Roadmap to your 2023 Energy Audit: What you need to know
Posted On
March 16, 2023
BY
VertPro® Marketing Team
Are you looking for ways to increase the sustainability of your business and reduce its carbon footprint? An energy audit is a great option to identify potential savings opportunities and provide valuable data about how best to improve efficiency. From tracking and benchmarking energy consumption progress, monitoring regulatory changes, and implementing cost-saving strategies, an energy audit provides an informed pathway toward a clean and green future. In this blog post, we’ll cover what an energy audit is and how it can help you save money in the long run by outlining our 2023 roadmap for successful energy audits.
What Is Energy Audit?
An energy audit is a powerful tool for understanding how you use energy in your building or business. It provides insight into how energy is used and how you can make changes to save money on your utility bills by minimizing waste. By analyzing things like insulation levels, heating and cooling systems, water usage, and other possible wasteful practices, an energy auditor can give you options on how to reduce your costs and carbon footprint.
They may recommend improvements like sealing air leaks, changing to more efficient appliances, using better insulation materials, etc. Not only could all this save you money in the long run, but it will help protect the environment too! In order to find certified individuals or companies who do energy audits in your area, be sure to check credible sources online or with local government officials.
Why is an Energy Audit Important?
An energy audit is a critical tool to improve energy efficiency in the home. By discovering areas of energy loss, energy audits can help you identify where you should make energy-saving upgrades or changes to your home. Most energy audits evaluate how energy is used in the building and how energy-efficient appliances are utilized. Performing an energy audit can uncover leaky windows, air leaks, poor insulation, drafts and other areas of energy usage that could be improved upon.
An energy audit will also provide information that can help lower utility bills while making your building more comfortable and eco-friendly. With this knowledge, you can make wise decisions about your energy usage and save money in the long run — making the energy audit a valuable step towards improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Roadmap to 2023 Energy Audit: What you need to know?
Professional energy auditing could be the answer if you want to reduce your energy use and environmental impact. A professional energy auditor will conduct an extensive professional energy assessment of your home or business facility, which looks at how much electricity, natural gas, propane, heating oil and other fuels are used on a daily basis.
The professional energy audit can then identify where your energy dollars are being spent most efficiently and help you determine where improvements can be made to reduce your overall energy bill. The professional assessment will also provide a 2023 roadmap to achieving those goals – from increased insulation to more efficient HVAC systems. With regular professional audits, you can identify any opportunities for savings and capitalize on them before they disappear.
Benefits of Energy Audits
Energy audits provide a comprehensive overview of an organization’s energy usage. They identify potential opportunities for improvement, help prioritize investments and monitor progress towards energy efficiency goals. Energy audits can also help to reduce operational costs, improve the safety and comfort of employees, and maximize energy consumption in buildings.
The primary benefit of an energy audit is the reduction of energy costs. By identifying and addressing inefficiencies, organizations can reduce their energy bills significantly. Energy audits also provide guidance on potential upgrades, such as switching to more efficient technology or replacing aging equipment.
Energy audits also help improve employee safety and comfort by identifying areas affecting indoor air quality or temperature control. Improperly installed or maintained HVAC systems can lead to excessive energy use and poor air quality that can result in health hazards. An energy audit helps identify these issues and provides solutions for improvement.
Finally, by identifying ways to maximize the efficiency of existing equipment and reduce waste, an energy audit can help organizations reach their sustainability goals. This could include replacing current lights with LED lighting, sealing air leaks, or installing occupancy sensors to control electricity use.
Overall, energy audits provide organizations with a comprehensive view of their energy usage and how it can be improved. By identifying opportunities for efficiency upgrades and reducing wasted energy, organizations can save energy and money, improve employee safety and comfort, and meet their sustainability goals.
