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"commercial"

Oct

2016

Montgomery County announces first Commercial PACE project application and groundbreaking

Montgomery County is proud to announce the first accepted application into the County’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing program. The project at the Shady Grove Professional Building and the adjacent Comfort Inn Shady Grove in Gaithersburg, Maryland, owned by Rock Grove Associates LTD Partnership, is the first C-PACE project recognized in the State of Maryland.

What is C-Pace?

In March 2015, Montgomery County established a C-PACE program to assist qualifying commercial property owners to achieve energy savings with innovative financing. With C-PACE, commercial, multifamily, industrial, and nonprofit building owners can finance energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades to their properties. C-PACE financing can cover up to 100% of project costs and is repaid as a long-term surcharge on the property tax bill.

“With our first C-PACE project underway, Montgomery County continues to be at the forefront of improving energy efficiency in the state,” said County Executive Ike Leggett. “Making energy improvements easier to finance and implement will improve our building stock and attract new businesses while reducing the County’s carbon footprint.”

The First C-PACE Project

The Shady Grove Professional Building and Comfort Inn Shady Grove project includes energy-efficient HVAC upgrades, boiler replacements, LED light installations, and building envelope improvements. Project construction is currently underway and is expected to be complete by December 2016.

Comfort Inn Shady Grove in Gaithersburg, Maryland

“We are fortunate to have worked with Recurrent and Greenworks Lending to be the first C-PACE efficiency project in Montgomery County and the state of Maryland. This project allows us to materially improve our buildings comfort for our guests and office employees, upgrade the equipment to be more energy efficient, and significantly reduce our carbon footprint,” remarked Bob Eisinger, Managing Member of ProMark Real Estate Services, LLC, and Agent of Rock Grove Associates LTD Partnership. When finished, this project is expected to save more than 1,600 million Btu of energy—enough energy to power 35 homes for a year. When considering all of the energy upgrades combined, this project has a payback period of less than 10 years and is expected to reduce the buildings’ operating costs by approximately $140,000 each year.

Shady Grove Professional Building in Gaithersburg, MD

Benefits of C-PACE for Montgomery County

The County’s C-PACE program has become a model for the rest of the state. Not only can building owners improve performance and reduce operation costs for their buildings, but C-PACE helps the County meet its ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050. “The beauty of this program is that it costs nothing to the County while providing for real improvements that will reduce demand from our electricity grid and increase the use of renewable energy. An owner of a commercial property – from a car wash facility to a large office building – can secure a cost-effective way of improving their building and our environment,” said Councilmember Roger Berliner, chair of the Montgomery County Council Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee and lead sponsor on Bill 11-13, which directed the County to develop a PACE program.

EV charging stations outside of the Comfort Inn Shady Grove

Recurrent, LLC, a Rockville-based building energy contractor, worked with Rock Grove Associates LTD Partnership to identify the upgrades and is responsible for managing and completing the project. Through a competitive process, the County selected PACE Financial Servicing to administer the C-PACE program and Greenworks Lending as the County’s designated lender in November 2015.

The County’s C-PACE program is jointly managed by the Department of Finance and Department of Environmental Protection. Visit our website to learn more about the C-PACE program in Montgomery County. See the BENCHMARKED profile from September 2015 describing efforts to benchmark the energy use of the Shady Grove Professional Building.

Nov

2014

Commercial energy benchmarking forum video

On Thursday, November 6th, 2014, the city of Rockville, the Montgomery County U.S. Green Building Council – National Capital Region and the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection hosted the Commercial Benchmarking Introductory Forum. Continue reading →

Jul

2018

Takoma Park’s Gina Mathias is always up for a challenge

At DEP, we truly believe that our partners are key to making Montgomery County as green as it can be. This “Partners in Energy” series profiles a local leader, advocate, or trailblazer who is dedicated to improving energy efficiency and helping the county realize its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by the year 2050. Find out more about them in their own words.

This installment highlights Gina Mathias, Sustainability Manager for the City of Takoma Park.

