A commercial building refers to any structure primarily used for purposes other than residential living. These include spaces designated for industrial, retail, institutional, and public uses.
The Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) is a national sample survey that collects information on the stock of U.S. commercial buildings, including their energy-related building characteristics and energy usage data (consumption and expenditures). This data is used in Energy Modeling, the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and policy making.
Commissioning is the process of ensuring that building systems are designed, installed, functionally tested, and capable of being operated and maintained according to the owner’s operational needs. This includes review and submittals, testing, equipment, and verifying control sequences. Commissioning also can restore existing buildings to high productivity through renovation, upgrade and tune-up of existing systems.
In the construction stage of a project, a CxA is a staff member who works to identify issues when it comes to operations, installation, testing, and performance of a building. The CxA typically is responsible for establishing the Cx plan, observing testing, compiling the O&M manual, leading and managing the project commission process (design and/or […]
CCx is an ongoing process to resolve operating problems, improve comfort, and optimize energy use for existing commercial and institutional buildings and central plant facilities. This is often accomplished through building monitoring systems (BMS) and/or sensors to capture operational data.
Critical Peak Pricing is a dynamic electricity rate structure designed to incentivize reduced energy consumption during periods of peak demand. Under CPP, utility companies impose significantly higher rates for electricity during designated critical peak hours, which are limited to specific days, often 10 to 15 per year.
Critical Peak Rebate programs provide financial incentives to consumers who reduce their electricity usage during critical peak periods, as identified by their energy provider. These event days, typically capped at 10 to 15 annually, reward participants with rebates that are calculated based on their energy consumption reduction compared to a baseline.
Demand Response refers to voluntary changes in electricity consumption patterns by end-users in reaction to price signals or incentive programs. These adjustments help balance supply and demand on the electrical grid, particularly during peak demand or system emergencies.
Direct Emissions are emissions generated from sources owned or controlled by an organization, such as on-site fuel combustion for heating or emissions from company vehicles. Direct emissions are classified as Scope 1 under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and are a primary focus for companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
An investigation or audit of a potential investment to confirm all material facts in regards to a sale, such as reviewing all financial records plus anything else deemed material to the sale.