local experiences to prove that.  VRF heat pump systems are also far different from traditional electric heating sources in technology, and they are far less expensive to operate in terms of electricity costs to warm a building.  

VRF Heat pumps are electric driven, but they are not electric heating. They are using electricity to bring heat from outside a building to the inside (and vice versa in the summer).  If a customer has electric heating right now and converts to a VRF heat pump system, the cost to warm the building will drop significantly, up to 70% reduction.  And, if a customer has natural gas heating and converts to a VRF heat pump system, the heating costs will also reduce by about 30-40% in our experience. But the true winning is in reduction of global warming gasses, especially in a very clean state like Illinois.

Finally, and possibly most importantly, we have found that the Variable Flow Refrigeration aspect of heat pumps leads to a far more comfortable experience for the client vs traditional electric resistance heating, since it can give you a very granular temperature control of each room.  And to make a transition to decarbonized heating systems, comfort is the key. 

 

High Costs of Energy in 2023

air pollution and energy usage

How Does it Impact Energy efficiency

There is a growing reason to convert your building to LED lighting, but… spoiler alert, it is the same reason it has always been – energy savings. In our experience, 70% of restaurants, fire stations, libraries and commercial buildings have already upgraded their lighting to LED.  

Electricity rates are up as much as 50% from just a few short years ago. I was actually quite surprised how little attention our industry has given to higher energy rates because they certainly impact efficiency decisions. Higher energy costs means greater benefits of energy savings in terms of operational costs.  

70% of buildings have already converted to LED lighting

For the 30% of buildings that have yet to upgrade, those buildings are carrying a heavy burden of traditional fluorescent and High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting. The cost of this burden is as much as 50% more than just a few years ago. For the 70% who already made a decision to upgrade, their payback or ROI is actually better than we calculated just a year ago since energy rates are higher than we assumed at the time.

While a lot of sophisticated analysis for solar PV or other capital expenditures do take into consideration energy rate increases over time, I made the personal choice to exclude that factor in our energy analysis at Verde. 

I was looking through some utility bills recently, both for our own building and for several customers, and was a bit shocked at the current rate for commercial electricity. Historically, in Illinois, I was comfortable assuming $.12 per kilowatt/hour (kWh) for electricity when doing energy savings calculations (which I’ve been doing on the back of an envelope since my days at a fire station in 2002). While commercial energy rates are billed both on kWh (total energy used over time) and kW (the highest instantaneous peak draw during a month), we can average it out to a blended kWh for energy savings calculations as long as we are being conservative.  

However, these bills I was looking at exceeded $.18 per kWh as a blended rate. That is exactly 50% more than just a few years ago. While some powerful organizations like McDonalds get quite an aggressive rate on agreements with third party power providers, it is really rare to see a lower rate than $.18 per kWh these days.  

environmental landscape

What does this high energy rate mean?  

Our customers often look at an investment in energy efficiency in two ways: Payback and Return on Investment.  

Payback – the time it takes for an investment in energy efficiency to be returned. Often, a payback of less than 2 years is attractive and achievable with utility funds to help offset some of the costs. Since it is based on the cost of electricity, the higher the cost of kWh leads to a faster payback of  a project. Payback is the most important consideration that our customers consider when making a decision. What would have been a 3 year payback under previous energy rates would now be a 2 year payback with 2023 energy rates.

Return on Investment (ROI) – a percentage of the return (energy savings) on the investment (cost of an upgrade). If you consider the stock market (9.8% average return) or a CD savings account (5% return) as a comparable, ROI of energy efficiency is far stronger, usually north of 30% for lighting upgrades and I’ve seen customer projects as high as 50% typically for LED lighting upgrades. Now that energy rates are 50% higher, the ROI calculations are higher as well for the same investment in efficiency. However, a 30% ROI for their business from energy efficiency changes doesn’t seem to excite people as much as hearing about a 30% ROI from a retirement fund ever could.

Benefits Clients have seen beyond ROI and Payback

One thing that is always certain, in our experience, is that clients do energy efficiency work for more reasons than just an investment. It needs to check a box other than just a payback, or it doesn’t seem to draw their attention. Here are a few benefits we have seen beyond just a strong ROI or fast payback in our work with clients over the past few years.

Safety

Older style lights are more yellow, dim over time, and can require a lot of  maintenance to keep them working. Managing a facility means juggling priorities and the upkeep needed on old lights means that often we see exterior lights out in parking lots at night or manufacturing lights out during the day.

LED lights typically last for 70,000 hours – which is really decades of lighting for a business or public building. So with less lights down, more spaces feel well lit and safe. In addition, modern color temperatures of lights trend towards a higher kelvin, or color temperature, which means they can appear brighter. Lights do deter crime, so businesses with better lighting should feel better around the topics of theft and employee/customer safety.

outdoor led exterior lights

Retaining Tenants – Owners have lost their market power

Our office space property management companies have lost a lot of their market power in the Work From Home (WFH) transition. While many companies are returning to the office, there is less square footage of office space being rented than in the past along with a high uncertainty about the future.  

In the past, we saw a mix of some property management companies focusing on improving the rental space lighting and some not. We worked with Prudential (PGIM) for many years, who were really driven to make efficiency upgrades happen for larger environmental goals within their overall portfolio. On the flip side, we would see other ownership and management companies not interested in either the cost savings or benefits to tenants.  

It is safe to say that has all changed now. The amount of office space that tenants have to choose from now is so high that renters can be picky about the space they lease – meaning that offices without upgraded lighting are likely going to be unrented. In fact, during COVID lockdowns, we saw many management companies make the decision to upgrade lighting since spaces were often vacant and utility incentives were very attractive.  

Less Maintenance

Finally, we almost get so used to the long life of LED lamps that we get shocked when one burns out.  Even in my own home – when a LED fails after 8 years, I have to stop and think for a second on what to do – and I have a warehouse full of LEDs!  Maintenance is really reduced by the longevity of LEDs, so facilities can focus on the many other tasks that must be done on a weekly basis to keep a building comfortable and functioning.

In fact, when I started working with customers on upgraded lighting, we saw 25,000 hours as the standard of life of lamps and systems. Now, our standard is 70,000 hours – over 15 years in most applications and much longer when combined with sensors to turn off and dim when not in usage.  

Less Heat

During the warm summer months in Chicago, it is also great to be reminded that LEDs create far less heat than traditional lighting. Lamp heat represents inefficiency – the more heat is produced, the more energy is being wasted from producing light. Having burned my hand on lots of small halogen and PAR lights over the years, I can attest to this fact. LEDs can get warm, but they are 4-5 times more efficient and create far less heat than traditional forms of lights.  This leads to less cooling demand for HVAC systems in the summer, an added benefit that we don’t even calculate in payback and ROI decisions. 

Now is the Time

For the 70% of you that have already upgraded your facility lights to LED, enjoy the additional savings that high energy rates will give your building. For the other 30%, the time is now as we are seeing paybacks and ROIs better than any time in my career.

And for all of you – a building’s highest energy burden is heating and cooling. So with high energy rates, there are more reasons than ever to consider a High Efficiency RTU or Very High Efficiency HVAC system.  

 

Grant and Federal Funding for Decarbonization

decarbonizing buildings in Chicago

What is Decarbonization?

Decarbonization is a hot buzzword these days. But what does it really mean? In its most simplest terms, the reduction of carbon. When it comes to our built environment, it refers to converting an existing building to systems that reduce the emissions of CO₂. While our electric grid is not completely free from contributing to climate change, almost 70% of our electricity in Illinois comes from Nuclear and Renewable energy – sources that do not contribute to climate change.

In the past, we’ve looked at small improvements to energy efficiency for our buildings. For example, instead of a 80% efficient gas fired furnace, let’s improve to 92% so only 8% of the natural gas is lost inefficiency. But even if we achieve 100% efficiency in traditional heating sources, natural gas will always produce CO₂, a greenhouse gas and a contributor to climate change. Decarbonization, in other words, is a process of electrification under current technological limitations. 

There is a title wave of support for buildings that want to decarbonize, from the recent Inflation Reduction Act, to the Climate Energy and Justice Act, to local municipal initiatives. As more and more of our customers are dreaming big on capital projects related to this – I thought it would be helpful to lay out the variety of potential funding sources available in 2023 for decarbonization.  

What we have seen from solar projects in our client base is a combination of different incentives to make a project successful – and we believe the same playbook will drive large building electrification projects.  

Utility Funding

Utility funding is always the place to start when thinking about efficiency. ComEd alone spends almost $450,000,000 annually on energy efficiency. They are also increasingly seeking out ways outside of lighting to hit their goals. If you have not done a lighting upgrade at your facility yet, now is the time as incentives are higher than we have ever seen in Illinois.  

The utility supports small improvements like Demand Control Ventilation and CEE Tier 2 upgrades –  a lot of our clients take advantage of this early replacement strategy.  However, we have started to see incentives from the utility that are hundreds of thousands of dollars dedicated toward projects that support the Very High Efficiency (VHE) HVAC concept.  Combining Energy Recovery Ventilator with Variable Refrigerant Flow heat pumps can lead to 60-80% savings on HVAC energy costs and can completely eliminate a building’s need for natural gas. These are bigger projects, but we are finding bigger value and larger support from the utility in terms of funding dollars. This funding is available to private businesses, non-profits, and municipal buildings.  

City of Chicago Climate Infrastructure Fund

This new 2023 program through the City is funding up to $250,000 for buildings that want to really decarbonize. While the first deadline was Feb 24th for funding requests, we believe additional rounds of requests will be announced throughout the year. Verde applied for funding for our own building in the first round and hope to have good experience and feedback to share for our Chicago customers. This funding is available to nonprofits and small businesses.  

US Department Of Energy – Building Upgrade Prize

The DOE  is looking to stimulate creative projects in the US, with up to $400,000 in prize money for buildings that take ambition to drive efficiency to new levels.  “Community-based organizations, state and local governments, Indian tribes, building owners, utilities, nonprofit organizations, energy efficiency program implementers, and other organizations are encouraged to team up and apply.” Phase 1 opened for submissions in February 2023.

Investment Tax Credit

As a part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the Investment Tax Credit was expanded to include Geothermal Heat Pump Systems. Typically, this credit helps support Solar PV power, offsetting 30% of the costs in 2023 and beyond. With the expansion to include geothermal heat pumps, some decarbonizing projects can find some additional support to help bring a project across the finish line.  

Tax Incentives – 179D

Most buildings that do major upgrades can do accelerated depreciation on these investments and find a tax benefit. However, municipal governments and nonprofits lack this incentive to invest in their buildings – so there are tax incentives that they can assign to other entities that “design” projects on their behalf.  This tax benefit was adjusted and strengthened through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. 

This incentive is now roughly $5 per sq foot in 2023 – and is assigned as a tax deduction for other corporations that project manage and design. For example, a 10,000 sq foot fire station that upgrades their HVAC systems to VHE HVAC would have $50,000 of benefit they can assign. They can be assigned via a certified letter at a cost of $.07 per square foot, or about $700 in the firehouse example.  The firm that receives this benefit would save about $50,000 off their taxable income – so approximately $15,000 at a 30% taxable rate.  This can help offset the cost of the project if the firms involved are seeking to offset taxes.

Inflation Reduction Act – Investment Tax Credit Changes

If you are familiar with solar power for buildings, then you are aware of the Investment Tax Credit.  It covers 30% of the cost for solar PV on our building, and now it can also cover geothermal heat pump systems.  This can be powerful, and geothermal is simply a ground source heat pump, as opposed to most systems are air source heat pumps.  Geothermal is not right for all buildings or areas of Chicago – but our customer at the Alsip-Merrionette Library has had a geothermal system for years.  I was in that building several times before I even realized that there was a geothermal system, showing how comfortable it can provide a space even the size of a huge public library.  

Future Opportunities

With the huge growing interest in decarbonizing buildings at a policy level, we can be confident in one thing – there will certainly be more incentives, grants, and benefits to looking at building electrification in the future. Whether because of the growing financial incentives or by elevated energy costs in the future – our clients are increasingly interested in mitigating their energy costs and environmental impact.

