Build a New Facility
Did you know?
Energy-efficient design and construction of new plants reduce operating costs and produce a facility that is modern, profitable and environmentally sound. An energy-efficient design offers the greatest opportunities for long-term energy and cost savings, and even short-term construction cost savings. The same is true for energy-efficient additions to existing facilities.
Key Resources
- Making the Business Case for Energy Efficiency (PDF, 12K)
- Title 24 standards from the CEC website
- Building resources from the CEC website
- Energy Design Resources for Builders website
- Industrial Design/Build Construction Contracts website
- Wise Rules for Industrial Efficiency (PDF, 1.2MB)
- Energy Efficiency Toolkit for Manufacturers (PDF, 980K)
- Advanced Buildings Technologies & Practices website
- Measurement and verification best practices (PDF)
There can be a number of formidable barriers to investing in energy efficiency, including technical knowledge, adequate finances and uncertainty about the capability of energy-saving equipment to perform as promised.
Since 2001, California's forward-thinking manufacturers have overcome these barriers and have been "flexing their power" with innovative energy conservation and efficiency projects that save energy and money. You can too!
Step 1: Investigate energy efficiency options
Conduct an energy audit to learn what equipment is using the most energy in your facility, and what actions you can take to start saving. Federal agencies, private companies and many utilities throughout California offer free on-site audits for manufacturing plants.
As a simple rule, the more energy efficiency upgrades you make to your facility, the more energy and money you save. Some recommended actions to consider include:
- Repair leaks in and install energy-efficient compressors. Optimizing a compressed air system can reduce energy use by 20% to 50%.
- Install management systems to reduce energy use by as much as 15%.
- Install a water booster pump system to reduce energy consumption by 80% and increase overall reliability.
- Lower fan speeds and turn off unnecessary fans to save up to 5% of your facility's total energy use.
Find more specific energy-saving features (PDF) you can incorporate into a retrofit project. These savings estimates are based on the energy use of current standard models. Older facilities can realize even greater savings. For more no-cost and good-investment energy-saving ideas, see Flex Your Power's Energy Saving Tips.
Step 2: Run a cost/benefit analysis of the energy efficiency project
Determine which options offer the best savings potential by performing a cost-benefit analysis, making sure to include both direct and indirect benefits. ENERGY STAR makes it easier by offering facility executives the ENERGY STAR online financial value calculator. Assess the measurable rate of return and present a compelling business case for your energy efficiency investments.
Rebates offered by utility companies further reduce the payback period for your facility!
Step 3: Find the information and products you need to start saving now
Flex Your Power has tools and resources to help your business save energy and money today:
Need help buying energy-efficient products?
- Learn about purchasing and procurement from ENERGY STAR
- Consult Flex Your Power's Product Guides to purchasing energy-efficient products for businesses.
Step 4: Measure your results
Measurement and verification (M&V) programs validate and improve predictions of system efficiencies, energy use and cost, in addition to providing management and investors the information they need to make an investment.
Helpful information on M&V protocols: