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Utilities need to get involved up front to help builders construct better buildings
Utilities need to get involved up front to help builders construct better buildings
ATLANTA - July 5, 2006 - There are a variety of strategies utilities can use to help architects and builders construct energy efficient and environmentally friendly buildings, according to Chartwell’s latest report, Utility Green Building Programs. These commercial green building programs help utilities decrease demand from new construction, build goodwill in the community and foster relationships with building developers and owners.
The 30-page report examines strategies used at two dozen utilities and includes in-depth case studies on two of the largest commercial green building programs in the U.S. – Austin Energy and Southern California Edison. According to Utility Green Building Programs, among the strategies successful utility programs use are:
· Get involved as early in the design process as possible. It’s easier and more cost-effective to design energy efficiency up front. One utility even offers building design professionals a stipend for involving the utility from the beginning.
· Offer technical assistance from engineers and other utility professionals who can help determine the value of different levels of energy efficiency using computer modeling.
· Provide education about tax credits and other financial benefits.
· Provide money for LEED certification and other expenses above and beyond the normal building expenses.
· Provide rebates and other incentives.
· Provide marketing assistance to help builders get the word out about the health and cost benefits of occupying a green building.
Utility Green Building Programs, which is available as a stand-alone product from Chartwell for $495, is part of The Chartwell Products, Services & Programs Research Series, which focuses on products, services and customer relations issues such as marketing, promotions and public communications.
The Research Series is a 12-month membership that includes a data summary and accompanying database based on Chartwell’s extensive annual utility survey; regular in-depth reports and case studies covering specific products/services or marketing/communications-related issues; one-on-one consultation with Chartwell research staff on topics covered; profiles of vendors poised to help utilities in this arena and more.
For information on membership in The Chartwell Products, Services & Programs Research Series or the individual report, Utility Green Building Programs, contact Bill Grist at (800)432-5879, (404)237-9099 or bgrist@chartwellinc.com; or visit www.chartwellinc.com or Chartwell’s Energy Library at www.energylibrary.com.
ABOUT CHARTWELL INC.
Chartwell Inc. seeks to provide a better understanding of technologies, issues and management practices in the utility and retail energy services industry through best practices case studies and quantitative research.
