Exploring Energy Efficiency: Q&A Session with Wayne Robertson of Energy Ace

It bears repeating that seventy-two percent of all electricity consumption and thirty-nine percent of all energy consumption takes place in America's buildings. Using energy efficiency strategies in modernization or major renovation projects can reduce those electricity and energy consumptions by up to fifty percent. Simply implementing sustainable Operations & Maintenance (O&M) practices (without significant capital improvements) can create up to a twenty-four percent reduction. Even a non-environmentalist can appreciate the massive cost savings in those kinds of numbers!

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There are two main certification systems when it comes to energy efficiency, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environ-mental Design) and Energy Star. Atlanta is very progressive when it comes to LEED and Energy Star Building Certifications. It ranks #6 for cities with LEED Registered Buildings (with well over 200) and #9 for Energy Star Certified Buildings (with 102).

To further explore energy efficiency in Atlanta's commercial buildings, I sat down with Wayne Robertson, PE, LEED AP and Founder/President of Energy Ace in Atlanta. Mr. Robertson has been improving energy efficiency in buildings since the mid-1970's and you would be hard pressed to find a more knowledgeable person on the subject. I wanted quick answers to the questions I most frequently get from building owners and operators with regards to energy efficiency improvements, tax incentives, and LEED.

Q: Wayne, what is the biggest mistake that commercial builders make when it comes to energy efficiency?

WR: "Value Engineering" energy efficiency out of a building for cost savings. There is neither value nor engineering when you perform cost-cutting choices in building features that would otherwise lead to reduction in an owner's "Total Cost of Ownership". More and more, both the marketplace and employees are demanding workspace that is not only energy efficient but also a clean, pleasant and healthy place to work.

Q: So what can a commercial builder invest in to get the biggest energy efficiency return?

WR: Construct a high-performance building envelope, with special attention paid to glazing. A better envelope includes a reflective or green roof and includes minimizing or shading glass on western exposures. It is costly, disruptive, and sometimes impossible to retrofit a building's envelope later.

Q: And if they are performing a remodel or retrofit?

WR: Do lighting upgrades and improve water efficiency.
Most modern office buildings spend more on lighting than on heating or cooling - so an owner can get the biggest ROI from improved lighting and lighting controls. Another benefit to this choice is that by using less energy for lighting, you produce less waste heat. So you also end up saving on energy bills to cool the building.
In terms of water efficiency, because Atlanta has some of the highest water rates in the region, water conservation retrofits can have
a quick payback.

Q: What tax incentives are currently in place that make the choice for energy efficiency a no-brain-er?

WR: There is a Federal tax deduction of up to $1.80 per sq foot (which may be going up in the future) for surpassing certain energy standards; and Georgia also has a tax credit for doing the same. (Authors note: The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) provides a comprehensive listing of incentives. In the State of Georgia, the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) is another valuable re-source regarding state incentives. They administer many energy-efficiency and renewable energy incentives including rebates and tax-free holidays.)

Q: If a building owner was going to consider making energy efficiency improvements, what value does LEED certification bring?

WR: LEED is the generally-accepted gold standard for sustainability in buildings, and it has been recognized by the CoStar Group whose study proved that LEED buildings rent for more, sell for more, and have higher occupancy rates.

LEED really promotes energy efficiency by awarding more points to energy efficiency credits than to any other category in the LEED rating system.

The LEED rating system for New Construction (LEED NC) or Existing Building: Operations & Maintenance (LEED-EB: O+M) both contain green performance targets for common building and modernization projects. Even if you aren't planning to certify a project as LEED, using these rating systems as a benchmark helps to ensure that your efforts align with nationally recognized green standards and can provide a step-ping stone to future LEED certification, should your interests change.

For more information on LEED or Energy Star, visit www.usgbc.org or www.energystar.gov.

Courtesy of Leesa Carter, USGBC Atlanta.  Article featured in OC Atlanta Magazine.