Go Green to Save Green
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 01-12-2011
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Existing Commercial Buildings – Saving Money, Energy & Water
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 20-11-2011
Is the building you own or manage sustainable?
Do you set goals/baselines for energy and water reductions and savings?
2B Green World, a sustainable consulting company specializing in Existing Commercial Buildings (EB), improves clients assets (commercial buildings) through implementing sustainable operations & maintenance (O&M) practices which raises Net Operating Income (NOI) through reducing operating expenditures, adding building value and/or savings to the tenants. Building value is created by taking the projects realized savings over a 12 month time period (starting directly after implementing sustainable practices) and dividing the Annual Savings by the Capitalization (“Cap”) Rate (Annual Dollar Savings / Cap Rate).
Marketing your building improves becasuse of implementing “Green”/Sustainable practices and demonstrating factual evidence on “Green” changes and explaining their realized benefits.
LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Certification for Existing Buildings (EB): Operations & Maintenance (O&M), is the most popular “Green”/Sustainable certification program in the World. The US Government mandates all their New Construction (NC) projects be LEED Certified and any buildings the Government leases/rents – the building must be LEED Certified or they will vacate their space to find a building that is LEED Certified!
Building Owner’s who have a Government Agency leasing space from you be careful and get your building LEED Certified before they leave when their lease is up! Getting your building LEED Certified to save your Government tenants is a small cost compared to the amount of rent that Government Agency is paying you to rent space!
Call 2B Green World to find out how to get your building LEED Certified
(813) 964-7336
“Going Green” has many benefits and will create savings for building owners:
- Reduces Energy & Water usage/expense
- Lowers Operating Expenses,
- Improves Marketing ability
- Improves Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) for building occupants
- Increases Recycling Program
- Track & Document Sustainable Operations
Be Smart, Do Your Part – Go Green Today!
2B Green World – (813) 964 – 7336
Popularity: 1% [?]
LEED Certification for Existing Buildings (EB) – 2B Green World – “Your LEED Consulting Company”
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 11-11-2011
Most industries have heard of the acronym LEED, standing for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design. The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) created LEED in 1996 as a way building owners can follow sustainable practices and reap the benefits of being green.
2B Green World is a LEED Consulting company specializing in Existing Building (EB) Certification. The EB market is so large and robust that it consumes about 35% of the energy use in the USA! That’s a lot of energy…and money!
2B Green World specializes in creating value for clients by reducing their assets energy and water use and implementing sustainable practices. Reducing energy and water consumption saves a lot of money – 1 building 2B Green World worked on saved over $225,000 in 2010 vs. 2009 energy costs! That equates to an annual reduction of 18% for the buildings energy use! We also save about 2,500,000 gallons of water from retrofitting plumbing fixtures and fittings as well as installing water softener for the cooling towers, saving about $20,000/year in water costs! This same building, 100 North Tampa, also recycles about 75,000 pounds every month, or 900,000 pounds per year!
100 North Tampa
This picture of 100 North Tampa, with Bryan Lauer (me) and Calvin Buikema. Cal is the Senior Property Manager for the building and I am the LEED Consultant for 100 North Tampa.
Bottom Line – LEED Certification saves money, creates building value, enhances the assets features and is another “Arrow in the Marketing Quiver”.
We improve buildings “Triple Bottom Line”
- People, Planet and Profit -
The People are in a more environmentally friendly place, there is better indoor air quality, no chemicals used, environmentally friendly products used for a healthier work environment.
The Planet is improved because we use less energy and water, and recycle more.
Profits have been realized by the reductions of energy and water use.
LEED is the present and future, find out more about LEED Certification for Existing Buildings (EB) today by calling 813.96 GREEN (47336)
Popularity: 1% [?]
Where is the LEED Existing Building (EB) Market for Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg/Clearwater/Lakeland – Florida?
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 28-09-2011
LEED Certification? You have to of heard the acronym “LEED” before, maybe even more than you care for, however LEED is the World’s most recognized “Green”/Sustainable Certification Program. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the number 1 way to demonstrate your sustainable efforts and accomplishments.
LEED Certification is good for so many reasons:
- Improve Marketing Ability
- Increase Building Value by Reducing Resources (Energy, Water) Usage
- Improve and Expand Recycling Program
- Improve Indoor Air Quality by Using “Green” Products
- Implement “Best Practices” According to the USGBC (United States Green Building Council – the creators of LEED)
- Document, and Track Sustainable Efforts & LEED “Credits”
What is wrong with the Tampa Bay Area? The Tampa Bay Rays are great but they have the lowest attendance of fans in the Major League! Why is that? Is something in the water that makes Tampa Bayians lazy?
I have worked on about a dozen large office buildings in Florida and all buildings have saved enough money by reducing energy and water usage to pay for all the costs of Consulting and LEED Fees within 1 – 2 years!
2B Green World – 3 LEED EB Case Studies Cost Savings
2BGW – LEED EB Projects Energy Savings Equivalents
But I can’t even give away my services to building owners! One building owner has an older building that spends about $4.50/square foot for electricity! Typically buildings should spend about $1.50-$2.00/square foot!
I proposed to work on that building and 2 others for free up front but share a percentage of the energy savings realized at all 3 projects over a 5 year term.
Can you believe they said “NO”?
