April 2012-1: Energy

news

Schmidt  Associates energy use update

It has been 6 months since the 2011 National Building Competition was completed. Since that time, Schmidt Associates has continued to keep its energy use in focus.  Electricity usage is monitored and communicated to the office, it is also compared to the previous year's usage and a -20% reduction goal.  The National Building Competition helped kickoff the efforts to reduce the office's footprint.  

Here's a look at the current office metrics.

MONTHLY ENERGY USAGE UP TO MARCH 2012

When the National Building Competition started, Schmidt Associates Energy Star Rating was 60.  After the competition, it rose to 70, allowing the Schmidt Associates office to qualify for LEED-EB certification (min. 69 required). For those of you unfamiliar with Energy Star Ratings, the score is based on a 100 point scale and is comparative to neighboring facilities (like a percentage score).

Schmidt Associates has actually exceeded their 20% reduction goal during winter months.  Recently, March showed a spike back up (only a -5% compared to previous year) due to the abnormally warm weather that was experienced. The cooling mode for the office is currently the biggest energy user.   

A LOOK AT APRIL'S FIRST WEEK ENERGY USE

Keep up the good work Schmidt Associates. As the summer months approach, we may look into adjusting the thermostat set points to make the office less chilly and evenly distributed.  If you have any ideas on other ways the office could reduce the energy use spike in the summer that we have been experiencing, let us know.

Thanks,