Will many of these potential projects be fast and easy to accomplish? No. The changing of a building system can often be a long, slow process with many moving parts. 

Will they be paid for fully out of the above incentives?  Probably not, but we do believe that some aggressive grant writing organizations will be able to accomplish that. Buildings that have a boiler or chiller or even a grouping of smaller systems like Rooftop units, will be able to upgrade with these incentives for less out of pocket than if they pursue traditional replacements. 

When you combine that with the benefits of energy savings, everyone should be exploring this transition today so they are prepared when the opportunity arises and it will. 

 

verde technician chicago

Angel Perez

Angel Perez is an anime loving artist who takes pride in helping the environment.  Angel was born and raised in Chicago.  Prior to working at Verde, he delivered Tesla cars to new owners all over the Midwest.
verde analyst

Sumner Feary

Sumner was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs where his passion for the environment grew though time spend fishing, cycling, and exploring the outdoors. 

 

Sumner attended North Central College where he graduated with a degree in Business Management. During his time in college, Sumner developed a passion for the importance of sustainability in business and the positive impact that businesses can have on our planet. 

 

When he isn’t working, Sumner can be found riding his mountain bike, walking his dog Archie, or going to concerts. 

All Charged Up for EV Cars

EV Charging installations

A lot has changed in just the past few months around EV (electric vehicle) car charging, so it makes for a great topic for our November newsletter. The recent passage of Illinois legislation in September that supports Rebates for EV car charging stations was dovetailed nicely by the huge infrastructure spending bill that passed this month.  

Why Commercial and Government Buildings Are Curious Around EV Car Charging

This comes down to one word – customers. There is a growing number of EV cars on the road today, with almost 7% of all drivers owning one electric vehicle, and according to the PEW Research center, a whopping 39% considering one for their next purchase.  

Whether you are a library or McDonalds – some of your customers are driving these vehicles and they need charging. Owners can likely charge them at home – but great customer service organizations are considering how and when they will put these around their buildings for patrons to use.  

Not only are customers looking for charging services, but also employees (and this is a very competitive employment market).  Additionally, many of our commercial and municipal customers are considering electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for their fleet of vehicles in the next few years. The ease of access to charging these vehicles and the range of miles per charge of the vehicles themselves is crucial for successful implementation of this kind of strategy.

Types of Vehicles

The most notable electric vehicles are Tesla cars, which have ranges around 300 miles and only have an electric system (no combustion engine). Almost all major vehicle brands are making major commitments to producing this type of vehicle in the future, and there are huge economies of scale coming our way. EVs have less maintenance requirements than a traditional car – as they lack the need for oil changes and many of the combustion engine parts that fail.  

Commercial EVs are coming. Not just huge long haul trucks, where both EV and automation will change that industry forever – but even small and local commercial vehicles. Our company has been renting boom trucks for some time, and are considering a purchase of one in 2022.  However, I recently saw that Ford has an EV version of this style vehicle planned, perhaps giving good reason to continue renting for a while longer. We have two commercial vans, and I fully expect those to be the last two combustion engine vehicles our company will ever buy. While the Ford F150 Lightning received all the buzz, there are many more vehicles being planned from all major manufacturers.  

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are also an incredible opportunity, especially for public safety vehicle usage. These vehicles plug in and operate like a full Electric Vehicle for trips under a certain distance, usually 20-40 miles. After that, the vehicle works like a traditional hybrid. I have owned a PHEV for 3 years – benefiting from all EV usage on most of my lifestyle and work usage, but able to take the family to Door County or further without concern around range and charging infrastructure. Now one of my favorite hobbies is trying to find a charging station in towns I visit.  

Types of Chargers

There are several types of chargers, and not all need to be the fastest charging available. In fact, for most of our commercial and government buildings – they are looking to be a part of the solution to EV charging infrastructure – not the answer to all charging for all vehicles.

juicebox pro EV car charger

There are many variations for timing speed, but the two most important are voltage and amperage. When you combine these two, the higher the wattage possible and shorter the duration. Another way to think about it – the higher the combined voltage and amperage – the more miles you can drive per hour of charge.

Miles per hour charged is an important metric – less for the cross-country vacationer but more for the average commuting distance for a Chicagoan (30 miles or less typically). Can the average coffee shop provide 10 miles of charging in an hour? Can the average library provide 20 miles of charging in an average visit? Can a McDonalds provide 20 miles of charging in the time to eat a meal? The answer to all of these questions is yes, if you have the correct amperage and voltage.  

Level 1 charging: 120 volts. This is commonly found in most home garages – works well for many applications. This is the charging level I use at home, at 8 amps, and I rarely run into issues charging our vehicle. In fact, I often time it to start at 10pm, so that I am charging at the lowest prices on real-time pricing for Comed.

Level 2 charging: 240 volts and up to 80 amps. You can get up to 52 miles of driving out of an hour of charging, so you can see how a fast food customer can get fairly charged in the time it takes to eat a meal (unless you eat way too fast). If you wanted to sit for a few minutes to rest or make a call, you could get another mile or so for each minute.

Level 3 and DC Direct Charging: 480 Volts – very rare in Chicagoland buildings. DC direct is also very rare, typically from one battery to another and very fast in the first few minutes. These are not common situations for our customers to think about – this will eventually be something that interstate transportation will need to solve.

EV Box Car Charger

What Does it Cost to Install an EV Car Charging Station?

Installing an EV car charging system is not expensive. In fact, it can be as simple as plugging into any 120 volt outlet and almost all EV cars come with a version of this cord.  

Installing a more complex system is required for commercial spaces that want to officially offer this to patrons or the public. For me, speed is less the focus and access is the primary goal.  You don’t need to add huge electrical service to your building – you just need to work with what you have available. If you have 120 volt service, what amps are available on your system to add charging. We commonly install 30 amp and 40 amp charging stations – which is enough for public access.

These typically cost $5,000 or less to install – and factors that influence this are distance to the charging area from the breaker box, prevailing wage labor requirements, and warranty desired on the system. And of course, if you need to break any concrete to run electrical into a parking lot, this is where costs can get incredibly high.  

JB Pritzker EV charger
JB Pritzker touring EVBox in Libertyville, Illinois

Who Pays for the Electricity?

To me, this is the most exciting part of EV car charging.  We have focused on picking the right software solution for EV car charging, and made sure the physical charger works with it. While the early networks were very closed, like Chargepoint, newer systems like EVmatch are open and flexible to owners.  

In fact, owners of charging stations can provide electric charging for free, generate revenue from the system, and anything in between. One of my favorite concepts is to provide customers with a free charge for a coffee or lunch – which is great marketing and costs way less than you would think. 52 miles in an hour for a charge can be as little as 50 cents in cost – pretty inexpensive marketing if you ask me. Slower speeds of charging would cost less, but still feel really good to customers. Good charging systems can offer free codes to enter at charging stations, or non-customers can still pay rates way above your cost of supplying the electricity, turning a cost into a profit source.  

Finally, and the best part of this – you are supporting a mode of transportation that is less than half the carbon footprint of normal transit. This is why the federal and Illinois government are supporting it – which I will lay out broad numbers here, as the specifics will be updated as they are announced with the rollout of these new laws.

Federal and State Incentives

In addition to huge monetary incentives for owners to purchase EV vehicles, there are infrastructure funds available. The recent Illinois CEJA law that passed in September includes up to $80 million per year for Illinois charging stations and infrastructure. The $1.2 trillion federal Infrastructure Bill includes another $7.5 billion for charging station infrastructure – a huge additional benefit that may overlap with our Illinois funding.

Even some municipalities are getting into the charging incentive game – with Naperville offering $500-$700 per station installed and every month more towns and services will offer incentives.  The electric utilities like Comed are especially poised to benefit (and therefore offer incentives) on charging station infrastructure – since each station adds more revenue and is typically off peak hours.  

Illinois’ Electricity Mix: A Diversified Landscape for Charging EV Batteries

Illinois boasts a unique blend of sources for its electricity generation. Here’s a breakdown of the key players including Nuclear, Coal, Natural Gas, Renewables, Biomass, Petroleum and Hydroelectric.

As of 2024, nuclear power reigns supreme, accounting for a whopping 52.1% of the state’s net generation. This makes Illinois the top nuclear power producer in the US, which is critical since Nuclear power generation does not release carbon dioxide or other global warming gases.  Six nuclear power plants with 11 reactors contribute to this impressive share.

Despite its decline across the country, coal still holds a sizable portion of our Illinois power, generating 21.5% of the electricity. However, the state is actively transitioning away from coal due to environmental concerns. In fact, several plants have been shut down in Chicago the past decade, both reducing our reliance on coal and vastly improving our air quality.

Natural Gas is a versatile fuel provides 12.8% of the mix, offering flexibility and quick response to changing demands. This fuel has about half the carbon dioxide than coal, and the plants can start and stop very quickly making them great for peak plants and helping the grid when it is drawing maximum power.

Finally, wind power is the leading renewable source, contributing 12.2%, followed by solar at 0.9%. While currently smaller, renewables are experiencing significant growth. In addition, biomass and hydroelectric both play a small role in our energy production for electricity, with less than 1% each.

Some interesting notes about Illinois Electricity production is that Illinois is a net exporter of electricity, sending about 20% of its generation to other states. The state is actively pursuing clean energy goals, aiming for 25% renewable energy by 2025 and 50% by 2030.

Illinois’s electricity landscape is poised for change. While nuclear power remains a major player, its future is uncertain due to various factors. Coal is expected to continue declining, while renewables are projected to see significant growth. The state’s commitment to clean energy bodes well for a more sustainable future.

So you can feel good about installing EV Car Chargers in your business in Illinois because our electricity is over 70% free from global warming gases. This is a huge advantage to our state, and one that makes it even more compelling to adopt EV vehicles for fleets and home.

Heating & Cooling Equipment – Deep Dive into Energy Efficiency

Heating and cooling for energy efficiency

The biggest power draw in any building is heating and cooling – so any conversation around saving energy and costs must include those two big aspects of energy usage. We will take a deeper look at this equipment, as well as ways to save energy.   

Common equipment types

The most common style of heating and cooling for commercial buildings is the packaged rooftop unit or RTU. This style of heating has both heating and cooling in the same “box”, providing simplicity on the internal ductwork. Air comes from inside the building to the unit (via the return ducts), the air is heated or cooled, and then delivered throughout the building at a comfortable temperature.

Code requires that a certain percentage of outside or “fresh” air is always included in this delivered air. While this is safer for internal occupants – this outside air has to be heated or cooled and this leads to the waste in energy. This packaged RTU system is common in libraries, fast food restaurants, and commercial office buildings.

Alternatively, some heating and cooling systems are called split systems, meaning that the heating unit is inside the building and the compressor for air conditioning is on the exterior of the building. This is common in smaller commercial spaces, and we often see them in fire stations.  This style of system is very common in residential systems, as well.  

Boilers are commonly responsible for heating in larger and older buildings, especially multifamily buildings and large religious buildings. Original boiler systems use steam, while more modern “hydronic” boilers use hot water that runs through pipes to heat the space. This equipment connects to a radiator and can also be seen often in radiant floor heating applications. Heat produced by these methods can be very comfortable and efficient styles of heating.

They are not without their upkeep and steam systems, for example, have “traps” that require maintenance over their lifetime. They can often get blocked and can lead to inefficiencies.  Natural gas energy efficiency programs get much of their energy savings from insulating the pipes of these systems, as well as updating steam traps that are no longer working.

Chillers are large cooling systems, with the same concept as a packaged or split compressor system – but much larger in scale. They have huge pipe systems that deliver cooling to the building, often with small local systems that provide cooling to a room or area.  Chillers are more common in large libraries, high rise buildings, and large community buildings.  

Coming soon to a building near you

Finally, there are new heat pump systems (air-source) that are coming to market, as well as geothermal (ground-source) heating and cooling systems. These are at the cutting edge of HVAC systems technology, and the future of our buildings’ heating and cooling.  

Where are there efficiency gains?