Can someone help me out with getting new business for my sustainability company – 2B Green World? Our projects “Payback” within 1-2 years, typically, and my fees are reasonable and willing to do small up front fee and share a % of energy savings over 2-7 years!
There are tangible and intangible benefits to LEED.
The tangible benefits are savings money, retrofitting light bulbs to less wattage/longer lasting/etc., changing faucet aerators to less GPM (Gallon Per Minute) 2.5GPM to 0.5GPM = 2 Gallons Per Minute Savings!
The intangible benefits are harder or almost impossible to calculate: Improving Indoor Air Quality leading to higher productivity of building occupants, having direct lines of site to sunlight and optimal lighting conditions improve occupants productivity levels, using better quality Air Filters to capture more dust particles improve air quality and all examples lead to less sick days of occupants as well. As you can see, the intangible benefits are harder to calculate and justify.
Popularity: 1% [?]
2B Green World Lands LEED Projects in Taiwan
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 16-09-2011
2B Green World, a consulting firm specializing in LEED Certification, has been awarded 2 LEED projects in Taiwan. 1 is a LEED Commercial Interior (CI) certification and the other is New Construction (NC) certification. The CI is for the HQ of Multiflow Corp. and the NC is a Hospital project.
These 2 LEED projects are the first of many with the connections and lack of LEED consultants in Asia. We are excited to be entering this market and hope more opportunities will come from it.
To see a picture of the Hospital LEED NC project, click here – LEED NC Hospital Project, Taiwan
Popularity: 1% [?]
Island Center and Waterford Plaza Achieve LEED Certification for Existing Buildings (EB)
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 29-06-2011
2B Green World, a LEED Consulting Company, led the way for Island Center and Waterford Plaza (located on Rocky Point in Tampa, FL) to be awarded the prestigious LEED Certification for Existing Buildings (EB).
2B Green World was the LEED (EB) Consultant for both projects, conducting the building commissioning/engineering work that is part of LEED (EB) Certification.
Nearly every story has a dream-like picture perfect water view, proudly standing highest on the small island of Rocky Point, looking over both Tampa, to the East, and Clearwater to the West.
Island Center & Waterford Plaza Highlights
- Each comprise roughly of 250,000 square feet;
- Energy Star ratings in the high 80′s, low 90′s (10th Percentile)
- Energy efficient improvements implemented with estimated Return On Investment (ROI) outlined
- Water efficiency upgrades/retrofits reduce demand on water, energy for water pumps and prolong pipes and attached parts
- Improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) makes for cleaner/healthier atmosphere leading to more productive/happy/healthy occupants
- Increased recycling efforts include everything from paper, plastic, toner cartridges, electronics, furniture and demolition waste
- Cleaning company uses environmentally-friendly products roughly 70-80%, by cost, of the time
To see more about these LEED Existing Building (EB) projects, please visit 2B Green World’s website here
For more information, please email Bryan Lauer at Bryan@2BGreenWorld.com
Popularity: 1% [?]
Take Our 2min Survey About LEED Existing Buildings (EB) Ongoing Tracking
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 16-06-2011
Take our short survey, below.
Are you interested in using a web-based online tool to track LEED EB requirements for your building, or portfolio of buildings and create reports based on the information being tracked?
If so, then take our short survey to find out more -
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world’s leading questionnaire tool.
Inquire today about tracking your projects sustainability items outlined using the LEED EB requirements. Tracking can be used for projects re-certification or for the LEED EB Volume Program.
CALL US TODAY!
(813) 96GREEN (47336)
Popularity: 1% [?]
LEED (EB) Certify Projects On Your Own!
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 03-04-2011
2B Green World (2BGW), a consulting firm specializing in LEED certification for Existing Buildings (EB), has developed a step-by-step process for clients to go through the LEED EB Certification process. 2BGWs – “LEED EB Green Guide” (name of software), takes users through the LEED EB certification process in a user-friendly way.
The program is in its final stages before going public. We are expected to go live in the 3rd Quarter of 2011. If you are interested in being in the BETA program please email us – Bryan@2BGreenWorld.com
“We have developed an effective and efficient process for building owners to obtain LEED (EB) Certification”, says Bryan Lauer, Owner of 2B Green World. “Now anyone has the ability to gauge their project(s) achieving LEED EB Certification.”
“This is a do-it-yourself program that guides you and the ‘Team’, step-by-step, from start to finish, allowing users to keep costs down, and go at their own pace. You can also email a help-center for questions and clarifications.
The initial LEED EB certification process should take anywhere from 1,500 – 2,500 hours, between all Team members. Team members consist of:
* Project Contact/Coordinator – “LEED Project Manager”
* Project Vendors/Contractors:
1. Landscaper
2. Pest Control
3. Window Washer
4. Cleaning Company
5. Light Bulb Supplier
6. Contractor for “build-outs”
7. Recycling – Durable Goods and Ongoing Consumables
8. Waste/Landfill Management
9. HVAC vendors
10. Chiller – Chemical Management Vendor
11. And all other vendors related to the project building(s)
* TenantsVisitorsProperty Management & Operations Teams
* LEED EB Green Guide
The step-by-step process easily guides users through all 4 Phases of LEED Certification:
* Phase I – LEED EB Feasibility Study
* Phase II – LEED EB Implementation/Application Submission
* Phase III – LEED EB Final Review/Application Submission
* Phase IV – LEED EB: Ongoing Tracking & Implementation
Email or Call us today to find out more about how you can LEED (EB) certify projects on your own – 813-964-7336 or Bryan@2BGreenWorld.com
The step-by-step process was developed for the primary project contact and team members to work on “Task Items”, taking on average 10 – 45 minutes to complete. This allows the Team to complete multiple tasks in one sitting or day, moving the project forward easily.
