July Newsletter: News and Views

Click the image to watch our quick video explaining the benefits of EWRB

The IESO has announced an extension to the Ontario Regulation 506/18: Energy and Water Reporting and Benchmarking. The extension will allow reporting on 2022 energy and water data until October 31st, 2023.
Under the Reporting of Energy Consumption and Water Use regulation, buildings over 50,000 SqFt are required to report.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/report-energy-water-use-large-buildings#section-3

Energy and water make up some of the largest operating costs in a building. Reporting provides an opportunity to identify opportunities for energy efficiency, track usage and compare how your building stacks up to similar buildings.

Contact Energy@Work to assist with your 2023 EWRB reporting!


Statements issued by experts like Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), and Klaus Mueller, head of Germany's energy regulator, elicit concerns about the potential for rising energy prices and supply challenges during the upcoming winter.
 
The key factors influencing this situation are:
 

China's Economic Recovery:
China plays a crucial role in the global energy market, and its economic recovery from the pandemic could have significant implications. If China's economy gains momentum later in the year and leads to increased energy purchases, it could put upward pressure on energy prices in the global markets.
 
Winter Weather: The severity of the upcoming winter in the northern hemisphere is another critical factor. If the winter turns out to be harsher compared to the previous year, it can drive up energy demand for heating purposes, potentially leading to a surge in energy prices.
 
Energy Crisis in Europe: The energy crisis in Europe is not yet resolved, as pointed out by Germany's energy regulator, Klaus Mueller. While storage levels may be different from last year, the most significant determining factor for energy prices and supply remains the weather and the overall energy demand.
 
Given these factors, there is a possibility of energy prices increasing, which could lead to challenges in meeting energy demand, especially if there are supply shortfalls during the winter.
 
Governments may have to intervene and provide subsidies for energy consumption to alleviate the impact of rising prices and potential supply shortages. The situation remains uncertain, and the probability of experiencing an unusually warm winter like last year seems low, further adding to the uncertainty in energy prices and supply.
 
It is essential for governments, energy regulators, and the international community to closely monitor the energy market and take appropriate actions to ensure energy security and stability during this period of potential challenges.
 

Source:
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/IEA-Warns-Of-A-Spike-In-Energy-Prices-This-Winter.html


Energy@Work attended the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) webinar, "Leveraging EBCx to Develop a Long-Term Energy + Carbon Reduction Plan”. EBCx can indeed be a powerful tool in achieving energy efficiency and sustainability goals for buildings.

The key points for proper EBCx implementation include:

  • Proper Implementation: Understanding operations, funding, team skills, tenant feedback, and maintenance are essential for successful EBCx.

  • Collaboration: Effective communication and teamwork drive impactful energy efficiency improvements. Understanding building operations, securing funding, having a skilled team, gathering tenant feedback, and maintaining systems are all crucial aspects of a successful EBCx initiative.

The webinar provided an example of the significant impact of EBCx savings within the healthcare system, with each dollar spent resulting in approximately $20 worth of savings.

Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) was brought forward as it can be beneficial in identifying energy efficiency opportunities and system faults, but proper validation and calibration are necessary to ensure its effectiveness.


Energy@Work has been approved as an EBCx provider through the IESO. NRCan suggests a potential savings of 8 to 15%. There are also incentives available for organizations to participate in the EBCx program as well as an incentive for sustained savings.

Visit
www.Energy-Efficiency.com for more information or get in touch via Requests@Energy-Efficiency.com.
Additional information on the EBCx program can be found on the
IESO website.


The projected growth of smart lighting sales to USD $45 billion by 2028 indicates a significant increase in demand for smart lighting systems.