There are many efficiency ratings for HVAC equipment – including SEER, IEER, EER and Energy Star.  When we look at commercial equipment, we are often looking for new equipment that is within the top quartile, or 25%, of modern efficient equipment.  They are often more expensive, and since they are not as common on the marketplace, harder to source.

Fortunately, there are often rebates that cover more than this increased cost and the key is to proactively replace equipment before they fail (so you can mitigate the longer lead time on high efficiency equipment).  

What can make existing units more efficient are the use of the following technologies: VFDs (variable-frequency drive) or VSDs (variable-speed drive), multistage heating and cooling, DCV, or demand control ventilation, and economizers.

VFDs and VSDs motors circulate air throughout our systems, getting the cooling and heating to our working spaces. Historically, fans have been either on or off – running at full speed when the system is calling for heating or cooling and off when not.  However, modern variable fan or speed drives can run at all different speeds and are associated with huge energy savings.

The old school versions of heating and cooling units were either off or on, or single stage – heating/cooling or not. Modern units can do multistage heating or cooling, meaning that they can add or remove BTUs in stages of effort. There are huge benefits to this for efficiency and equipment health. First – compressors hate to be turned on and off and that is what hurts their lifespan. When a smaller compressor is running often providing a small amount of cooling – it is both more efficient and better for the equipment.

But – another huge benefit – it removes more moisture and reduces indoor humidity during the summer – so you can keep your thermostat higher and be more comfortable while using less energy. However, on those really hot days, another stage can kick in and bring down the temperature when needed – so you get the benefits of both comfort and performance (and energy savings).  

DCV, or Demand Control Ventilation, utilizes sensors to detect the demands of the space and to bring outside air in as needed. Local building code often requires outside air to come in – both to avoid buildup of CO2 from too many people, but more importantly, to get fresh air into a space to remove all of the off gassing from paints, equipment, carpeting, and other inside building contaminants.

This code, while keeping us safe, also wastes energy by always bringing in outside air on very cold and hot days. In fact, your equipment needs to work 15-20% harder to heat and cool spaces – wasting energy and reducing the life of equipment by running compressors and heat exchanger usage.  While we have seen the incredible importance of outside air in the new norm of  Covid – we also want that when there are people inside a space.

Modern equipment allows you to do this smartly – by demand control ventilation. This can be done via DCV with a CO2 sensor inside your space, and it triggers the economizer to bring in fresh air when over a certain threshold. Today – we are at 417 ppm in the atmosphere – while we were less than 320 ppm in the early 1960s.  So CO2 sensors in your building can be set to 450 or 500 ppm – telling a unit that it is heavily occupied and needs some fresh air.

That fresh air damper will open to bring in air until the space drops below. Instead of always bringing in 15% of outside air, including unoccupied times, you only “smartly” bring in outside air when occupancy requires it. In fact, much of our modern equipment can be scheduled to bring in outside air before occupancy for even greater safety and energy efficiency.  

Economizers or Free Cooling Economizers are integrated into packaged rooftop units, and allow buildings to bring in outside air when it is cooler than inside air – as it often happens in the summer evenings. This is called free cooling – and depending on the building usage and design – can happen more often than you’d think.  Many rooftops for fast food restaurants have the packaged RTU compressor working to cool the kitchen on a 40-degree day. A simple open economizer will save a ton of energy in this application.

What about heat pumps?

Heat pumps are coming to the market, with improvements happening each year on the technology side. Heat pumps work like an air conditioner in reverse and can heat and cool the same space.  While historically they have struggled to keep up with severe cold weather, many manufacturers are making units that maintain solid heating up to -20 degrees F. Heat pumps have the added benefit of electrifying a building and removing the gas requirement for heating, often saving a significant monthly expense.

Verde is working on a pilot program with ComEd that involves combining heat pumps with energy recovery ventilators, helping to both improve indoor air quality while saving significant energy costs. Our first project is with a huge religious and community center in Oak Park, Illinois – replacing a chiller, boiler and 5 RTU system with an advanced Energy Recovery Ventilator and heat pump system offset by over $250,000 of utility incentives.

Buildings exploring this advanced technology will also add higher quality air for their space (lowering Covid risk for occupants), as well as electrifying a building for lower carbon impact.

How about larger heating and cooling systems?

Larger systems are often controlled by something called a Building Automation System (BAS). This system controls all of the building heating and cooling systems in one centralized software. The original design intent of these large buildings and systems often degrade slowly over time – and a Retrocommissioning Program can help to tweak these systems to get them back to their original optimization.

Retrocommissioning Energy Savings Program provides an in-depth engineering study for larger buildings, and then makes recommendations for simple paybacks (1.5 years or less) and provides incentives to help implement those recommendations. In 2021, Verde began this process with a high rise apartment building, a hotel, and a process manufacturer.

While all very different – each of them benefit from a detailed engineering study and recommendations that can be implemented and lead to immediate and long term savings. Each building will also benefit from a better understanding of their equipment and upgrade potential for those equipment on a capital improvement level.  

What’s going on with R-22?

One last note in the nudge of the environment in terms of equipment: R-22 was a commonly used refrigerant. It is being phased out, which is great news for our ozone and for the fight against climate change as R-22 is 2,000 times more potent at trapping heat than CO2 in our atmosphere.  R410-A is the new standard on all equipment being made and manufactured.  

What does that mean for existing equipment? Since R-22 is no longer being made – it will cost likely 4 times more to recharge older equipment in 2022, and that price will only continue to increase as the supply is depleted of R-22. So if sustainability, reduced maintenance costs, better air quality don’t drive your decision for upgrades to energy efficient HVAC equipment in 2022 – perhaps the fear of a $1,000 service charge in June to recharge your equipment will make the decision more important.  

Since HVAC uses the most energy in a building, and climate change and Covid are arguably the two most pressing challenges of our time – updating your buildings HVAC system could be the most important decision your organization makes in 2022.  

Recycling and Waste

Recycling and waste at Verde

At the heart of our organization, Verde is committed to environmental protection. That is who we are, and what we do. For over a decade, we have been recommending and implementing energy efficiency measures for libraries, fire stations, McDonalds, and everything in between throughout Illinois.

We pay to recycle the fluorescent lights that come out of our customer’s buildings. We do this because they contain mercury – something quite harmful for wildlife, our health, and the ecosystem. While the amount in each light is small – this is an important part of our business and worth the cost.

Initially, we paid to have a service come and pick up cardboard boxes of fluorescent lamps from our clients location. It was clean and convenient, although it was costly at about $.25 per lamp plus an additional pickup fee per location. Even the cardboard boxes were a decent expense because of the need for them to be strong enough to safely transport the hazardous material.

A few years ago, we invested in a bulb crushing machine at our warehouse in Chicago. This machine is safe and easy to use, and contains 4 HEPA filters to remove the mercury as it crushes the glass tubes into a 55 gallon stainless steel drum. We can crush about 100 lamps in 10 minutes and fit approximately 1,500 lamps in one drum. These drums are then sent out to a larger recycling facility that cleans and repurposes the glass.

This process requires our crew to box up the lamps at the job site and bring them back to our warehouse to feed to our bulb-crusher. It requires more time from our team, but it is half the cost  of our initial recycling method. 1,500 crushed lamps in a drum takes up far less space and costs less to transport than boxes of uncrushed tubes. We have also been able to cut expenses by being able to reuse the cardboard boxes.

Recycling Other Waste Products

In addition to taking the fluorescent lamps from our customers’ locations, we also remove any old ballasts, wiring, and fixtures. There is a wild array of commodities in there: copper, aluminum, and other ferrous and non ferrous materials. Historically, we had a relationship with a scrapper who would come and pick them up from job sites. He didn’t charge us; his money was made by selling that scrap to local scrap yards.  

Since he wasn’t an employee – it was hard to make sure he was there before we completed an install. We started to see a rise in frustrated customers if our coordination was off – if pickup was just a few days after a job wrapped up, that scrap was an eyesore and took up space on the customer’s property.  

Around the same time, we noticed that inflation was on the rise and the value of many of the commodities were at all time highs, including copper. So we asked ourselves if there was an opportunity here to change our process.

Processing and Getting Paid for Recycling

We started taking small batches of our scrap to a variety of scrap yards to get a feel for the price we’d receive. While the raw value of copper as a commodity was selling for more than $4 per pound, we would receive $.80 per pound of copper wire and maybe $.15 per pound of ballasts (which also contain copper).  We started to collect and store more volume of ballasts, trim the wires by hand, and get a little bit more value with scale. We started collecting the scrap in gaylords, and later switched to larger, IBC containers – mostly driven by our partners recommendations on the best methodology.  

I’ve learned that there is a whole ecosystem that is responsible for taking a pound of copper wire or pound of ballast and converting it to a usable recycled product.  What started as small entrepreneurs in the depression collecting scrap to feed their families has grown into a multi-billion industry.  However, these processes are not always  transparent to us, the average consumer.

I heard horror stories from customers and scrap industry folks of people putting wire into barrels and light them on fire with gasoline to remove the plastics on wires and ballasts.  I have since learned that while that was true in much of the world 40 years ago, there are processes now that are much more environmentally friendly, either by using cheap human labor or machines that separate these pieces.

I recently read Junkyard Planet by Adam Minter and have learned so much about why, where and how our scrap materials end up either reused, landfilled or recycled. I believe there is a huge opportunity for local entrepreneurs to make a lot of money on recycling – making money while doing good – especially with the future of 3D printing.  Recycling had the opportunity to provide inexpensive feed stock for 3D printing, as that technology continues to evolve.  

Copper as a Commodity

Copper is the biggest driver of Verde’s recycling efforts, it’s found in every light fixture’s wiring and ballasts. Copper is mined in a few places around the world and has huge environmental costs to mine. It is an ancient metal and the 3rd most recycled metal. The US still uses a ton of copper in our buildings and developing countries like China and Brazil have huge demands for this raw material. Another interesting fact about China – it is incredibly expensive to ship products to the US from China, but cheap to go the other direction since there is such an imbalance of container ships waiting to return. So shipping recycling materials containing copper to China is not only good for the environment, but also helps a huge trade imbalance.  The U.S. is considered the Saudi Arabia of scrap, and our waste is filled with wealth.  

Copper Recycling

While I envisioned burning barrels of copper wire, what actually happens are huge machines that chop up the insulation and copper wire alike. These machines, located both in the United States and China, then separate the plastic from the copper – plastic having a value on its own, as well. Separating these two materials can be simply done with water by floating the small plastic bits to the top. The copper is then easily converted into a commodity worth $4 per pound, so a huge margin can be made by someone when purchasing for a fraction of that cost.  

Can We Bring Our Lamps and Ballasts to Recycle near Chicago?

Yes, you absolutely can do this. We provide this free and included in all of our projects, so getting an assessment done is always the right place to start. But, we can gladly accept old fluorescent lamps and ballasts, as well as almost any kind of HID lamp and transformer as well.

In 2024, our costs are as follows:

4ft T8 or T12 lamps : $.20 each

8ft T8 or T12 lamps : $.40 each

Ulamp T8 or T12 lamps : $.20 each

We can accept small CFL lamps, as well as large HID lamps. Typically, if it is just a few, we can accept those in a group of linear fluorescent lamps and not charge for them.

We accept all ballasts at no charge. We use the ballasts and wires as a way to offset some of our costs for recycling, which is why our costs are lower than most facilities.

Kyle, our recycling technician, was staffed in partnership with Working Together Chicago. Kyle loves his job, and appreciates and can handle any work you bring our way. We are located at 5328 N Northwest Highway in Chicago and can accept recycling drop offs Monday through Friday, 8am to 3pm. Please call ahead at (773) 413-9587 so we can be prepared for you.

Commodities Other Than Copper

Each lighting fixture can have 5 to 10 different commodities inside of it, from aluminum reflectors to cast iron housings. There are also resistors and capacitors – as well as small plastic components and a lot of screws and fasteners. Some of the more interesting fixtures use aluminum with small flaps to assemble, which is quite efficient and easy to recycle. Others take 20 or 30 different steps to disassemble and I usually only deconstruct those one time out of curiosity.  

