

Persistence of Energy Savings after an Energy Assessment
A third party Energy Assessment for an existing building is a proven method to identify and implement Energy Conservation Measures (ECM’s) to effectively reduce energy consumption and costs. An Energy Assessment conducted by VCA Green for Shift Apartments located in...

Getting Your HVAC and Lighting Systems Ready for Summer
As seasons change, building equipment functions also need to adapt. Ignoring changes to weather often causes building owners to suffer higher utility costs and causes occupant discomfort and complaints. If seasonal settings are addressed correctly, the Department of...

Top 3 Ways to Extend the Lifespan of Your Water Heater
Water heaters are a home appliance that doesn’t receive much attention throughout the course of a year. If hot water is being delivered, people are happy with the result; however, a domestic hot water system requires regular maintenance if you want to save money and...

Photovoltaic Panels + Storage Provide Resiliency and Contribute to LEED Point Potentials
Energy storage systems can support sustainability initiatives and provide energy cost reduction and resiliency solutions. Particular benefits include: providing a source of backup power; peak shaving and load shifting for participation in incentivized utility...

3 Reasons for an Early Sustainability Feasibility Study for Your Project
When engaged in cost assessment or early schematic design, building owners and design teams often struggle determining how evolving green building and energy codes will impact their projects. Additionally, agencies are applying above-code requirements such as...

Simplifying Title 24: The Importance of Experienced Energy Efficiency Consultants
When discussing energy efficiency, it is critical to remember the reasoning behind a “greener” build. Sustainability is the goal of all buildings, but more importantly, green sustainability eliminates unwanted costs and unnecessary maintenance down the road for future...

2022 Zero Code: A Roadmap for Buildings with Net Zero Emissions in California
Are code-mandated zero carbon emissions in the future for California? There are many factors that are pushing buildings in that direction. The Building Energy Efficiency Standards (BEES) are requiring higher levels of energy efficiency with every code cycle....

Top 5 Things You Should Know About Enterprise Green Communities
Enterprise Green Communities 2020 is a recently published certification which aims to address challenges and goals presented by affordable housing providers. The program has its origins in developer Jim and Patty Rouse’s ambitious vision of ending poverty in the U.S....