What your 1 – 100 ENERGY STAR score means?

The 1 – 100 ENERGY STAR score is a screening tool that helps you assess how your building is performing. It’ll help you identify which buildings in your portfolio to target for improvement or recognition. A score of 50 is the median. So if your building scores below 50, it means it’s performing worse than 50 percent of similar buildings nationwide, while a score above 50 says it’s playing better than 50 percent of its peers. Moreover, a score of 75 or higher means it’s a top performer and may be eligible for ENERGY STAR certification. The ENERGY STAR score provides a comprehensive snapshot of your building’s energy performance. It assesses the building’s physical assets, operations, and occupant behavior in a quick and easy-to-understand number. As a rule of thumb, In an analysis of more than 30,000 buildings that benchmarked consistently in Portfolio Manager over a 3-year period, EPA found that buildings that start with lower ENERGY STAR scores and higher energy use achieve the most significant savings.

We offer you free Consultancy, and you will have everything to gain and nothing to lose. Act now, our team will make it easy for you to discover our government rebates and taxes incentivizes which will make all the energy improvements within your hands. Our mutual co-operation and our powerful solutions are all that you need to succeed, improve your building performance and save money. You will never worry or overpay again.

Energy management solutions, in brief,  means use smart sensors to remotely track energy utilization trends in your buildings, helping you increase operational efficiencies. Monitor and manage consumption in real-time and get alerts notifying you of changes, so you can proactively make adjustments and improve your bottom line.

Sources:
https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/facility-owners-and-managers/existing-buildings/use-portfolio-manager/interpret-your-results/what

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Clean Energy

What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy is derived from natural processes that are replenished at a rate that is equal to or faster than the speed at which they are consumed.

There are various forms of renewable energy, deriving directly or indirectly from the sun, or from heat generated deep within the earth. They include power generated from solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, hydropower and ocean resources, solid biomass, biogas and liquid biofuels.

Renewable energy sources currently provide about 18% of Canada’s total primary energy supply. Wind and solar energy are the fastest growing sources of electricity in Canada.

In general, Renewable energy is any which comes from renewable natural resources, such as wind, rain, sunlight, geothermal heat, and tides. It is referred to as “renewable” because it doesn’t run out. You can always get more of it.

What is Clean(Green) Energy?

“Clean energy” is just any form of energy which we can create with clean, harmless, and non-polluting methods. Most renewable energy sources are also clean energy sources. But not all.

One such example is geothermal power. It may be a renewable energy source, but some geothermal energy processes can be harmful to the environment. Therefore, this is not always clean energy. However, there are also other forms of geothermal energy which are harmless and pure.

Clean energy makes the less impact on the environment than our current conventional energy sources do. It creates an insignificant amount of carbon dioxide, and its use can reduce the speed of global warming – or global pollution.

What is Sustainable Energy?

Sustainable is a general term used for energy sources whose continued usage does not cause reversible changes and rapidly replenishes. It could return to its original form or is unaffected by consistent usage. The number of solar voltaic panels or wind farms has no impact— what so ever— to the amount of Sunshine or climatic conditions that control wind speed or patterns. Wood-chips and stems, leaves ( called plant biomass by more refined colleagues ) are sustainable means of energy production because they can regrow over and over; replenishable.

What is Alternative Energy?

When we speak of alternative energy, we refer to sources of usable energy that can replace conventional energy sources (usually, without undesirable side effects). The term “alternative energy” is typically used to refer to sources of energy other than nuclear power or fossil fuels.
A form of “alternative energy” might also be renewable energy, or clean energy, or both. The terms are often interchangeable, but not the same.

As you can see, alternative energy, renewable energy, and clean energy are very similar. However, it is essential to know that there are differences.


Sources: 
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).
Internet article was written by "Kilanko Paul, Process engineer," Nov 15, 2016.
https://www.ukutilitiesltd.com

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Building Automation System(BAS) as a tool of Energy Management system(EMS)

BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM(BAS) AS A TOOL OF ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM(EMS)

People spend about 90 percent of their lives indoors and the buildings where we spend our lives, have a massive impact on it.

