Web Links to Energy Efficiency

Benchmark the Way to an Energy Efficient Facility

• Tool to calculate net present value
• More in-depth ways to develop your financial savvy
• To start benchmarling, log on to www.energystar.gov/istar/pmpam
• To learn how to design new buildings to be ENERGY STAR labeled, see the ENERGY STAR Target Finder

Go Green: Avoid Competing System Interactions

• For things to consider before a lighting upgrade, go to: Better Light, Lower Cost
• For steps to lay the groundwork for an HVAC upgrade, go to: Showcase: HVAC
• For more on how integrated design can improve energy efficiency, visit the Department of Energy’s Toolbox
• For dozens of links to design guides and examples of building elements working together for maximum efficiency, go to: ENERGY STAR's Design Guidance
• For instructions on doing energy audits in existing buildings, see Flex Your Power
• For a look at integrated design, go to: When talk is cheaper: Integrated design and better buildings

Use Incentives to Slash the Cost to Go Green

• For more information on creating realistic energy savings projects, go to: Make Lighting Upgrades Match the Paybacks and Finding Real Energy Savings
• To locate incentives, visit:
• Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE)
• The Edison Electric Institute’s database for utility energy efficiency programs (pdf)
• The National Association of State Energy Officials’ site, which has links to all state energy offices
• For updates on EPAct, visit: www.energytaxincentives.org
• For an in-depth look at rebates, including more links, go to: The Return of Energy Rebates
• For more information on green-related issues, go to facilitiesnet.com/Green

Training: Greening the Staff

• For more information about charettes, see: When talk is cheaper: Integrated design and better buildings
• For other ways to avoid mismanaging the EMS, go to: Is Your EMS on Target For Energy Savings? and EMS Upgrades Require Careful Planning to Prevent Cost Overruns
• Also, check out the Federal Energy Management Program’s “Operations and Maintenance Best Practices Guide”

Commission to Maximize Efficiency

• Low-or no-cost steps can establish a track record for energy savings, paving the way for investments in upgrades. For more on low-cost, no-cost steps, go to: Power of Persuasion
• For tips on successful building commissioning and other helpful links, visit the Whole Building Design Guide’s commissioning page
• For advice on the process of hiring a commissioning agent, go to: Who Should Commission Your Building?
• For a wide range of information and tips on commissioning, visit the Building Commissioning Association’s Web site

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