This past winter, Suntide had the opportunity to hear firsthand about emerging technologies within the energy efficiency sector. Experts from Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) visited the Suntide office in Saint Paul and gave our team of property managers a presentation on some of their latest initiatives.
“We’re always on the lookout for new technologies that make our clients’ properties run more efficiently,” says Mitch Robertson, Suntide’s Director of Property Management. “Center for Energy and Environment is a well known nonprofit with whom we have often partnered, and we’re glad to hear about new equipment and rebates that are available to our clients.”
Energy efficiency improvements in commercial buildings include a wide variety of solutions. Upgrading lighting systems, for example, is a great first step that can be done in gradation and offers unparalleled flexibility. Upgrading or recommissioning a property’s HVAC system, on the other hand, takes a bigger initial investment but can also significantly reduce energy usage. As Suntide works with property owners to achieve their energy efficiency goals, CEE offers a variety of tools and resources to simplify the process.
Because energy efficiency is an important part of Suntide’s property management strategy, we are happy to offer CEE a guest blog spot and the opportunity to showcase two of their newest technologies.
Center for Energy and Environment
Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) is a clean energy nonprofit with nearly 40 years of experience in energy efficiency. Working across homes, businesses, and communities, CEE discovers and deploys the most effective energy solutions to strengthen the economy and improve the environment.
In a first-of-its kind effort in the Midwest, CEE launched Minnesota’s Efficient Technology Accelerator (ETA) to drive market transformation by accelerating the deployment of efficient technologies.
Through this effort, ETA’s team has been promoting two key technologies helping shape commercial energy efficiency: Luminaire-Level Lighting Controls (LLLC) and Next Gen Rooftop Units (RTUs). These technologies can offer significant energy savings, improved occupant comfort, and lower maintenance costs, making them valuable solutions for property owners and managers looking to reduce costs and meet sustainability goals.
Luminaire-Level Lighting Control Initiative
LLLC systems have been around for nearly a decade, with wide application across building types, and can save up to 63% of the energy consumed by a traditional lighting system. LLLCs integrate sensors and control components directly into individual luminaires, providing more direct lighting adjustments for occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting. This integration eliminates the need for complex wiring and additional control systems, while providing several benefits.
- Ease of installation: LLLC systems offer a simple and streamlined installation with wireless solutions, pre-programming, and retrofit kits.
- Ease of design: LLLCs simplify energy code compliance. For renovations or new construction that need significantly less wiring and equipment, they also reduce complexity and labor costs.
- Flexibility: When building needs change, LLLC systems can easily be rezoned and reconfigured, reducing maintenance costs without costly rewiring.
Through LLLC Initiative, businesses can access technical expertise, training, and other resources to successfully upgrade their lighting systems. The initiative supports building owners, lighting designers, and installers by simplifying adoption and connecting them with utility incentives and rebates.
Luminaire-Level Lighting Controls (LLLC) can save up to 63% of the energy consumed by a traditional lighting system.
Initiatives support property owners by simplifying adoption and connecting them with utility incentives and rebates.
Next Gen Rooftop Units (RTUs)
Heating and cooling account for a significant portion of a building’s energy use. Next Gen RTUs address this challenge by using packaged energy efficient technology to effectively heat, cool, and ventilate a commercial space, reducing energy consumption while improving occupant comfort.
- Dual Fuel Heat Pump RTUs use air source heat pumps as a primary heating source and a gas furnace for backup heat for cold climate use.
- Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) capture and reuse heat from exhaust air, improving overall HVAC efficiency and reducing energy waste.
Next Gen RTU initiative focuses on helping building owners, contractors, and manufacturers feel confident about selling and installing next gen RTU technology by providing education, field studies, and resources.
Rooftop units that feature Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) capture and reuse heat from exhaust air which improves their overall efficiency.
Dual Fuel Heat Pump rooftop units use air source heat pumps as a primary heating source, and a gas furnace for backup heat for cold climate use.
For more information about Suntide energy efficiency, contact Mitch Robertson at 651-209-9619.
Many thanks to Center for Energy and Environment for contributing to this article. You can learn more about their work at http://www.mncee.org