I have started contacting Argonne National Laboratory and a few other places I know locally to see what recycling machines equipment costs and does. I intend to seek out and attend some trade conferences, even looking for Chinese vendors that will come here and directly purchase our waste at higher rates than US partners.  

While the previously empty containers do go back to China, it would be far better to recycle these commodities locally. I’m curious about what creating a local scrap materials process would look like, although I’m sure those processes cost millions of dollars of investment. And while we have started recycling about 10,000 lbs per month – we would need an even bigger scale (or local consortium and private/public partnership) to make that investment worthwhile. I do believe there is an opportunity here, and it will continue if copper and other commodities continue to soar. Where there is a business case, there will be an opportunity that someone will pursue.

In the meantime, we have decreased our costs as a business, and added some profit (and hopefully lower costs to our clients) at the same time. That is worth each ounce of recycled product, especially because it aligns with our mission.  

How Can You Tell Different Types of Metals Apart for Recycling?

We separate out different types of metals, because you get more money for recycling when they are sorted. The more granular you get, the more money you can receive. In fact, there are very fancy and complicated machines that separate and sort materials – even entire cars. Since we just have a 20,000 square foot facility, we do most of it by hand for now.

A magnet is an essential tool when identifying metals because it can help you determine which metals are ferrous and which are non-ferrous.

Ferrous metals are magnetic because they contain iron. Some examples of ferrous metals include:

  • Alloy Steel
  • Carbon Steel
  • Cast Iron
  • Wrought Iron

Non-ferrous metals are not magnetic and are usually far more malleable than ferrous metals. They are beneficial because they are more rust-resistant due to their lack of iron. Typically, these metals are more valuable and easier for us to spend the time and effort recycling. And lucky for us, a lot of old lighting fixtures and components are aluminum and copper. Some examples of non-ferrous metals are:

  • Aluminum
  • Copper
  • Lead

Why Should I Recycling Fluorescent Lamps in Illinois?

There are two main reasons why you should recycle fluorescent lamps in Illinois.

1. Environmental Protection: Fluorescent lamps, including compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), contain small amounts of mercury, a toxic metal. When these lamps break or are thrown away in landfills, the mercury can escape into the environment. This can contaminate the air, water, and soil, posing a risk to human and animal health. Recycling ensures the mercury is safely captured and processed, preventing environmental harm.

While a few lamps is not a big deal in the big scheme of things, the EPA reports that 670 million lamps are disposed of each year in the United States. That is a lot of mercury, and when not recycled, can really screw up our natural areas and our health.

2. Law and Regulations: While not mandatory for residents, recycling fluorescent lamps is highly recommended by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and required for many facilities throughout the state. This is because the IEPA recognizes the potential environmental risks associated with improper disposal. By choosing to recycle, you’re not only protecting the environment but also complying with state regulations. If you participate in the Commonwealth Edison Energy Efficiency Program – it is a requirement to properly dispose of and recycle your fluorescent lamps when you claim incentive. So you should do it, and you may have to do it.

Here are some additional benefits of recycling fluorescent lamps in Illinois:

  • Resource Conservation: Recycling allows valuable materials like glass and phosphors to be recovered and reused in new products, reducing the need for virgin materials and conserving resources. Verde recycles about 10,000 lamps per quarter, so a lot of glass is getting reused along with reducing mercury impact.
  • Energy Savings: Recycling uses less energy than manufacturing new lamps from scratch, further contributing to environmental sustainability.
  • Cost Savings: Some communities offer free or discounted recycling programs for fluorescent lamps, saving you money compared to disposal fees associated with landfills.

Remember, even though throwing away a single lamp might seem insignificant, responsible disposal practices collectively make a big difference for the environment. By choosing to recycle your fluorescent lamps in Illinois, you’re actively contributing to a cleaner and healthier planet. When you combine this with the added value of recycling old ballasts and wires, this is a great combination for the planet and your pocketbook.

CEJA Law Passes in Illinois

solar CEJA Illinois

September 2021 

Illinois had some exciting legislation passed last month. CEJA, or the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, will stabilize our solar PV (photovoltaic) market in Illinois and provide essential funding for EV Car Charging Stations.

Illinois has grown to be a leader in solar PV production over the past 5 years, but has all exhausted the previously allocated funding for the majority of businesses and government buildings. This new legislation, in combination with the extension of the Investment Tax Credit in late 2020 to maintain a 26% federal tax credit, will put some wind in our sails for solar PV in our state.

This state funding is provided through a line item taxes on all electric utility bills, and is essential to drive more efficiency, solar PV and Electric vehicle adoption in Illinois.

 

Basic Concept of Solar PV for Non-Residential Buildings

 

Most of you have probably thought about solar for your home, or been approached by a solar PV installer or provider. Residential homes make great applications for solar – but our big energy users are commercial and municipal buildings. I remember when Verde finished one of our first lighting retrofit projects at Epic Burger in the South Loop – seeing the savings in one month amounted to more than if I pulled the electric meter out of my home for a year. Our commercial and public buildings have diverse usage, large heating and cooling needs, and heavy exterior lighting demands.  

 

Most solar systems are thought of in terms of installed cost per watt. In bigger arrays, the cost per watt can go down. For this reason, commercial and municipal solar PV arrays can actually be more cost effective than a home installation. They are typically bigger and produce more power. In addition to being cost effective, they can simply have a bigger environmental impact than doing this work at a residence.

 

In Chicagoland, your residential array will consist of 2 basic components – solar PV panels to produce electricity (DC power) and an inverter system to convert it to AC power (which our homes run on). ComEd then installs a net meter, which allows you to send extra power into the grid at times and use the grid like a big battery. The goal is to produce just as much power as you need and no more – and net metering helps accomplish this goal.  Removing the need for a battery saves a lot of cost for the installation and is one of the key features that has driven the cost down in Illinois.

 

What Drives Solar in Illinois?

We don’t have the greatest sun production. We also don’t have really high energy prices, due to our high nuclear energy production in the state. So what drives the adoption of solar by record levels of Illinois businesses?  One word – federal tax savings.  

 

The overall cost of solar PV is reduced by Illinois Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), net meter rebates, and, of course, the energy savings. More importantly, the Investment Tax Credit at 26% of the overall system cost, as well as the accelerated depreciation tax savings – drive most of the commercial decisions on solar. In fact, I have seen really crazy situations with less than a 3 year payback on the original investment with Solar PV for businesses.  This imperfect system drives results as business owners do not always care about the environment (but many do), but everyone I have talked to hates to pay taxes.  Solar  helps a business offset a lot of tax liability.

 

For those that do not pay taxes, like Non Profits and Municipal Buildings, SRECs are higher by design to help catch up some of that missed federal tax credits and depreciation. Some of these buildings make really great solar opportunities. Fire stations and libraries are some of the few buildings that we know will be here in 25 years – the warranted life of most solar panels.  

 

What makes a good building for solar?

 

Large flat roofs are ideal situations. Solar panels can be ballasted, meaning they are built on a racking system and held down by something heavy so there is no penetration to the roof.  Really old roofs and really new roofs make perfect candidates for a ballasted array that will last 25 years. It does not make sense to add solar to a roof that will be replaced in the next few years, as there would be higher costs in removing and then reinstalling the solar PV system. 

 

Really old roofs can find additional tax credits if they upgrade their roof at the same time as solar PV installation. One of my favorite projects in 2020 was able to install a new roof PLUS solar PV for less cost than just the roof replacement would have been. This is because the Investment Tax Credit includes the roofing costs under the array.  

 

Why We Should Be Installing Solar PV

 

In my last newsletter, I talked about inflation and the impact on capital investing for sustainability. Investing in Solar PV is a very strong strategy for hedging your bets against inflation. The important thing to keep in mind is that energy rates will never remain flat. If you think about solar as an investment and design your system to return 15% per year if energy rates stay flat, your return will only increase as energy rates increase.  You can model for this, or leave flat energy rates for a conservative approach.  

 

If you do decide to add solar PV to your property (or do anything significant around sustainability), it should be talked about. A lot. To employees, to customers, to friends, and family.  Solar PV has a huge positive impact on our local carbon footprint. Many people in our immediate communities care about that and want to connect with businesses and employers that make those choices.  

 

Finally, I believe that solar PV is an important part of overall climate mitigation. We cannot avoid it, so let’s put our efforts into lessening the impacts. As storms get more intense, we will be losing power more frequently. I believe that distributed power will be more important for businesses and municipal buildings to continue operating during outages – and solar PV will be a part of that. While your building with solar PV will not keep operating without a battery system due to safety – as battery systems continue to drop in cost, we will find ways to retrofit our systems to do just that – provide resilience for our buildings.  

Inflation, Interest Rates and Sustainability

air pollution and energy usage

Back when I was a firefighter, I was incredibly lucky to study Economics and Environmental Policy at the University of Chicago in a graduate degree.  In fact, much of my energy efficiency consulting business is centered around a single course I took at that time.  It was the hardest course I have ever taken, but also a period of growth and change.

I often think about the dilemma that economists face when considering climate change.  The certainty (or uncertainty) of whether it will happen and how it will impact us 50 or 100 years out has always created a challenge in how we account for the investment.  It seems like collectively there is a greater acceptance of climate change as a given at this point, with the extreme weather and the fact that each year we break a new temperature record for the planet.

How Does Investment in Sustainability Get Impacted by Inflation?

Inflation impacts a lot of our lives – things get more expensive and that makes change harder. Our federal government keeps inflation in check, with a target of 2%, by raising and lower the federal borrowing rate. This then impacts local bank lending interest rates. The federal reserve also manages this interest rate to help stimulate the economy during a slow down – by lowering the rate – folks and businesses are more likely to borrow and spend money because the cost of money is cheap.

So sustainability is greatly impacted by this interest rate – because solar power, wind farms, high efficiency HVAC equipment – these are all more expensive at high interest rates. The interest rate is also used to calculate the net present value of any big investment or energy savings that we might take.  Accountants will look at this one way, economists who guide our economy in another.  But they are both the same – how to you spend money today and where else could you have spend that money? We all face that choice.

In sustainable investing for your business, there are lots of areas to invest in with your capital. Electric fleet and vehicle charging, HVAC equipment, insulation, new building, shipping, and even expansion to other geographies. These all take capital, which is a limited resource for most of us mere mortal companies – maybe Google and Apple can do it all, but we can’t.

I think about this concept around interest rates every day.  At the time I studied, it meant something different to me (as all things impact us differently at different stages of life). I was thinking about my first home and that interest rate, school loans and whether to pay them off or not, and small interest in a CD or savings account.  Since graduating, I have grown a business that heavily depends on a bank line of credit and other borrowing, purchased a building with the help of the SBA, and been incredibly lucky to receive both PPP loans and EIDL loans. 

Interest rates are at the heart of those foundational funds. High interest rates drive one type of behavior at a time, low interest rates encourage a decision to buy property in Chicago.  In fact, in a wild twist, just last year I was able to borrow on an EIDL loan at 3.75%, and this year can get 4% (or more) on our business savings account.

We are commonly thinking about 3-5% interest rates over the past 20 years with a federal target of 2%.  However, net present value (the current grouping of all future liabilities) gets really hard to calculate with higher interest rates.  Could we see 7-10% interest rates sustain in the next few years?  Or was this recent push to raise rates a temporary blip on the long term radar. It already looks like it was temporary, but uncertainty remains in how long it takes to lower the rates. These interest rates impacts how we borrow money and what we do, as well as how we consider money today in 2021.

More Importantly – Inflation and the Impact on Sustainability

More to the point, what and how does inflation impact our decisions?  We are not often economists or accountants – we are trying to guide our organization down the right path.  Do we consider solar for our building, do we invest in high efficiency HVAC, do we add another few inches of insulation to a roof as we replace it?  And no matter how successful a business is, there are periods when we are not doing any of this as we battle down the hatches for a rough period, whether driven by the greater economy or our own little microeconomic battles.

