In Love with Energy Americans spend more than $18 BILLION on Valentine's Day gifts each year, but how much are they investing in energy and the environment?
BlackRock CEO Larry Finkannounces divestment from fossil fuelsand companies who present a high sustainability-related risk. "The evidence on climate risk is compelling investors to reassess core assumptions about modern finance", Larry wrote in his annual letter. BlackRock is the world's largest asset manager, with $7.4 trillion in assets under management as of end-Q4 2019.
Who knows what exactly the firm impact will be over time regarding these announcements, but one thing is for certain - climate change, sustainability, and the restructuring of our energy infrastructure is definitely on the forefront of conversations. Making commitments and setting goals are the first step. Now let's execute!
Episode 7: Facilities Manager Insight
Inour new episode of the Energy Sense podcast, we sit down with Rob Wilson who has been maintaining buildings and managing real estate assets for over 20 years. From data centers, to insurance companies, to Class A office buildings, Rob is a jack of all trades fixing everything from vending machines to chillers and boilers.
In this episode we sit down with Rob to get his insight on how the energy industry is re-shaping the way facility managers prioritize projects and tips energy consultants can use to get that ECM project approved and across the finish line. I can't say anymore, but folks you do not want to miss this one!
You can find the Energy Sense podcaston most podcasting platforms— Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio and TuneIn.
Recently I was conducting an energy audit and I came across some unique safety and security hazards. As with every sight visit, our first priority is the safety and security of every person, asset, and piece of information in the building. When lives are at stake, there's no time for finger pointing. Just find it and fix it. Here are some tips for facility managers out there:
Keep up with your PM schedule. Out of date inspections not only present a safety hazard, but leave the company financially exposed with hefty fines and breach of insurance contracts.
Ensure any data collected from the building, to include your utility data, is managed properly. Certain competitors may love to get their sticky hands on your utility expenses. Stay aware and always keep vendors on a routine follow up schedule.
As equipment is moved around, processes are changed, or personnel adjusted, make sure the exit egress paths are clearly marked and safety lanes established. Also check on ventilation requirements of new areas housing hazardous materials or where occupancy levels have increased.
Thank You + Free Energy Consult
GET YOUR SPACE CHECKED FREE:We welcome the opportunity to introduce ourselves and providea free energy consultation. It’s easy to start your project with us. We combine financing, rebate packages, and other incentives to create positive cash flow month one! Call us today at 804-562-8606 orclick here.
HOW C-PACE BOOSTS YOUR BUYING POWER: Want energy efficiency upgrades with little to no out-of-pocket costs? C-PACE may be the financing vehicle you need! Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy is a financing vehicle for qualified building owners. Arlington was the first to adopt this program in Virginia a few years ago. Other counties are jumping on board, and Richmond recently signed on to launch the program in the third quarter of 2020.Ask us for more info.
VIRGINIA LEGISLATION GETS NATIONAL ATTENTION:Virginia’s Clean Economy Act codifies into law the goal of clean energy by 2050 that was previously outlined in an executive order from Gov. Ralph Northam, D, in September 2019.
THE FIGHT CONTINUES FOR 100% RENEWABLE OPTION IN VA: Over the next couple of weeks we will find out if the Senate chooses to act on any iterations of HB868 and HB889.Check out the Energy News Article Here.
CALIFORNIA AND PG&E GO UP IN FLAMES: Northern California Utility, Pacific Gas and Electric,announced a $7.7 billion loss for 2019, weighed down by continued costs and charges related to the wildfires that drove it into bankruptcy last year. It pledges to meet a June bankruptcy deadline.
(Photo Credit - Rich Pedroncelli/AP)
TAX DEDUCTIONS IN EFFECT FOR 2020
Businesses and Energy Consultants may have found their ticket to success for pushing energy efficiency projects across the finish line in 2020. Up to $1.80 per sqft can be an added tax deduction, based on the performance of lighting, HVAC, and building envelope energy efficiency projects for commercial and industrial buildings. Even tax exempt or government agency projects can benefit, whereby the tax deductions can be passed through to consultants or contractors involved in the energy projects. For details on requirements and more informationClick Here.
***As always, with any federal tax deductions, always consult a CPA.***
Energy Manager In Training (EMIT)
Veteran LED is looking for an EMIT to work closely with target prospects and customers through a variety of methods. You will perform analysis of inbound and outbound prospects’ business and engage with these prospects by phone, email, or site visits.
The purpose of this outreach is to set up introductory calls with target influencers and decision makers. In turn, your job is to make sure a majority of these calls become qualified opportunities for the Veteran LED Energy Management Team.
In order to do this job well, the EMIT must be a self-starter, analytical, metrics driven, and able to identify business challenges and articulate the Veteran LED value proposition to prospects. Professional judgment that allows you to carry conversation with facility managers, directors, and engineers is a must.
Previous experience in sales, prospect research, engineering, and general business development is preferred. To apply, please send your resume to jessica@vled.energy.