Want to be featured as our next Partner in Energy? Send us an email!

My Green Montgomery: When did you first become interested in energy and climate change?

Gina Mathias: Thanks to my Dad who took me hiking, many summers at a sleepaway camp, and teachers who understood climate science before the evidence was conclusive, I became interested in climate at a young age.

My real passion for energy was fostered while working for a local energy auditing company where I learned about Home Performance, building science, and energy efficiency while directing energy efficiency projects at multi-family buildings.

Gina Mathias

MGM: What do you find most interesting about energy issues in Montgomery County?

Mathias: I think the variety and breadth of energy issues in Montgomery County are interesting. The County has to work on residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, and even agricultural energy use issues. This creates a complex challenge for the county, but also a deep well of resources for its communities.

For example, the commercial PACE program and Green Bank are excellent innovations that sustainability managers like myself can draw upon when working with the community.

MGM: Can you describe what you do in your role as Sustainability Manager?

Mathias: My main role is to implement Takoma Park’s 2014 Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP). The SEAP has 17 key strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions city wide. The city is more than halfway through implementation of the plan, and I’ll be working on an update in fiscal year 2019 to ensure we continue to strive for deeper reductions in emissions. I’m responsible for managing the city’s greenhouse gas disclosure and coordinating with regional and national partners and programs relating to climate and energy.

I also work on a variety of other sustainability issues in the city including serving as the city representative on the Montgomery County GreenFest planning committee; serving as an energy coach and answering resident questions about energy efficiency and sustainability issues; increasing electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the city; and much more!

MGM: How does your day-to-day work impact residents of Takoma Park?

Mathias: Some of the work I do benefits residents directly, such as the energy efficiency grants and rebates that are now available to residents.

MGM: What has been your proudest moment in your position?

Mathias: I am incredibly proud of Takoma Park’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. In 2017, Takoma Park was named the Sustainable Maryland Certified Champion for achieving the most points of any community certified.

Takoma Park also won third place in the national, years-long Georgetown University Energy Prize competition. These achievements were only possible because of the high rates of participation and involvement from residents, businesses, and staff in the city, and that is what makes Takoma Park a great place to work.

MGM: What projects are you working on now that we should be watching?

Mathias: This summer I am challenging everyone in Takoma Park to choose 100% renewable energy at their home or business. Everyone in Maryland has the option to choose renewable, but by my estimate only about 5-6% of residents are buying clean power. We can do better than that! This is one of the easiest, fastest, and cheapest, ways we can make a big impact on our carbon footprints.

To make the process as easy as possible to switch to renewable energy, Takoma Park researched suppliers through an open-bid process and selected CleanChoice Energy as the city’s partner for the challenge. Residents and businesses can choose any supplier they like and still earn challenge points.

CleanChoice was selected for the following reasons:

Product: Locally generated! 99% wind and 1% solar
Price: $0.086 per kWh
Contract: No cancellation fees. 12 month guaranteed price.
Certified B Corporation
Local company headquartered in Washington, D.C.
Anyone with a Pepco account can participate, nothing to install.
Rebates for qualified low income households

Our goal is 25% of all Pepco accounts in the city to be 100% renewable energy by September 30, 2018. You can check in on how we are doing.

Gina’s dog also cares about saving energy and turns off the computer when done.

MGM: What’s your favorite way to save energy in your home or workplace?

Mathias: At home I have a NEST thermostat that has a mind of its own. I set the program from my phone, and it can put the house into ECO mode all on its own, forcing us to save energy. I’ve installed most of the usual “low-hanging fruits,” such as LED bulbs, fans for summer, low-flow aerators and showerhead, etc. I also try to practice energy-smart behavior, like using cold water for laundry and even washing my face.

But probably my favorite way to save energy happens at work where building-automation technologies help out. Features like motion-sensor lighting, energy-save mode and auto-turn off on office equipment, and thermostat programs make it so easy to save energy. I hope to incorporate more building-automation technology into my home too.