All of that decision making comes down to energy rates, at least on some level, since the energy savings is what drives our calculation. Each of us is different – most consider 2 years a good payback on lighting, 3-5 years a good payback on HVAC, and 7-10 years a good payback for solar power.  But – those are usually just a checkpoint in the consideration – there are other reasons we all do these changes.  Safety, comfort and clients impression usually drive these behaviors more than ROI, payback or environmental concerns. 

I can’t say for sure that inflation will come heavily in the next few  years. That is not my area of expertise, but I can certainly say we have all felt it this recently, especially in the construction trades.  I would say it is likely, and in my perspective, a great thing for sustainability. In fact, I have a growing theory that our drive for low interest rates to stimulate an economy, is actually terrible for our planet. Let me explain further, and remember, this is just one point of view.  

Why is a Low Interest Rate Driven Economy Poor for the Planet?

Interest rates at a low level encourage us to spent because the long term cost of the expense is lower. Easiest example is a home – if we buy a home at 4% interest rate and our monthly payment is lower than our rent – it feels like a good move.

In sustainability and energy efficiency work, this applies in a similar manner, but instead of rent, it has the concept of saved energy costs.

We typically see really high return on investments for energy efficiency work – as high as 50%. Often these are so strong because local utility rebates and incentives can help offset the cost. Lighting can be better than 50%, HVAC can be 20%, and investment in roofing and solar PV can also be very strong with tax credits driving the decision. So more profit, more reason for doing solar PV in general.

But construction of these parts is often driven by the same components of general construction, with 90% of parts and labor having overlap. An HVAC technician that puts in a high efficiency VRF Heat Pump system could just as easily be building out new construction HVAC systems that are the standard efficiency. A solar PV electrician could instead be putting up new warehouses with all of their electrical needs. And basic copper is involved in all of those components, whether high efficiency or the standard stuff on the market.

But the energy efficiency calculation depends on savings, which are driven by utility costs. Mostly those go up each year – and I think that is a good assumption. But there are also investments that help drive these down, like new power plants, new sources of natural gas (offshore drilling, fracking technology). So in a way, lower interest rates will actually fuel these investments, which will in turn lower the cost of future energy. It will still likely keep getting more expensive, but not as much as it could.

So low interest rates both make costs of sustainability actions today more expensive, while also driving down the cost of future energy. Both driven by lower interest rates today.

Is There an Alternative to this Energy Efficiency Tension?

Yes – a very simple and elegant economic tool would be a carbon tax. This tax could offset another tax, like wage taxation or corporate taxes. But it would make energy that produced CO2 more expensive, and also create a better return on an energy efficiency capital expense.

As energy rates are the most important quantitative metric in making a sustainable investment – we have a base annual savings that typically formulates the foundation for that decision.  What inflation does is shortens the payback – or makes investments in capital improvements more attractive.  Of course, we all still have a variety of things we can do with money – so it isn’t just a clear decision.  But, I do feel that with inflation on the horizon and incredibly low interest rates available now – it creates a great environment for making long term decisions…if you can.  Fire stations, libraries, McDonalds – those that are not going anywhere for the next 20 years – are fortunate to have this consideration.  Those that have a 7-10 year lease have an incredible opportunity as well – as do property managers.  

Proactive planning and strategy are the key.  And I say this as someone who just moved into a new building and has not even upgraded our own lights yet.  But we are looking at roof insulation, HVAC upgrades, our own solar – as well as some other dreamy plans for a rooftop deck and indoor agriculture space – before we make too many commitments.  But they will come, and with the knowledge that we are in a unique time and history – and that as long as you look far enough into the future, and investment in sustainability is a good one.  

Two More Challenges for Our MacroEconomic World

First, eventually, our planet growth of people will decrease. And in my opinion, this is a good thing. In a future world where climate migration will be a big thing – and fighting over water and resources will only increase, we already have too many dang people. But our entire economy requires growth, and often that is growth in GDP and people.

But could we find a growth in the economy where the number of people decreases? I think it is definitely possible, but takes looking at the world differently. So just like the fact that we need to untangle economic growth from an interest rate, we also need to untangle it from more people. And inspiring the next generation to understand this will be critical and key – and we have a dedicated next generation that just needs to be put to work.

Optimistic Outlook for Sustainable Investing in Your Business

I recently had a conversation with an owner and operator of 15 hotels in Illinois and a few other states.  We put together a compelling package based on our understanding of past investments in energy efficiency and their current pain points (huge, especially with large vacancy rates but consistent energy burdens in 2020 and 2021).  

She challenged our proposal and asked that we include sensors on some fixtures that would push past the 2-3 year ROI they were looking for.  She felt the pain of those fixtures being on during low vacancy, and is in the long-term ownership strategy for her buildings.  She decided, and this was a different decision than she made just 3 years ago, that longer term thinking was important for her group.  I was surprised, but it left me feeling optimistic.  If all of us make small changes in our thinking about our assets – all of us will together benefit.  She didn’t do it for love of the planet, fear of the future for her children – but because it made sense and she just needed to think about it differently. I love being inspired by people when we work together.  

So each decision we make that we are willing to go a little further into the future for payback will collectively drive change. But so can the federal interest rates, a carbon tax policy, and more things out of your control. My plan? Focus on what I can control and ignore the rest. Do what I can to most efficiently reduce our energy burden while improving our lives and businesses.

LED and Fluorescent Emergency Ballast

Night and security led

As we continue to replace older lighting to LED, it is important to understand building and life safety code as we retrofit old lights to more modern systems.

Emergency ballasts are one of the most complicated systems to maintain, as well as retrofit to LED.  First, let us get some basic terminology down.

Security and Night Lights

Night lights, often called Security Lights, are those that stay on 24 hours per day.  They remain on even when you turn a switch off – and typically there is one per large room.   This fixture has a separate wiring to it, bypassing the switch.  Whether the light switch is controlled by occupancy or a manual switch, the light will stay on as the wiring bypasses the switch for that one light.

Common Issues on night lights with LED conversion:  When converting to LED, watch out for these lights.  Any fixture based occupancy sensor should be addressed separately from the group.  While it can dim when not occupied, it should not turn all the way off unless local code ordinance allows.

Emergency Ballasts and Drivers

Emergency Ballasts are designed to keep lights on during the event of a power outage.  Often, these lights are mounted to an exit sign and look like a pair of bug eyes.  However, just as common is to find these in a 2×4 light fixture, warehouse high bay, or strip fixture.  

EM ballasts are similar to traditional fluorescent ballasts, but they have a battery internal that can allow a certain amount of time that the light can stay on, usually one light in the fixture.  These ballasts require their own dedicated wiring (a normal hot switched lead and an unswitched hot lead) as the unswitched lead bypasses any switch.  This dedicated wiring charges the battery, but also signals to the ballast when to start providing power from the battery when A/C power fails.  If the fixture is wired to a switch and lacks a dedicated unswitched hot lead, this fixture will simply turn on emergency power mode each time you turn the lights off – discharging the battery.  As these batteries only have so many charge/discharge cycles (enough to safely leave a building in a power interruption) – they are not designed to be energized each time lights are switched off.  

Additionally, battery life is shortened each time a battery is discharged.  Typical emergency ballasts might last 5 to 10 years, but much shorter if used frequently at night when lights are turned off.  EM ballasts can be tested individually with a button test system, and they will illuminate when pressed if they are working properly. 

Common Issues on EM Ballasts and LEDs

Most commonly we find that fixtures might have been originally wired incorrectly, often without the separate unswitched hot lead to the EM ballast.  This leads to expensive replacement of the EM ballast, which is being too frequently discharged because the come on each time the light switch is turned off.  In this situation, a unswitched hot lead needs to be provided to signal when power is truly cut to a space.

em ballast and LED conversion
Safely converted an EM Ballast

Converting Existing EM Ballasts to LED

There are several approaches that work when converting EM fixtures to LED.

The preferred and easiest approach is to install a new fixture, with an EM ballast or driver.  Often, this can provide DC to the LED diodes and power them for a longer period of time in a power interruption.  This fixture will need two sources of wires, unless it is wired directly from the breaker and can then be optimized with sensors and control systems.  

Type C LED retrofits can also be applied, by replacing the existing ballast with an EM ballast that is compatible with a Type C tube.  This approach works well when the existing system is older and in need of replacement.

Type A retrofits are also an option, where the existing EM ballast is still functioning.  In this type of retrofit, all ballasts remain and LED tubes replace the existing fluorescent lighting.  This has the advantage of being incredibly low cost and minimal labor – but compatibility with existing ballasts and EM ballasts takes careful consideration and sampling.  

Unfortunately, if the existing EM ballasts are T12s or HIDS, replacing them is the best course.  T8 EM ballasts that have good life can be retrofitted if the existing ballast and battery system has life left in it.  

While local utility energy efficiency rebates may be slightly lower due to the complexity of EM ballasts, they typically are found in less than 10% of fixtures and do not measurably change the overall project incentives. While they do add to project costs, we find that a comprehensive replacement will lead to lower overall maintenance costs and avoid unexpected issues during inspections.

Tubular LED Lamps with Integrated Emergency Capabilities

T8 and T5 LED lamps with emergency ballast capabilities are a recent innovation in the lighting industry. In this situation, the lamp has a small battery inside of it, reducing the need for an additional external EM battery. As battery technology has improved, and the efficiency of LED lights has increased – this integration has become possible.

These lamps with integrated emergency functionality offer several advantages over traditional T8 fluorescent lamps, including:

1. Emergency Lighting: These lamps have a built-in battery backup system that allows them to continue operating for a period of time (usually 90 minutes) in the event of a power outage. This makes them ideal for use in areas where safety and security are critical, such as hallways, stairwells, and exits.

2. Energy Efficiency: LED lamps are significantly more energy-efficient than traditional fluorescent lamps. They can use up to 50% less energy, which can lead to significant cost savings over time.

3. Long Lifespan: LED lamps have a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, which is much longer than the lifespan of traditional fluorescent lamps (10,000-20,000 hours). This means that you will need to replace them less often, saving you money and time.

4. Reduced Maintenance: LED lamps require little to no maintenance. They don’t contain any harmful materials (mercury), so they are safer for the environment.

5. Instant On: LED lamps turn on instantly, unlike traditional fluorescent lamps which require time to warm up.

Here are some specific details about these new T8/T5 LED lamps:

  • Wattage: Typically available in 15-18 watts, consuming less energy than traditional T8 fluorescent lamps (32 watts) and T5 fluorescent (54 watts High Output).
  • Brightness: They range from 1,800 to 2,000 lumens, providing sufficient illumination, with higher for T5 HO replacements.
  • Color Temperature: Available in various color temperatures, including cool white (5000K) and neutral white (4000K).
  • Emergency Mode: Provides a minimum of 90 minutes of illumination at a reduced brightness level (420 lumens) during power outages.
  • Ballast Compatibility: Some models offer “ballast bypass” functionality, allowing them to operate directly on line voltage without the need for a ballast.
  • Self-Diagnostic Features: Some models have built-in self-diagnostic capabilities that can detect issues with the battery or lamp, ensuring reliable operation.

Here are some popular brands that offer T8 LED lamps with emergency ballast capabilities:

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of brands or resources. There are many other manufacturers and retailers that offer these types of lamps. Verde has not used any of these products at this time, as we continue to use external emergency battery systems aligned with our typical type C retrofit. However, this is a very exciting development and we expect it to become mainstream in the near future.

Emergency Ballast Common Errors

The most common error that we see in our work is that emergency battery systems are wired incorrectly. In one common area office building, the lamps were being turned off each night in the hallway. As the lights were wired incorrectly, with the EM wired to the main light switch instead of dedicated to the breaker, they would activate each night. The cleaning crew thought this was normal, but after a year of being discharged each night, they would fail. And, if the emergency functionality had ever been needed in the morning, it likely would not have had enough time to charge to allow everyone the time needed to safely leave the building.

Another common challenge is when emergency lights have failed so long ago, that no one knows they exist. This leads to a retrofit without identifying the need for emergency lights integrated into the fixture. The new retrofit or fixture lacks the emergency functionality, only found during the next inspection by the local authority. This can be expensive to add back, often leading to higher costs than if identified initially.