The benefits of energy audits are numerous, from reducing costs to improving the performance and comfort of buildings. In addition to providing an assessment of current systems and practices, it also identifies potential areas for improvement that can help reduce energy consumption and costs. Furthermore, it helps organizations reach their sustainability goals by identifying areas to maximize energy efficiency. All organizations should consider conducting an energy audit for its numerous benefits. The cost and effort involved are well worth the savings in the long run.
Things To Include In A Energy Audit Report
An energy audit report is a document prepared by an independent, certified auditor that accurately assesses an organization’s energy performance. It helps the organization identify cost-saving and safety issues related to their energy consumption. The report must include a wide range of information such as energy consumption and efficiency measures, any discrepancies between actual use and expected use, suggested optimizations to improve operations, opportunities to reduce costs and emissions, and recommendations to help the organization move towards greater sustainability.
Additionally, the report should also provide a detailed account of all the energy usage data compiled during the process. Energy auditing requires a comprehensive analysis of building systems and overall resource management, so details like these are essential in providing necessary insight into building performance. With these insights, businesses can make more informed decisions on managing their energy utilization while striving for improved operational efficiency and compliance with industry standards.
Things To Consider When Conducting An Energy Audit Assessment
When you conduct residential energy assessments, there are several factors that should be taken into consideration. Time is of the essence, and it is important to conduct an in-depth analysis of the building and its components to create a comprehensive strategy for energy efficiency.
It is essential to take an inventory of all existing systems and equipment that are installed in the building. This includes air conditioning, heating systems, insulation, windows and doors. It is also important to look at energy-using appliances such as refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers. All of these components should be inspected for signs of wear or damage that could be impacting energy efficiency.
In addition to a visual inspection, it is useful to conduct tests on the systems and appliances to measure levels of energy usage. Thermal imaging can be used to identify any air leaks in the building’s insulation or around windows and doors. This information can then be used to develop a plan for sealing these areas. Additionally, blower door tests can help assess air leakage rates and inform insulation recommendations.
Once all of the data is collected, it should be analyzed to identify areas where significant energy cost savings could be achieved. This analysis will help provide guidance on the most cost-effective solutions that can be put in place to improve the building’s overall energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint.
Finally, ensuring that the audit findings are communicated effectively to the building owner is important. This will help them understand how their individual building can be improved and, ultimately, promote greater energy efficiency.
Conclusion
Following these tips can help get your business on the right track to an energy audit. However, contact us at VertPro if you want professional assistance and guidance. We would be happy to chat with you about your unique needs and see how we can help your company achieve its energy goals.
Get Help With Planning Your 2023 Building Upgrades!
Learn About How Our Free Easy To Use Platform Can Simplify Energy Compliance And Building Upgrades For You
VertPro® is a one-stop shop SaaS platform for building owners & managers to comply with every Energy Benchmark law across the United States, in 30 minutes or less. Beyond energy compliance, use VertPro to simplify your energy upgrades and building improvements. From obtaining multiple pre-screened bids for various energy projects (like Angie’s List, for CRE), to searching for Utility Rebates, to getting professional help identifying which upgrades are best for your specific building, VertPro® simplifies energy efficiency and compliance across your portfolio. Sign up for a free consultation above on our calendar. For any questions, you may reach me at Kevin.Sullivan@VertEnergyGroup.com or give me a call at (949) 200-7728.
Los Angeles Seismic Retrofitting Compliance Assistance
LA Seismic Retrofitting Deadline: May 2, 2023
ORDINANCE 183893 Ordinance 183893 is concerned with the definition and compliance of buildings identified for the seismic retrofit program. Specifically, Ordinance 183893 applies the retrofit requirement to:
Buildings that have a wood frame and were permitted or built before January 1, 1978.
Buildings whose ground floor contain a parking space or other similar open /semi-open spaces.
Buildings that contain four or more dwelling units.
Ordinance 183893 also prioritizes the identification and selection of buildings in the following manner:
Priority I (Highest) - Buildings with 16 or more dwelling units. This priority has two sub-categories:
3 stories and above – the orders were sent out to these buildings on May 2nd, 2016. o 2 story – the orders were sent out to these buildings on July 22nd, 2016.
