The First Facility Management Blog

Cleveland, Ohio-based Garland Industries, Inc. has launched a new subsidiary, Garland Energy Systems, Inc., which is dedicated to making large scale alternative energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and institutional customers easier to purchase, install, and maintain. With a management team based in California and Cleveland, and sales representation across the U.S., Garland Energy is attempting to help its customers achieve improved energy independence by delivering specific energy performance outcomes. The company facilitates every aspect of solar system implementation, from preliminary analysis and technology selection, through financing, system integration, and on going maintenance.

Sean Mulligan, California-based Garland Energy president explains, “Garland’s initial entry into the solar energy market was a direct response to customer concerns about rising energy costs. This new subsidiary demonstrates Garland’s commitment to providing seamless solutions to a new generation of customers who are looking for environmentally responsible, petroleum independent building alternatives. Although solar solutions currently dominate the alternative energy landscape, our field of vision remains as broad as the market itself, encompassing wind power and a full range of alternative energy generating technologies.”

According to David Sokol, president of Garland Industries, “Garland Energy is a direct and inevitable evolution of Garland’s on going commitment to sustainable technologies. Garland has been helping organizations adapt to the ever changing social and economic challenges of facility infrastructure management since our founding in 1895. As one of our industry’s earliest adopters of sustainable initiatives, we have successfully integrated the capabilities needed to help our customers realize their visions for a fully sustainable future.”

Garland Energy provides its commercial customers with analysis of energy requirements, an evaluation of competing technologies, financing options, implementation of energy generating solutions, and system monitoring and servicing after the sale. Brian Lambert, the company’s Cleveland-based general manager, explains, “We are currently offering full service, turnkey integration of a full range of photovoltaic alternatives, without prejudice toward a single manufacturer. As new photovoltaic technologies emerge, and other alternative energy sources become commercially viable, we will objectively and independently match each customer’s output, timeline, and budgetary requirements to the most appropriate solutions available. Our goal is to enable our customers to stabilize their energy costs with predictable energy rates for 20 years or longer.”

Through its collaborations with other Garland Industries subsidiaries, Garland Energy is able to provide infrastructural support for the complete building envelope, including thorough roof inspection and analysis, comprehensive engineering services, and design build delivery. Garland has been developing partnerships with companies specializing in alternative energy solutions since 2003, and had already integrated several large scale rooftop solar systems into its customers’ sustainable building designs, prior to launching its newest subsidiary. 

Commercial building owners who install geothermal heating and cooling systems are now eligible for federal tax incentives under the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008, passed by Congress October 3, 2008 as part of the economic recovery package.

WaterFurnace International Vice President of Sales and Marketing Phil Albertson said, “By passing this important piece of legislation, Congress is encouraging the growth of renewable energy and the small businesses across the country that support it.”

The Energy Improvement and Extension Act offers a credit of 10% of the total investment, with no maximum credit, for commercial system installations of ground loop or ground water geothermal heat pump installations. The tax credit for commercial buildings begins with systems installed after Oct. 3, 2008.

Owners can file for the credit by completing the Renewable Energy Credits subsection on their 2008 tax return forms. No proof of purchase is required. However, in case of an audit, owners are encouraged to keep a detailed invoice of their purchase on file. The contractor who sold and installed the product should list the purchase as a “Geothermal Heat Pump” on the invoice and note that the unit “Exceeds requirements of the Energy Star program currently in effect.”

Tim Shields, chairman of the board of WaterFurnace, said, “We believe this incentive will encourage many more business owners to install geothermal heat pumps. Geothermal heat pumps are made right here in the U.S., and the machines used to put the renewable heat exchangers in the earth are all made right here. Every system installed requires skilled U.S. labor, and more installations mean more jobs. This is truly a homegrown solution to the energy crisis and a very good way to address the financial crisis at the same time. The systems were already growing in popularity, but this stimulus will help us have the impact on the economy and the environment much more quickly.