Popularity: 2% [?]
“Local Sustainability: SW Florida LEED Case Studies”
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 07-03-2011
DOWNLOAD MY LEED EB CASE STUDY PRESENTATION HERE -
2B GREEN WORLD Case Studies Presentation March 2011
March 10, 2011, Edison College in Fort Myers, FL, is hosting an all day speaking session on LEED Project Case Studies around South-West Florida. The agenda is below
- 9:30 – 10:30am – Topic: “Sustainability on a Residential Scale – Personal Home”, Pual Shahriari, Director of Sustainable Strategy, SmartBIM
- 11:00 – 12:00pm – Topic: “Sustainability on a District Wide Scale – Efforts of an Entire School District to do the Right Thing”, by Karen Bryant, Recycling Coordinator, District School Board of Pasco County
- 12:00 – 1:00pm – Lunch
- 1:00 – 2:00pm – Topic: “Hope Hospice LeHigh, LEED NC Silver”, by Case McConnell Neurock, LEED AP – BD&C, NEUGREEN, LLC
- 2:30 – 3:30pm – Topic: “Conversion of 1930′s Era Grocery Store to a LEED CI Silver Office – Personal Office”, by Michael R. Carlson, Carlson Studio Architecture
- 4:00 – 5:00ppm – Topic: “100 North Tampa Case Study” along with 2525 and 2555 Ponce de Leon in Coral Gables, FL. 3 LEED EB Certified Project Case Studies, by Bryan Lauer, 2B Green World
Download the flier here – Local LEED Case Studies SW FL 3 10 11
The cost is $50 per person and the website is here – www.csifloridasouthwest.org
Popularity: 4% [?]
Florida Gulf Coast Chapter – United States Green Building Council (FGCC USGBC) – Upcoming Events
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 26-02-2011
The Florida Gulf Coast Chapter (FGCC) of the USGBC upcoming events: LINK
- Wednesday, March 2nd - Charlotte County Waste-water Facility Tour – 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM – 17430 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda. FL 33955
- Thursday, March10, 2011 – SOUTHWEST FLORIDA LEED CASE STUDIES SPEAKER SERIES – Edison State College – Fort Myers – 8:00 am – 5:00 pm – Student Services (Building S), Room S117. Follow the campus signage to Parking lot #6 for the most convenient access. Vendor space is still available for suppliers of related products. signed up please do so quickly as we a filling up fast. You can register and pay online at www.csifloridasouthwest.org
- Tuesday, March 15, 2011 - LEED BD+C IEQ credit by credit review – 1.5 CEU hours – St Petersburg College EPI Center – Room 1-324 — 13805 58th St. N. in Largo, FL – SIGN UP HERE
Popularity: 4% [?]
Are Commercial Real Estate Firms Withholding Clients Sustainable Wishes?
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 22-12-2010
I HAVE TO MAKE THIS KNOWN
Commercial Real Estate firms have been developing their own “Green” groups specializing in LEED certification and other sustainable services, offering their new services to clients. What happens is that the commercial firms monopolize their clients by offering sustainable service, claiming to be competitive with sustainable consulting firms. In many cases, this can be a dis-service to their clients by withholding outside proposals from companies specializing in sustainable/LEED certification consulting.
The dis-service comes into play when the property manager doesn’t even forward the sustainable consulting companies proposals to the owner, deliberately keeping us out of the bidding process, if there is one.
OWNERS SHOULD ASK FOR 3 TO 4 PROPOSALS FROM OUTSIDE COMPANIES SPECIALIZING IN SUSTAINABILITY. Sustainability is our core competency but we have a commercial real estate background, understanding the management and operations process, combining the two creating even more value.
Experienced LEED Consulting companies can provide the same service, and probably better service, to building owners. I have experienced this first hand, multiple times, and finally voicing my opinion so it gets heard.
Building owners should ask their property management companies to obtain bids from expert consulting companies to compare rates and understand who else is in the market and what their services are.
I have been shunned by too many large commercial real estate firms because they want to keep the revenue that’s generated from LEED consulting fees. This is a disservice to their client and it needs to change NOW!
BUILDING OWNERS, ASK ME FOR A PROPOSAL EVEN IF IT’S JUST TO COMPARE RATES.
MY COMPANY HAS PRODUCED ENOUGH ENERGY SAVINGS IN THE FIRST YEAR TO PAY FOR MOST OF ALL LEED CONSULTING FEES!
We do this by implementing best practices using common sense and sustainable practices. View our projects and their savings here – 2B Green World Past Projects
Popularity: 10% [?]
GREENBUILD 2010 IS HAPPENING IN CHICAGO
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 15-11-2010
November 15 – 19 2010 marks the week GreenBuild is held and what better place than the WINDY CITY – or what now may be known as the GREEN CITY – Chicago.
Chicago is one of the most beautiful and CLEAN cities I’ve ever been too. Chicago is also one of the leaders in sustainability by having a large amount of Energy Star and LEED Certified buildings.
