Energy

Energy Efficient Facility Management and Equipment

1. Conduct a comprehensive energy audit.

       Include:

• Building Shell
• HVAC (Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) and Other Systems
• Office and Industrial Equipment
• Lighting

      Tips:

• Take advanage of EmPower Maryland rebates offered through the utilities, which are set to expire December 31, 2014 or when incentive funds have been fully committed. Contractors can perform audits on lighting fixtures and controls, assist with the rebate application process and even offer financing. Rebates are also available for HVAC and other equipment. (Note that small businesses may need to use pre-approved contractors for maximum benefits.) See your utility for more info: BGE, Delmarva Power, Pepco, Potomac Edison, and SMECO.
• EPA’s Lean and Energy Toolkit
• Energy Star for Industry
• EMFACT, the Energy and Materials Flow and Cost Tracker, is a software tool for tracking materials and energy use, releases, discharges, and wastes
• Energy tips for facility managers.
• Inventory all equipment and devices plugged into electrical outlets (also known as “plug load”) to see which items can be unplugged when not in use.  This reduces the electric power consumed when items are turned off or in standby mode.

2. Improve energy efficiency of building.

• Tighten the building envelope (energy efficient windows and doors, adequate insulation, weather stripping and caulking to seal air gaps).
  • Energy Star guidance for buildings and plants
  • International Energy Conservation Code for commercial buildings
• Control direct sun through windows with solar screens, window films, awnings and vegetation.
• Paint external walls and roof white to reflect heat.
  • Information on Cool roofs
  • Information on Green roofs which can reduce heat gains and losses

3. Improve efficiency of HVAC and Other Systems.

• Invest in energy efficient HVAC equipment.
• Perform regular maintenance on HVAC systems and change filters according to system specifications.
• Operating tips and tools on combustion systems, steam boiler systems and process heating systems
• Eliminate waste heat by insulating piping and heat generating equipment.
• Install variable frequency drives on HVAC pumps, fans, and compressed air systems.
• Install programmable thermostats and adjust for non-work hours.
• Install high-volume, low speed fans to improve air circulation and save energy costs.
• Improve efficiency of compressed air and steam systems.
  • Check for leaks.
  • Avoid 90 degree angles in the piping.
  • Use the lowest pressure setting that provides reliable performance.
  • Consider ducting outside air when temperatures are lower since less energy is needed to compress cool air than warm air.
• Install cogeneration (combined heat and power) system
  • MidAtlantic Clean Energy Application Center

4. Improve efficiency of office and industrial equipment.

• Invest in energy efficient equipment and appliances.
  • Energy efficient computers, monitors, and other office equipment
  • Demand (tankless) water heaters
• Install variable frequency drives on pumps, fans, and motors
• Upgrade to more efficient and properly-sized electric motors
  • Use the U.S. Dept of Energy’s MotorMaster Tool to choose the most efficient motor
• Consolidate office equipment. Use high-speed printers or multi-function networked copiers that can be used as printers to reduce the number of printers in your office.
• Consolidate use of small appliances (microwaves, toaster, coffee pots, mini-fridges, etc.) by using larger more energy-efficient appliances in break rooms.
• Install power strips to allow employees to easily control “phantom” power loads from chargers for laptops and other electronic devices or simply instruct employees to unplug when not in use.
• Improve efficiency of computer servers by consolidating and using virtualization software that optimizes IT assets. Use PC management software that allows software patches to be performed without being left on all night and power management software or power saving modes on computers.
• Use energy management software to turn off vending machines and other equipment when not in use.

5. Improve efficiency of lighting

• Replace incandescent lighting with fluorescent lighting and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other energy efficient lighting.
• Install motion sensors, timers, manual dimmers or or automatic daylight dimming controls.
• Maximize use of natural light (windows, skylights and solar tubes) and use task lighting where extra lighting is needed.

6. Use energy management software systems to control lighting, HVAC systems, and to turn off computers and printers, vending machines and other equipment

• Tips on energy management systems   

7.   Train employees on basic conservation practices such as turning off lights and equipment when not in use, controlling the thermostat, and activating energy saving features on equipment.

8. Contact your utility or a demand response management company about peak load management. Modify production schedules to limit peak energy use and save money.

Renewable Energy

1. Install on-site renewable energy systems such as photovoltaic, solar water heating, solar-powered exterior lighting, geothermal systems, or wind energy.

• Maryland Energy Administration Commercial Clean Energy Grant Program
• State and local incentives for renewable energy (click on Maryland)

2. Purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) for wind, biomass, solar, hydropower,   biofuels, and geothermal.

• EPA Green Power Partnership
• WindCurrent
• Washington Gas Energy Services