Priority II - Buildings with 3 or more stories and contain less than 16 units. – The orders were sent out to these buildings on October 17th, 2016.
Priority III - All buildings not falling within Priority I or Priority II
Buildings with 9-15 units – the orders were sent out to these buildings on July 24th, 2017. o Buildings with 7-8 units – the orders were sent out to these buildings on August 21st, 2017. o Buildings with 4-6 units – the orders were sent out to these buildings on September 25th, 2017. o Condos and Commercial units – the orders were sent out to these buildings on November 6th, 2017. ORDINANCE 184081 Ordinance 184081 is concerned with the Time Limits for Compliance for the seismic retrofit program. Specifically, Ordinance 184081 applies the time limits compliance in the following manner:
The owner is expected to submit the structural analysis to demonstrate existing compliance within 2 years of receiving the order.
The owner is expected to submit a structural analysis to demonstrate a proposed structural alteration to meet seismic retrofit requirements within 2 years of receiving the order.
The owner is expected to submit the plans for demolition of the building within 2 years of receiving the order.
The owner is expected to obtain all necessary permits for rehabilitation or demolition within three and a half (3.5) years after the service of the order.
The owner is expected to complete construction or demolition work under all necessary permits within seven (7) years after service of the order.
You Need to Retrofit if: While this can all be quite confusing and if you feel like you might not need to consider a retrofit because it doesn’t match the criteria mentioned above, wait up! The ordinances only apply to wooden structures and non-ductile concrete structures for now. However, it is always wise to check if your building is earthquake ready and if a retrofit may be required. The Department of Building and Safety has already identified the buildings that require a seismic retrofit in the state of California and has sent out notices to each of the property owners requiring them to start work on their properties. Sign up for a free consultation above on our calendar. For any questions, you may reach me at Kevin.Sullivan@VertEnergyGroup.com or give me a call at (949) 200-7728.
Last Chance to Comply Is Approaching! Learn Why:
New York City's Local Law 97 is a subset of the Climate Mobilization act. LL97 is a green energy policy that mandates the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions for buildings over 25,000 sq.ft.
1st Deadline: 2024 (+ additional 40% reduction required by 2030)
Penalties: $268 per metric ton over the limit
Not in compliance with Local Law 97? Time is running out to avoid substantial penalties.
Here's why:
2022 = Plan & Implement Energy Upgrades
2023 = Plan & Implement Energy Upgrades (Last chance to make upgrades)
2024 = 1 full year of proven energy reduction
2025 = Will determine if you are in compliance based on 2024 Benchmark Report
Schedule a consultation to learn about new Seismic Retrofit projects in Los Angeles you may be qualified to bid on:
Difference Between Ordinances:
There are a few key differences between the two ordinances under the LA Mandatory Seismic Retrofit Program. The highlights of each ordinance are detailed below: ORDINANCE 183893 Ordinance 183893 is concerned with the definition and compliance of buildings identified for the seismic retrofit program. Specifically, Ordinance 183893 applies the retrofit requirement to:
Buildings that have a wood frame and were permitted or built before January 1, 1978.
Buildings whose ground floor contain a parking space or other similar open /semi-open spaces.
Buildings that contain four or more dwelling units.
Ordinance 183893 also prioritizes the identification and selection of buildings in the following manner:
Priority I (Highest) - Buildings with 16 or more dwelling units. This priority has two sub-categories:
3 stories and above – the orders were sent out to these buildings on May 2nd, 2016. o 2 story – the orders were sent out to these buildings on July 22nd, 2016.
Priority II - Buildings with 3 or more stories and contain less than 16 units. – The orders were sent out to these buildings on October 17th, 2016.