Integrating an EM into Fixtures with Light Sensors

New lighting fixtures can have daylight harvesting and networked control systems, meaning that they turn on and off or dim based on occupancy and available daylight. This can be an exciting new way to integrate EM lighting, as you can have a single wiring to a fixture that is not switched, only turning on and off based on occupancy. In this case, if a dedicated line is not available to the fixture. So this can be a way to add Emergency Lighting when the dedicated wiring is not available.

The Importance of Emergency Lighting in Commercial Spaces

In any commercial space, the safety of occupants and visitors is paramount, so this is a reminder of why emergency lighting is important, before or after an LED upgrade. Emergency lighting provides illumination in the event of a power outage, fire, or other emergency, ensuring people can evacuate the building safely and quickly.

Here are some of the key reasons why emergency lighting is so important in commercial spaces:

1. Safety and Evacuation:

  • Prevents panic and confusion: Emergency lighting illuminates exit signs and escape routes, guiding people to safety, even in the dark. This minimizes panic and confusion, preventing accidents and injuries during an emergency.
  • Ensures smooth evacuation: Adequate lighting allows people to see clearly and navigate the building efficiently, leading to a faster and more orderly evacuation. Congestion and bottlenecks are minimized, further enhancing safety.

2. Legal Compliance:

  • Building codes: Most countries and states have building codes that mandate the installation of emergency lighting in commercial spaces. These codes specify the minimum standards for lighting levels, placement of fixtures, and backup power systems.
  • Compliance ensures safety: By complying with building codes, businesses ensure they are meeting the minimum safety standards and providing a safe environment for their employees and visitors.

3. Business Continuity:

  • Minimizes business disruptions: Power outages and other emergencies can disrupt business operations. Emergency lighting allows businesses to continue operating to a certain extent, minimizing downtime and financial losses.
  • Protects property: In the event of a fire, emergency lighting can help firefighters locate the source of the fire quickly and prevent further damage to the building and property.

4. Improved Image and Reputation:

  • Demonstrates commitment to safety: By prioritizing emergency lighting, businesses demonstrate their commitment to the safety of their staff and visitors. This can enhance their image and reputation, fostering trust and confidence.
  • Attracts and retains talent: Employees are more likely to be satisfied and loyal to companies that prioritize their safety and well-being. Adequate emergency lighting is a visible indicator of this commitment.

Types of Emergency Lighting in Commercial Spaces:

  • Exit signs: These illuminated signs clearly mark the location of emergency exits, guiding people towards safety.
  • Emergency luminaires: These battery-powered lights provide general illumination in key areas such as hallways, stairwells, and lobbies.
  • Escape route lighting: This type of lighting illuminates the path of travel from any point in the building to the nearest exit.
  • Anti-panic lighting: This type of lighting prevents panic and confusion by providing a low level of illumination throughout the building during an emergency.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, emergency lighting is essential for ensuring the safety of people in commercial spaces. It plays a critical role in facilitating safe evacuation, minimizing injuries, and protecting property. By prioritizing emergency lighting, businesses can comply with safety regulations, improve their image and reputation, and create a safer and more secure environment for everyone.

If your business, library of other public space struggles to get this right – get a free energy efficiency assessment focused on EM lighting to learn more, or call us at (773) 413-9587.

Energy Savings Formula

apparatus bay energy efficiency

In 2002, I became a firefighter in the north suburbs of Chicago.  I was young and idealistic – loving almost every part of the job. However, I had another secret passion – sustainability.  

In addition to running multiple gardens, compost bins, and even analysis on the best route and methodology to refuel our trucks – I was obsessed with our lighting.

I would walk into our apparatus bay, which had at the time High Output 8ft T12s.  At first, I used to wonder why we left the lights on all night long. I learned why when I started turning them off – and they took forever to warm up for late night emergencies and crews would yell at me as they struggled to get to their truck or ambulance as the lights warmed up.  

But then, I began to get really curious about what the lights actually consumed in terms of energy.  I started writing out mathematical equations, and even bought a device to plug in and measure all kinds of gadgets at the firehouse that consumed electricity.  I was far from an engineer, but had a ton of curiosity and instinct that there was waste occurring all around me.  

energy savings formula

In 2006, I began to study environmental policy at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.  The best part of the program was the intense soccer that we played on the midway with students from all over the world, including Chile, Mexico, China, and Columbia.  The second best part was the ability to take undergraduate science and economics courses with some of the best professors in the world.

My most impactful course was called Energy and Technology and taught by Elisabeth Moyer.  It covered a ton of ground, was intense mathematically, and really taught the basics of energy.

I was struck by the most basic formulas, which I will cover here.  KwH (kilowatt-hour) is a unit of energy and a commonly used term, but I didn’t really understand it.  KwH is the power consumption over time, while kW (kilowatt) is an instantaneous measurement.  

The most basic example that stuck with me was that a 100 watt incandescent light bulb uses 0.1 kW when it is on.  If that bulb was on for an hour, it would be 0.1k Wh.  If it was on for 100 hours, it would use 10 kWh.  

Electricity is sold to consumers by the kWh, typically around ten cents per kWh.  Usually higher in the NE and West Coast, with rates as high as $.40 per kWh in Hawaii. Rates in Texas during the recent power outage would be astronomical, if we paid rates that fluctuated.  But $.10 per kWh is a good general place to start for understanding the math. 

In the previous example, it would cost $1.00 to run a 100w bulb for 100 hours.  

100 watts x 100 hours = 10,000 watts/hr

10,000/1,000 watt per kWh = 10 kWh

10 kW x $.10 = $1.00

Now, this only tells you what something currently uses (we call this current state).  To find a justification for an investment into energy efficiency, you must measure the delta (or difference) of the new energy efficient product vs the older inefficient product.  

In my fire station example, the 8ft T12 High Output lamp uses 110W.  There are two per fixture, and the ballast that powers them also uses some energy.  Our local utility, Comed, uses the default wattage of 232 watts in the Small Business Offering. That means that each lamp uses 110, and the ballast uses 12 watts (110 + 110 + 12 = 232). The actual usage is likely higher, as ballast can pull as much as 40 watts in a fixture like this.  But this is a good rough estimate.  

The apparatus bay had 24 fixtures, each fixture used 24 hr * 232 w = 5,528 watt hours per day, or 5.5 kWh.  If the fire station was paying for them, which they were not because of a rate payer easement, they would cost $.55 per day per light.  We had tons of those – likely close to 40.  Over a year (365 days), each fixture would use:

24 hr * 232 w * 365 days / 1000 = 2032 kWh or $203 per year in cost.    

fire station repair bay improved lighting

There are a million ways to replace those fixtures with LEDs today.  Years ago, there were T8 replacements.  Those fixtures would typically use 4 32W (128 watts total) lamps to replace 2 110W HO lamps (232 watts).  So the reduction in a T12 to T8 replacement would be 232 – 128 = 104 watts.  Over 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, that savings would be:

104 watts saved * 24 * 365 / 1000 watts per kWh = 911 kWh annually, or roughly $90 per year per fixture.

Today’s LED equivalent ranges, but there are 13 W LED tubes that put out the same light as a 32 W T8.  Four lamps – 52 watts, putting out the same light as a 232 W T12 HO.

232 – 52 = 180 * 24 * 365 / 1000 = 1576 kWh or $158 annually.  

This same formula can be used across any energy efficiency upgrade, including anything that draws wattage.  It can be more complex in HVAC or refrigeration, which can draw variable power at different times.  However, even those have a simplicity in their math.

Fire Station LED and HVAC Upgrades

government energy savings

Fire Station LED and HVAC Upgrades

I Intend to Create Change in 2021

dragon boat race

Creating an organization is very difficult work, but there are tools to make it easier. Growing from a single person that did everything (screwed in the lightbulbs, processed utility paperwork, created invoices and sales) to a dynamic group of very capable individuals is amazing, which is what happened at Verde for the past 10 years.

It is also really hard to let go of things that I used to do, especially those that I enjoyed doing. However, data shows it is best to not micromanage everything and I certainly did not enjoy working for a micromanaging boss in the past.

In 2016, one of our board of Advisors, Lorraine Herr, recommended the book “Turn this ship around” by David Marquet. As an entrepreneur with little organizational experience other than working as a firefighter at a local fire department, this really spoke to me. The basic premise of the book is that this captain took over the ship, which was the worst rated submarine in the Navy. It was also a style of ship that he was not very familiar with, so he was less able to lead in his normal fashion. He was able to turn it around to a best in class ship.

Intention Vs Permission

As captain of this ship, but without the technical knowledge, he had to rely on his team. And yet they kept asking for permission. Permission to turn 90 degrees sir? Permission to dive, sir? He quickly realized that he did not want his team asking permission, as it put all the power in his hands and none in their own capable hands. He turned the language into “I intend” statements prior to actions. “Sir, I intend to dive” and “Sir, I intend to turn 90 degrees”. Having never been on a submarine, and with a severe and unreasonable phobia of Sharks, I am paraphrasing these commands.

What he found was that people took deeper responsibility for their actions, and developed into more capable leaders around him with this shift of language. I intend means that you have made a decision and intend to execute on it. The power is within you, not anyone else. You get the added benefit of oversight, making sure you and the team has a second set of eyes on decisions for quality control.

However, it also gives something else really important – critical insight from leadership. A leader keeps all the parts of the boat together, with eyes on the bigger picture and strategy. The captain may provide a bigger vantage of the situation, and occasionally override the intention. He or she can also stay silent or assent, so the leader within the ship can carry out the intention with confidence. He or she may see something that individuals on the ship can’t see or don’t have access to.

It develops trust from both the leader and the member of the organization, and it takes time and work.

Challenges as Leaders

I have been trying to implement this for several years. Part of the intention (see what I did there) behind this post is to communicate it out to our 25 employees, which I will do in an email and link.

One of the hardest things about this style of leadership is that the leader is often wanting to provide feedback or change their plan. I find myself biting my tongue a lot – keeping quiet even if I would do things differently. I try to really only override the intent if really something wrong could happen or it is dangerous – something quite literal in a year like 2020.

However, I know that when others make their own paths forward they are more empowered, and they often will learn more and in a deeper way than if I tell them what or how to do it. And often, I am wrong anyways and new ideas are really healthy and great for the organization. Time and experience makes me the most likely candidate within the organization to have been in a similar situation, but it doesn’t mean I am better at making that decision or plan of action.

Those that are around me at my company probably feel that I override ideas and decisions often, especially in certain areas like marketing and sales. As I write this, I realize I need to double down in my own efforts to let go and allow those around me to become better leaders. I intend to bite my tongue twice as often in 2021.

Intention vs “I intend”

A small linguist difference, and one that I can’t always articulate, is the difference between someone saying “I intend to” and “The intention is to…”. I prefer that someone says, “I intend to” offer a 10% discount on this LED lighting replacement as I have analyzed the costs and feel that we can safely still hit our gross margin goals”. It is powerful, succinct, and well thought out.

If someone were to say, “The intention behind this is to give a 10% discount because we really need the work and the deal won’t close without it”, it feels more passive to me. The client is in command of the situation, the individual is not in charge and confident of the situation. A small and subtle difference, but important to note. Passive vs active. I’m not super confident in my language skills, but this one is more deep inside instinctually.

3-5 “I Intend” Statements Each Week

I challenge each of you reading this, whether a Verde employee or not, to try to use “I Intend” statements 3-5 times each week. I practice small – with my family at home. I sometimes get strange looks when I say, “I intend to take the dog for a walk”, but it feels better and works better than saying, “Do you mind if I take the dog for a walk”. It is clear and direct, something that can really help in communication.

Find ways to practice, both giving to those around you, but also enabling those around you to complete their intention even if not exactly the way you would do it.

mitch seidel verde

Mitch Seidel

Mitch grew up in Minnesota as the third of five children and spent his college years at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, where he developed a passion for sustainability and protecting our great blue orb.

