Author: Scott Van Kerkhove

5 Important Steps in Procuring Utility Rebates

I’m always amazed at how many new clients we bring on-board that are not only unaware of the important steps in procuring utility rebates, but are completely unaware that utility-based rebates are available for their energy efficiency projects. Many times, they have completed projects that include energy conservation measures (ECM’s) in-house or had their local electrician complete an installation without ever being aware that they were eligible for a rebate. Continue reading “5 Important Steps in Procuring Utility Rebates”

EPA’s National Carbon Pollution Standards

On June 2, the EPA and President Barack Obama released a proposal that will set the first-ever national carbon pollution standards limits for existing U.S. power plants. Is this move all about politics or is this simply the right thing to do? Continue reading “EPA’s National Carbon Pollution Standards”

Energy Star for Architects

Energy Star for Architects and Designers – A Tool to Set Them Apart from Competition

Architects and designers who are looking at setting themselves apart from their competitors may find a highly recognized logo added to their plans will do just that – using Energy Star as a Tool for Architects.

The EPA reports these staggering statistics on the use of the Energy Star Logo, proving that Energy Star for Architects can be utilized as a great marketing tool:

  • More than 80 percent of Americans now recognize the ENERGY STAR label.
  • 30 to 45 percent of households report purchasing an ENERGY STAR qualified product in a given year.
  • Importantly, almost 85 percent of purchasers would recommend ENERGY STAR to a friend.

Adding the Designed to Earn the Energy Star Logo to your plans shows a customer that they are building a home that was designed to save energy, which will save them money and be environmentally conscious.

How hard is adding the logo? Depending on how energy efficient your current Energy Star for Architectsdrawings are, achieving the design criteria for the logo may mean making little to no changes at all. Since all plans that receive the logo are reviewed and verified by a certified energy rater, it is best to consult with your rater in the early stages of the drawings to ensure that all criteria are met.

For full details on Energy Star for Architects, becoming an Energy Star Partner and adding the Designed to Earn the Energy Star Logo on your plans, visit the Energy Star website or contact Jennifer Waddick at Energywise for a free consultation.

Jennifer Waddick is the VP of Sustainability for EnergyWise, a Certified Energy Auditor and a LEED Accredited Professional that writes on issues surrounding sustainability, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.

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Solar Alive in Louisiana

Proponents Help Keep Solar Alive in Louisiana

Thanks to the Alliance for Affordable Energy, Vote Solar Initiative and others who worked diligently to keep solar alive in Louisiana.

Last week, the Louisiana Public Service Commission decided to conduct a cost and benefit study of the value of solar and continue Louisiana’s current net metering policy! Solar advocates have been calling for such a study for months to keep solar alive in Louisiana, and Energywise applauds the decision by the PCS as an important step forward to enabling continued consumer choice and solar job growth in Louisiana.

A recent poll conducted by Edward Chervanak, PhD, showed that residents overwhelmingly support the initiative to keep solar alive in Louisiana. More that 4 out of 5 respondents to the survey support  preserving retail net metering credits that were at risk of being eliminated.

Read more on keeping Solar Alive in Louisiana in an article by the Vote Solar Initiative.

Scott Van Kerkhove is the CEO of EnergyWise and writes on issues surrounding energy management, sustainability and renewable energy.

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Burger King Franchisee Tax Deductions

179D Tax Deduction – Commercial Buildings

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If you built or remodeled a store or other commercial properties from 2005 through 2013, we can help you to determine if you qualify. If you are building or remodeling in 2014, we might be able to assist you there as well.

We can provide a FREE consultation!

This is a service that is traditionally performed on buildings that exceed 20,000 square feet due to the cost of the energy modeling and energy audit.

For Burger King Franchisees, we are offering a special program for a limited time only:

  • Loyal Burger King Franchisee Clients – FREE Audit on stores that installed our Energy Management or LED products.
  • All Other Burger King Franchisees – FREE consult & $99 Audit on stores that are pre-qualified. 
  • All Other Commercial Properties – FREE consult & discounted Audit.

Section 179D of the Federal Tax Code allows an energy efficient building deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot for your commercial properties. To qualify for the Section 179D tax deduction, the IRS requires an independent, third party energy tax study completed by a qualified firm. Energywise can provide those services for you as a qualified firm.

Buildings that qualify for tax deductions do so by meeting energy efficiency standards related to lighting, HVAC, and the building envelope. Section 179D includes structures that have been put in service, remodeled or had significant energy retrofits between December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2013.

For those clients of ours that have installed our energy management systems or LED lighting systems in your stores or other buildings, we have already pre-qualified your stores. Simply contact us to get the ball rolling.

It’s our way of saying THANKS and extending the value of our services beyond being just a supplier of products. We pride ourselves as being an energy cost savings solutions company, and we sincerely hope that you recognize the value that we bring to our partnership in those endeavors.

For those who have not utilized our products and services on your new or remodeled stores, we would be happy to provide a free consultation to determine if we might help.

Tax time is upon us, and we want to make sure that you receive every benefit from the Federal Government that you deserve. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.  We look forward to pre-qualifying your building!

Conserve Energy: Tips For Heating Your Home

Tips For Heating Your Home

It’s the time of the year when temperatures start to drop, and we all start to prepare for the imminent return of colder weather and all that comes with it. Continue reading “Conserve Energy: Tips For Heating Your Home”

Energy Efficiency – What is It and What Are The Appropriate Measures Businesses Can Take?

As energy bills are set to increase over the next few years, there is energy saving measures that businesses can undertake, in order to save money and in turn, increase the ever important profit margins. Continue reading “Energy Efficiency – What is It and What Are The Appropriate Measures Businesses Can Take?”

Energy Saving Tips For Your Workplace

Ways to Save Energy in the Office

With the cost of energy increasing year to year, more people are trying to save energy and save money at home. This practice can be duplicated in the workplace, where millions of businesses are still using extreme amounts of energy and wasting a lot of money. Continue reading “Energy Saving Tips For Your Workplace”

Think Environmentally Friendly Doesn’t Matter To You? Think Again!

It’s safe to say that humans have certainly made their mark on the planet, but unfortunately it hasn’t always been in an environmentally friendly and beneficial way. For something so delicately balanced and perfectly suited for our very survival we sure do give it a beating! Continue reading “Think Environmentally Friendly Doesn’t Matter To You? Think Again!”