MGM: Outside of your role, what other activities or interests do you have?

Mathias: I have a number of crafty hobbies and a home pottery studio where I make ceramic bowls, cups, and vases. My husband and I enjoy traveling whenever we get the chance, rock climbing, and hiking. I also find myself with a long list of home improvement projects for our 1951 home.

Jul

2018

Explore DEP’s new interactive energy benchmarking map

Certain non-residential commercial buildings that are 50,000 square feet and greater are subject to Montgomery County’s Building Energy Benchmarking Law. Each calendar year (CY), building owners need to benchmark the energy use of eligible buildings located in the county in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and report it to the County for public disclosure.

To better visualize the benchmarking data the County receives every year, DEP developed an interactive GIS map that highlights relevant covered building details, including:

Location
Property type
Square footage
Year built
Energy metrics
ENERGY STAR score (if available)
Compliance status
Owner of record

In addition to viewing plotted points on a map of Montgomery County, there are also a handful of chart and graph views in the GIS platform as well, including pie charts summarizing property types in the County and average ENERGY STAR score by property type.

As of July 2018, the data in the GIS tool include CY 2016 data for County public buildings and Group 1 private buildings (250,000 square feet and greater). CY 2017 building data for all covered buildings 50,000 square feet and greater will be available in October 2018.

All of the publicly disclosed data and reports summarizing the implementation of the benchmarking program are available on DEP’s website.

Explore all the data filters and search functions to see how commercial buildings in the County are performing. Please note, the beta visualization of the data collected by the County is a work in progress. We invite you to submit feedback to energy@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Jun

2018

Dawson’s Market bans plastic straws

On Thursday, June 21, Dawson’s Market took another step in their commitment to environmental sustainability and stewardship by banning the use of single-use plastic straws in store.

Single-use plastic straws are one of the most pervasive forms of plastic waste, and incredibly destructive to our oceans and environment. Too many end up in our oceans.

Dawson’s has replaced plastic straws with compostable straws made from non-toxic, agricultural by-products, and annually renewable plant-based materials. These options require less energy to produce than products made from petroleum and turn fully to dirt within 3 to 6 months in a commercial composting facility.

Shoppers are also encouraged to carry their own reusable stainless steel straws or choose to go straw-less for beverages.

Dawson’s was recognized in 2017 by the Rockville Mayor and City Council for Outstanding Leadership in Environmental Practices by a business.

Jun

2018

Updates to ENERGY STAR® building metrics coming this August

If you benchmark one or more properties in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager®, you’ll likely see a change in your buildings’ 1-100 ENERGY STAR scores and other source energy metrics after August 26, 2018.

That’s because EPA is updating performance metrics in Portfolio Manager based on the most recent market data available. This is part of EPA’s standard process to keep ENERGY STAR metrics as current as possible, and reflective of current market performance.

Which property types will be affected?

Because source energy metrics are being updated, all buildings benchmarking in Portfolio Manager are likely to see a change in at least some performance metrics. The following 1–100 ENERGY STAR score models will also be updated:

Bank branches
Courthouses
Financial offices
Hotels
Houses of worship
K-12 schools
Offices
Retail, including retail store and wholesale club/ supercenter
Supermarkets
Warehouses, including refrigerated, non-refrigerated, and distribution centers

How will this impact my ENERGY STAR score?

The 1-100 ENERGY STAR score compares your building’s energy performance to that of similar buildings nationwide.

The most recent market data available shows an overall improvement in the energy performance of the U.S. building stock in recent years. So when Portfolio Manager metrics are updated this August, ENERGY STAR scores and other performance metrics will, on average, go down.

Exact score changes for specific buildings or portfolios will not be available prior to the August 2018 release. Your individual building’s ENERGY STAR score may increase or decrease, depending on your energy use, fuel mix, business activity, property type, and other variables.

What else is changing besides updates to 1-100 ENERGY STAR scores?