There remains widespread confusion around how EMS can best be leveraged to minimize energy use and maximize cost savings. As a result, many building professionals are missing out on opportunities to diminish their energy footprints.

The nucleus of this issue revolves around the fact that these professionals too often use the terms EMS and BMS/BAS interchangeably when they are fundamentally different.

In the 1970s and ‘80s—due to increased energy prices—the demand for a more cost-effective building sent the BAS industry into a whirl of development to make buildings smarter. Taglines like “smart building solutions” started dotting the competitive landscape as building-automation companies were able to leverage cheapening computer technologies and bring them into the building space. This period was a golden age for the BAS industry. During this peak demand to reduce consumption, BAS manufacturers globally created new and relevant technologies related to controlling a building. Competition increased, and the direct digital-control solution became the standard expectation in buildings everywhere. However, most systems were disparate and only designed to control specific operations of a building, with other vital components not being visible or integrated through the controlling mechanisms.

BAS can save a business between 5% and 30% on utility costs by managing HVAC and lighting systems. HVAC and lighting are the two largest users of energy in modern buildings and are usually the first systems to be automated. Wireless BAS systems can monitor every zone of the building and make instant adjustments to maintain comfort while lowering energy usage. Lighting can be reduced remotely in various areas of the building to save energy costs.

Digitalization means buildings are becoming more and more connected and the importance of having all building data insight is continuously increasing. Whether you wish to enhance occupant comfort and productivity or to improve operational and energy efficiency, building management systems, enable you to connect, monitor and operate your facility smoothly. 

Energy management systems and building automation systems serve two very different functions. Perhaps the easiest way to understand the difference is to think of your building as a car. An energy management system is the dashboard of your vehicle: it allows you to see all the controls and understand how all components are operating. With this high-level view, you accurately direct your car.

That’s when the building automation system comes in. BAS acts as the steering wheel: you can direct the car by telling it what to do. You can set it on “cruise” mode to drive on autopilot, but you’ll still need to run frequent, necessary checks to make sure everything is working correctly.

Your building operates the same way. A good energy management software provides an overview of your portfolio operations, with the option to explore a potential problem before it happens. You then use this information to set your building automation system to run most efficiently.

Sources: 
Internet Article by ANNA BUGLAEVA, JULY 22, 2015
Building automation - Buildings - Siemens Global Website. 
https://facilityexecutive.com/2015/12/ems-bms-or-both/

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Energy Star Canada - Welcome Introduction

Energy Star Canada - Welcome Introduction

ENERGY STAR is the international symbol for energy efficiency – a simple way for consumers to identify products that are among the top energy performers on the market.
Products bearing the ENERGY STAR symbol help save energy and money and protect our environment.

ENERGY STAR Canada is a voluntary partnership between the Government of Canada and organizations in public, private and not-for-profit sectors to promote energy efficiency.

ENERGY STAR makes it easy for Canadian to make energy efficient choices that help them save money on energy bills, increase their competitiveness, and fight climate change.

Partnering with the United States
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) administers and promotes the use of the ENERGY STAR name and symbol in Canada under an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Canada became an international partner in the program in 2001.
NRCan works closely with the EPA to develop ENERGY STAR technical specifications for products. It also develops Canadian specifications for certain ENERGY STAR certified products.

Three tools for energy efficiency In Canada

ENERGY STAR is one of three devices that consumers, governments, and businesses use to advance energy efficiency in Canada.
•    Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations set minimum energy performance standards for energy-using products.
•    EnerGuide is Canada’s energy-efficiency labeling program and rating system for significant appliances, room air conditioners and some heating and ventilating equipment.
•    The ENERGY STAR symbol identifies products that have met or exceeded technical specifications for high efficiency.

