VAEEC is pleased to spotlight the companies, organizations, utilities and municipalities it works with to advance energy efficiency in Virginia.
November 2013 Member Spotlight: Siemens
We are the Infrastructure and Cities Sector (IC) of Siemens Industry, Inc. (SII). We are proud to be a leading provider of energy and environmental solutions, building controls, electrical distribution equipment, fire safety and security systems solutions, and guaranteed performance contracting solutions. Our major markets served are Local Government and Municipalities, Water and Wastewater, Higher Education, K12 Schools, Healthcare, Federal Government, and Commercial Buildings.
We provide a full range of services and solutions from more than 100 wholly owned U.S. branch office locations coast-to-coast, serving America’s infrastructure and building needs for comfort, efficiency, security, and environmental friendliness, helping our customers save money in each of these aspects. Worldwide, our division is nearly 30,000 employees strong and operates from more than 500 locations in 51 countries. In fiscal 2012, worldwide our division had revenues of $7.8 billion.
In what ways does your company promote energy efficiency?
Siemens promotes energy efficiency by providing comprehensive energy and sustainability master planning combined with expertise in project implementation and ongoing services. This optimization leads to better insights throughout the process and delivers maximum results for the customer. Siemens is uniquely qualified to provide an integrated approach across three disciplines (efficiency, supply and sustainability), which means reduced risk and improved results through coordination and prioritization of measures. Our dedicated and experienced teams of local experts are supported by the Siemens global network, which has resulted in a world-class ranking according to our customers.
How do you describe the value of energy efficiency to your customers?
In order to obtain optimal results from energy efficiency efforts, an important integration between energy efficiency, energy supply and sustainability must take place. These three categories combine to create comprehensive and powerful results for the customer. Addressing all three categories can greatly benefit their business. The customer has the opportunity to significantly increase their energy efficiency efforts and protect their investment.
What innovations or trends do you expect to see in the near future?
The Energy & Sustainability market has evolved significantly over the past ten years. Today, energy management and environmental sustainability are key foundational elements of business strategy that are being driven by customers, shareholders, employees, communities and suppliers. We will continue to see an increase in environmental responsibility and a rise in setting of emission reduction goals with aspiration to become net zero. There will be a greater reliance on energy to produce core product/service. As countries become more dependent on energy, they are faced with meet their nations’ energy requirements. They will need to reduce demand or build new generation plants. Legislation will continue to play a role in meeting demands and mandates.
What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the VAEEC?
Through membership in VAEEC, Siemens hopes to coordinate its efforts with others in the Virginia energy industry to promote and expand the use of economical and environmentally responsible energy efficient technologies and methods in Virginia.
Good things really do come in threes! Earlier this year, VAEEC member Community Housing Partners (CHP) hit a green building trifecta when they were honored with their third EarthCraft™Virginia Sustainable Leadership Award in five years.
The 2013 award named CHP as Multifamily Contractor of the Year for their “exceptional commitment to sustainable housing;” in 2011, they received a Multifamily Developer of the Year Award for demonstrating the “largest commitment to sustainable, green multifamily housing across the state;” and in 2010, CHP accepted EarthCraft’s Best Architect/Design Firm Award for their commitment to green and sustainable design.
EarthCraft, the Richmond-based green building certification and education program, presents awards every year to regional builders, developers, and other stakeholders who demonstrate superior dedication to the advancement of sustainable housing. Winners are honored in several categories that cover new construction, renovation, single-family homes, multi-family housing, and more.
Building on a long-standing tradition of environmental, economic and social responsibility, CHP has almost 40 years of experience creating homes and neighborhoods with responsible products and practices.
“CHP is very proud to be recognized by EarthCraft Virginia for our commitment to green housing,” said CHP Vice President of Construction Todd Peacock. “Their awards reflect our sincere commitment to building stronger, healthier communities.”
The Election is over. You know that means it’s safe to turn your TVs back on. But what could Governor-elect McAuliffe mean for the energy efficiency industry in the Commonwealth?
