We need to find out an approximate cost range for having an energy professional verify data. Manus and Warren, is that something you can provide please for the FAQ? It�s likely to be a common question especially by the 15,000SF-49,000SF owners and we better have some answer.
Sherrie, Manus et al:
In terms of specifically verifying the Portfolio Manager energy use data and property performance report, there are two key and potentially simple aspects:
1) Confirm specified attributes of the property. These attributes vary according to property type (office, school, medical facility, house of worship, etc.). All include gross square foot size, and typically office hours, number computers, number of FTE, kitchen facilities, and others. This is a one-time set up, reviewed and updated if needed maybe once a year.
In our experience, whoever in the facility knows these figures the best provides the input. Only cost is some time invested. I�m uncertain what an energy professional needs or requires to confirm these. Manus can likely address. I know for a property to receive an ENERGY STAR score certificate of 75 and above on the 0-100 scale, a professional sign-off is required, and, I think, can be in the range of a few hundred dollars.
2) Confirm the monthly energy use data. We and our project partners often use the monthly energy use and cost as reported on-line by the utilities. MGE and Alliant both have excellent ones. Again, a small amount of time is needed if an individual knows the systems and what they are looking for. Also, we are about to launch a pilot program with a firm that will automatically update the monthly energy use data at an annual cost of $75/property.
A company/property that would fall within the proposed ordinance parameters could do this all themselves, have their own Portfolio Manager account, and file any needed annual reports.
A couple of points to consider from our view/experience:
- Highlight the benefits of this energy report to the property owner in any communications.
- Make it simple and relatively low cost to participate: A company/property could do it themselves as noted above, and they�d have internal costs on that. But they could also opt for a �Simple Energy Performance Report Package� � property entered into Portfolio Manager, attributes confirmed, monthly energy data automatically updated, receive an update analysis quarterly, or semi-annually. Let us know the potential number of properties within the scope of the draft ordinance and we could cost that out. Likely on the order of a few hundred/property. (We could also specify a one-time set up, and then lower monthly or annual cost.)
- Make it simple to Take Action and improve! � Another step-up would be for the businesses to participate in Sustain Dane�s Mpower ChaMpions. Monitoring energy use performance is necessary but not sufficient for improvement; monitoring it and being engaged in a program that has demonstrated results for improving energy use efficiency and related sustainable metrics is key to moving the performance dials.
I�m not certain how much or what can or should be spelled out in an ordinance. But certainly the support communications should highlight some of this.
Let us know what more will be helpful as you move forward.
Thank you for leading this through the gears of government!
Warren
On Dec 4, 2013, at 8:15 AM, Ahrens, David <
district15@cityofmadison.com> wrote:
We need to find out an approximate cost range for having an energy professional verify data. Manus and Warren, is that something you can provide please for the FAQ? It�s likely to be a common question especially by the 15,000SF-49,000SF owners and we better have some answer.