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New Website Helps Buildings Save Millions in Energy Costs
Thursday, September 6, 2001
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| EnergyRoadMaps.org logo |
The current energy crisis
in California has illuminated the need for owners and managers
of commercial buildings to use energy more efficiently. Rising
prices and the real threat of rolling blackouts have brought
attention to this previously low profile and oft-neglected building
management issue. Responding to this need, two environmental
groups have announced the launch of a web-based resource to
help owners and managers of commercial buildings improve energy
efficiency and reduce operating costs in their income properties.
Global Green USA and Environment Now Foundation, in cooperation
with commercial building owners, have developed RoadMaps
to Energy Efficiency a free, step-by-step guide that
outlines different approaches to achieving high performance,
energy efficient buildings.
Each RoadMap is presented as a flowchart that outlines the specific steps of the process, from gathering information, to hiring experts, to conducting the analysis, to installing new equipment, to monitoring the results. Depending on the size of the building and the scale of the retrofit, owners and managers may choose to either do the work in-house, hire an energy consultant, or enlist the support of an energy services company. The site provides guidance for owners and managers of small buildings and large portfolios alike and provides tools to assist with the decision making process. Direct links to useful information and resources are available each step of the way, and case studies provide real-life examples of the dramatic benefits that have been achieved in various buildings throughout the country. The real strength of the site lies in its ability to provide targeted information from a wide range of sources together in a single location and logical format.
The new website, www.energyroadmaps.org is being hailed by the owners of the recently re-developed, energy efficient Sherman Oaks Galleria as a way for owners and managers of commercial buildings to save energy and money. The ãnewä Galleria expects to save roughly five million dollars and 25 million kWh over a ten-year period thanks to investments in energy efficiency - welcome statistics in the face of Californiaâs energy crisis.
ãParticularly in light of todayâs increasing energy prices, investment by commercial property owners in energy efficiency just makes good business sense,ä says Dan Emmett, President and CEO of Douglas Emmett Realty Advisors, owner of the Galleria. The Galleria, the last phase of which is scheduled to open in September 2001, is expected to have a cooling load 30% less than that of other similar conventional buildings. Efficiency investments in the Galleria are estimated to provide a 22% internal rate of return. Efficiency measures responsible for the dramatic energy and cost savings include ãsuperä windows on all facades, architectural shading features, high efficiency lighting, occupancy and light-level sensors, high efficiency chillers, and an oversized HVAC distribution system.
ãIt is high time we begin an aggressive campaign to reduce energy usage, and we hope our RoadMaps to Energy Efficiency will help commercial building owners take the lead in this effort,ä said Global Green USA Executive Director, Matt Petersen. Global Green works together with business, individuals and governments to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future. Environment Now is a private foundation dedicated to restoring fully the balance and the health of Californiaâs ecosystem by actively creating measurably effective environmental programs.
Contact:
Daniel Emmett, Environment Now (310) 829-5568 x 221
Mary Luevano, Global Green USA (310) 394-7700
Bibliography:
Press release: New Website Helps Buildings Save Millions in Energy Costs, Global Green USA and Environment Now, September 2001
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