In addition to updates to 1-100 ENERGY STAR score models, there will be two other changes included in the August 2018 metric updates:

Data center estimates: There will be a new option to use estimated energy use for data centers. This option is designed for smaller data centers, within another property type, and where it’s not practical to measure IT energy use.
Source energy factor: The source energy factor helps level the playing field for different fuel types by tracing the energy requirements of the building back to the raw fuel input (coal, gas, steam, hydro, etc.). Based on the national average, the new national source electric factor will be slightly lower. However, performance metrics could increase or decrease depending on the building’s fuel-mix ratio, though changes based on this update alone with be comparatively small in magnitude.

What is the new available market data?

For most types of commercial buildings, the 1–100 ENERGY STAR score is based on the Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey, which is conducted every four years by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration.

The latest CBECS data became available in 2016 and is based on the results of the 2012 survey.

When will the changes take effect?

The release date for all updated metrics is August 26, 2018. Users will see the updated metrics when they log in to Portfolio Manager on Monday, August 27.

The new calculations will be applied across all time periods, which means your scores and metrics for all historical benchmarking data will change—however if you previously earned the ENERGY STAR for your building, your building will be able to retain that recognition.

After the metric updates are implemented, EPA will not be able to provide “before and after” score changes for individual buildings or portfolios. If you anticipate needing to document changes, you can download your pre- and post-update metrics in Excel using Portfolio Manager reports. Instructions for downloading those reports are available here.

Can I apply for 2018 ENERGY STAR certification early?

YES! Apply now for ENERGY STAR certification…especially if your score is close to 75.

Applications submitted by July 26, 2018 will be assessed using currently available (pre-update) scores. Applications received before July 26, 2018, and which require no significant follow-up or changes, will be guaranteed to be approved and awarded certification using the existing score models.
Applications received July 26 – August 26 are not guaranteed to be approved prior to the score changes.
Applications received after August 26 will be evaluated using the updated score models.

All buildings that earned 2017 ENERGY STAR certification will be eligible to apply for 2018 certification using a “Year Ending Date” of April 30, 2018 or earlier. Note that EPA will not rescind prior ENERGY STAR certifications.

How can I learn more?

Visit energystar.gov/scoreupdates for details about the updates, guidance on how to prepare for the updates, and a communication toolkit for sharing this news with your stakeholders.

You can also join a webinar or view a recorded webinar at https://esbuildings.webex.comtto learn more.

May

2018

2018 Recycling Recognition Achievement Awards

As part of Montgomery County’s 19th annual Recycling Awareness Week, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recognized outstanding achievements in waste reduction, reuse and recycling.

County Executive Isiah Leggett was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his personal commitment to reducing waste and recycling, and his vision, advocacy and leadership which have guided the County to continuously strive for progressive, responsible and sustainable waste and materials management both now, and into the future.

Leggett, joined by the Chief of the Division of Solid Waste Services, Willie Wainer, recognized and thanked each of the recipients for their dedication and commitment to protecting the environment through their efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle. Leggett also spoke of the County’s initiatives to further reduce generated waste and increase recycling achievement towards the County’s 70% recycling goal.

Recognition was given for the following efforts:

highest recycling achievement for businesses and multi-family properties that recycled more than 70 percent of their waste stream generated during calendar year 2017;
innovative waste reduction, reuse and/or recycling programs that minimized the amount of solid waste disposed;
outstanding educational programs to increase overall recycling awareness and motivation; and
revitalized efforts to increase waste reduction, reuse and recycling programs.

Awards were presented to the following recipients in several categories:

Waste Reduction and Recycling Champions

Eight community champions were recognized for their individual efforts to increase overall awareness of waste reduction, reuse, recycling, buying recycled products, and grasscycling and backyard composting to others in the community or at their workplace; including several recycling program volunteers who contributed their time and talents to support the County’s waste reduction and recycling efforts. The following were recognized for their contributions to increase awareness and participation in the County:

Anna Nardone, Derwood
Sohjin Seo, Rockville
Minjae Sohn, Rockville
Minwoo Sohn, Rockville
Lincoln Hallen, Rockville
Susan Bawer, The Perry Apartments at Park Potomac, Potomac
Bruce Mackey – Recycling Committee, Maplewood Park Place, Bethesda
Dapo Awe, United Therapeutics, Silver Spring.

