According to the EIA, end-use energy consumption in residential and commercial buildings accounts for 27.6% of all energy used in the US.
It’s no secret that energy efficiency is a hot topic today, debated by governments globally to combat climate change and demanded by consumers trying to fight rising costs.
Designing energy-efficient buildings and enacting common best practices are critical to achieving these goals while saving builders money.
Suppose you don’t have an energy-efficiency role within your organization. In that case, outsourcing this task to a trusted energy-efficiency consultant who can guide you through designing energy-efficient systems is often advisable.
However, the benefits of an energy-efficiency consultant don’t end at cost savings; they can assist in various activities, from the planning stage to QA, employee training, and more.
Learn what an energy consultant can bring to your next project.
The Facts: Why Is Energy-Efficiency Important for Construction
You may not be surprised to learn that the building industry is responsible for a large percentage of the world’s energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Whether your organization is seeking to reduce its environmental impact, comply with regulations, or save money, an energy efficiency consultant can help you achieve all of these goals.
Here are some statistics surrounding energy use within the building and construction industry for more context.
- 39.6% of total electrical consumption is lost during generation, transmission, and storage (EIA). Renewable technology, such as solar panels and storage, as well as smart meters, help combat these inefficiencies.
- The building and construction industries account for 37% of total greenhouse gas emissions (UNEP). Not only do consultants cut down on end-use consumption, but also on energy use during construction.
- EnergyStar buildings consume 35% less energy than comparable buildings nationwide (EnergyStar). Energy consultants are well-versed in EnergyStar building requirements.
What Is an Energy Efficiency Consultant?
To better understand how an energy efficiency consultant can assist in your next building project, examining their roles and responsibilities is key.
An energy-efficiency consultant is a specialist who helps developers, architects, and contractors design buildings that use less energy while maintaining high performance. Their expertise covers:
- Energy modeling to predict and optimize building energy use
- Sustainability consulting for green certifications (e.g., LEED, ENERGY STAR)
- HVAC, lighting, and insulation recommendations to improve efficiency
- Building code compliance for energy regulations
- Renewable energy integration (e.g., solar, geothermal)
As you’ll learn, an energy efficiency consultant can offer several benefits that extend beyond energy savings, though that is certainly paramount to their role.
7 Benefits of an Energy Efficiency Consultant
1. Optimized System Design for Maximum Energy Efficiency
One of the most significant advantages of hiring an energy-efficiency consultant for a new building is the ability to integrate energy-efficient solutions from the ground up.
By collaborating with architects, engineers, and developers, consultants help design a building that is inherently more efficient rather than retrofitting solutions later.
Some best practices include:
- Strategic placement of windows and insulation for natural heating and cooling
- High-efficiency HVAC systems tailored to building needs
- Smart lighting and automation systems
- Selection of high-performance materials for walls, roofs, and flooring
By addressing energy efficiency at the design phase, consultants can significantly reduce long-term operational costs and improve the overall performance of the building.
2. Bringing EnergyStar Savings to Buildings
EnergyStar remains the gold standard in energy efficiency, and all consultants are well-versed in the latest standards of this organization. For example, our consultants are well-trained in EnergyStar 3.1 standards that can help your building become EnergyStar-certified and earn the 45L tax credit.
3. Saving End-Use Consumers on Long-Term Energy Bills
From the consumer’s standpoint, designing energy-efficient buildings and systems saves them significant money in the long term by reducing inefficiencies and maximizing building design.
These savings can result from implementing renewable energies that, in some cases, can also earn consumers credits toward their energy bills. Other ideas include using advanced spray foam insulation and smart climate control systems that automatically adjust energy usage based on occupancy.
4. Ensuring Regulatory Compliance and Certifications
Building codes and energy regulations are constantly evolving, and failing to meet them can result in delays, costly redesigns, or penalties. An energy-efficiency consultant ensures that your new build project adheres to:
- Local, state, and federal energy codes
- Green building certifications like LEED, ENERGY STAR, and Passive House
- Incentive and rebate programs that can offset initial costs
In addition, our consultants are trained on specific industry standards, such as RESNET/ACCA Standard 310 requirements for HVAC, to help ensure maximum efficiency in all aspects of your building design.
5. Providing Access to Tax Credits and Rebates for Builders
Another overlooked benefit of hiring an energy efficiency consultant is the opportunity to qualify for various builder’s tax credits and rebates.
In addition to common rebates provided for EnergyStar appliances and new insulation, creating an energy-efficient building will help you qualify for the 45L tax credit, getting you up to $5,000 back in taxes per dwelling unit.
6. Smart Technology Integration
Who said sustainable meant boring? Contrary to popular belief, energy efficiency is not solely focused on scaling back technology to cut emissions, but by applying advanced new technology to make energy usage responsive to its environment and occupancy.
Some technologies that your consultant can help implement include:
- Building automation systems (BAS) that optimize HVAC, lighting, and energy use
- IoT-enabled sensors for monitoring occupancy and adjusting energy usage
- Battery storage solutions to maximize efficiency from on-site renewable energy generation
These innovations can help building owners and occupants maintain optimal energy performance with minimal effort.
7. Higher Property Value and Marketability
Finally, energy-efficient buildings are increasingly in demand among buyers, tenants, and investors, helping builders attract more demand and charge higher resale values.
If you are in a saturated market competing with other firms and builders, investing in energy efficiency could be the difference maker in securing a contract.
Investing in an energy efficiency consultant also offers several benefits we did not touch, from assistance with training to QA. To learn more about how an energy efficiency consultant can help your next project, contact the experts at Path Light Pro to speak to one of our professionals.
FAQs
When should I bring an energy-efficiency consultant into my project?
The earlier, the better! Ideally, consultants should be involved during the planning and design phases to maximize energy efficiency and cost savings.
Can energy-efficiency consultants help me qualify for tax incentives?
Yes! Consultants stay updated on rebates, grants, and tax credits, such as the 45L tax credit, which can offset some costs.
What are the key certifications my new build should aim for?
Common certifications include LEED, ENERGY STAR, Passive House, and Net Zero Energy, depending on your sustainability goals.