Chicago on Cover of GreenSource Magazine
The GreenSource Cover features Chicago’s skyline covered with green vegetation. I think it looks great!
Check out GreenSource GreenBuild Blog here – GreenBuild Blog Article
Go Green and FIND OUT HOW TO GET YOUR PROJECT LEED CERTIFIED HERE – 2B GREEN WORLD
Popularity: 14% [?]
What & Why is LEED Certification Here to Stay
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 01-11-2010
For those who don’t understand what LEED Certification is, basically LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Certification is the process of developing or transforming a building (office, industrial, hotel, hospital, school, etc.) into a sustainable, energy-efficient building when compared to a standard, “Normal” building. There are many benefits with obtaining LEED Certification, such as:
- Lowering Operating Expenses (primarily Electricity & Water)
- Increase Net Operating Income (NOI)
- Increase Marketability
- Improve Air Quality
- Lower and Track Water-Uses
- Lower and Track Recycling Amounts
- and much more – click here for more info – 2B Green World
The above bullet points summarize the reasons building owners such as Hines, MetLife, Prudential, Wells Fargo and others are LEEDing the way towards a sustainable tomorrow.
All projects I’ve worked on have saved substantial amounts, lowering the operating expenses (increasing NOI) which increases the buildings value (Savings / Cap Rate = Value Created). Check out those projects here – 2B Green World Projects
For more information about becoming LEED Certified, please email Bryan Lauer at Bryan@2BGreenWorld.com or call 813.96GREEN (47336).
Comments are welcomed, GO GREEN!
Popularity: 14% [?]
Bill Clinton on David Letterman talking about Sustainability
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 21-09-2010
Check out Bill Clinton discussing America becoming sustainable.
Bill Clinton on David Letterman
Popularity: 20% [?]
2B Green World LEED Projects
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 30-08-2010
Check out the amazing Class “A” Office Buildings I’m working on in Florida.
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- Island Center
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- Waterford Plaza
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- Phillips Point
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- 2525 Ponce de Leon
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- 2555 Ponce de Leon
These projects are in different stages of obtaining LEED Certification. There are many benefits to achieving LEED Certification, such as: Cost Savings, Electric Savings, Water Savings, Increase Recycling, Improve Building Operations & Maintenance.
Find out more about getting your project LEED Certified. Email Bryan Lauer at Bryan@2BGreenWorld.com or call 813.96GREEN (47336).
Popularity: 21% [?]
“Going Green Makes Green”
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 29-05-2010
2B Green World proved that going green saves green. Please read the article here – http://www.review.net/section/detail/green-makes-green/
For more information on how to save money and LEED call Bryan Lauer at 813.363.0861 or email – Bryan@2BGreenWorld.com
100 North Tampa Bldg.
Popularity: 28% [?]
LEED EB Consulting – 2B Green World
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 25-05-2010
2B Green World is a consulting firm specializing in Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Certification for Existing Buildings, including:
- Office Buildings
- Hospitals
- Hotels
- High-rise apartments/condo’s
- Government Buildings
- Retail Buildings
Benefits:
- Reduce Operating Expenditures (Electric & Water), Increase NOI
- Increase Building Equipment Efficiency and Longevity
- Increase Marketability
- Increase Occupancy Rate (if applicable)
- Increase Rental Rates (if applicable)
- Increase Sales Price
- Implement best management practices
- Increase Recycling Program
- Improve Building Operations
- Improve Indoor Air Quality Environment
- Utilize “Green”, environmentally friendly products
Mission Statement – To service building owners in reducing operating expenses, increasing marketing efforts and improving indoor and outdoor environments creating a healthier/sustainable workplace through LEED Certification.
Vision Statement – Preserve the World, one building at a time.
The following office buildings are past and current LEED EB projects:
These projects represent over 2 million square feet of Class A office space!
We can work on a project anywhere in the World. How? Technology. We only need to visit the site a couple times, if at all!
For more information on LEED Consulting Services for Existing Buildings, please call Bryan Lauer at 813.363.0861 or Bryan@2BGreenWorld.com
Popularity: 27% [?]
THINK ACT LOVE GREEN
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 15-05-2010
Top 10 Energy Star Cities
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 11-05-2010
Straight from the Environmental Protection Agency, here are the top 10 cities with the most Energy Star labeled buildings (based on the # of EStar labeled building in 2009):
- Los Angeles, CA
- Washington, DC
- San Francisco, CA
- Denver, CO
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Lakeland, FL
- Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
- Atlanta, GA
- New York, NY
Find labeled buildings in your city here – http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=labeled_buildings.locator
Popularity: 27% [?]
LEED Article
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 09-05-2010
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is the most recognized standard when going “Green”. “It’s (LEED) like ADA (American’s with Disability Act) when it first came into existence.” LEED is becoming industry standard putting those Certified head and shoulders above others. LEED has different meanings that everyone must be cognizant of.
LEED addresses the complete lifecycle of buildings. There are different LEED systems to address different project types: Homes, Neighborhood Development, Commercial Interiors, Core & Shell, New Construction, Schools, Healthcare, Retail and Operations & Maintenance.
Once the Operations and Maintenance of the various LEED project types begin creates sustainability, including cost savings. The bulk of cost savings is realized through implementing energy efficient best management practices outlined in the LEED Reference Guide. There are many benefits to LEED, including: Increasing Occupancy Rate, Reposition Asset, Increase Asset Value, Reduce Operating Expenditures, Increase Marketability, Improve Corporate Image, Improve Indoor Air Quality, Utilize Environmentally Friendly Products. The cost of LEED can typically be paid back within 3 to 5 years, sometimes sooner.