Priority III - All buildings not falling within Priority I or Priority II
Buildings with 9-15 units – the orders were sent out to these buildings on July 24th, 2017. o Buildings with 7-8 units – the orders were sent out to these buildings on August 21st, 2017. o Buildings with 4-6 units – the orders were sent out to these buildings on September 25th, 2017. o Condos and Commercial units – the orders were sent out to these buildings on November 6th, 2017. ORDINANCE 184081 Ordinance 184081 is concerned with the Time Limits for Compliance for the seismic retrofit program. Specifically, Ordinance 184081 applies the time limits compliance in the following manner:
The owner is expected to submit the structural analysis to demonstrate existing compliance within 2 years of receiving the order.
The owner is expected to submit a structural analysis to demonstrate a proposed structural alteration to meet seismic retrofit requirements within 2 years of receiving the order.
The owner is expected to submit the plans for demolition of the building within 2 years of receiving the order.
The owner is expected to obtain all necessary permits for rehabilitation or demolition within three and a half (3.5) years after the service of the order.
The owner is expected to complete construction or demolition work under all necessary permits within seven (7) years after service of the order.
Use VertPro® to find new customers, simplify the bidding process, and grow your business.
VertPro® is a SaaS platform for building owners & managers to comply with local building codes and get bids for capital improvements (e.g. HVAC, lighting, seismic retrofits, plumbing, etc.). We simply the bidding process by connecting our clients to qualified, pre-screened contractors who specialize in their project type(s). For contractors, we provide a marketplace that helps you win more projects and reduce your cost of customer acquisition. You never pay for leads, only for projects you win. VertPro® also provides a safe and secure project management platform for better communication and project updates. Apply to be a vendor today and start winning more projects!
VertPro®, a Marketplace for Contractors to Win More Projects
Schedule a consultation to learn about new LL87 Energy Audit & RCx projects in NYC you may be qualified to bid on:
NYC Local Law 87 (LL87) requires buildings over 50,000 sq.ft. submit an Energy Efficiency Report (EER) once every ten years. Building owners are required to submit their EER in the calendar year in which the last digit of the year coincides with the last digit of the building’s tax block number. The EER must contain:
Energy Audit Report
Retro-Commissioning (RCx) Report
Building owners face penalties of $3,000 for failing to comply the first year, and then $5,000 every year thereafter until the EER is submitted. The annual deadline is December 31st. Vert Energy Group advises all clients to get started at least 12 months in advance to ensure sufficient time to complete the RCx corrections. Vert Energy Group is seeking partnerships with qualified NYC engineers to offer services for LL87 Request for Proposals (RFPs) through our VertPro® marketplace. Learn more:
Use VertPro® to find new customers, simplify the bidding process, and grow your business.
VertPro® is a SaaS platform for building owners & managers to comply with local building codes and get bids for capital improvements (e.g. HVAC, lighting, seismic retrofits, plumbing, etc.). We simply the bidding process by connecting our clients to qualified, pre-screened contractors who specialize in their project type(s). For contractors, we provide a marketplace that helps you win more projects and reduce your cost of customer acquisition. You never pay for leads, only for projects you win. VertPro® also provides a safe and secure project management platform for better communication and project updates. Apply to be a vendor today and start winning more projects!
VertPro®, a Marketplace for Contractors to Win More Projects
Schedule a consultation with our Contractor Relations Manager to learn about new projects your company may be qualified to bid on:
Use VertPro® to find new customers, simplify the bidding process, and grow your business.
VertPro® is a SaaS platform for building owners & managers to comply with local building codes and get bids for capital improvements (e.g. HVAC, lighting, seismic retrofits, plumbing, etc.). We simply the bidding process by connecting our clients to qualified, pre-screened contractors who specialize in their project type(s). For contractors, we provide a marketplace that helps you win more projects and reduce your cost of customer acquisition. You never pay for leads, only for projects you win. VertPro® also provides a safe and secure project management platform for better communication and project updates. Apply to be a vendor today and start winning more projects!