Energy Efficiency (E2) is a great first step for a company
interested in reducing costs and waste. Use this resource sheet to find programs and
services that can help your business save money and energy while protecting the
environment.
Benefits
of Energy Efficiency |
| Bottom line |
Public image |
Health & productivity |
| Efficient use of materials, water and energy directly improves the
bottom line. Wasted energy is unrealized profit. |
A company’s public image is important to its success. Your
environmental record and policies will affect your image with your customers, the
neighboring communities, the media, and regulatory agencies. |
Energy conservation measures like adequate lighting and HVAC often
help create a healthier workplace, leading to increased productivity and reduced employee
sick days. |
Energy Efficiency
Assistance Programs
Public Service Company of Colorado
303-571-3434
Public Service Company of Colorado has several energy efficiency programs in which businesses may participate. The Efficiency Replacement Partnership provides rebates to businesses for upgrading lighting, heating and cooling equipment, and motors. Start Smart! Energy by Design provides rebates on lighting and motors to businesses to help offset new construction or major renovation costs.
Energy Star - Environmental Protection Agency
303-312-6312
The Energy Star Buildings Program is a comprehensive energy-efficiency program for commercial and industrial buildings. Participants receive personal assistance with lighting and building upgrades and ongoing technical support.
Climate Wise - Environmental Protection Agency
303-433-1020
Climate Wise is a voluntary program that helps industrial companies increase profitability through comprehensive actions that enhance energy efficiency, prevent pollution, and reduce greenhouse gases. Participants receive information and assistance on a range of emission-reducing opportunities and are recognized for their efforts.
Green Lights - Environmental Protection Agency
303-312-6312
Participants are encouraged to upgrade lighting wherever it is profitable and improves or maintains lighting quality. The EPA provides technical assistance including a decision support software package, lighting upgrade, workshops and manuals, and a financing registry.
NICE3 - US Department of Energy, Denver Office
303-275-4728
NICE3 is a cost-sharing grant program which advances competitiveness through energy-efficiency, clean production, and reduced wastes in industry by providing financial assistance. Requires submitting proposals through a state energy, pollution prevention, or business development office.
Motor Challenge - Motor Challenge Info Clearinghouse
800-862-2086
Motor Challenge is a voluntary partnership program between the Department of Energy (DOE) and industry to promote a systems approach to developing, purchasing, and managing motors, drives, and motor-driven equipment that will increase energy-efficiency, enhance productivity, and improve environmental quality.
| Energy Success Story:
Boulder Bookstore
|
| As
the owner of the Boulder Bookstore, David Bolduc undertook
several energy upgrades when he moved the bookstore into
a new building in 1991. Energy efficient lighting, windows,
and evaporative cooling (instead of air conditioning) were
installed. With annual savings of approximately $4,800,
Boulder Bookstore’s payback period was about three
years. |
Performance Contracting:
Creative Funding of E2 Projects
What does "performance contracting" mean,
and how might it affect you? Performance contracting is a contract
between a business and an energy services company (ESCO). The initial
cost of the energy improvements (new lighting, for example) is covered
by the ESCO. The business receiving the energy improvements, therefore,
does not have to come up with an initial capital investment. The
contract specifies that the ESCO will be paid through the energy
savings that result from the installation of the new equipment.
This is an attractive option for businesses that want to reduce
their energy consumption, yet may lack the financial ability to
cover the improvement costs themselves.
*Please note: PACE does not necessarily endorse these companies. This information
is provided to make the first step in your energy improvement plan
a bit easier.
| Energy Success Story: John's 4x4 |
| In
1994, John Rush expanded his auto repair shop by moving
from a 4,000 ft2 building into a 7,000 ft2
building. Anticipating that the $400/winter month utility
costs would increase, he provided his three technicians
with their own garage door openers at a cost of about $750.
Despite almost doubling his shop size, John s utility costs
have stayed in the $400/winter month range. Through energy
savings and increased comfort and productivity, John estimates
that his $750 investment paid for itself in less than two
months. |
|