Multi-Family Property Highest Recycling Achievement

The following multi-family properties were recognized for their robust efforts to reduce waste and recycle 70 percent or more of their waste stream in 2017:

Gold: Cherry Knoll Apartments, Germantown
Silver: Eastern Avenue Apartments, Silver Spring
Bronze: The Estates at Quarry Spring, Bethesda
Honorable Mention: Avalon at Traville, Rockville
Honorable Mention: Kentlands Manor, Gaithersburg

Multi-Family Property Innovative Waste Reduction, Reuse and Recycling Programs

Recognition went to the following multi-family properties that implemented or enhanced their waste reduction initiatives and/or voluntarily recycled significant quantities of materials that further reduced the overall amount of solid waste generated at their property:

The Birches, Silver Spring
The Bonifant at Silver Spring, Silver Spring
Sudbury House, Silver Spring

Multi-Family Property Outstanding Educational Programs to Increase Recycling Awareness

The following multi-family properties were recognized for their efforts to provide a higher level of education, training and awareness to their residents and property staff in an engaging manner to increase overall awareness and participation in their on-site recycling program:

Asbury Methodist Village, Gaithersburg
Lofts 24 Condominium, Silver Spring
Willow Manor at Colesville, Silver Spring

Business Highest Recycling Achievement

The following businesses and organizations were recognized for their robust efforts to reduce waste and recycle 70% or more of their waste stream in 2017:

Gold: Pepco Rockville Service Center, Rockville
Silver: Emergent BioSolutions, Gaithersburg
Bronze: Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated Silver Spring Production, Silver Spring

Business Innovative Waste Reduction, Reuse and Recycling Programs

Businesses that were recognized for their efforts to implement or enhance their waste reduction and reuse initiatives and/or voluntarily recycled significant quantities of materials that further reduced the overall amount of solid waste generated at their workplace:

Village Montessori School, LLC, Montgomery Village
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Rockville
Founding Farmers – Park Potomac, Potomac; and The Heights School, Potomac

Business Outstanding Educational Programs to Increase Recycling

The following businesses, non-profit organizations, and government facilities were honored for their efforts to provide a higher level of education, training and awareness to their employees and customers in an engaging manner to increase overall awareness and participation in their on-site recycling program:

The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda
Norge Laundry & Dry Cleaning, Silver Spring
YoYo Café, Silver Spring

Business Revitalized Recycling Programs

Recognition was awarded to the following businesses and commercial properties for their efforts to revitalize their waste reduction, reuse and recycling programs to increase the opportunities for their employees, customers, and visitors to reduce waste, reuse and recycle more materials:

6001 Montrose Road, Rockville
Colesville Exxon, Silver Spring
The RMR Group LLC – 1401 Rockville Pike, Rockville

Detailed information about each of the award recipients is available on the DEP website at montgomerycountymd.gov/recycling.

May

2018

Seeking Solar: Homeowners turn to the sun for an energy assist

Easier to install than ever, solar power is proving to be a go-to for homeowners looking to reduce electricity costs as well as their greenhouse gas emissions.

Solar power is arguably the cleanest and most reliable form of renewable energy available. As a result, many Montgomery County residents are considering it to help power their homes.

But how easy is it to go solar?

According to Bala Srini, an area homeowner who has worked for more than a decade as a green building consultant in Montgomery County, the process isn’t too complicated.

“I was keen to explore solar to reduce my environmental footprint and also my first energy bills,” he said. “Going solar was an easy answer for me to cut down my personal carbon footprint.”

In September 2016, Srini and his family moved into their new single-family home in Clarksburg.

