What exactly is Energy Efficiency?Energy efficiency is simply using less energy to attain the
same or greater level of performance output from various mechanical
equipment and systems, lights, vehicles, etc. that we utilize every day
in our business and personal lives. Improving our level of energy
efficiency has great rewards, but typically requires an initial capital
outlay. This “first cost” investment most often yields its return in the
form of energy savings by lowering the utilities expense (water, fuel,
electricity etc...) for an energy consumer.
When considered together,
investments in energy efficiency technologies constitute a unique means
of providing energy services and lowering energy consumption, while
saving money and reducing our environmental impact. These investments
comprise what is generally referred to as the “energy efficiency
market”.
Energy Efficiency pays for itself
The money saved from energy conservation measures will
generate an investment return for the initial capital investment. Many
investments in energy conservation measures recoup the upfront costs
invested in less than five years while payback periods of two
to three years are common with the GEES solutions.
While some energy efficiency projects are complex and
expensive, such as replacing a cooling tower on a building or installing
an efficient boiler, many are simple and inexpensive like installing
efficient lighting or a low-flow shower head. Energy Efficiency is the
least expensive form of energy available today.
Our buildings are getting old:
In developed economies, at least half of the buildings that will be in
use in 2050 have already been built. According to a recent survey by the
U.S. Energy Information Agency, 72 percent of floor stock in the U.S.,
or 46 billion square feet, belongs to buildings over twenty years old.
These older buildings use a great deal of energy.
Efficiency measures such as electrical system retrofitting represent a vast
opportunity to improve energy efficiency. In some ways, they represent a
“missed opportunity” for savings – bypassed design and construction
decisions that could have led to large reductions in energy use and
carbon emissions over the life cycle of the building. The challenge for
existing building efficiency is to “unlock” that vast potential and
realize the benefits of a built environment that is comfortable,
efficient and cost-effective.
Call GEES @ 843-495-3294 for your facility energy audit and start saving on your monthly electricity cost.