Mitch looks forward to learning more about energy efficiency and its role in the future of the great city of Chicago. In his spare time, Mitch can be found beating his friends in their annual book reading challenge, playing video games, watching new shows with his girlfriend, and playing with their Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, Freddie (coming December 23rd)! To dispel any confusion, he wants you to know that the dog pictured is his parents’ Golden Retriever, Huntley, who was just as excited as Mitch to have this picture taken

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jacob wiehn Verde

Jacob Wiehn

According to Jacob everything has a purpose and place. Jacob spent six years living in different states and working in a variety of career fields before planting his feet in Chicago and with Verde. As a graduate of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, majoring in Accounting with minors in Finance and Economics Jacob brings an analytical and logical approach to resource management.


When Jacob isn’t managing every item in the warehouse you can find him studying  computer science, walking around town, trying new foods at a local restaurant, or cheering on the Huskers at a sports bar. He lives with his wife in Wrigleyville and can’t wait to attend Cubs games regularly.

aaron zachary verde

Aaron Zachary

Aaron Zachary is a native of Chicago. Through his early teens he developed a great passion for playing musical instruments which led eventually to him attending Roosevelt University finishing with a BA in Jazz studies. Through this passion of working with his hands in music, Aaron has seen the connection to that in his work at Verde. Aaron has just recently transitioned to the installation team from his previous Warehouse Coordinator position and is very much looking forward to growing his skills while under the tutelage of the more experienced installers on the Verde team.

Grocery Store Energy Efficiency

Grocery Stores have proven to be essential and more valuable than we could have imagined in 2020.  Unlike most commercial and public buildings during the Covid 19 pandemic, these buildings are full of people and produce almost 24 hours per day.  

On a per square foot basis, these buildings use a huge amount of power.  Not only do they provide a comfortable environment for people, but they also provide cooling and freezing temperatures for food, as well as cooking temperatures.  Cooking temperatures can involve exhaust fans, which sweep away the cooled or heated ambient environment and cost energy.

However, in 2021, there are tons of opportunities for saving energy in grocery stores.  Here are a few to explore, and we always advise our clients to explore local utility rebates to help pay and improvements.  While grocery stores are known for their low profit margins, those margins can be increased by lowering a huge fixed cost of energy usage.  

Lighting Grocery Store Savings

Lighting is always the first place to start in terms of energy efficiency.  Many grocery stores, even huge chains with a national presence, still have T8 lighting in their main customer area.  These lights, left on 24 hours per day, can be replaced to LED and have a less than 1 year payback via energy savings.  This means that over 2 years or 3 years, a store will spend a lot more energy with T8 vs LED. While some improvements can take several years to payback, this one is a fast and obvious place to start.

Grocery stores have a lot of cooler lights and freezer lights, highlighting their produce.  Majority of stores have yet to upgrade to LED, and this is a huge misstep.  Not only does this conversion save energy, both in terms of direct wattage pull and indirect heat savings, but they also are the main product being sold in a store.  LED clearly lights products better, and not converting can lead to revenue loss to a store.

grocery store t8 lamp replacement

HVAC Energy Savings for Grocery

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning can place a huge burden on a grocery store.  Often done through a “roof top unit”, these boxes to cool or heat air have made huge efficiency upgrades in the past 10 years.  In addition to savings through multi speed fans and duel compressors, these systems have economizers to bring in fresh air from outside for “free cooling”.  Demand control ventilation is a more advanced version of this free cooling, which allows true occupancy to drive set points of fresh air, vs code.  To take this a step further, advanced control systems like the Pelican Thermostat system can give complete control over the economizer and fresh air to the owner.  while 2020 might prove an extreme version of why you would want fresh air maximized, it often increases heating and cooling costs.

Demand Control Ventillation

trane high efficiency RTU rebate

Demand Control Ventilation is something to be explored after lighting and HVAC upgrades have been explored.  It is advanced, but important.  This means that ventilation from outside is controlled by demand, not just set conservatively by local code.  If not done properly, this means an empty grocery store could be brining in a ton of outside air from to heat on a freezing day, or air to cool on a hot day.  This system will match the exhaust fans to ramp up based on actual cooking demands, as well as outside air on economizers to actual people in the grocery store (driven by CO2 sensors).  

One of the more advanced systems, but really not that hard to implement.  The best part of DCV – it is heavily subsidized by utility incentives because of the huge savings.

Motors on Walk in Coolers

Huge walk in coolers keep the produce, dairy and meat cold behind the scenes at a grocery stores.  More often than not, these are powered by huge fans that pull a ton of energy, run 24 hours a day, and generate a lot of heat to do this.  EC motors, especially those with evaporative fan speed controls, can save a ton of energy and modulate the fan motor to the right speed.  

Auto Door Closers and Strip Curtains

While not sexy, these devices can cost pennies to install (literally after an utility incentive) but save thousands of dollars in energy costs per year.  While employees do not care for them, these simple changes can drive huge profit margins for grocery stores.  Your competition uses them, so you should as well.

Photocells vs Daylight Harvesting for LED Lights

led controlled lighting

Daylight harvesting and Photocell controls have a huge benefit for building and lighting controls, but do you know the difference between these two common energy efficiency terms? While they are very similar and often interchanged, they do have a large difference. Photocells are about keeping outdoor lights off during the day, whereas daylight harvesting is about dimming or turning off internal lights when there is available light from windows.

Both are critical, but the big difference is daylight harvesting requires a more sophisticated LED driver that can dim and smoothly reduce light to match the available light in space.

Photocells

Photocells have been around for a long time. These are light sensors that have an internal circuit break inside – meaning they turn off the flow of electricity when there is enough light detected. These photocells for outdoor lights are fairly inexpensive – often costing less than $20 for a part.

Commonly used in external lights, photocells can save energy by turning off lighting during the day. Photocells can be on each individual light, or have one central photocell to operate all lights. In our energy efficiency work with exterior lights, we are often analyzing what is less expensive, one photocell with more wiring to connect all the lights, or a photocell for each light. It can depend on each building and each project to determine the right number of photocells.

Time Clocks vs Photocells for Exterior Lighting

Time clocks are a similar tool used to keep lights off during the day, but photocells have several advantages. Time clocks control all of the lights on a schedule. The time clock is typically inside the building near the lighting panel, and they work to turn off lights during the daytime, or earlier if lights are not on all night. The biggest disadvantage of timer clocks is that they are typically analog, and have challenges around the time changes, as well as the season changes for dusk and dawn.

Photocells, however, you can often adjust the sensitivity of a photocell and allow exterior LED and standard HID lights to come on during a dark storm. While rare, it often is important to businesses to provide a safe place on a dark day. Many national chains and restaurants prefer this to allow their stores to look like it is open even on the darkest day. However, a timer clock will not allow you to turn on the lights in this situation, unless you do it manually.

Getting the exact time of sunrise and sunset is not hard – but it is rare to see a timer clock synced and operating correctly. More often than not, the lights are coming on an hour early and wasting live on the fixture and energy. Or they are not coming on in time in the morning or or afternoon in the winter, when daylight in Chicago often wanes.

Finally, timer clocks are more expensive to maintain over time. They just take more maintenance and physical cost to maintain, as opposed to photocell controls. But they do allow you to turn lights off at midnight for deeper energy savings.

photocell control system

Daylight Harvesting Controls

Daylight harvesting controls are an entirely different energy efficiency tool, typically used on interior fixtures. These controls are similar to photocells, but instead of simply turning on or off a light, it will dim the fixture when light is available from ambient light.

These controls are an advanced energy efficiency tool, and typically require a higher end driver that can dim on a smooth level of control. We find Signify and Philips Control systems to have the best functionality for this daylight harvesting, but there are many brands.

Daylight harvesting can be on the fixture level of control, or can be grouped together on master interior sensors. Anytime you dim a LED fixture, while the savings is important, the heat taken off the LED driver is even more important and will lengthen the life of the fixture.

daylight control sensor on led

How to Pay for Advanced Lighting Controls

Local utility rebate systems, designed to help reduce energy in a state, can help pay for improvements like photocells and advanced daylight harvesting. Check with your local utility, or as Verde if we can help.

2021 Comed Rebates for Fast Food Restaurants

greenheck exhaust fans

2021 will be an exciting year for the overall Comed Energy Efficiency Rebates and Incentives.  While 2020 was rough on the economy as a whole, the incentive program is tax funded through a line item on each utility bill – and money is budgeted and needs to be spent.  

Below is a highlight of the 2021 program, from the perspective of a fast food restaurant chain.  With over 8 years of experience of working with major fast food chain restaurants, Verde has a deep and focused emphasis on this type of building.  Our very first restaurant retrofit was Epic Burger in the South Loop – and I still remember the first months savings was more than if I kept my power off in my home for a year.  With a high energy density, these stores can see major P&L improvements with a sustained commitment to energy efficiency and taking advantage of available utility funding.

Cash Flow of Incentives

As a reminder on the process – all utility incentives are paid to Verde directly, so an owner/operator does not need to wait for the incentive check.  We also take on the risk of the incentive changing, with years of experience behind us.

We provide an estimated savings, return on investment (ROI), payback, as well as cost for improvements after incentives.  We have begun pushing an energy efficiency concept of net present value, to help capture long term savings in a capital improvement.  

Building Size Requirements

One big exciting change is that higher incentives are now available for all  restaurants, including those 100-200kW.  Typically, larger restaurants would need an exception to participate in the Small Business Offering, but the whole program will now serve 0-200kW and make life easier for owner/operators.  

Early Replacement of RTUs


trane high efficiencyOne of the highest energy users for a restaurants is the Roof Top Units, or RTUs.  Again in 2021, restaurants will be able to combine the advanced rooftop unit measure and the economizer DCV measure for a total incentive of $700 per ton.  For the average 10 ton RTU, this will lead to $7,000 of incentive off a replacement.  We work closely with national accounts for procurement to get the best of both worlds – national account pricing and local incentives. 

Kitchen Lights


We continue to install about 100 kitchen troffers LED conversions each and every work.  The incentives for T8 fluorescent light conversion to LED increased in 2021 slightly, providing further help to convert those lights to LED.  

One recent owner operator commented that that manager loves the new Philips Evokit because of how easy they are to clean compared to the old plastic cover troffers.  If you have worked with us, you know that our process is down for a crowded restaurant kitchen and we can complete a LED conversion in less than 2 hours from start to finish.  

LED Exterior Sign Conversions

Verde continues to find huge energy savings opportunities in exterior LED signs.  Often filled with high output T12s up to 8 feet in lengths, these signs are some of the largest energy consumers in our area.  LED not only make the sign brighter, but last longer and huge energy reduction.  

This incentive increased slightly in 2021, and we expect this conversion to be strong for clients in the restaurant business, especially as all businesses need clients to know if they are open and available for business.

EC Motors with Evaporative Fan Speed Controls

ec motor rebates

EV Motors and evaporative fan speed controls are not sexy – but they save a ton of energy.  When combined with the evaporative fan speed control, these variable speed motors can run at high speed only when the compressor is calling for cooling.  Many of our clients love  getting a new motor at a fraction of the cost, especially when combined with our best in class warranty.

The incentive for this is $260 per motor in 2021.  

RTU Tune Up for Restaurants

Comed offers a tune up, to help make sure the root top unit is working as designed for highest efficiency.  This tune-up has been very popular with our restaurant clients, especially when 3 or 4 are located on a single roof.  These tune-ups are paid at $30 per ton, and can be provided by Verde when requested.  We include a chemical cleaning of your coils, to provide higher functionality and less wear and tear on your system. 

kitchen high efficient equipment

Exhaust Fans

All restaurants are required by code to exhaust cooking smoke and chemicals.  While not covered significantly by incentive – exhaust fans can have $250 per HP.  Most exhaust fans are 3/4 or 1/2 HP – but this proactive replacement can save energy and avoid a big service call down the road.  Many clients combine this with the Roof Top replacement for the same upgrade project.

Kitchen Exhaust Fan with DCV

One of the rarely used but most powerful energy savings is the kitchen DCV.  In this savings measure, you combined the exhaust fan to run at the speed aligned with cooking.  By limiting the exhaust fan to the right CFM, you are avoiding wasting heated or cooled air.  In addition, this can create a more balanced and comfortable restaurant for staff and clients alike. No more drive through space heaters or winter coats!

