Rand Partners with NYSERDA for More Energy-Efficient Buildings

Variable frequency drives on distribution pumps can improve their operational efficiency, reducing wasted energy.

January 8, 2009 – RAND Engineering & Architecture, PC has become a partner in the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's (NYSERDA) Multifamily Performance Program, which helps developers and property owners improve the energy efficiency, health, safety, and durability of their buildings. As a partner in the program, Rand administers energy-savings projects from application through completion. Rand's major role in the program is providing energy audits in accordance with Building Performance Institute (BPI) and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards, a requirement for obtaining NYSERDA funding, such as performance incentives and reduced-interest-rate loans.

Enrolling

To enroll in the program, properties must first engage a performance partner such as Rand to submit an application. The next step is for the partner to conduct an energy audit on the building and determine the building's Energy Utilization Index. The EUI, which consists of the property's energy consumption and costs for the past several years, is compared to the EUI of similar buildings as a benchmark. The partner's BPI-certified professionals then survey the building's condition, systems, and components to identify areas for increasing energy efficiency and reducing costs. Based on the EUI and the survey findings, the performance partner works with the building owner to develop an Energy Reduction Plan, which includes a list of energy-saving measures and capital improvements to help the building reduce its annual energy consumption by at least 20%.

After the Performance Partner submits the Energy Reduction Plan to NYSERDA and receives approval, the partner helps the building owner solicit bids from contractors capable of undertaking the energy improvement projects. The partner also observes the work in progress to see whether the appropriate steps are being taken to achieve the targeted performance goals. Throughout the project the partner submits construction progress reports and contractor payment certifications and provides a new energy benchmark when the project is completed.

Funding

NYSERDA funding for buildings that improve their energy efficiency ratings comes in various forms. Standard performance incentives are based on the property's market classification (market-rate or affordable housing), original benchmark score, the number of units in the building, and by how many percentage points it surpasses the 20% energy-use reduction target. Additional incentives include low-interest New York Energy $mart Loans, and funding for advanced energy-saving measures such as electrical submetering, combined heat and power (cogeneration), and photovoltaic systems.

A Perfect Fit

"The NYSERDA Multifamily Performance Program fits perfectly with our expertise in heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, exterior, and roofing systems," said Rand's Principal and Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Team Leader Peter Varsalona, PE. "With BPI-certified professionals on staff and years of maintenance and upgrade experience, we look forward to helping property owners and developers operate their buildings more efficiently and economically, and providing residents with healthier, more comfortable homes."

For more information, visit NYSERDA's Multifamily Performance Program. To discuss how Rand can serve as your NYSERDA partner, please contact us at 212-675-8844; info@randpc.com.

Energy Audit Fact Sheet