We will start to answer that question at the VAEEC meeting on Wednesday, December 3 with the “Crystal Ball Panel.” That discussion will include remarks from Al Christopher at the Dept. of Mines Minerals and Energy about what the new Governor could mean for energy efficiency and the State Energy Office and from Bob Holsworth with DecideSmart about how the recent election could help/hurt energy efficiency in the Commonwealth.
Here are a few relevant stories to get your thinking cap on:
Panelists at VAEEC’s April 2013 meeting
The Virginia Energy Efficiency Council will convene its second meeting of 2013 on Tuesday, December 3, 2-5pm, at The Place at Innsbrook (site of the April meeting) in Glen Allen. Features include a briefing on the 2013 Clean Energy Census in Virginia, the first of its kind. It will also include a Crystal Ball Panel that addresses the gubernatorial election’s implications for energy efficiency in the Commonwealth. Plus, this is a great opportunity to network with other energy efficiency thought leaders and stakeholders from across Virginia.
WHAT: Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) General Meeting
WHEN: Tuesday, December 3, 2013, 2-5pm
WHERE: The Place at Innsbrook, located in the Shoppes at Innsbrook, Glen Allen *Important: please enter through the Ballroom entrance” (directions below)
ETC: Registration is free*. You do not have to be a VAEEC member to attend. Light refreshments will be served.
Register for free now by emailing us your name and company name.
*Future VAEEC meetings will have registration fees (with free registrations available for members) and members-only sessions
Agenda
2:00 Introductory remarks by VAEEC’s Governance Board Chair, Steve Walz of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission
2:10 Roll call
2:20 2013 Clean Energy Census: How has NCSEA Leveraged the Census for EE Jobs Creation in North Carolina and Lessons for Virginia — Ivan Urlaub, Executive Director North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association
Specifics from the 2013 Virginia Energy Efficiency Census — Bill Greenleaf, Richmond Region Energy Alliance and VAEEC Governance Board
3:10 DOE Energy Efficiency Initiatives in Buildings — Subid Wagley, DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
3:20 Break, refreshments
3:30 Commercial PACE and the WHEEL — Cisco DeVries, President and CEO of Renewable Funding
4:00 Crystal Ball Panel: What’s on deck for energy efficiency in Virginia
Al Christopher, Energy Division Director, Dept. of Mines Minerals and Energy : What the new Governor could mean for energy efficiency and the State Energy Office
Andy Farmer, Education Resources Manager, State Corporation Commission: What’s ahead & their decision-making methodology
Bob Holsworth, Managing Principal, DecideSmart: How the most recent election might impact energy efficiency in the Commonwealth
Cynthia Adams, Executive Director, Local Energy Alliance Program and VAEEC Governance Boar Vice Chair: Update on federal energy efficiency policies
4:40 Members On the Horizon Lightning Round (Open Mic)
What’s on the horizon for the utilities, companies, organizations and individuals that comprise VAEEC ranks
4:55 Closing Remarks
5:00 Adjourn
Join us post-meeting for the Power Hour as networking continues with a cash bar
at Capital Ale House Innsbrook just around the corner.
the crowd at VAEEC’s April 2013 meeting
Directions to The Place at Innsbrook:
From the North
I-95 South to I-295W (toward Charlottesville)
64 East toward Richmond Exit 178B
At first light turn left onto Dominion Boulevard
The Place is the second entrance on the right
From the East
I-64 West to I-295 West toward Charlottesville
64 East toward Richmond Exit 178B
At first light turn left onto Dominion Boulevard
The Place is the second entrance on the right
From the South
I-95 North to 64 West
Exit 178B
At first light turn left onto Dominion Boulevard
The Place is the second entrance on the right
From the West
64 East toward Richmond Exit 178B
At first light turn left onto Dominion Boulevard
The Place is the second entrance on the right
Post by Harold Crowder, VAEEC Managing Director
Coming to you ‘LIVE’ from “The Energy Capital of the East Coast: Virginia”
Governor Bob McDonnell praised the sponsors and attendees of the fourth annual Governor’s Conference on Energy in Richmond today, pledging to encourage the next administration to continue the commitment to provide this forum for the discussion of the many issues and ideas impacting energy industry development in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
VAEEC’s Governance Board Chair, Stephen Walz (pictured at left), presented, forecasting with his “wooden” crystal ball on ‘The Long View: 2013 Energy Outlook and Market Implications’ in an afternoon conference session. Mr. Walz pointed to a soon to completed census survey that will report on the state of energy efficiency regionally, including Virginia North and South Carolina, and Georgia. Further, he suggested the greatest untapped resource in Virginia is the potential of energy efficiency when considered on common ground.