Geothermal systems tap the free, completely renewable, supply of solar energy stored just a few feel below the Earth’s surface and use that energy to drive heating and cooling system in buildings. In addition to utility, state, and now federal tax incentives that enhance the affordability of geothermal systems, this cost-effective, environmentally friendly technology offers a host of benefits that include:
• Free, renewable supply of solar energy;
• Efficiency ratings up to five times higher than those of ordinary heating and cooling systems;
• Savings on utility bills up to 70%;
• Reduced carbon footprint since the system burns no fossil fuels More even distribution of heating and cooling for improved comfort;
• Improved indoor air quality;
• Quiet operation with no noisy outdoor units to disturb the environment or neighbors;
• Safe operation that requires no open flame or fuel storage tanks;
• Less maintenance; and
• Increased system longevity (an average life span of 24 years vs. 15 for conventional air conditioners and 20 years for fossil fuel furnaces).

A report released by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) yesterday put California at the top of the list of U.S. states employing energy efficiency as the “first fuel”. Idaho was rated as the “most improved” state since ACEEE’s first state scorecard report graded state action through 2006.

The 2008 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard rated and ranked state-level action on model energy efficiency policies, programs, and practices. In 2007, ACEEE released its first State Energy Efficiency Scorecard for 2006 to provide a comprehensive approach to scoring and ranking states on the adoption and implementation of energy efficiency policies and programs. Authors of the 2008 Scorecard are Maggie Eldridge, Max Neubauer, Dan York, Shruti Vaidyanathan, Anna Chittum, and Steven Nadel.

“The top ranked states are demonstrating great leadership in promoting energy independence with cost-effective energy efficiency investments,” said Eldridge, research associate at ACEEE and lead author of the report. “By setting innovative policies and programs that help consumers save energy, states are using energy efficiency as the first line of defense against rising energy prices while increasing our nation’s energy security, fostering economic prosperity, and combating global warming.”

ACEEE’s state-by-state analysis found that California was followed by Oregon, Connecticut, Vermont, New York, and Washington. Minnesota and Massachusetts tied for 7th place. Wisconsin and New Jersey rounded out the final two spots in the top 10.

“We applaud these leading states for embracing a wide range of the proven-effective and readily-available efficiency strategies that will most quickly move our nation closer to energy independence to the benefit of our economy, environment, and national security,” said Eldridge. “”Our scorecard puts the spotlight on the leading and most improved states to encourage others to step up their efforts to make energy efficiency the routine way of doing business and part of our everyday lives.”

Most Improved

The most improved states since the 2006 scorecard was issued were Idaho (from 25th ranked to 13th ranked), Florida (from 29th to 19th tied), Maryland (from 20th to 12th), Ohio (from 27th to 19th tied), Illinois (from 26th to 19th tied), Louisiana (from 42nd to 35th), Arkansas (from 45th to 38th), and Virginia (from 38th to 32nd).

“These states have stepped up efforts in various important ways, such as setting aggressive new energy savings targets, ramping up funding for programs, or improving efficiency of the state’s own public buildings and vehicle fleets,” said Neubauer, policy program research assistant and co-author of the report.

The 2008 report is ACEEE’s latest edition in a periodic analysis of state-by-state ranking on the adoption and implementation of energy efficiency policies, which aims to recognize leadership among the states and identify best practices. The report ranks states on a broad array of energy efficiency policy initiatives, including:

• Utility-sector and public benefits efficiency programs and policies
• Transportation and land use policies
• Building energy codes
• Combined heat and power (CHP)
• Appliance efficiency standards
• Energy efficiency in public buildings and fleets
• Research, development, and deployment (RD&D)
• Financial incentives for efficient technologies

“Faced with rapidly increasing energy costs and growing concerns about power reliability and global warming, more and more states are turning to energy efficiency as a reliable, cost-effective, and quick resource to deploy to meet electricity needs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save consumers’ money,” said executive director Nadel, report co-author. “Our scorecard offers the states a blueprint for greening up both the environment and the economy, and it is becoming evident that more and more policymakers are realizing that it is not only the socially responsible thing to do, but it is also fiscally prudent.”

