Commercial Green Solutions (CGS) thrives off their ability to leverage utility programs to design energy efficiency projects for clients. Because every utility program is different, CGS spends just as much time with utility partners as they do with clients. Building relationships with service providers ensures access to the right programs that provide the best ROI, and in many cases the ability to create net zero and low-cost energy efficiency projects.
The case studies featured focus on projects completed in 2022/23 in Pennsylvania and Virginia, highlighting how hotel operators and owners are benefiting from utility programs.
Main Challenge
The landscape of energy efficiency programs is expanding beyond swapping out old bulbs for LEDs so the complexity in participating will continue to increase. Some of the challenges with participating are the time it takes to research programs, navigating the nuance and waiting for a refund check. One constant across the board is that clients want the benefits of utility programs without the level of effort required to manage the process. CGS identified this pain point and manages the process from beginning to end, and most importantly the rebates are applied at the point of sale, so our clients don’t have to wait to be refunded.
Results
Westfield Marriott of Dulles wanted to better understand the condition of their mechanical systems and identify ways to improve energy efficiency. Partnering with CGS allowed the client to leverage Dominion Energy’s (utility paid) building tune up program and ASHRAE Level 1 energy audit.
- (336) | PTAC Cleaning
- (17) | RTU Tune Up |18-77 ton
- (2) | Chillers Tune Up |190 ton
- (6) | AHU Tune Up| 15-50 ton
- Tstat scheduling and recommissioning
Quote
“The program is pretty much like having Superman’s ability of X-RAY vision to look inside our building.” – Ned Karajcic, Director of Engineering.
Results
Hamco, an owner/operator of multiple flags was interested in utility programs but didn’t have bandwidth to pursue all the opportunities. By partnering with CGS, they took advantage of the SBDI efficiency program offered by First Energy PA for 11 of their properties across central and western Pennsylvania. The client received PTAC cleanings, smart tstats and PTHP replacements covered by the utility program.
- PTAC Cleaning | (1256) units
- Smart Tstats | (733) installed
- PTAC to PTHP | (197) units replaced
Quote
“…They are always proactive in notifying me of special programs our properties can benefit from. They get me fair and very competitive pricing on our equipment needs…” – Edward Tubbs, CEO
Conclusion
Our two examples highlighted how we used creative strategies to maximize efficiency opportunities with over 90% of the cost covered via incentives and energy savings. Each of the clients received upgrades as a part of a net-zero program that required “no out-of-pocket” costs to the client after incentives were applied at point of sale. As a result, the ROI was less than 6 months and clients began saving from day 1.
Adoption of energy efficiency solutions isn’t always easy but when you can find the low hanging fruit and provide massive value with very little financial impact – you can create the perfect storm. Our CGS team steps in as the experts and we find the right programs and we do the heavy lifting to remove the administrative impact required to participate.
For more information, contact:
Kenny Weston
(202) 257-1876
KennyW@commercialgreensolutions.com