Nearly 400 attendees, along with 35 exhibitors, are congregated for the event. VAEEC, a Bronze Level sponsor, was there promoting our mission and encouraging participation through membership.
Post-conference note:
A special thanks to David Hudgins, Director, Member and External Relations, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, who filled an open panelist position for the session ‘A Stronger Blend: How a Diversified Power Supply is Meeting Demand” when, as a sponsor, VAEEC was asked if we had a speaker.
Citing the projection of Virginia’s population growth rate at 30% and reaching 30-Million by 2040, it will be an ‘absolute driver’ in meeting demand for electricity. “Every megawatt from everywhere” will be required to meet the need! Renewables and energy efficiency alone cannot meet the future demand. Diversity in the fuel mix, including renewables and energy efficiency, is essential to providing affordable and dependable supply.
Without proffering a percentage of energy efficiency as a resource, Steve Herling, panelist from PJM Interconnection, conceded low consumption growth is an indicator that energy efficiency is making an impact.
The challenge is convincing consumers that the cheapest megawatt is the one not used.
Recently the VAEEC Governance Board agreed that the growth and demands on the Council were moving so fast as to merit additional support. By bringing a Managing Director on board, we could get immediate help and have the time and resources to plan the longer term needs for the organization and that position.
Enter Harold Crowder, who stepped up to the plate as Managing Director in September.
Crowder has specialized in helping utilities develop utility-sponsored, energy-focused programs for the residential, commercial, and industrial customer classes, as well as energy efficiency services to low-income customer segments. He has worked as a design architect in residential, commercial and education facilities in the private sector before taking a leadership role in a corporate architectural/engineering design department. And he’s a twenty-eight year veteran of Dominion Virginia Power.
Harold unique blend of talent, education and experience will enable the Council to meet the current demands and plan a strategic vision for our future.
Welcome Harold!
Read Harold’s full bio. He can be reached at harold@vaeec.org.
October is Energy Awareness Month. And EPA’s ENERGY STAR Commercial Program can help you get the most out of it with 10+ webinars. We’ve got the full list below, but you can learn more and register on their website.
ENERGY STAR and Green Building Rating Systems
Thursday, October 10, 2013 at 2:00 pm EDT
Learn how to use EPA tools and resources to help meet requirements for green building rating systems such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the Green Globes system, and others.
The Federal Guiding Principles Checklist in ENERGY STAR ® Portfolio Manager
Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at 2:00pm EDT
Tailored to Federal energy and sustainability professionals, learn how to use Portfolio Manager to help ensure compliance with the Guiding Principles for High Performance Sustainable Buildings required by Executive Orders 13423 and 13514.
Water: Benchmarking and Best Practices from WaterSense
Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 1:00 pm EDT
Learn about new water tracking features in Portfolio Manager and data trends in water use across the country. Discover new ways to reduce water use in your facility with WaterSense products and best management practices, and hear examples and case studies where facilities have achieved water, energy, and money savings.
Portfolio Manager 101
Thursday, October 17, 2013 at 2:00 pm EDT
Get started using EPA’s Portfolio Manager tool. We’ll introduce and demonstrate the core functionality of Portfolio Manager tool, including how to enter properties, enter energy and water data, share data with others, and generate performance reports.
