NECA

"Without Energy Solutions, There is No Green Building"

NECA Convenes Energy Solutions Summit to Discuss Critical Need for
 Energy Efficiency, Alternative Power in Future Construction Projects

Jim Thiele of BW Systems“We’re at a crossroads where the rising costs of energy and the emerging technologies to actually do something about those costs have met,” Ferry said. “Green construction, energy-efficiency, and renewable and alternative energy all present opportunities and challenges for building owners, facility managers, developers, and the contractors who work for them.”

One challenge for building owners, facility managers and developers is how to get the greatest return for their investment in sustainable construction. “Reducing the power it takes for a building to operate is usually the first step an owner can take to cut operating costs, while also reduce a building’s environmental impact,” said Dick Nogleberg, Placer Electric, Sacramento. “Energy-efficient systems are an important aspect of [USGBC] LEED ratings, but their real attractiveness to building owners lies in the money they can save over the life of a building.

Nogleberg pointed out that an electrical contractor is involved with two of the prerequisites and up to 28 of the 69 total credit points available for a building to achieve LEED certification – slightly more than 40 percent of the total LEED credit points. “Without energy solutions, there is no green building,” Nogleberg said.

The Need for Energy Audits

Electrical work falls into four general areas: power, control, information processing and communication. Electricity is also an integral part of other building systems like HVAC and lighting. Through an energy audit, an electrical contractor can determine how much power is being used and what systems are requiring the most and then offer a list of options for reducing power use or improving energy efficiency.

Summit Chairman Rex Ferry “I often remind my colleagues in the construction industry that it takes less money to save one kilowatt hour than it does to produce one kilowatt hour – meaning the costs of building new power plants and upgrading building systems to accommodate increased power demand are much more costly than projects that increase energy efficiency,” Ferry said. “That’s one reason we recommend energy audits and taking steps to optimize energy efficiency before exploring the incorporation of alternative energy sources into a building.”

Ron Lindberg, Rapid Electric, Escanaba, MI, shared his experience where other problems in a building were fixed through energy-efficiency practices. His employee was on a routine maintenance call to a newly constructed courthouse when he noticed that the building’s HVAC system was making a tremendous racket. The facility manager gave the electrician permission to check the system, and he discovered that the cooling system had been wired incorrectly. It was drawing more power than necessary, causing it to operate at a dangerously high rate.

The electrical contractor fixed the HVAC system, along with some other long-standing lighting problems. The result was a more comfortable environment for the building occupants and significant energy savings. “Not only do these projects fix existing problems, but the repairs often pay for themselves in energy savings,” Lindberg said.

Integrated Energy Solutions

Plenary SessionOther contractors had similar stories of being called in to fix electrical wiring, low-voltage communication systems and power generation systems problems that could have been avoided. Jim Willson, manager of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter, NECA, relayed the tale of a homeowner who made three unsuccessful attempts to have solar photovoltaic panels installed on his roof before turning to the chapter for help.

“The widespread public interest on alternative power is still fairly new, and it can be confusing for an owner,” said Larry Hollis, Rosendin Electric, San Jose. “Manufacturers are going to promote their product and their product only to a customer. A roofer may claim that they can handle the solar PV system design and installation because the panels will be located on the roof.  

“But solar panels are an electrical system, and the only way to ensure that they will actually produce useable power is to have an electrical contractor who understands electrical systems install them,” Hollis said.

Hollis’s concern was echoed by other summit participants. “Designers and developers who are committed to green construction deserve to have an electrical contractor committed to helping them achieve those goals, while saving money on energy costs over a building’s life,” observed Glenn De Soto, Morrow-Meadows Corp, City of Industry, Ca. “Electrical contractors must be the professionals who can deliver a total electrical solution to an owner.”

“We know that green building requires looking all the available options to conserve energy, operate more efficiently, and in some cases, generate electricity on-site through a renewable source. Each building project is different and requires a customized energy solution,” De Soto said.

Larry Isenberg's Lunch PresentationLarry Eisenberg, executive director of facilities planning and development, Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), offered a great example of this integrated approach in his presentation at the summit. Eisenberg has gained recognition for his enthusiastic determination to take the LACCD’s nine campuses “off the grid.”

To meet the goal of complete energy independence, LACCD is using both low- and high-tech solutions, like unplugging equipment not in regular use to erecting a unique Windfall power generation system.

“The LACCD is a great example of what is possible when NECA contractors are involved in a green building project,” said Rob Colgan, NECA executive director, marketing. “Now we’d like to carry the model to other areas of the country."

Tom Glavinich captures discussion The recommendations generated by summit participants will be used to develop a strategic plan and prioritize what resources will best help NECA members respond to the evolving needs and technology of the green construction market. Initial plans and resources will be introduced at NECA’s annual convention Oct. 4-7 in Chicago.

Contact Information

Beth Margulies, Director, Public Relations

301-215-4526, beth.margulies@necanet.org