“The LEED Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based, market-driven building rating system based on existing proven technology. It evaluates environmental performance from a whole-building perspective over a building’s life cycle, providing a definitive standard for what constitutes a green building…LEED has five environmental categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality…It is based on accepted energy and environmental principles and strikes a balance between known, established practices and emerging concepts. It is a performance-oriented system in which points are earned for satisfying criteria that address specific environmental impacts inherent in the design, construction, and operations and maintenance of buildings.” (USGBC- LEED EB: O&M manual)
There are different levels of certification (Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum) awarded based on the number of points earned. The LEED process is very comprehensive in scope yet simple once established.
For further information please visit www.GoGreenCommercially.com or call Bryan Lauer at 813.349.8550, bblauer@clwrg.com
-Bryan Lauer, LEED AP
CLW Real Estate Services Group
Popularity: 27% [?]
I bought a new eco-friendly shower-head!
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 04-05-2010
I’m going to save about 2-4 gallons every time I shower now that I have a new eco-friendly shower-head. I could save anywhere from 104 – 208 gallons every year and around $75 – $150/year just by turning the water off when I’m scrubbing down 
The average person uses 100 gallons of water every day! Do your part – save, be sustainable, act green, go green!
Popularity: 26% [?]
Happy Earth Week!
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 19-04-2010
IF YOU DON’T KNOW, EARTH WEEK IS THIS WEEK AND EARTH DAY IS THURSDAY.
I hope everyone takes a moment to reflect on Mother Earth and how you treat Her.
Please be environmentally sensitive.
COMMENT to this post AND TELL US WHAT YOU DO TO BE SUSTAINABLE!
“I help existing buildings implement sustainable practices that meet LEED standards throughout Florida. I’m looking to expand my LEED Certification for Existing Building expertise in hopes of reducing the US office building carbon footprint saving building owners money and much, much more.”
- Bryan Lauer, LEED AP
bblauer@clwrg.com
813.349.8550
Popularity: 29% [?]
The Coming Renaissance of Electrical Contracting
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 10-02-2010
This article was written by Houston Neal
In the next ten to twenty years, “electrical contractor” will no longer be a suitable job title for electricians. They will transition into “energy contractors” to support the fast-growing green construction market.
We see this as a coming renaissance in electrical contracting. There has been a revival of interest in the electrical trade as home owners and corporations adopt alternative methods (e.g. solar, wind, etc) to power buildings. What’s driving this? Federal incentives, lower material costs and savings from reduced energy spending.
A study by the American Solar Energy Society projects renewable energy jobs for electricians to grow approximately 900% by 2030, just in the state of Colorado.
To take advantage of upcoming opportunities, electricians will need to “green” their skill-set and re-brand themselves. We’ll share more on this later. First, let’s take a look at the trends driving this change.
Green Construction is on the Rise
According to a 2009 Booz Allen Hamilton study, green construction will skyrocket over the next five years. The report projects green construction to generate $554 billion dollars in GDP, provide $396 billion in labor earnings and support or create over 7.9 million jobs from 2009 to 2013. These figures are way up from the previous 8-year period. From 2000-2008, GDP from green construction was just $173 billion, labor earnings was $123 billion and number of jobs created was 2.4 million.
This growth comes directly from increased demand for green buildings, which is largely driven by cost savings from reduced property operating expenses, and by new regulations from federal legislation (e.g. American Clean Energy and Security Act).
Clearly, environmentally friendly construction affects the architecture engineering construction (AEC) industry collectively. But how will this impact electricians?
Electricians are in High Demand
The growing green construction market will create new demand for electricians. And to keep up with demand, electricians will need to diversify their skill-set. We obviously expect to see electricians working on solar photovoltaic and wind turbine installations, but that’s just the beginning. They’ll work on building retrofits, mass transit and light rail projects, “smart” electrical grid transmission systems and more. Here are a few examples of the unique places we expect electricians to find work:
- Lighting system upgrades – There are an estimated 2.2 million commercial buildings in the U.S. that have antiquated lighting systems (old fixtures, ballasts, lamps and controls). Additionally, all federal buildings are required to switch to Energy Star lighting products by the end of 2013 (in accordance with the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007). Some of these upgrades can be handled by the local maintenance guy, but others will require the expertise and skill of electrical contractors.
- Parking lot electrical outlets – A state bill in Minnesota will require half of new parking facilities to include outlets to charge electric vehicles. Who will install these docking stations? Electricians of course. Members of the Minnesota Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 292 are already preparing to provide labor for these projects. If successful, we expect other states and cities to follow Minnesota’s example.
- Wind turbine manufacturing – According to a report from the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), a typical 250-person wind turbine manufacturing company has two electricians as employees. This isn’t a large number, but it’s an example of the variety of job opportunities available.
- Electric vehicle electricians – Jobs for electricians will also emerge in adjacent industries. For example, electricians will need to be trained in auto mechanics – or auto mechanics will need to be trained in electrical contracting – in order to meet demand for electric vehicle maintenance. And the career outlook is good: electric vehicle electricians make an average of $39-$59 thousand a year.
For additional information on green job opportunities for electricians, check out this article from the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).