The 2008 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard 54-page report is available for free download at www.aceee.org/pubs/e086.htm (registration required). Or a hard copy is available for purchase.

About ACEEE

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting economic prosperity, energy security, and environmental protection. Projects are carried out by staff and selected energy efficiency experts from universities, national laboratories, and the private sector.

Halco Lighting Technologies recently announced the conclusion to its participation in the national 2007/ 2008 ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World campaign. On October 9, 2007 Halco joined ENERGY STAR and a progressively greener community’s effort to change, one light—one energy saving step—at a time with its supporting pledge. The campaign, sponsored by The Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, and Department of Housing and Urban Development, kicked off on October 3, 2007 and officially came to a close on October 1, 2008.   

Halco is announced a total savings of 9,859,848 kWh and the prevention of 14,300,276 pounds of green-house gas emissions as a result of its collected pledges. Among the campaign drivers in the state of Georgia, Halco acquired the third largest number of individual pledges. The company was also pleased to report that it was in the top percentile among other leading light bulb manufactures.

Along its campaign trail, Halco participated in the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech’s Earth Day festivities and actions along with teaming up with Oglethorpe and Kennesaw University with spreading the awareness. Halco acknowledged the Jewish Council of Public Affairs, Jewish Family and Child Services, Smoke Rise Baptist Church, Best of Atlanta, and several representatives and distributors for their combined efforts in Halco’s 2007/2008 Change a Light, Change the World Campaign endeavors.

ASHRAE is currently accepting public input on more than 35 proposed addenda to standards as well as a proposal to withdraw Standard 52.1. Addendum to various standards, including 15 (refrigerate safety), 34 (classification of refrigerants), 55 (thermal comfort), 90.1 (energy efficiency), 62.1 (ventilation), 62.2 (residential ventilation), and 135 (BACnet) are open for review, as are seven standards and one guideline. Compete information can be found at www.ashrae.org/publicreviews.
 Among them is the proposed withdrawal of ASHRAE Standard 52.1-1992, Gravimetric and Dust Spot Procedures for Testing Air Cleaning Devices Used in General Ventilation for Removing Particulate Matter.

The most important features of this standard, dust holding capacity and arrestance, have been incorporated into Standard 52.2-2008, Method of Testing General Ventilation Air Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size. The only unique features remaining in Standard 52.1 are the dust spot efficiency tests—now replaced particle size efficiency tests in 52.2—and a renewable filter test not used by the industry for decades, according to Monroe Britt, committee chair.


Among the proposed addenda to Standard 90.1 is addenddum ap, which would modify the requirements for demand control ventilation; adding the demand controlled ventilation requirements to the simplified approach in order to keep the stringency of this path the same as the mandatory plus prescriptive path of compliance. Also proposed is a change to addendum af to modify energy savings requirements to recognized varied piping material pressure drops.


Six proposed addenda to Standard 62.1 are open for comment, including a proposal regarding outdoor air cleaning. Addendum 62.1c adds significant air cleaning requirements in many locations within the United States. Regarding particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and smaller, for buildings in those U.S. locations established as non-attainment for PM2.5 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 62.1c would require that the ventilation system include particle filters rated at least MERV 11 (installed between the outdoor air intake and the occupied zone). Regarding ozone air cleaning, the proposed addendum would require that the ventilation system include ozone air cleaners rated for at least 40% ozone removal efficiency. 