Joining the ENERGY STAR Initiative in Canada is easy and makes good business sense. Here is why:

•    ENERGY STAR gives you turn-key access to a first-class brand—tested, certified and backed by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).
•    As an ENERGY STAR Participant, you get authorized to use the ENERGY STAR symbol and clear instructions on how to use it.
•    ENERGY STAR is a proven sales tool, widely recognized and respected by consumers.
•    NRCan sends you up-to-date information through product bulletins, communiqués and our newsletter ENERGY STAR News/Nouvelles.
•    You can talk directly to an ENERGY STAR account manager in your field.
•    ENERGY STAR website will include you as a partner.  Listing allows Canadian consumers, including procurement departments, to find you.
•    You can connect with other Participants, share experiences and even run a joint promotion.
•    Participants get positive recognition for being part of the forward-looking ENERGY STAR community.
•   As an international partner in the U.S.-based ENERGY STAR program, Canada’s initiative is aligned with our most important trading partner.

Source: Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

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Zero Carbon Buildings (ZCB)

Zero Carbon Buildings (ZCB)

Wikipedia says that " ... Low-carbon buildings are buildings designed and constructed to release very little or no carbon at all during their lifetime."

WHAT IS A ZERO CARBON BUILDING？

A zero carbon building is a building with zero net energy consumption or zero net carbon emissions on an annual basis. In recent years, low/zero carbon buildings have attracted much attention in many countries because they are considered as an important strategy to achieve energy conservation and reduce greenhouse gases emissions. Some examples of the other existing zero carbon buildings in the world include:

Self-sufficient solar house, Freiburg, Germany
Plus Energy House, Ministry of Federal Ministry for Transport, Building and Town Planning, Germany
Beddington Zero Energy Development, London
Pusat Tenaga Malaysia’s ZEO Building, Malaysia
BCA Academy, Singapore
The Samsung Green Tomorrow House, South Korea

A zero carbon building is defined as one that is highly energy-efficient
and produces onsite, or procures, carbon-free renewable energy in an amount sufficient to offset the annual carbon emissions associated with operations.

Canada has one of the most advanced green building sectors in the world and is well positioned to meet the challenge of reducing and eventually eliminating GHG emissions from building operations. Over the last decade
green building certification programs have raised the bar for energy-efficiency, renewable energy and sustainability practices and, as a result, have changed the way buildings are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated.

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Energy Management Effect On Carbon Footprint

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most prevalent Greenhouse gas (GHG) produced by human activities. Industrialization has been among the primary factors for increased CO2 production, mostly through the consumption of electricity and the burning of fossil fuels.  A lack of competitive pressure for developing environmentally friendly management practices generally prevails among industrial firms, although marginal improvements in energy management practices and energy efficiency are evident. Most studies found that energy audit and energy efficiency are two critical factors for reducing carbon emissions. Also, studies found that energy awareness, knowledge, and commitment are related to energy efficiency. One key outcome . was the development of a new theoretical model of energy management practices. The findings of studies have opened new research and development opportunities to identify alternatives to monetizing environmental concepts such as carbon emissions and energy efficiency.
1. Carbon Footprinting is a tool to help reduce carbon emissions and is becoming a fundamental regulatory requirement. It is one part of sustainability, not the whole, and needs to be viewed within
the overall environmental context.
2. Carbon Footprinting is also an evaluation tool to help increase energy efficiency.
3. International harmonization of carbon footprint definitions, methodology, and data is needed.
4. There is a need to resolve uncertainty on some critical issues: energy, biogenic, and end-of-life stage.

