There are many moving parts to a construction schedule. It’s a relief when a vendor or subcontractor can bundle their services.  When you select Energy incentives, INC for your Energy Efficiency Consultant we will help you optimize your 3^rd party energy efficiency programs.  Here’s an example of our bundled services for a Multifamily new construction project.

Consider this R2- 3story new construction apartment complex. It has mixed use on the 1^st floor and apartments on the 2^nd and 3^rd floor.  A total of 30 units.  All apartment entry doors faced into a common hallway. The builder chose a heat pump mini-spilt and an ERV located in the bathroom that runs on medium speed 24/7, with the ability to boast up manually to a higher speed when needed.  Located in Washington State the target to meet building code, for the air barrier test, was 25cfm/sq ft of the enclosure space.

GOALS

1. To maximize tax credits and utility rebates
2. To reduce financing charges
3. To keep to the established schedule and not disrupt other trades
4. To ensure durability and avoid indoor air quality problems
5. To determine how much solar energy the building owner would need to offset common area usage.

STRATEGY

MAKE A PLAN. After discussions with the builder, owner, and their CPA about their goals a strategy is formulated.

• Pursue the Energy Star Multifamily New Construction (ESMFNC) designation. Construct a computerized energy model with predicted results.
• Perform a Whole Building Air Tightness Test for building code and to input into the Energy Model.
• Review of the materials selected shows that by specifying products with low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) the owner/builder was within easy reach of Zero Energy Ready Homes (ZERH) designation. They will receive a 45L tax credit of $1,000 per unit.
• Energy Incentives will apply to the local electric utility for a rebate. In this area the utility pays $0.50/kwh saved in the first year, as predicted by our energy model.
• Upon completion, do the first Energy Star Benchmark. Repeat annually.
• Discuss with the lender about a reduction in the Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) using your ESMFNC designation and your recurring benchmark of over 75.

Positive Return on Investment

The Air Barrier Testing is required by the State Code.  It would be done regardless of other services.  For that reason, the cost of the Air Barrier Test is not included in are ROI analysis. More information about Essential Guide to Blower Door Test for New Construction.

Energy Incentives INC will set up 3 blower doors with a total of 6 fans.  We will pressurize and depressurize the entire building to 75pa according to ASTM E-779. If diagnostics are needed, we will include a thermal scan of the building to assist in locating air leaks. If required, we will schedule the test for a weekend to avoid disruption of other trades.  Estimated cost is $4,500

Costs Benefit Analysis

(estimated energy savings and MIP reduction)

Contact Energy Incentives, INC for your Whole Building Air Tightness test.  Consider these added services for the best cost/benefit to the builder and owner. Contact us for a bundled energy efficiency package.

About The Author

Lori Sanders

Lori Sanders is the owner and lead consultant for Energy Incentives, INC. Lori is a certified Energy Star Rater, PTCS certified, Level 1 and level 2 thermographer and holds advanced certificates in energy auditing and inspections. Lori has an Associate of Science degree in Engineering Technology and has years of practical experience in the field of energy efficiency.

Lori is passionate about sustainability as evidenced by her service to her community. She is an elected official to the Benton PUD Commission and has served on the Executive Board of Energy Northwest.

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