LEED Creates New Opportunities
Projects applying for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) status are growing just as fast as the rest of the green construction market. With many LEED credits being electric- and energy-related, electricians will have an opportunity to win work on these projects. However, they’ll need to get versed on credit requirements, and should even consider becoming a LEED accredited professional (AP). LEED projects get an extra point for having an AP on the job, which could be a selling-point when bidding on jobs.
Here’s a sample of credits that require the knowledge and skill of electricians.
| TITLE | CREDIT | REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|---|
| Alternative Transportation — Low-emitting and Fuel-efficient | Sustainable Sites (SS) Credit 4.3 | Install alternative-fuel fueling stations (e.g. stations for charging electric cars) for 3% of the total vehicle parking capacity of the site. |
| Light Pollution Reduction | Sustainable Sites (SS) Credit 8 | Internal lighting – Reduce input power (by automatic device) of interior lights by at least 50% between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Electrician will select and install fixtures and controls to meet requirements.
External lighting – Light areas only as required for safety and comfort. Lighting power densities must not exceed ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007 and must meet lighting control requirements from ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007. Electrician will perform photometric analysis to validate compliance of credit requirements. |
| Optimize Energy Performance | Energy & Atmosphere (EA) Credit 1 | Demonstrate a percentage improvement in the proposed building performance rating compared with baseline building performance rating. The higher the building energy efficiency level, the more LEED points are awarded. Electrician will work with utility company to assess energy performance and identify most cost-effective energy efficiency measures. |
| On-site Renewable Energy | Energy & Atmosphere (EA) Credit 2 | Install and use on-site renewable energy systems (solar, wind, etc) to offset building energy costs. |
| Green Power | Energy & Atmosphere (EA) Credit 6 | Engage in at least a 2-year renewable energy contract to provide at least 35% of the building’s electricity from renewable sources (wind, solar, wave, geothermal, or biomass). Calculation of two-year expected energy use is required, along with kWH cost of the green power from the serving electric utility. Electrician should provide projected monthly cost required to obtain this point. |
| Controllability of Systems—lighting | Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Credit 6.1 | Provide individual lighting controls for 90% (minimum) of the building occupants to enable adjustments to suit individual task needs and preferences.
Provide lighting system controls for all shared multi-occupant spaces to enable adjustments that meet group needs and preferences. |
Electricians Must Act Now
With so many opportunities on the horizon, contractors need to make sure they’re ready to win jobs. To get started, they must gain the skills and knowledge to take on green projects. Both the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) offer education programs for green electrical work.
Next, contractors should market and promote their new green credentials. Update your website and other marketing materials, syndicate a press release to trade magazines and local media, and get more exposure online by joining directories (e.g. CalFinder.com) or advertising in search engines.
Finally, update your bidding process to make sure you win those green electrical jobs. You’ll need to bid accurately to ensure job profitability, but competitively to make sure you win the job. This means having up-to-date pricing information on materials and labor. Good electrical estimating software will have specific capabilities to estimate solar panel installations and other types of renewable energy jobs.
Popularity: 38% [?]
Happy New Year, Happy Environment, Happy Planet
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 01-01-2010
First and foremost, happy New Year! Now let’s make a change, starting now in January 2010.
Currently the parts per million of CO2 is at record highs at 390 ppm. The threshold (360ppm) was surpassed and if changes aren’t made soon it won’t be very good for any of us.
People always want what’s best for their loved ones. One of the best gifts to give is preserving the environment we live in for our loved ones.
i’m in love with the girl of my dreams. I try my hardest to do what’s right, including preserving vital resources that are necessary for existence. doing small tasks like recycling, using less water, not turning on lights, etc. all make a difference. How? It takes a conscious effort and lifestyle changes that we all can do.
Help the people that won’t be born for another 100 years by doing your part now. You can and will make a difference and every little bit helps. For more information click here – http://www.GoGreenCommercially.com/2010-challenge/
Please let me know what you are doing in making this a better world for you and everyone else
Popularity: 35% [?]
Energy Management Software
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 14-12-2009
This article was written by Chris Thorman.
For years, both commercial and residential property managers have adhered to a fixed set of job responsibilities – collecting rent, coordinating maintenance requests, renewing leases and attracting new residents.
One more job responsibility – managing and forecasting a building’s carbon footprint – should be added, according to Ross Sharman, director of Australia-based Knowledge Global and Oracle Magazine’s 2009 Green IT Architect of the Year.
Sharman and Knowledge Global, a sustainability consultancy, have created a comprehensive, automated environmental monitoring system for buildings called EMMA (Environmental Management Solution). The EMMA system is a solution for property owners and managers who want to measure, track and forecast exactly how much energy a building is using/losing, while simultaneously educating their tenants about their carbon output.
The EMMA system gathers environmental data from a variety of electronic monitors inside and outside of a building. This data is aggregated by a variety of software applications and displayed in a digital user interface. The information provides an ongoing snapshot of the “health” of the building.
Metrics the EMMA system measures and how they are tracked include:
- Gas, water, electricity use, waste and weather information through the monitoring of meters
- Human traffic through security systems and thermal imaging technology similar to what shopping centers use
- Occupant demographics through tenant profiling and human resources
- Building space through floor plans and tenant agreements
- Well-being of occupants through online surveys
There are a handful of services out there that monitor building energy use but none of them modify behavior like the EMMA system does.