Energy efficiency means using less energy to provide the same service. For example, a compact fluorescent bulb is more efficient than a traditional incandescent bulb as it uses much less electrical power to produce the same amount of light. Similarly, a useful boiler takes less fuel to heat a home to a given temperature than a less efficient model.
The phrase 'energy efficiency' is often used as a shorthand to describe any energy-saving measure, though technically it should be distinguished from energy conservation – a broader term which can also include forgoing a service rather than changing the efficiency with which it is provided. Examples of energy conservation involve turning down a thermostat in the winter or walking to the shops rather than driving there.
Increasing energy efficiency often costs money up-front, but in many cases, this capital outlay will be paid back in the form of reduced energy costs within a short period. This makes efficiency improvements an attractive starting point for reducing carbon emissions.
The scope of the savings – and the techniques required – depending on the situation and location. For homes in cold countries such as Canada, the most effective measures include increasing insulation, draught proofing, installing good-quality double-glazed windows and switching to more efficient appliances and light bulbs. The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) estimates that these improvements could reduce annual CO2 emissions from British homes by around 17 million tonnes by 2020 – about a tenth of the 2008 residential total.
By contrast, increasing efficiency in non-domestic buildings often means focusing on ventilation and air-conditioning, in addition to lighting, heating, and appliances. Many such buildings have achieved savings of around 25% after undergoing a refit to increase efficiency.
Energy-intensive industries, such as iron, steel, and cement manufacture, have become more efficient over time due to new equipment and better re-use of waste heat. For example, a hot pipe containing a chemical that needs to be cooled can be used to heat up other chemicals (this is known as 'heat integration'). Motors are used widely in industry for a variety of tasks, such as pumping, mixing and driving conveyor belts. The installation of efficient, correctly sized motors and drives can result in energy savings of 20–25%.
Vehicles have also become more energy efficient over the decades' thanks to factors such as improved engines and lighter, more aerodynamic designs.
Improving energy efficiency does not necessarily translate into reduced CO2 emissions: the savings depend on the situation. If the energy is supplied from fossil fuels – such as petrol in a car or electricity from a coal-fired plant – then improved efficiency will cut emissions. But if the energy is supplied by a low-carbon source such as electricity from nuclear or renewables, then improving efficiency may have little impact on emissions. (When comparing electric and non-electric appliances, it's important to consider the effectiveness of the power generation, too: switching from a 90% efficient gas boiler to a '100% efficient' electric heater will increase energy use and emissions if the electricity comes from regular fossil fuel power plants, which themselves are highly inefficient, losing much of the energy in their fuel as waste heat.)
Energy efficiency is always a good idea. Whether it results in energy savings depends on what we do with the money we saved. In some cases, efficiency savings can be offset by changes in user behavior – the so-called 'rebound effect'. One example would be that insulating a home may make it more economical for the resident to maintain a higher temperature, increasing the standard of comfort but reducing the energy savings.
Nonetheless, improving energy efficiency is a vital tool for reducing CO2 emissions, alongside energy conservation and low-carbon energy sources such as renewables and carbon capture and storage.

Source: Article written by Dr. Tamaryn Napp, Professor Nilay Shah, and Professor David Fisk.

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What is a Baseline?

What is a Baseline?
One of the most significant challenges to effectively managing energy is accurately determining an energy management system's impact on energy use and cost. Energy use is often dictated by a large number of dynamic, interrelated factors. That makes it unclear whether changes in consumption are the result of implemented energy efficiency measures, changes in other factors affecting your energy use (like the weather), or some combination of both.
So, how do you separate the effects of your energy management system from other factors? To do so, you need an energy baseline.

Energy Baselines, Defined:
An energy baseline is a reference tool. It allows you to compare energy performance before and after a change is made to your site or system. The baseline establishes the “before” by capturing a site or system's total energy use before making improvements. It accounts for energy affecting factors like temperature or production volume. The baseline is accomplished by modeling the site’s performance before changes, typically employing a statistical technique called linear regression.

The baseline serves three fundamental purposes:
1. It allows you to zero in on what’s contributing to good or evil energy performance by providing an apples-to-apples comparison of energy use between two different periods.
2. It can forecast energy use and cos through manipulation of the energy affecting factors.
3. It can be used for monitoring and verify savings from energy efficiency projects.

Baselines can be established using nothing more than utility bills, data on the energy affecting factors during the selected billing periods, and Excel.
However, this requires know-how and the effort of collecting the relevant data each time compared to baseline is performed.

Source: Article - Michael John, Implementation August 19, 2015

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