“I started to call and talk to solar companies within three to four months of moving,” Srini said. Eventually he narrowed it down to two companies, both of which completed a site survey and gave a preliminary design in March 2017. By August, everything was finalized, although installation didn’t happen until the next January because black mat finish PV panels were requested, which took a bit longer.

The new system produced 296.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) in the first two weeks and will generate about 600 kWh per month, or 7,200 kWh for the year.

In 2017, the family averaged about 528 kWh of electricity consumed per month (6,335 kWh for the entire year) – which means the system will meet or exceed 100% of the electricity his family will use.

Ways to Save Energy

If a homeowner wants to have a solar system installed, there are several options. Buying the entire system requires cash upfront, but selling renewable energy certificates (RECs) could help offset the initial out-of-pocket costs. This option also allows the homeowner to benefit from federal and state tax rebates and credits.

Using a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) reduces the upfront costs to zero, but many solar companies require homeowner contracts to purchase all the power that the system produces at a locked-in rate. Srini chose this option and was able to get a guaranteed rate of $.08 per kWh, which is better than the Maryland state average of nearly $.13 per kWh.

Leasing agreements are similar to PPAs, but the homeowner also pays an additional cost towards the equipment, which they will then own at the end of the contract.

If your home isn’t a good candidate for solar, you can participate in the Maryland Community Solar Pilot Program, which allows you to either purchase or lease a “share” in a community solar project or start a project with your neighbors. An energy bill credit is received each month for the energy your share produces. This program also gives renters and apartment dwellers a way to support solar power.

A close-up view of Srini’s solar readings

Other solar options include participating in a solar cooperative, where homeowners take advantage of collective buying power to install PV systems more economically. Montgomery County is home to a number of successful solar co-ops, thanks to the organizing efforts of the Solar United Neighbors of Maryland.

If your home already has solar, you can add energy storage to your system, which allows for energy storage during the day to be used at night or during a power outage. And if you install energy storage in 2018, there is a new Maryland state tax credit you can take advantage of for both residential and commercial properties.

Trimming the Fat

In addition to the solar conversion, Srini did a few other things to help make his home more energy efficient, including changing almost all of the light bulbs from the CFLs the builder supplied to LEDs.

He also used a $150 Washington Gas rebate to get a Nest thermostat (final cost was $100) with a second Nest Thermostat provided for free by his solar company. Both of them are controlled from a smartphone, as are outdoor porch and garage lights, the garage door, and the security system.

“All of these controls give me more ways to save energy,” Srini said.

Where to Start

The best way to see if solar is right for you may be to just call a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)-certified solar installer and ask questions.

“I highly encourage all homeowners to consider talking to residential solar companies, even if you don’t have any idea what is this all about,” Srini added.

“The best way to go about it is to contact at least three solar companies, short list at least two to do your roof survey and prepare your design. With that design and offered panels, compare them both and select one company. Also get them to explain all available options to buy/lease or power purchase agreement. Talk to them about warranty issues too.”

Apr

2018

TBC Hotels take care of business to lower energy usage

A focus on upgrades and infrastructure enhancements helped one hotel morph from a high-energy consumer to an efficient energy user in no time flat. In November 2016, The Bernstein Companies (TBC) acquired the DoubleTree by Hilton Bethesda – Washington DC, a 47-year-old hotel. The hotel is managed by TBC Hotels, a division of The Bernstein Companies. Immediately, TBC realized more could be done with the building to save energy. Eighteen months after its acquisition by TBC, electricity costs are down $40,000, natural gas costs have fallen $11,000 and water and sewer expenses have dropped $7,000. How did they do it?

Saving via Sustainability

First, the company, which prides itself on its commitment to conducting business in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner, decided where they wanted to begin.