How to Launch an ENERGY STAR Energy Efficiency Competition
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 1:00 pm EDT
Learn about the benefits of an energy efficiency competition, the basic steps you can take to plan and launch a competition, and the resources made available by EPA’s ENERGY STAR program that can help you in this process, including the ENERGY STAR® Guide to Energy Efficiency Competitions.
Sensible Steps for Energy Efficiency in Schools with ENERGY STAR
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 3:00 pm EDT
Join EPA to learn how the ENERGY STAR program can help you improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs in your schools. See how leading school district Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) achieved success with ENERGY STAR and avoided $2.4 million in energy costs compared to a 2008 baseline.
Portfolio Manager “Office Hours”
Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 1:00 pm EDT
Get answers to your questions about Portfolio Manager’s features and calculations by joining this open office hours session. Even if you don’t have a question, join in to hear what others are asking.
Public Sector Networking Session: Energy Benchmarking: Transparent Information that Motivates Change
Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 2:00 pm EDT
Join us to hear governments and school districts share their experience tracking, analyzing, and communicating quantifiable energy efficiency achievements within their portfolio of buildings and throughout the community.
Portfolio Manager 201
Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at 2:00pm EDT
Take a deeper dive into the more advanced functionalities of Portfolio Manager such as managing changes in property uses over time, using spreadsheet templates to quickly upload data, setting goals, and creating custom reports.
ENERGY STAR Service and Product Provider Fall 2013 Web Conference
Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 1:00 pm EDT
This session will provide an update on the current activities of the ENERGY STAR Commercial & Industrial Buildings Service and Product Provider program. Topics will include where the SPP program is heading now that the upgrade to Portfolio Manager is released. The Web Conference will focus on particular market sectors and activities happening in the coming year.
If you’re thinking about buying any of the following products, make sure you do your shopping Friday, October 11th through Monday, October 14th. That’s when Virginia offers a sales tax holiday on qualifying ENERGY STAR and Water Sense products.
- Dishwashers
- Clothes washers
- Refrigerators
- Air conditioners
- Ceiling fans
- Compact fluorescent light bulbs
- Dehumidifiers
- Bathroom sink faucets
- Faucet accessories
- Toilets
Make a list and start shopping!
Get all the details here.
Enmetric Systems, a Belmont, California-based company whose platform helps companies and large organizations monitor and reduce energy use from plugged-in devices, recently announced that it has closed a $1.5 million follow-on financing round led by venture capital firm Navitas Capital and included Azure International, Lakewest, Inc., and other angel investors.
Navitas Capital managing partner Travis Putnam had been on Enmetric’s board of directors since 2011 and Chris Raczkowski, managing director of Azure International, joined Enmetric’s board as an observer.
A new report from New Buildings Institute on plug-load management indicates that companies specializing in “plug-load management” may soon be facing a new demand for their services. The Energy Information Agency says devices plugged into outlets by the user are the fastest-growing energy consumers in commercial buildings, and often use up to 50% of an office’s energy after other energy improvements—to lighting, heating and cooling, and other appliances—have been made. The NBI report concludes: “The increased attention being paid to this source of energy use in facilities is resulting in new technologies, methods, and resources” to be used by building managers seeking to reduce plug loads.
Read the full story. (Clean Tech IQ)
It’s the kind of thing most people heard from their parents over and over again when they were kids: Turn off the lights when you leave a room. Now Sen. Tom Coburn hopes to make it legally binding The Oklahoma Republican filed an amendment to energy efficiency legislation being debated by the Senate that would “encourage Federal employees to help reduce energy use and costs by turning off the lights at the end of the day.” But it would go beyond just offering encouragement.
Read the full story. (Politico)
We are the Infrastructure and Cities Sector (IC) of Siemens Industry, Inc. (SII). We are proud to be a leading provider of energy and environmental solutions, building controls, electrical distribution equipment, fire safety and security systems solutions, and guaranteed performance contracting solutions. Our major markets served are Local Government and Municipalities, Water and Wastewater, Higher Education, K12 Schools, Healthcare, Federal Government, and Commercial Buildings.
