Category: energywise-blog

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”

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.

Find us on Google+  –  

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.

Find us on Google+  –  

 

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!”

The Sustainability Challenge In Business and How to Get Buy In

We’ve all heard the saying that consumer would prefer to buy than be sold to, right? Well, after doing some reading and research, it turns out that “selling” sustainability is no different. Continue reading “The Sustainability Challenge In Business and How to Get Buy In”

5 Ways To Make Your Business Green and Save your money

Ways To Make Your Business Green

Environmentally friendly practices are currently on the rise and customers are becoming more and more aware of the need to use eco-friendly products and businesses. Thus it is really important your business plays a part in this trend as well, so we lend a hand by offering up some advice on 5 Ways To Make Your Business Green. Continue reading “5 Ways To Make Your Business Green and Save your money”