There are lots of reasons to “go green” when it comes to electrical construction – it saves money and the environment. Buildings currently account for nearly 50 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions, and the design and construction of green buildings will have a significant impact on the effort to reduce these emissions. Richard's Electric will partner with you to implement the appropriate green energy solution and transform the design and construction of a building to be environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work.
What Are Energy Solutions?
Energy solutions are specific to the individual assets and goals of each customer, but each will usually include energy conservation, energy efficiency, and responsible energy production. Taking together, they create a holistic, integrated energy solution that powers buildings and communities with less waste and more efficiency.
Energy Conservation
Energy conservation means using less energy without impacting the occupants’ everyday activities or productivity. An important part of energy conservation is advanced controls on both the utility and customer sides of the electric meter. Electrical systems that automatically adjust lighting and environmental controls as daylighting and occupancy change are called "energy management systems." EMS helps reduce building operating and maintenance costs, as well as reducing energy waste.
Energy Efficiency
Reducing the power it takes for a building to operate is usually the first step an owner can take to cut operating costs, while also reducing a building’s environmental impact. Energy efficiency involves using more efficient materials and equipment to generate, transfer and use energy. Conservation can only save so much; a systematic approach to cutting energy use is necessary to be truly green.
Richard's Electric can perform an “energy audit” to determine how much power is being used and what systems are requiring the most. He can then offer a list of options for reducing power use or improving energy efficiency.
Responsible Energy Production
People and businesses that invest in alternative energy sources like solar photovoltaic panels and distributed generation have a lot to gain. However, they can only benefit if the technology and equipment necessary for alternative power is designed and installed correctly.
No one would have a roofer handle installation of a building’s main electrical service. Why then would a roofer be the choice for installing PV panels? The same safety and performance considerations apply for powering a building using alternative energy sources as they would for traditional electrical transmission and distribution.