This growth is attributed to the combined benefits that these systems offer:
Lighting Efficiency: Smart lighting utilizes advanced technologies such as LED lighting and automated controls to optimize energy usage. By using less electricity than traditional lighting systems, smart lighting can lead to substantial energy savings for consumers and businesses alike. As energy efficiency becomes a priority in sustainable development, smart lighting solutions are likely to see increased adoption.
Tailored Lighting Solutions: One of the key advantages of smart lighting is its ability to customize lighting according to specific needs and preferences. Smart lighting systems can be programmed to adjust brightness, color temperature, and even ambiance, catering to different activities or times of day. This level of personalization enhances user comfort and convenience, making smart lighting an attractive choice for consumers.
Technological Advancements: Over time, smart lighting technology is expected to evolve and improve, offering more sophisticated features and seamless integration with other smart devices and home automation systems. As the technology becomes more user-friendly and accessible, it is likely to drive higher demand in the market.
Environmental Awareness: With increasing awareness of environmental issues and a growing focus on sustainable practices, there is a rising interest in energy-efficient and eco-friendly solutions like smart lighting. Governments and organizations may also incentivize the adoption of smart lighting to promote energy conservation.

The projected annual growth rate of over 20% indicates a strong upward trend in demand. This rapid growth suggests that more businesses and consumers are recognizing the benefits of smart lighting and are willing to invest in these systems to improve energy efficiency, save costs, and enhance their overall lighting experience.


Source:
https://www.reminetwork.com/articles/smart-lighting-market-poised-for-bright-future/


In June 2023, the GA cost was $0.789 billion. This is a 12% decrease from May 2023 GA ($0.893 billion) and a 10% decrease comparing June 2023 with April 2023 GA ($0.876 billion).

If we compare June 2023 with June 2022, there is a
2% increase ($0.763 billion).

With drastic GA cost changes monthly, Energy@Work continues to ask “why?”.
We provide a monthly review of GAM costs however the reason for the vast cost fluctuation remains unclear.

Energy@Work’s services includes a “GAM coach”. We maintain the importance of a GAM Strategy for Class A and Class B to win the (GAM)e.
Our collective savings have exceeded $10 million, and we look forward to continuing to assist.


As a Sr. Energy Manager, Edward will play a crucial role in helping a portfolio of clients achieve their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives. Edward provides his expertise by understanding root cause uses to achieve successful energy and GHG reduction strategies.

A few specific examples include:

  • Over 800 submissions to Ontario Regulation 506/18, the annual Energy and Water Reporting Benchmarking (EWRB)

https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r18506 and participating in the EWRB Data and Analytics Task Force

  • Millions saved from making informed electricity rate decisions

  • 5 active Energy Management Action Plans (E-MAP) that have contributed to 16 Million kWh savings

  • Presentation at the World RETScreen World Conference to help others appreciate this valuable NRCan tool and Co-authored article on Non-Routine adjustments in a pandemic

  • BOMA Toronto Global Adjustment (GA) Workshop to assist others in understanding the complex GA

  • Energy audits targeting 50% energy and GHG reduction targets

Edward's journey with Energy@Work began as a Co-op during his studies at Humber College. After this, he completed a white paper for Sustainable Building Canada that built on his capstone research project analyzing condominium EWRB data. Later, as an Energy Analyst, he supported the energy managers and enhanced his RETScreen skills. His commitment and passion for sustainability and building sciences were evident and he continued to grow into the Energy Manager role. His recent achievements include earning his Professional Measurement and Verification Analyst (PMVA) designation from Efficiency Valuation Organization. PMVA is essential in meeting Measurement and Verification requirements for the new IESO CDM programs.

Edward’s studies began on a different path. Edward graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Slavic Languages, Literature and Linguistics. This background provided a surprisingly supportive foundation in discovering and creating new opportunities, as his career path shifted to efficiency and providing sustainability solutions.

Beyond his professional achievements, Edward has a diverse range of talents and interests. In his personal life, he enjoys making and recording music with his band, Late Nite Snacks, which adds a creative and unique dimension to his character.

Energy@Work’s commitment to our clients and the environment is evident in our focus on increasing efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. We recognize that the key components of a successful strategy are People, Process, and Products, with an emphasis on the importance of informed and collaborative individuals working together to achieve common objectives. Edward's detail-oriented and team-player nature complements the company's values, ensuring that clients receive top-notch service and solutions.

Energy@Work is fortunate to have someone like Edward Newton on our team, and his expertise will undoubtedly contribute to our mission of creating a more sustainable future.

Congratulations once again to Edward on this well-deserved promotion!