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energy engineering and demand-side strategy

Retro-Commissioning

Often, the energy systems in a building, such as HVAC and lighting, are not programmed to match the way a building is used, which can result in wasted energy. Retro-commissioning works to solve this problem. 

Retro-commissioning (RCx) is the adjustment of existing equipment and controls to improve the use, comfort, and energy consumption of a building. Often referred to as "tune-up", retro-commissioning seeks to identify low-cost to no-cost measures to improve the control, scheduling and operation of building systems to acheive peak performance. While energy savings can vary depending on the building type, location, and the scope of the retro-commissioning project, retro-commissioning, on average, can reduce a building's energy usage by 16%. 

360 Energy Group is an approved RCx Service Provider with several major utilities and energy efficiency programs including:

1. ComEd Smart Ideas for Your Business®
2. Ameren Illinois Large Facility Program 
3. Focus on Energy
4. Xcel Energy

What is retro-commissioning?

Financial Benefits of retro-commissioning

Energy Benchmarking

Reducing energy use and cost starts with a clear understanding of the opportunities available. One of the best first steps you can take is to benchmark the energy use of your building. 

Energy benchmarking is the practice of comparing a building’s current energy performance with its baseline performance or the energy performance of a similar building. Benchmarking improves stakeholders’ understanding of how the facility is consuming energy, allowing individuals and organizations to better analyze trends and make better-informed decisions on managing energy use. 


Today, energy benchmarking is a standard energy management procedure for companies and institutions to lower energy costs. In fact, numerous states and cities have passed Energy Benchmarking laws, requiring building owners to benchmark their buildings and disclose the results as a way to motivate building owners into action.

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Need help benchmarking your building or complying with your state/city benchmarking laws? 360 Energy Group can help.

 

360 Energy Group provides customizable energy benchmarking services. We have benchmarked over 2 million square feet ranging from industrial facilities to shopping malls to apartment buildings. As part of our services, we can:

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  • Benchmark your building(s) through ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager

  • Verify your benchmarking data

  • Submit your benchmarking data to the required state/city agency

  • Quickly identify 'next step' energy efficiency opportunities that can improve building energy performance

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Contact us today at 800-401-0360 or info@360eg.com to get started!

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Direct Installation

In some cases equipment that helps to save energy can be directly installed during a site visit. These programs can range from changing out incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s), to the installation of HVAC unit controls which optimize the run-time of heating or cooling equipment. 360 Energy Group has experience in designing and implementing various direct install programs, which can result in immediate and significant energy savings.

 

360 Energy Group is a Certified Energy Efficiency Measure Installer in compliance with the Illinois law. 

Energy Assessments

Whether you’re looking for a quick piece of advice, a basic walk-through or a detailed, investment grade audit, our engineers are able to perform an energy assessment that will meet your needs. We offer ASHRAE Level I, Level II and Level III audits, each taking a “whole building” approach to analysis. The results are recommendations that improve total building efficiency. Once the assessment is complete, 360 Energy Group can work with you in hand to get these projects implemented, including applying for available incentives and grants. 

Level I*: Site Assessment or Preliminary Audits identify no-cost and low-cost energy saving opportunities, and a general view of potential capital improvements. Activities include an assessment of energy bills and a brief site inspection of your building. 

Level II*: Energy Survey and Engineering Analysis Audits identify no-cost and low-cost opportunities, and also provide energy efficiency measure (EEM) recommendations in line with your financial plans and potential capital-intensive energy savings opportunities. Level II audits include an in-depth analysis of energy costs, energy usage and building characteristics and a more refined survey of how energy is used in your building. 

Level III*: Detailed Analysis of Capital-Intensive Modification Audits (sometimes referred to as an “investment grade” audit) provide solid recommendations and financial analysis for major capital investments. In addition to Level I and Level II activities, Level III audits include monitoring, data collection and engineering analysis. 

*US Department of Energy, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, A Guide to Energy Audits, September 25, 2011, p.2. http://www.pnnl.gov/main/publications/external/technical_reports/pnnl-20956.pdf

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