Johnson Controls: Your Energy Forum: Supply & Demand Archives

Free Seminars Show On-site Renewables Add Up
May 12, 2008

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Judith Mouton

It’s a simple equation. EE + RP = AP.

Okay, let’s spell it out. Energy efficiency plus renewable power equals accelerated progress toward sustainability goals.

That’s what a growing number of state and local governments, schools, universities, businesses and other organizations are discovering. They’re also finding that planning, funding and operating renewable energy facilities require some specialized know-how. The good news is help is now only a mouse click away.

We’re partnering with the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the International Facility Management Association on a series of free webinars to help organizations better understand some of the complexities of solar, wind, biomass, funding mechanism and other on-site renewable energy technologies. They’re geared toward all public sector markets. The seminars offer valuable, comprehensive and easy-to-understand information that will help anyone investigating the benefits of generating their own power from renewable sources.

On Thursday, May 22, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM (CDT), Derek Price will host a webinar on “Structuring the Deal: Funding Options and Financial Incentives for On-site Renewable Energy Projects.” Derek is a program manager for Renewable Energy Solutions at Johnson Controls. He’ll share his expertise in using cost savings from energy efficiency improvements to finance renewable energy projects. He’ll also discuss third-party ownership and other funding options, financial incentives offered by governments and other organizations, and ways to sell credits earned by generating renewable power.

On Tuesday, June 17, from 11:00 to 12:00 (CDT) William Guiney will host a webinar on “Solar Power: Lighting Up the Value of the Sun.” Bill is also a program manager for Renewable Energy Solutions at Johnson Controls. He will share his experiences as a contractor, educator and manufacturer of solar panels. The seminar will review applications, design, and engineering and installation of solar thermal and photovoltaic.

More information on the webinars and IFMA iSessions is available on both organizations' Web sites: Click here and here.

All webinar participants will receive a free white paper. Look for additional webinars on wind energy and solar power in the coming months.

I hope you’ll join us to learn how your organization can reach your sustainability goals faster by coupling on-site renewable energy with energy efficiency improvements to your facilities.

Judith Mouton, Renewable Energy Solutions Education Manager, Johnson Controls, Inc.
Judy collaborates with colleges, universities, and national associations in the development of renewable energy education curriculum and seminars. In addition, she educates public sector customers on potential grant funding sources for renewable energy projects.

Changing the World of Energy Starts with an Individual Showing Leadership
May 05, 2008

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By Darryll Fortune

When you hear about an award that honors “exemplary leadership in instituting and advancing energy efficiency in the United States and abroad,” it may seem like a lofty goal, but that’s just what the Energy Efficiency Forum’s Energy Leadership Awards is designed to recognize.

The Energy Leadership Awards were established in 1991 to honor public officials who have provided exemplary leadership in instituting and advancing energy efficiency in the United States and abroad. The awards are presented at the Energy Efficiency Forum, held this year June 10-11, 2008 in Washington, DC. The event, now in its 19^th year, is co-sponsored by the United States Energy Association and Johnson Controls, Inc.

This year’s theme, “What’s Happening Now and What’s Next?”, invites an examination of the energy leadership taking place in public and private sectors, and the potential impact on business and government that new energy and climate change policies from a new presidential administration could bring. The confirmed keynote speaker is Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, author of “The World is Flat.”

For almost two decades, the Energy Efficiency Forum has found plenty of suitable award winners. From the early recipients, such as then-Sen. John Glenn and then-Gov. Tom Ridge, the Forum has sought out a bipartisan representation of those who know the importance of energy efficiency. That’s because it really comes down to individuals and the impact and influence they yield in effecting a change in, well, climate.

Sometimes it’s the efforts of dedicated environmentalists, such as 1995 winner William K. Reilly, president of the World Wildlife Fund until taking over as administrator at the EPA in 1989. People who have it in their blood to do the right thing.
Some of the winners are those who have established and nurtured public-private partnerships, such as James Sullivan, Robert F. Ichord, Jr., Jefferson Seabright, J. Brian Atwood and Gordon Weynand from the U.S. Agency for International Development. These are people who understand it takes more than government mandates to establish an energy efficient ethic. It takes initiatives that involve businesses and industries, both in the United States and abroad, to enact large-scale energy efficiency enhancements that provide cost-savings for the betterment of the public: taxpayers, shareholders, community, patients, students and homeowners.
An increasingly larger group is local government leaders, such as former Baltimore Mayor and now Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, who are pushing forward legislation in response to cries from their constituents asking them to stop the bleeding from increasing utility prices.

