As the trusted energy advisor to properties managed by FirstService Residential, FS Energy recommends ways to improve efficiency while reducing operating costs and carbon emissions.
Since 2009, FS Energy has helped FirstService Residential properties save more than $23 million while reducing their carbon footprint by 15.6%.
Energy costs can comprise 30% of an association’s budget—the single largest controllable expense.
uu Electricity Purchasing Programs uu Natural Gas Purchasing Programs uu Energy Assessments uu Energy Report Cards uu Energy Benchmarking Compliance
Learn how we can help your property by contacting us at Info@FSEnergyServices.com or (312) 788-6089.
Energy Use Benchmarking Ordinance Compliance Chicago’s Building Energy Use Benchmarking Ordinance requires residential buildings larger than 50,000 square feet to track whole-building energy use, report to the City annually, and verify data accuracy every three years. Improving energy efficiency is a key element of Sustainable Chicago 2015, Mayor Emanuel’s action agenda to make Chicago more livable, competitive, and sustainable. FS Energy will ensure that your property is in compliance with this ordinance by completing all of the steps required by the City’s Compliance Checklist. This includes: 1. Benchmarking annual energy use: We will track basic building information and whole-building energy use (electricity, natural gas, and any other fuels, including common spaces and tenant-occupied spaces) using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, the EPA’s online tool. 2. Verify energy data accuracy: As a licensed professional recognized by the City, we will review your building’s energy and building data every third year for accuracy. 3. Report to the City: Each year, in advance of the June 1st deadline, we will send benchmarking data to the City using the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool.
The energy management and advisory subsidiary of FirstService Residential
FS Energy takes a unique, holistic approach to energy management by applying state-of-the-art data analysis to evaluate a property’s energy consumption. We then customize cost-effective solutions that reduce energy expenses, boost efficiency, and shrink environmental impact.
FS Energy Aggregation Purchasing Program Offering FirstService Residential properties an exceptional opportunity for savings The FS Energy Aggregation Purchasing Program leverages the combined energy utilization of properties managed by FirstService Residential to successfully negotiate lower-than-standard rates for natural gas and electricity from local utilities—enabling our clients to pay considerably less. When aggregated groups purchase large blocks of energy, they can benefit by negotiating discounted prices. In the last three years, participating buildings have saved millions of dollars in electricity and natural gas costs compared to rates charged by ComEd, Nicor Gas, or Peoples Gas. Participating properties receive an “FS Energy Aggregation Tracker Report” which includes a month-over-month comparison of the supply costs through the FS Energy program versus the supply charge if electricity and/or natural gas were purchased directly from the utility providers during the same period.
FS Energy Assessments FS Energy efficiency experts visit properties managed by FirstService Residential to evaluate their systems and equipment and look for opportunities for improvement OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
ENERGY CONSERVATION
A measure of all the services required to ensure that a property’s systems perform per design and owner requirements.
A measure of capital improvements that focus on retrofit or replacement of specific systems.
These no- or low-cost measures can enhance overall building performance immediately.
According to the US Department of Energy, well-executed O&M programs can save 5% to 20% on annual energy bills without significant capital investments.
These include electrical and lighting systems, HVAC systems, building envelope, and domestic hot water systems.
Replacing systems that are near or at the end of their useful life with more advanced technology and efficient systems will begin saving energy and money almost immediately.
ENERGY ASSESSMENT REPORT The information is compiled into an Energy Assessment Report that includes recommended measures for improvement. The Energy Assessment Team can also recommend vendors and contractors who are able to provide the best efficiency solutions.
FS Energy Report Cards Report Cards provide an in-depth look into a building’s actual energy usage, costs, and efficiency and show the potential for improvement FS Energy has developed a state-of-the-art system to record and analyze current and historical energy With data, including energy use and cost, building statistics and operating equipment. This this detailed data is used to benchmark energy cost, report, properties consumption, and carbon emissions so they can be compared over time. in the FirstService The data is also used to identify peak demand, areas of high cost, and spikes throughout the year as well as to estimate potential annual savings through improved energy efficiency. All of this information is used to create a customized FS Energy Report Card for your property.
Residential portfolio are the most informed in the industry when it comes to operational efficiency.
Benchmarking allows FS Energy to compare the energy usage and cost between similar buildings and provide an efficiency ranking—called a Building Energy Rating Guide (BERG) Score—of 0 (lowest) to 10 (highest). This enables FS Energy to provide accurate projections on the potential for improvement. Weather patterns are tracked allowing our team to normalize usage and cost against a 30-year average. This prevents extreme weather conditions from affecting the results and scoring accuracy. The graphical representations inside your FS Energy Report Card help to identify where the most cost-effective improvements can be made.
Contact our energy specialists to learn how our energy solutions can help your property reduce costs and improve efficiency while helping the environment.
The energy management and advisory subsidiary of FirstService Residential 303 East Upper Wacker Drive, Suite 1900 Chicago IL 60601 (312) 788-6089 Info@FSEnergyServices.com www.FSEnergyServices.com