Retrofitting, Energy Analysis, & Energy Star

Energy conservation can be done at a small scale such as changing lightbulbs, or large projects involving redesigning a whole building may be undertaken. The redesign of a previously built structure with poor energy efficiency is called retrofitting. Through retrofitting the building increases it's energy efficiency with a combination of modifications. There has been doubts over the success of retrofitting, but through the improvement and standardization of energy analysis, the benefits are clearly shown for each individual project. An energy analysis looks at the ways that energy can be saved through modifications in a building, and suggests what might be the best steps to take. In addition to energy analysis, the consumer now also has energy conservation standards set up for electronics, lighting, and other appliances through Energy Star. By becoming an informed consumer with the information provided by such services wise energy conservation choices can be made that will result in the maximum cost and energy savings.

Retrofitting
Over 40,000 retrofits monitored by U.S. utilities since the mid 70’s
Energy consumption fell by a quarter
A 23% annual return on the investment (1988)

The retrofits should have an efficiency of 70% or greater
New buildings that are energy efficient should have 80% efficiency

Problems
Can be poorly conceived
Market failures can reduce return
Small homes and buildings are not always willing to wait for the returns
Lack of information
Efficiency is cheapest when in place from the start

Energy Analysis
Occurring for 25 years

Past analysis were based on the ways energy was used and how it could be saved

Specific changes
Failed to see how the different energy efficiencies worked together
People could pick only the easiest measure with the quickest paybacks, and modifications that did not work together for better efficiency
Cost, payback, and time to receive payback presented
Conflicting and exaggerated claims, lack of guidance, and understanding of maintenance

1980’s – 1990’s first standards to define an acceptable analysis instituted

Energy Star
Begun by the EPA in 1998

Creates a set of standards and supporting documents for energy upgrade analysis

Goal = clearly state the magnitude and likelihood of savings expected from retrofits and installations

First phase: market and product research, as well as preliminary design for the actual performance specification

Energy Star's Approach
Found a lack of integration in the use of tools and practices for energy analysis

Focus is on dollars first and then Btu’s

How best to prevent pollution at a profit

Takes into account that the energy improvements may not have ideal conditions

Work with:
State energy agencies
Non-profits concerned with energy efficiency
Other federal agencies

Energy Star Exits
Energy Star approved exit signs use 5-watts or less
Other signs can use up to 40-watts

A single exit sign can save $10 annually on electricity costs

Can last up to 10 years without replacement
Usually less than 1 year for incandescent signs

Computers
Energy Star computers use 80% less energy than other computers when asleep 
An Energy Star laptop uses only 20% of the electricity as a desktop computer

What Else Can Be Done?
Utilities with cleaner services should be rewarded

Reward customers who use efficient practices

The government tends to advocate buildings with high efficiency and low lifetime cost, while choosing building contracts based on low initial cost

Make payback periods for efficiency modifications more appealing
In most cases the market stops ½ of all economically attractive efficiency improvements

Increase research in energy efficiency

Add cost of pollution to prices