At this year’s Forum, more individuals who have significantly contributed to energy efficiency initiatives will be honored in the following categories: Public Service, Mayor’s, Congressional, Governor’s, International and the prestigious Douglas Decker Lifetime Achievement Award.
Perhaps you want to nominate someone. Just submit names of individuals deserving of the award by filling out a nomination form at www.eeforum.net/awards.html. The deadline is Friday, May 16.

Darryll Fortune is the Director of Global Public Relations for Johnson Controls.

ENERGY STAR ® Keeps Plugging Along
October 29, 2007

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By Paul von Paumgartten
Director, Energy & Environmental Affairs
Johnson Controls

Hats off to ENERGY STAR! I’ve been working with this voluntary EPA/DOE program since its inception in the early 1990s as “Green Lights.” Considering that it’s a government program with limited resources for market research and promotion, ENERGY STAR has become a star in its own right. According to EPA’s 2006 survey:

More than 9,000 organizations are engaged in the ENERGY STAR program, helping Americans save more than $14 billion on energy bills while avoiding the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 25 million vehicles.
68% of American households recognized the ENERGY STAR label, and 73% had a high or general understanding of the label’s purpose.
Mentions of ENERGY STAR in local, regional, and national press now have an average circulation of 100 million per month.
More than 3,200 buildings, representing almost 575 million square feet, have earned the ENERGY STAR label for superior energy and environmental performance based on EPA’s building rating system.

And that’s the part I’m interested in. ENERGY STAR has encouraged many third-party organizations to integrate their standards into a burgeoning drive towards building certification, or at least industry recognition and awards. For instance:

LEED-EB ® Certification – An ENERGY STAR rating of at least 67 provides two points towards certification. A rating of 75 means four points.
Commercial/Corporate Real Estate - ENERGY STAR benchmarking earns one of the major points in BOMA’S 7-Point Challenge.
Counties: The National Association of Counties uses the ENERGY STAR Courthouse Campaign to promote energy reduction in county courthouses.
States: In his first act as chair of the National Governors Association, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced an initiative entitled "Securing a Clean Energy Future.” Details of the program are being developed, but they may include elements of Minnesota’s “Next Generation Energy Initiative.” That program includes a goal of having 1,000 commercial buildings in the state achieve the ENERGY STAR label by 2010.
Healthcare - The American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) has teamed with ENERGY STAR in the ASHE Energy Efficiency Commitment campaign, which requires benchmarking.

ENERGY STAR also addresses other organization’s buildings, including Higher Education, Hospitality, Industrial , K-12, Retail, Small Business and Congregations. See the ENERGY STAR website for more details.

As businesses and organizations try to figure out how to get their arms around their own climate footprint, I offer a starting spot. It’s right at the blue label.

Daring to Commit
July 16, 2007

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Branko Terzic
Global Regulatory Policy Leader, Energy Resources Group, Deloitte Services LP

Edited remarks at the 18th annual Energy Efficiency Forum

Energy efficiency is a moral obligation. Children understand this. It was evident in the acceptance comments of this year’s national Igniting Creative Energy Challenge, which awards grade, middle and high school student winners for innovation.

But, do we adults dare to commit?

One third of the world’s population of six billion souls still does not have any electricity service. Another third is poorly served. The remaining third which has adequate electric service has filled much of the atmosphere’s greenhouse gas holding capacity in creating its current standard of living. As this standard continues to grow, so does the extravagant use of energy.

Can we, in the developed world, tell those in lesser developed countries that the earth has no capacity to support their aspirations for a better standard of living? I think not.

The speakers at the 18th Annual Energy Efficiency Forum gave guidance as to where and how we can find solutions to the problem.

Jim Rogers, the CEO of Duke Energy, called for a "new paradigm" in the regulation of electricity services and for commitments from each individual. Rogers called on regulators to adopt regulations which will "engage incentives" for utilities to implement energy efficiency programs, and he called for an "individual commitment to take action."
U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), ranking Republican on the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Climate Warming and former chairman of the House Science Committee, called energy efficiency a priority in any global warming policy. Energy efficiency, according to Sensenbrenner, meets the standard of climate change solutions which must be "realistic, affordable, globally inclusive, and produce tangible results." Sensenbrenner reflected on differences among members of Congress on climate change issues but found common ground in supporting more energy efficiency measures.
Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, reminded the audience that consumer concerns about global warming and energy security were now matters covered regularly by the popular press. Recent issues of fashion, entertainment, health and business publications magazines had all featured cover stories on these topics. This public recognition may well be a factor in her optimism that currently pending energy efficiency and renewable energy legislation could be passed by Congress this session.
Omar Siddiqui, chief strategist for energy efficiency at the Electric Power Research Institute, provided estimates of the savings possible from a variety of market enabled energy efficiency programs supported by public policies, technology and the proper incentives.
German Ambassador Dr. Klaus Scharioth stressed the global aspect of the "linked issue of energy security and global climate." He called it "the most important issue of the 21st century." Reporting on the recent Group of Eight (G8) meeting, Scharioth said that energy efficiency was recognized by the G8 leaders as the "fastest way" to achieve green house gas reductions. Looking ahead, he anticipates the creation of a new international agreement of energy efficiency.
Dr. Samuel Bodman, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), discussed his agency’s recent programs in energy efficiency, including the DOE’s role in the implementation (at the department level) and monitoring (at the cabinet level) of the President’s January 25, 2007 directive on energy efficiency for federal government departments and agencies.