Telkonet, Inc., a provider of centrally managed solutions for integrated energy management, networking, building automation, and proactive support services, announced recently that it has been granted four new patents, augmenting its overall total to twelve. The PLC patents reflect Telkonet’s development of networking methods, using powerline communications technology (PLC) in commercial and residential multi-dwelling (MDU) properties. Telkonet has also received a patent for its advanced thermostat design, incorporated within Telkonet SmartEnergy™ in room, occupancy driven energy management system, which reduces HVAC costs by eliminating wasted heating and cooling of vacant rooms.

Telkonet is always working on being part of the technology evolution, says president and CEO Jason Tienor, “We are consistently looking for new ways to enhance the efficiency and performance of our products and invest extensively in this activity. These new patents are important additions to an already strong portfolio. Telkonet’s commitment to innovate is central to our success, keeping us at the forefront of the hospitality, MDU, education, and utility markets.”

Integrated into the Telkonet iWire System™ and the Telkonet Series 5™ products, Telkonet’s latest PLC patents involve delivering performance with consistent signal levels and high network speeds, providing effective ways to couple the PLC signal into multiple electrical panels and three phase meter banks, respectively. The patented PLC systems convert a site’s existing internal electrical infrastructure into an IP network backbone, without requiring CAT-5 wiring, reducing costs and installation time. 

Telkonet SmartEnergy assists with energy savings by deploying Telkonet energy management occupancy sensors with smart, programmable Telkonet energy management thermostats or Telkonet energy management controllers, to adjust and maintain a room’s temperature according to occupancy, and avoiding any unnecessary heating or cooling of vacant rooms. Additionally, the system reduces the run time for HVAC equipment, decreasing maintenance overheads and extending the equipment’s working life.

As part of its work, the California Energy Commission operates a Research Development and Demonstration (RD&D) Division, which oversees the Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program. The PIER program focuses on a number of energy areas, including Building Efficiency. This research aims to decrease building energy use by developing or improving energy-efficient technologies, strategies, tools, and building performance evaluation methods.

Periodically, PIER will publish informational briefs based on its research, which is often conducted with a variety of organizations with funding from the California Energy Commission’s Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Program. The briefs are written and prepared by E Source.

PIER recently released a brief about commissioning with a monitor-based appproach. The document, “Savings Persist with Monitoring-Based Commissioning (TB-39),” shows how monitoring-based commissioning (MBCx), a program approach that combines permanent building-energy-system monitoring with standard retrocommissioning practices, can provide substantial, persistent energy savings.

A pilot program conducted at 25 California university campuses demonstrated that MBCx has the ability to:

• Reduce peak-period electricity use and total annual energy use;
• Trend and benchmark building-performance data continuously;
• Catch problems with control systems that are normally hard to detect; and
• Identify cost-effective retrofit opportunities.

MBCx can be used in commercial and institutional buildings with energy information or energy management systems that are capable of trending building energy use.

To download the two-page report from PIER free of charge, visit this link…

Innovex Technologies, a provider of components for heating and cooling systems, recently introduced its new iWorX^TM valve series for heating and cooling—two position, modulating and floating actuation valves featuring accurate control and durable construction.

The new ZV series, MV series and FV series valves are designed to increase comfort and reduce energy consumption while providing durability and performance at a competitive price. The valves can be used in a variety of applications where accurate control is required. These include hydronic systems, residential zone systems, fan coil units, and reheat on commercial terminal box units just to name a few.

By accurately controlling flow, these valves reduce sudden changes in supply temperature and provide heating and cooling more evenly. The Innovex line offers two position actuation in the ZV series, as well as complete modulated solutions in the MV series (modulating actuator) and FV series (floating actuator).

All ZV, MV and FV series valves determine the correct action required by responding to a thermostat or building automation system output signal. This provides accurate control of chilled or hot water into the controlled medium, cooling or warming the conditioned space as required. When the desired temperature is reached, the valve returns to its original position and powers off, which helps reduce energy consumption.

The base and cover of all ZV, MV and FV series actuators are constructed of specially engineered flameproof polycarbonate. All valve bodies feature durable EPDM rubber and stainless steel internal construction providing exceptional performance even in the harshest environments.

