|
If you own or
operate a medium to
large commercial building (over 25,000 sq ft) you should already have
an energy management plan that addresses issues of energy supply and
purchasing, equipment purchasing, behavioral practices, energy cost
monitoring, and accountabilities. The energy management plan should
have reduction goals and include a continuous
improvement
policy that starts with an
initial
energy audit or assessment and is followed with periodic updates.
Things change with time and unfortunately the change is usually
not for the better. Occupancy may differ from the initial
design,
equipment may have degraded, control settings may need to be adjusted
or changed - all of these can contribute to more energy use than is
necessary. A periodic assessment program can help you maintain or even
improve the building’s original energy efficiency
Energy intensive businesses - such as hospitals, food service, supermarkets, or anyone with large data centers or refrigerated spaces – have still greater need for superior energy management practices. Welch Energy Services can assist you in assembling and implementing your Energy Management Plan. We can review and benchmark your energy usage to let you know where you stand in comparison with your peers. We can also conduct initial or follow on energy assessments to allow you to track your progress. These services can be provided a la carte or as part of a suite of services to help you chart your course and jump start your energy management program. With energy prices as volatile as they are, this can be a great way reduce cost now while minimizing price risk in the future. Other services our business clients have found useful include ENERGY STAR certification for buildings and energy efficiency Tax Credit consulting. Tax Credits can allow you to purchase energy efficient equipment at a steep discount. The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 extends the energy efficiency tax credits for commercial buildings through the end of the year 2013. Qualifying buildings can be credited up to $1.80 per square foot for efficiency improvements if certain requirements are met. Partial deductions can be taken for measures that address lighting, HVAC/hot water, and the building envelope. Before claiming your tax credit, you must have the savings certified by a licensed engineer. For more information, contact us to discuss your particular situation. For more information on how WES can help you cost effectively reduce energy costs, contact us at (919)810-2532 or info@welchenergyservices.com. |