This system typically saves about $2,000 in electricity and $2,000 in heating costs, for a combined $4,000 in annual savings.  This system rebate is $2,500 per exhaust fan, for a total of $7,500 for a restaurant with 3 fans.

Smart Thermostat

Smart Thermostat incentives increased to $250 when replacing a programmable thermostat in 2021.  While not always right for every owner, we install Ecobee, Pelican and Nest Smart Thermostats.  

best smart thermostat
Smart Thermostats give control to a restaurant owner for energy usage.

Convert Fluorescent with Ballasts to LED with Drivers

sustainable images for grocery stores

Most lighting and lamps for commercial and municipal buildings over the past 50 years have been fluorescent lighting.  New construction is entirely made of LED, which lasts longer and is more efficient.

However, converting or retrofitting old fluorescent to LED can be easy, if done correctly.  It can also often be helped financially with a utility rebate system, designed to help save energy and offset the costs for doing so.  Unfortunately, we have also seen many examples of these retrofits done incorrectly, making it more expensive to get it fixed and improved.  Replacing fluorescent light ballasts is important, efficient, and has a very low return on investment, both in terms of cost and time.

How Does a Fluorescent Ballast Work?

Fluorescent lighting uses a ballast, which is a device that limits the current for the lamp to property start and illuminate.  If you hook a fluorescent light up to the normal electricity of a building, the lamps will not work.  A ballast creates the proper current needed to light the fluorescent light.  It typically does this by using

Older T12 fluorescent lamps, usually larger in diameter, typically use a magnetic ballast.  If you hold up a modern smart phone camera, you will see moving yellow lines in the camera to show the visual disturbance created by the magnetic ballast.

Converting from fluorescent ballast to led

More modern ballasts are electronic and can operated a T8 fluorescent lamp.  These systems use less energy than a T12 magnetic lamp and ballast system, but still far more than a LED system. T8 systems are 25-30% more efficient that T12s systems.

A fluorescent ballast plays a crucial role in illuminating your space by managing the power needed for a fluorescent lamp to work. Here’s how it works:

Essential Functions:

  • Regulates Voltage and Current: Fluorescent lamps need a surge of high voltage to start, typically around 70-120 volts, followed by a lower voltage to maintain operation. The ballast acts as a transformer, initially providing the high voltage to ignite the lamp and then stabilizing the current to prevent overheating and burnout.
  • Preheats the Filament (in older lamps): Some traditional fluorescent lamps, like T12s, utilize filaments similar to incandescent bulbs. The ballast provides a small current to preheat these filaments before ignition, allowing them to emit electrons needed for the gas ionization process.
  • Limits Current Flow: Unlike incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lamps have negative resistance, meaning they’d continuously draw more current until the source can’t provide anymore. The ballast acts as a positive resistance, counteracting this and limiting the current to a safe level, ensuring stable operation and longer lamp life.

Traditional Magnetic Ballasts

Magnetic ballasts, the workhorses of older fluorescent lighting, operate through a fascinating interplay of magnetism and electricity. Imagine a coiled wire dance, where one coil (the primary winding) receives incoming electricity and generates a magnetic field. This field, like a magical hand, reaches out and tickles another coil (the secondary winding), inducing a current within it.

This induced current isn’t just any current, though. It’s a high-voltage pulse, perfect for igniting the fluorescent lamp. The reason? The magnetic field changes rapidly, creating a “kick” of electricity in the secondary coil. This pulse slams into the lamp’s electrodes, jolting them into action and releasing electrons that trigger the light show within.

But the magnetic field’s magic doesn’t stop there. Once the lamp is lit, the ballast transforms into a current regulator. It acts like a traffic cop, controlling the flow of electricity so the lamp doesn’t get overwhelmed and burn out. By adjusting the magnetic field’s strength, the ballast ensures a steady stream of current, keeping your fluorescent lamp humming along happily for years to come.

So, the next time you flick on a fluorescent light and hear that familiar hum, remember the silent ballet of magnetism and electricity happening inside, thanks to the trusty magnetic ballast. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of human engineering, even in its older forms.

Traditional Electronic Ballasts

Electronic ballasts ditch the magnetic dance for a high-tech disco of transistors and circuits. Instead of relying on coils and magnetism, they use sophisticated electronics to achieve the same goals as their magnetic counterparts: igniting the lamp and regulating current.

Imagine a tiny orchestra conductor, constantly adjusting the voltage and current to the lamp’s needs. That’s the electronic ballast in action. It works in two stages:

  • Ignition: Similar to a DJ dropping a beat, the ballast sends a high-voltage pulse to the lamp electrodes, jolting them awake and releasing electrons. This initial burst gets the party started, but it’s not enough to keep the light going.
  • Regulation: Now, the ballast acts like a sound engineer, fine-tuning the current flow. It uses transistors and microchips to constantly adjust the voltage, ensuring the lamp receives just the right amount of energy to stay bright and stable. This not only saves energy but also prevents flickering and extends the lamp’s lifespan.

Electronic ballasts offer several advantages over their magnetic cousins. They’re smaller, lighter, and quieter, and they provide more efficient and flicker-free operation. They can even be programmed to dim the lights or adjust the color temperature, adding versatility to your lighting setup.

So, the next time you see a sleek, modern fluorescent fixture, remember the electronic ballet happening inside. It’s a testament to the power of technology to make even the mundane magical.

The Ignition Process:

  • Power On: When you turn on the switch, the ballast provides a high voltage pulse through the lamp electrodes.
  • Electrode Emission: This high voltage excites the gas atoms in the lamp, causing them to release electrons.
  • Plasma Formation: The free electrons collide with other gas atoms, further ionizing them and creating a conductive plasma inside the tube.
  • UV Light Emission: Electrons in the plasma excite the mercury atoms, which emit ultraviolet (UV) light invisible to the eye.
  • Visible Light: The UV light strikes the phosphor coating on the inner surface of the tube, causing it to fluoresce and emit visible light.

The ballast continues to monitor and adjust the current to maintain stable operation and ensure your fluorescent lamp illuminates your space efficiently.

How Do Drivers Work with LEDs?

Now that we understand the basics of fluorescent ballasts, we should dive in a bit to LED drivers.  In the world of LEDs, the term “driver” plays a crucial role beyond just being a connection wire. It’s actually a power regulator specifically designed to keep these tiny light-emitting diodes happy and humming! Here’s how it works:

The Magic of Power Conversion:

  • AC to DC: Unlike your regular incandescent bulb, LEDs require low-voltage, direct current (DC) to shine. But most household electricity is high-voltage, alternating current (AC). The driver acts as a translator, converting AC to the appropriate DC voltage for the LEDs.
  • Current Control: LEDs are sensitive creatures. Their brightness and lifespan depend on a precise amount of current. The driver acts as a babysitter, ensuring a steady current flow even as temperature or other factors try to disrupt it. This prevents them from getting too hot and burning out – a phenomenon known as thermal runaway.

Beyond the Basics:

  • Dimming: Some drivers can be hooked up to dimming switches, allowing you to adjust the LED brightness. They achieve this through clever techniques like pulse width modulation (PWM), where the current is briefly switched on and off to control overall brightness.
  • Protection: Drivers can act as the bouncers of the LED world, offering surge protection and filtering out electrical noise that can harm the delicate diodes.
  • Types of Drivers: There are two main types: constant-current drivers that focus on precise current flow, and constant-voltage drivers that maintain a stable voltage while the current adjusts based on the LED’s needs.

In short, the driver is the unsung hero of the LED world. It ensures the proper power, protects the LEDs, and even lets you control LEDs in a way that was often not possible with fluorescent lamps.

Converting to LED from Fluorescent Lighting

You can fairly easily replace a fluorescent light ballast to a LED system with little cost on materials and some labor.   An LED systems is 70-80% more efficient than a T12 ballast and lamp, and 50-60% more efficient than a T8 fluorescent system.  To boot, the LED system can last 70,000 hours when done correctly, leading to long lasting maintenance savings in both materials and labor.

There are two basic approaches to replacing a fluorescent light, you can retrofit it with a tubular LED, or you can replace it with a new fixture.  New fixtures are often nice because everything is new, and they can typically have an option for a sensor.  However, not everyone has the budget to put in new light fixtures, so tubular LED (TLED) is a great cost effective approach.

Type C Approach for Replacing the Fluorescent Light Ballast

If you identify a T12 and magnetic ballast system, it is best to replace the lamp and ballast system together.  You can do this by converting the older ballast to an external LED driver, and the sockets can be reused to house a LED tube compatible with the LED driver.  This is called a Type C application and all wiring is typically the same and easy to do.  This video shows a few of our Verde electricians replacing an old fluorescent light fixture with type C TLEDs and an external driver.

This keeps the system with two components – a driver and a TLED. This has a longer life expectancy, because the heat from the driver is separated from the LED.  Since drivers fail with heat, this system approach is strongest in our opinion, leading to longer lasting lighting with less maintenance.

Type B Approach for TLEDs

Another option is to rewire the system to the sockets with standard 110V electricity, and then wire in a LED tube than has an internal driver.  This is called a Type B application.  This is fairly inexpensive in terms of material, but does not typically last as long as a Type C system. This is because the driver that regulates the electricity is inside the TLED, with less places for heat dissipation.  This is the most popular approach across the United States at the moment, mostly due to lower cost of materials.  These type B tubes are also fairly inexpensive, and that makes it easy to replace them when they fail.

It is also something really to pay attention to in terms of safety, as the sockets have higher energy draw than a typical fluorescent system.  There has often been concern around this in the industry, since it is different than the traditional history of fluorescent light sockets.  However, this approach is common enough today that this type of retrofit is safe.

We also find Type B retrofits when replacing fluorescent light ballasts leads to a lower incentive from our local utility, so when combined with the lower life expectancy, we have seen very few retrofits of this style with our clients in Illinois.

Reusing the Fluorescent Ballast for LED – Type A


It is possible with T8 electronic ballasts to work with compatible LED tubes.  This is called a Type A application, and the LED tube is designed to work off the current ballast.  These systems are incredibly easy to do, just as simple as changing a lamp. However, the system will only work as long as the current LED light ballast lasts.  The energy savings is the same – but the maintenance will not be reduced by this approach.  We find many of our clients that are on a budget will consider this, but often regret it because of the ballast failure over time. While ballasts should actually fail less often than before because of the lower draw on the ballast, they were already through most of their useful life unless they were relatively new ballast.

If you have the patience and access to a good distributor for lamps, this process can be smooth and easy.  However, if you purchase a few hundred of these and they are not compatible or fail quickly, it can be a frustrating experience.  We always recommend putting a few lamps in as a sample to start for a few days and nights, making sure it works.  While heavy ballast failure is rare, it does happen and can take a good partner to resolve.

Does Brand Matter with Ballasts and Drivers?

In a word –  yes.  Verde has used a lot of products over the years.  We have mostly used Signify Advance, formerly known as Philips.  Not only are they a world class company with decades of experience in manufacturing, but they really stand behind their products.  We have found less product failures, and when they do rarely occur, Signify stands behind their product and honors their warranty.  You know they will be around in 10 years, unlike a smaller company.

They also build on previous generations of products, so each product is a little better and a little more user friendly.  We find they pay attention to small details, like packaging, warehousing and shipping efficiency.  For a company like ours that buys 10,000 drivers at a time – these little details make a big difference and helps us pass long savings to our customers.

In general, we have also had good experience with GE and other large brands. We also pull a lot of products out that have failed, and often find second and third tier brands that fail at a higher rate.  We have had really mixed luck with Chinese manufactured brands.  While some of them are high quality and we have visited their factories in China to see where the better quality comes from – we have decided for the most part to stay with Signify.

Conclusion


New fixtures are always a nice option for a conversion to LED, as they improve the space aesthetics.  However, a retrofit can accomplish the same energy savings and maintenance reduction at a fraction of the cost.  Verde can help you analyze, purchase or even install these TLEDs if you reach out to our team for an energy efficiency assessment!