The entire line of ZV, MV and FV series valves are available in two way and three way configurations and in 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″, and 1 1/4″ sizes with a variety of connection types, including inverted flair. This allows these valves to be used in a range of new construction and retrofit applications.

Albeo Technologies, a provider of LED lighting products for industrial and commercial applications, recently announced that it had been chosen by AlwaysOn as one of the GoingGreen Top 100 Winners. Inclusion in the GoingGreen 100 signifies developments in the creation of business opportunities in the green technology industries. Albeo was specially selected by the AlwaysOn team and other industry experts, based on a set of five criteria: innovation, market potential, commercialization, stakeholder value, and media buzz.

Albeo Technologies and the GoingGreen Top 100 Companies were honored at GoingGreen 2008 on September 15-17 at Cavallo Point in Sausalito, CA. This two and a half day executive event featured CEO presentations and high level debates on the most promising emerging green technologies and new entrepreneurial opportunities. GoingGreen editors also honored the GoingGreen 100 Top Private Companies. Fifty CEOs pitched their market strategies to a panel of industry experts in the “CEO Showcase.”

“The GoingGreen Top 100 winners have excelled in key strategic areas in the global clean energy technology markets,” said Tony Perkins, founder and CEO of AlwaysOn. “We congratulate them for their success in introducing new tools, services, and systems that are driving the next phase of greentech innovation and transforming the biggest industries on earth.”

Albeo Technologies is the first LED light fixture maker to target the industrial space with products that compete with fluorescent and HID fixtures in light quality, efficiency, and brightness. Industrial and commercial firms can now reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs, while reducing their carbon footprint.

The use of LED lighting in the industrial/commercial market can save operational dollars and help reduce carbon emissions for a broad range of companies, like heavy manufacturers, data centers, cold storage facilities, food manufacturers, and retailers.

“Albeo is thrilled to be recognized by AlwaysOn as a leader in energy efficient, green solutions,” said Jeff Bisberg, Albeo CEO. “This further supports our leadership in the rapidly growing solid state lighting market. AlwaysOn saw how we solved our customers’ energy, maintenance, and environmental problems and we thank them for providing a forum to showcase our technology.”

Nine million tons of carbon dioxide. $600 million in energy costs: that’s the potential savings represented by 100,000 copies in the Advanced Energy Design Guide series now in circulation. More than 88,000 of the publications have been obtained via free download since January 2008.

The series includes publications on small retail and small office buildings, K-12 school buildings, and warehouses and self-storage units.  The books provide guidance on how to achieve 30% energy savings over building code minimums based on ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999.

Calculations show that if every guide downloaded resulted in a single building designed to save 30% beyond code minimum, the estimated energy and carbon savings would be 52 trillion btus and 9 million tons of carbon dioxide. With an average cost of electricity of 5¢ per kwh and gas at $7 per mmbtu, the estimated cost of energy savings is over $600 million.

The guides are developed by ASHRAE, the American Institute of Architects, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, and the U.S. Green Building Council, with support from the U.S. Department of Energy.

“ASHRAE is committed to energy optimization and producing guidance that will help move the building industry toward market-viable net-zero energy and carbon neutral buildings,” ASHRAE President Kent Peterson, P.E., said. “The call for these high performing buildings is transforming our industry, and the guidance in the Advanced Energy Design Guide series is useable technology guidance to help owners, architects, and engineers in accomplishing high-performing buildings.”

“This is proof positive that there are substantial economic benefits to green building strategies,” said AIA President Marshall E. Purnell, FAIA.  “Hopefully this will help convince skeptics of the value and payback of green building design and that practitioners will take advantage of this excellent resource so that we can move closer to reaching our shared goal of carbon neutral buildings by 2030.”

Upcoming publications in the series include 30% guidance books for highway lodging, existing buildings, and small health care facilities.