Businesses get energy-efficiency check-ups by Efficiency Vermont
July 1, 2021 | By Duncan McDougall
John Di Carlo of Sunflower Natural Foods (left) and Paul Grenier of Efficiency Vermont check out energy-using equipment at the market during a recent energy-efficiency walk-through. Courtesy photo.
A call to local businesses from the Waterbury Town Energy Plan Committee resulted in 14 Waterbury companies getting free energy-efficiency check-ups from Efficiency Vermont.
The 60-90 minute visits by an energy-efficiency expert aimed to provide recommendations for each business to save energy and money.
Efficiency Vermont's Customer Engagement Manager Paul Grenier did the tours to look at each business’s energy use. Grenier inspected the systems that draw energy — lighting, heating and cooling systems, and special equipment. He also inspected building insulation and air sealing to suggest improvements based on projected savings, cost-effectiveness, health, and safety.
Grenier provided each business with a prioritized list of recommendations for steps to take to save energy, information about financial incentives and custom rebates to minimize project costs, and a plan of action to start saving energy.
One of the businesses that Grenier inspected was Sunflower Natural Foods on Rt. 100 in Waterbury Center. Owner John Di Carlo later commented that the exercise was very useful as
Grenier’s suggestions pinpointed specific changes for the market that will make a difference immediately.
“He had access to a program that will provide a rebate on replacing our overhead fluorescent lighting with LED fixtures which will be a very rapid payback within a three-month period and offer a significant long term electric bill savings,” Di Carlo said. “Paul provided me with a clear presentation of the savings and also contacted an electrical supplier that provided me with a rapid quote to be able to make an informed decision. Paul also made me aware of potential programs for future equipment purchases that are Energy Star rated.”
Di Carlo said he would recommend the inspection to other business owners to find similar ways to cut energy use and bills.
Mark Frier, co-owner at The Reservoir Restaurant & Taproom in Waterbury said the walk-through with Grenier highlighted information about heat pumps, range hoods, and commercial kitchen equipment. Frier said it will be helpful to stay in contact with Efficiency Vermont to learn about Energy Star equipment and rebates when the business looks to make future purchases.
Grenier said considering energy-efficiency improvements should be part of a business plan. “I think we have all learned the importance of investing in resilience this past year, and energy efficiency can be an important part of that strategy,” he said.
“Businesses can lower their operating costs and improve the comfort and productivity of their indoor spaces with a variety of measures that Efficiency Vermont incentivizes.”
He offered examples such as commercial kitchen equipment, refrigeration options, heat pumps and efficient lighting. Contacting Efficiency Vermont is a good way to begin that review, he said.
Efficiency Vermont is Vermont’s statewide energy-efficiency utility that works with both business and residential customers.
As part of the offer to Waterbury businesses to sign up for the walk-throughs, Waterbury LEAP funded a raffle for the participating companies. Each of the following individuals won a $50 gift certificate from The Reservoir Restaurant: Kate Montiero from Ursa Major, John Cummings from Park Row Cafe, and John Di Carlo from Sunflower Natural Foods.
It’s not too late to request a walk-through for a business. To schedule an energy-efficiency review, email Duncan McDougall at duncan@clifonline.org.
Duncan McDougall is chair of Waterbury LEAP (Local Energy Action Partnership), a nonprofit organization that’s also Waterbury’s volunteer energy committee.