ENERGY MANAGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION

Large-scale programs. We manage long-term, multi-project energy efficiency programs for U.S. utilities and state and municipal agencies. Our program management expertise includes specifying and coordinating activities between several parties; scheduling; establishing, and allocating budgets; ensuring quality control; resolving disputes between parties; establishing and maintaining both paper and electronic documentation systems; and collecting compiling, organizing, and delivering large quantities of data. As part of our program management services we:

  • Perform market assessments and cost-effectiveness analyses
  • Conduct project/program startup and outreach, including database design and maintenance, procedure development, workshops, and training
  • Facilitate customer and contractor participation
  • Conduct due diligence reviews of applications, data submittals, and savings reports
  • Perform energy savings M&V
  • Develop energy savings tracking tools
  • Determine and administer contractor payments
  • Evaluate and report project/program results

Onsite services. We also provide a full range of energy management services for commercial and industrial facilities and buildings:

  • Energy audits
  • Building commissioning and trouble-shooting
  • Retro-commissioning
  • Reliable natural gas and electric power supply for buildings
  • Energy savings measurement and verification
  • Technical training

Energy audits. We perform facility energy audits and prepare system conceptual designs to help owners and other concerned parties select and implement energy cost savings projects. In addition, we perform feasibility studies and develop requests for proposals to implement energy efficiency, load management, distributed generation, and renewable energy projects.

We conduct energy and building systems research and develop software and engineering tools for use by building owners, contractors, and program administrators. Examples of tools we have developed include:

  • Fault detection and diagnostic systems for VAV terminal units
  • Tool to assess the costs and uncertainty resulting from various approaches to measuring and verifying energy project savings
  • Detailed component-based models of integrated chiller/VAV air-handler systems
  • Systems for seamlessly extracting data from building energy management systems into a relational database platform

Building commissioning and troubleshooting. Commissioning is the process of verifying that system operation complies with the design intent and meets the needs of the facility. We provide consulting in the area of HVAC and other building systems commissioning, retro-commissioning, and troubleshooting. Depending on the situation, we follow all or part of ASHRAE Guideline 1, The HVAC Commissioning Process, to organize and direct projects. For new buildings and major renovations, we:

  • Work with building owners to clearly define owner goals and needs
  • Coordinate design to ensure that: design intent is met; commissioning specification is developed; and pre-and post-functional tests are established
  • Help oversee the construction process to ensure that equipment and systems meet design intent
  • Verify that installed equipment and systems meet all defined performance specifications and are operating as intended

Retro-commissioning. For existing buildings, we provide retro-commissioning services to help owners reduce costs and increase system efficiency. We work with building staff to:

  • Identify operational needs and review building history
  • Examine equipment and control systems
  • Troubleshoot faults and optimizing equipment and operations
  • Help implement low-cost and no-cost measures that result in energy savings and system effectiveness

Reliable natural gas and electric power supply for buildings and facilities. Our experience in gas and electricity supply is unique and powerful. Recent deregulation and restructuring in the energy industry have produced major changes in energy supply reliability and pricing. Facility owners and managers may now need to reevaluate their energy costs and supply sources to ensure they are still providing the best value to their tenants. Our energy experts can help you address key issues such as:

  • Fuel and power supply planning
  • Alternative energy supplier evaluations
  • Request for proposal preparation and bid evaluation
  • Onsite primary and backup power generation feasibility studies
  • Power quality and reliability assessments
  • Energy pricing, purchasing strategies, and contracts
  • Onsite cogeneration and energy storage assessments

Energy savings measurement and verification (M&V). We design and implement third-party M&V plans for building owners, energy services companies, utility programs, and government agencies. We prepare due diligence reports on completed projects; review M&V activities conducted by other entities; and offer dispute resolution support.

Our staff has developed M&V guidelines for the Federal Energy Management Program and for utilities such as Pacific Gas & Electric Company, Southern California Edison, TXU Electric, and Xcel Energy. In addition, our experts have participated in the development of key M&V guidelines, such as the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol and ASHRAE's 14-P.

Technical training. We develop guidelines for determining energy savings as well as provide training on many aspects of system operation, energy efficiency projects, and performance contracting. Our staff has conducted training seminars and professional development classes throughout the world.

  

Energy Management