Focusing on Energy and Building Costs

“HVAC and Lighting are the biggest power users of a building”

The national average of complaints to landlords are about heating, and cooling problems is forty eight percent. Adding to that, “Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) account for approximately 40 percent of a commercial building’s energy use. Smart system design or upgrading can be a very effective way to reduce energy costs and /or increase comfort.” HVAC systems can comprise upwards of 15 to 30 percent of the cost of construction for many types of buildings.

Studies show buildings that are more energy efficient and provide comfort have lower vacancies and a propensity for higher rents. Couple those benefits with lower energy costs, and expert design and decision-making can have a significent impact on the Net Operating Icome (NOI) of a building. Improved NOI, regardless of capitalization rates, leads to a more valuable asset. Reviewing energy efficiency options in a building could have sizable savings.

When planning a new building or starting a major remodel making sure you have a well performing HVAC system and lighting plan in your building is very important. Iconica helps developers, landlords and tenants come to a better outcome with planning and designing from the very outset. Our engineering team works with Focus on Energy’s Design Assistance Program to help provide analysis of energy saving options. The program works with design professionals, builders, and developers of new buildings. They also provide incentives to improve the cost-effectiveness of the implementation of measures that exceed energy standards. By working with Focus on Energy, we can help building owners and developers with not only better energy efficiency, but long term costs and fewer complaints.

“I thrive on helping clients gain efficiency and cost savings to their building and remodeling projects. The outcome can mean years of savings and happy tenants.” Chad Faber, Iconica MPE Director”

Focus on Energy, is a statewide energy efficiency and renewable resource program Iconica partners with to help bring even more value to projects and building costs. For over 15 years the program has worked with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. To be eligible, you need to have a minimum of 5,000 sf, be a commercial, industrial or multifamily building with four or more units. The building must be new, adaptive reuse, or a substantial renovation, and the project must still be in design.*

Owner rebate- there is a big incentive for owners – Rebates can be up to $200,000 depending on project size and materials to utilize energy saving systems and lighting.

There are two program tracks available; Net Energy Optimizes (NEO) for online energy modeling and consultations for one of ten building types from 5,000 to 150,000 square feet. The other is Energy Design Assistance (EDA) for custom energy modeling and consulting for any building type from 50,000 square feet and up.*

Iconica design team completed two (EDA) projects in 2016.

Zander Place– a new residential building with 45 apartments. Total project incentive- $19,000. Estimated system savings 142,148 kWh electric per year, 8,217 Therms gas per year.

Fort Atkinson AL– a new assisted living facility with 60 units. Total project incentive- $29,200.00. Estimated system savings 24,489 Therms gas per year.

Iconica is working on several projects with Focus on Energy this year including:

5400 King James Way- A Fitchburg office building with over 50,000 square feet

Sauk Trails Plaza II- An all glass, Madison office building with over 150,000 square feet

Wright House- an assisted living senior community in Mequon with over 84,000 square feet

Eagle Point- a senior living community overlooking the Fox River in Appleton with over 147,000 square feet

Steinhafels Greenfield – a retail showroom with over 58,000 square feet

If you are planning on building or remodeling a space contact us to discuss the construction, design and energy efficiencies. No matter the size, performance is one of the keys to a well-designed building.

Sources:

*Focus On Energy: focusonenergy.com

Chad Faber: Iconica MPE Director