The EMMA monitor in the lobby of buildings displays energy use by floor, room and even by tenant. This makes it easy to organize competitions that motivate tenants to reduce the amount of energy they are using.
EMMA’s wireless “eggs” are another visual incentive for reducing tenants’ carbon footprint. These egg-shaped devices sit throughout a building – in common areas and on each floor, for example – and glow red or green as energy use fluctuates against the optimal forecast. This constant reminder about energy use encourages tenants to use less, or at least, makes them aware of energy use in areas they may have not even thought about before.
You can read more about EMMA here.
Chris Thorman contributed this post. He blogs at Software Advice.“
Popularity: 36% [?]
LEED 2009 for Existing Buildings
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 05-11-2009
LEED 2009 for Existing Buildings is the latest version the USGBC and GBCI have developed for existing buildings and is called Green Buildings Operations and Maintenance (GBOM). The content within the reference guide is slightly different than the previous version – Existing Buildings Operation and Maintenance (EBOM), however, the credit points have changed significantly while the pre-requisites have stayed the same.
The credit points now have the following scale: Certified – 40 – 49, Silver – 50 – 59, Gold – 60 – 79, Platinum – 80 – 110. Although there are more points to be had, to achieve certification requires achieving more points than the EBOM version (32).
There is also a new version of LEED Online. I used it today for the first time registering a project in Coral Gables. Although different, it seems to be more user friendly once used to the formatting. The submittal templates are also modified from the previous version making it more cumbersome.
In conclusion I believe the USGBC and GBCI need to stick with the same version of LEEDOnline and the Submittal Templates in order for people to be efficient and effective. Changing these every year or two makes it much more difficult for LEED AP’s to master.
Popularity: 44% [?]
GreenSource review – Vanishing Village – Kivalina
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 02-11-2009
What seems to be the first major casualty of Global Warming, Kivalina, the Alaskan island home to roughly 400, is loosing shoreline at an alarming rate. Natives mount the seawall with sandbags as a last effort to save their home, and, unfortunately, this isn’t helping.
What would you do if your home was slowly disappearing?
These natives have taken a valiant step by suing energy companies such as Exxon, Shell, BP and many others for their impact on Global Warming.
But why is it the energy companies are the ones at fault? Isn’t every person who drives a car or uses oil/gas at fault? When a person is shot and killed by a gun, the person’s family isn’t suing the gun maker, they are suing the person at fault. Same should go with global warming – it’s the individuals, companies, governments who are consuming the oil/gas that should be at fault.
What are your thoughts??? Comment on this article…
Popularity: 35% [?]
LEED 2009 for Existing Buildings
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 01-11-2009
LEED as we know it has been ever-changing. In Dec. 2008 I passed the LEED EBv2, the LEED EBOM version came out in Aug. 2008, and now the latest version of Existing Buildings – Green Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, is out to be used. I would bet that an updated version comes out by Dec 2010. Although this can be frustrating, the GBCI and USGBC are making the LEED process easier and improve the program(s).
To find out more about LEED 2009, please visit the GBCI website at www.gbci.org
Popularity: 31% [?]
Thought on the Big Picture
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 23-10-2009
Think about how your great great grandkids need water and other essentials to live. ..
The average person uses 100 Gallons of water every day!
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that 36 states anticipate some degree of water shortage by 2013!
a faucet with a leakage rate of 1 drip/second wastes around 3,000 gallons of water/year.
DO YOUR PART -
THINK GREEN. ACT GREEN. BE GREEN. GO GREEN.
Now think about how much water and other essentials you waste everyday…
find captivating green facts here – http://www.GoGreenCommercially.com/go-green-facts/
Popularity: 33% [?]
LEED EBOM Case Study – 100 North Tampa Summary
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 24-09-2009
The following project was completed by Sustainable Services, a boutique LEED Certification company specializing in Existing Buildings. To inquire on LEED Certifying your building, please contact Bryan Lauer at 813.349.8550 or bblauer@clwrg.com
Tampa’s tallest building just got “taller”
100 North Tampa recently received LEED Silver Certification from the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) on October 19, 2009! The results come from a year long effort by the staff of CLW Real Estate Services Group, lead by Calvin Buikema, and Sustainable Services, lead by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP.
The LEED (Existing Building) Certification entails all aspects of building management, operations and maintenance. The LEED process “fine-tuned” building operations and maintenance enabling a more effective and efficient building.
The following are the results of a 12-month process.
Major Highlights
- 9 pre-requisites to qualify for LEED (EBOM) Certification were attempted
- 48 out of 52 Credit points were achieved – a Silver Rating
- 2 Sustainable Sites (SS)
- 9 Water Efficiency (WE)
- 13 Energy & Atmosphere (EA)
- 7 Materials & Resources (MR)
- 10 Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
- 7 Innovation in Operation (IO)
- The LEED team implemented no-cost/low-cost energy efficient strategies with very significant projected savings.
- The LEED team has developed an energy-efficient capital improvement plan for lighting retrofits and HVAC improvements.
- With building owner approval, the LEED Team retrofit – 140 toilets, 173 faucets and 14 shower-heads.
- Management improved the cooling tower operation and resulted in saving an estimated 1.1 million gallons of water and $7,300 per year! The project cost was $11,000.
- Management discontinued irrigating the landscape as the plants are well established and native. This will save an estimated 26,728 gallons of water per year and average savings of $102 per year over 10 years.