“From a project analysis standpoint, we first look at eligible rebates and factor that into our ROI and payback time analysis,” TBC Hotels Asset Manager Alec Sherman said. “The hotel was built in 1971, and upon takeover, we realized a number of efforts could be undertaken to reduce and conserve energy.” An energy audit done in 2011 by the hotel’s previous owners helped TBC build a game plan. They targeted energy and water efficiency projects such as:

replacing 211 packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC) units, which is estimated to save the hotel 118,815 kWh per year,
enhancing infrastructure systems like boosting hot water tanks and pumps and modernizing elevators,
installing occupancy-based guest room controls for heating and cooling,
upgrading water fixtures,
purchasing new hot water storage tanks,
on-demand kitchen hood controls,
replacing two heat pump units and three public space air handling units, and
doing preventative maintenance on the main plant HVAC system.

“Our PTAC project was eligible for PEPCO electricity incentives offered through the EmPOWER Maryland Program,” said Sherman, adding that an additional 20 units will be replaced this year. “With the combined 231 ordered, we are looking at approximately $18,000 in rebates.” TBC also installed LED lights into existing fixtures in the building’s three-story, 146-space parking garage. The cost conversion, Sherman said, was $20,900. With an anticipated payback of 1.26 years, the estimated savings are around $12,000 per year or $60,000 over a five-year period. The total infrastructure enhancements at the DoubleTree Bethesda cost about $1.4M.

Saving through Better Energy Rates

Maryland is a deregulated energy state, which means you can choose your electricity and natural gas suppliers. TBC used that energy choice option to save on their utility bills. SOL VISTA, a Montgomery-County-based company that offers solutions to help increase the energy and water efficiency of commercial buildings, handled the 2011 energy audit. They also helped TBC contract a 24-month gas agreement at a much better rate than the hotel had previously been contracted at, which is a big reason for the lower natural gas costs. SOL VISTA also manages the hotel’s annual benchmarking compliance submissions to Montgomery County, and provides ongoing utility monitoring to address any issues that arise. Adding to the savings is the annual rebate they receive from NRG, a demand-response program that pays companies for reducing electricity during electrical grid peak demand periods. Future projects on the horizon include upgrading to a dual pump constant pressure water pump to reduce temperature fluctuation by allowing the balance of cold and hot pressure in the building but cycling only when needed – unlike the 24/7 system currently in place. Renovations to the hotel’s public areas and guest rooms are also planned for late November of this year and are expected to be completed by March 2019. “We are dedicated to business strategies that continually improve our use of natural resources, minimize waste, conserve energy and water, and protect air quality,” Sherman said. “[We] will continue to implement policies that improve the environment of our buildings in order to positively impact our associates, guests, tenants, and surrounding community.” By Kim Hodges and Felicia Hodges.

What is C-Pace?

The First C-PACE Project

Benefits of C-PACE for Montgomery County

My Green Montgomery: When did you first become interested in energy and climate change?

MGM: What do you find most interesting about energy issues in Montgomery County?

MGM: Can you describe what you do in your role as Sustainability Manager?

MGM: How does your day-to-day work impact residents of Takoma Park?

MGM: What has been your proudest moment in your position?

MGM: What projects are you working on now that we should be watching?

MGM: What’s your favorite way to save energy in your home or workplace?

MGM: Outside of your role, what other activities or interests do you have?

Which property types will be affected?

How will this impact my ENERGY STAR score?

What else is changing besides updates to 1-100 ENERGY STAR scores?

What is the new available market data?

When will the changes take effect?

Can I apply for 2018 ENERGY STAR certification early?

How can I learn more?

Waste Reduction and Recycling Champions

Multi-Family Property Highest Recycling Achievement

Multi-Family Property Innovative Waste Reduction, Reuse and Recycling Programs

Multi-Family Property Outstanding Educational Programs to Increase Recycling Awareness

Business Highest Recycling Achievement

Business Innovative Waste Reduction, Reuse and Recycling Programs

Business Outstanding Educational Programs to Increase Recycling

Business Revitalized Recycling Programs

But how easy is it to go solar?

Ways to Save Energy

Trimming the Fat

Where to Start

Saving via Sustainability

Saving through Better Energy Rates

Community Calendar