Thus the 18th Annual Energy Efficiency Forum included discussion of private, national and international efforts to address the linked issues of climate change and energy security through the application of energy efficiency programs. However, these programs are only the first and most immediately effective of the various programs needed to fully address these issues. But at what cost?

The United Kingdom’s report "The Economics of Climate Change: The Stern Review," released earlier this year, estimates that a 1 percent annual expenditure, starting today, would reduce the risk and cost of damages if we have the science right. If we do not have the science right, well, then we would still benefit. We would have hedged our risk. Some or much of the 1 percent expenditure will lead to the development of new technologies. These new technologies will likely have expected benefits in terms of energy security, jobs creation and even unforeseen benefits.

Thus energy efficiency expenditures today, most immediately producing economic benefit, become imperative. Expenditures on other programs would prudently need to follow. The 1 percent expenditure thus becomes an insurance premium we pay on a policy to protect our children and future generations. This is our moral responsibility. It is as simple as that.

We must "Dare to Commit!"

State of the Union: Energy is about Technology, Buildings and...
February 14, 2007

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The energy pundits certainly have had a field day in the aftermath of President Bush’s State of the Union speech (link to speech - http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/01/20030128-19.html)

Many of us were pleased to hear the President's plan for reducing U.S. gasoline usage, as alternative and renewable fuels are a very important part of our nation's energy future and they can contribute mightily to curbing greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also important to, as the President says, “press on with battery research for plug-in and hybrid vehicles."

While much of the focus is on America’s addiction to gasoline, in actuality, the transportation industry only consumes about one-quarter of our nation’s energy. Wouldn’t you think the pundits would be more focused on the area where there can be a bigger impact: Buildings

According to the American Institute of Architects, “Buildings account for forty-eight percent of U.S. energy consumption and generate far more greenhouse gas emissions than any other sector.” From schools and office buildings to big-box retailers and factories, all those structures use energy.

The good news is that something can be done, and it’s far easier than setting up biofuel stations around the country. It is always easier and cheaper to save energy than it is to create it. In fact, the president said, “In this century, the greatest environmental progress will come about not through endless lawsuits or command-and-control regulations, but through technology and innovation.”

Commercial, off-the-shelf technologies exist to save a third of almost any building’s energy use. Yes, Johnson Controls is in the business of high-tech building controls that help save energy and money. But there are dozens of innovative technologies – from better lighting and fixtures to insulation and new windows– that reduce energy and result in fewer greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.

The president’s commitment to energy efficiency in buildings was demonstrated the day after the State of the Union when he signed an executive order (link to http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/01/20070124-2.html) requiring federal agencies to lead by example by reducing energy and water use. Agencies also need to ensure that new construction and major renovation of existing buildings comply with sustainability principles.

Energy efficiency is too often overlooked in the energy policy debate. If we are to truly manage our energy needs and combat greenhouse gas emissions, we need a balanced portfolio of remedies, which includes a major focus on energy efficiency, particularly as it relates to buildings.

Energy Efficiency: Why not now? Why not you?
August 23, 2006

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During the first week of August this year all seven U.S. independent grid operators reported new record electricity demands. California hit three new peaks in three days. Other areas of the US reported similar records. The record electricity demand occurred even in states with aggressive demand reduction and conservation programs.

Were these conservation programs effective?

It’s hard to say. My guess is that some were and others were not.

Sure, one could say “It’s the weather, stupid” but there must be more going on when it comes to the growing peak demand in electricity in all areas of the US. For example, California’s peak last week was 20% above demand during its electricity crises of 2001-2002. And this is a state which has been recognized for leading the charge when it comes to conservation and efficiency!

Clearly more needs to be done. That’s where we all can do something.

After all, the potential savings from electricity efficiency and conservation, to the individual consumer, businesses and to society, have been well documented.

But, as Walt Kelly’s cartoon character Pogo reflected on Earth Day 1971 to his friend Porkypine “Yep, son, we have met the enemy and he is us.”

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