- Increased the property’s recycling program and now track the amount of materials leaving the building (outlined below). The site generated 311,165 pounds of ongoing consumable waste of which 228,905 pounds (74%) were recycled during our performance period (3/1/09-5/31/09).
- The LEED Team created the following policies/procedures to ensure best management practices and the use of sustainable products:
- Building Exterior and Hardscape Management Policy
- Integrated Pest Management, Erosion Control, and Landscape Management Policy
- Sustainable Purchasing Policy (Facility Alterations & Additions)
- Solid Waste Management Policy (Ongoing Consumables, Durable Goods and Facility Alterations & Additions)
- Light-bulb Purchasing Policy – to reduce the amount of mercury-containing light bulbs onsite
- Green Cleaning Policy
- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management procedures
- High Performance Cleaning policy
- Indoor Integrated Pest Management policy
- Management now has the following tracked and documented:
- Light bulb purchases – to verify our goal of averaging 70 picograms per lumen-hour (mercury) or less
- Ongoing Consumables – to verify and compare the amounts going to the landfill and amounts being recycled
- Durable Goods – to verify all durable goods leaving the site are properly disposed of
- Facility Alterations & Additions – to verify our contractor’s purchase at least 50% sustainable products and divert at least 70% of waste generated during build-outs/improvements
- Cleaning products – to verify our goal of purchasing at least 90% sustainable products
- Cleaning Equipment – to verify our goal of purchasing sustainable equipment from now on. Currently, over 30% of our cleaning equipment is sustainable
- Pest Management products – to ensure environmentally-friendly products are used within the building
- The LEED Team conducted a Waste Stream Audit to better understand the buildings waste streams. The results conclude that building occupants, for the most part, properly dispose of “waste”. (this credit was not earned even though attempted).
- The LEED Team conducted a 10-question Occupant Comfort Survey. 334 building occupants (30.6%) filled out the survey with over 75% either “Neutral”, “Satisfied”, “Mostly Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied” on all 10 questions.
- The LEED Team conducted a Custodial Effectiveness Assessment that audited: office space, restrooms, corridors and lobby. The average score was 1.18 – nearly perfect with 1 being the best and 5 being the lowest.
In conclusion, the LEED Certification process was a great success.
- The building is running efficiently and effectively
- The building occupants are satisfied
- Management implements best practices
- Vendors are utilizing environmentally-friendly products
For more detailed information, go to www.GoGreenCommercially.com and type in “100 North Tampa” in the websites search-bar at the top right of the site.
Popularity: 37% [?]
Sustainable Services – LEED Existing Building Specialists
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 20-09-2009
Sustainable Services is an LLC specializing in converting Existing Buildings into LEED Certified buildings. We are a boutique firm based out of Tampa, FL. We have the capacity to work anywhere around the country. We are relationship driven and treat each client as if there were our only client.
Our cost-effective process produces the following benefits for building owners:
- Reduce Operating Expenses
- Increase Marketability
- Increase Occupancy Rate
- Increase Rental Rate
- Increase Sales Price
- Increase Recycling
- Improve Building Operations
- Improve Indoor Air Quality
- Improve Occupant Comfort
- Utilize “Green”, environmentally-friendly products
The first project undertaken was a 42 story, 550,000 square foot office high-rise in downtown Tampa (100 North Tampa Street). 
For more information, please contact Bryan Lauer at 813.349.8550 or blauer123@hotmail.com
Popularity: 31% [?]
Green Ventilation in the Industrial Industry
Posted by Bryan Lauer, LEED AP in GoGreen on 06-09-2009
This article was written by Mark Hannah with the Moffitt Corportation.
Moffitt Corporation is the Global Leader in Gravity Ventilation since 1961. Gravity ventilation also known as natural ventilation is using physics to allow heat to rise and escape from the building, others also call this process a stack effect. The problem with many facilities is that there is not an effective process of heat removal. Moffitt provides several products that allows for ventilation naturally.
Other ventilation companies often use motor-powered fans to relieve the building of heat and smoke. This is ineffective in more ways than one. Fans are only able to pull air out that is within one fan diameter. That means the heat or smoke won’t be moved until it utilizes gravity’s force to rise towards that fan. Secondly, fan motors add costs and maintenance that natural ventilators do not. An estimated $400 is spent per horsepower per year. That means a single five horsepower motor will end up costing $2,000 in operation alone using electricity. That is if the motor runs perfectly all year and no additional maintenance is required.
Natural Ventilators once installed require no maintenance. No hazards of maintenance men climbing up to the roof for repair. These ventilators keep buildings weather tight allowing no rain or snow in. The ventilators effectively remove heat and smoke providing worker comfort and cleaner air while having a longer life than a fan.
Moffitt provides a whole line of natural ventilators including our continuous relief ventilator, the Labyrinth and the GreenRoo®. Moffitt also provides free ventilation design as well as full turn-key solutions from manufacturing of products to project installation. The benefits as well as savings are endless:
- No energy consumed
- No maintenance
- No sound
- No operational cost
- Long life span
Reduce your carbon footprint by contacting Moffitt today to greatly reduce your ventilation costs. Call 1-(800) 474-3267 or mhannah@moffitthvac.com.
See us on the web @ www.moffitthvac.com or follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/moffitthvac.
Popularity: 25% [?]