In This Issue:

The Efficiency Equation: Factoring Energy Into The Future Of Your Client’s Business
Energy tips from Energy Star

The Efficiency Equation

Factoring Energy Into The Future Of Your Client’s Business

If you have clients who think of efficiency as trying to get by with less, they could be missing the plus side of the equation. Efficiency is also about productivity - the relative amount of energy needed to accomplish a given amount of work.

When you talk with them about their energy needs, you can show them how managing energy to do more can save them money - and put their business in a better competitive position by decreasing operating costs and increasing the bottom line.

The Smarter Solution
Meeting Today's Issues And Tomorrow's Challenges

Using energy efficiently can save you money on energy costs.

During extreme temperatures, using less energy helps reduce the need for building more generating plants, which helps to keep plenty of electricity available and more affordable.

Mandates, Incentives And Positioning Their Business For Success

The Energy Act of 2005 has mandated upgrades in the energy efficiency of commercial buildings and the technology they use. As you explain these changes to your clients, it's important to make sure they understand that although a larger upfront investment may be necessary, it will usually pay off over the long run with lower operating costs.

In new construction and renovations, you'll also want to point out the tax advantages for upgrading to more efficient heating and cooling systems and lighting and improving the energy envelope, such as more efficient insulation, doors and windows. Some clients may also be interested in the tax advantages and requirements for a green building designation. For links to more detailed information, you can refer them to www.energystar.gov or print out the brochures and provide to clients as resource information.

10 Simple, Cost Effective Suggestions You Can Make To Help Clients Save Energy

Saving energy doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Clients can start by simply looking for opportunities to make small improvements that will more than pay for themselves and generate savings to help finance future upgrades.

• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents.
• Make sure computers, printers, copiers and other office equipment have a sleep mode when not in use. Switch off monitors overnight.
• Use motion detectors on lighting in supply closets and other rarely used areas.
• If the building is unoccupied overnight, use programmable thermostats.
• Check heating and cooling systems at the beginning of the season, perform regular maintenance and change filters as needed.
• Look at air infiltration. Adequate insulation, caulking and weather stripping can help you save money.
• Check airflow and avoid blocking vents and returns with furnishings and equipment.
• Insulate hot water pipes that go through unconditioned space to keep the heat in.
• Check equipment at regular intervals, especially heating and cooling systems and water heaters. Compare the equipment's efficiency with newer high-efficiency models. In some cases, clients can save by replacing equipment early, especially when they have time to shop around to make the best decision.
• When they replace equipment, they should always look for the ENERGY STAR logo to get efficiency that will pay off in operation.

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Winter Energy Checkup

With cooler temperatures and more hours of darkness, heating and lighting are likely to be the primary focus for saving energy with clients who contact you about renovations during the winter months. Here are some hot topics you may want to discuss with them.

Heating

• How many employees have heaters under their desks? How many on the other side of the building are trying to turn down the thermostat because it's too hot? If their building has this problem, you'll probably want to look at the layout of their ductwork, check the airflow and determine how well their equipment is functioning. Personal heaters are usually less efficient and can quickly add to heating bills, while excessive heat that backs up in one area wastes energy. A few structural changes to improve the flow of heat can pay off with lower heating bills and happier employees.
• Ask about their maintenance program for heating and cooling systems. Do they check filters monthly? Do they have their heating system checked at the beginning of each season?
• Are windows and glass a significant design feature? Show them how to take advantage of solar heating by opening curtains toward the sun and closing them as the sun moves in the opposite direction.
• Have several years passed since construction or renovations? It's probably time to check doors, windows and attic access for leaks and repair them. Renovations are also a good time to suggest upgrades to more efficient doors and windows.

Lighting

• Are parking areas well-lit for customers and employees going home in winter's early darkness? Clients should have maintenance staffs check regularly to make sure all bulbs are working and use high-efficiency replacement bulbs as needed. To save on energy costs, you may also want to suggest placing some of their exterior lighting on timers or motion detectors.
• Do indoor areas have adequate lighting for employees to work productively? If not, a lighting redesign may be in order. Switching incandescent bulbs to high-efficiency compact fluorescents saves energy.

Energy Star Tips

Cool Time To Think Ahead

The best time for clients to evaluate and upgrade their cooling system is before they need to use it. Planning ahead in winter gives them an opportunity to shop around to help them find the best equipment to fit their budget. Installation is also usually easier to schedule when crews are less busy and they don't have to deal with the stress of a heat wave emergency.

Measure doors, access panels and spaces where the new system will be located. To achieve higher efficiency, many systems are larger than the equipment they replace. It's better to know in advance if a carpenter will be needed to make space for installation.

When customers are choosing a cooling system, remind them of the value of looking for the ENERGY STAR logo and a SEER rating of 13 or above. The higher the SEER, the faster and larger the payback they'll see in energy savings.

For more resource material on energy efficiency to share with your clients, go towww.energystar.gov.

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