CALIFORNIA TITLE 24 ENERGy STANDARDS implemented in 2014 have been key for mandating energy upgrades for all construction projects. All permitted construction projects have to follow the new guidelines for energy efficiency standards. The California building code is generally referred to as “Title 24.” Though it has been around since 1978, only recently has it become more focused on new technology for energy efficiency methods and products. “The overall goal is to ensure that building construction, system design and installation achieve energy efficiency and preserve outdoor and indoor environmental quality.” (www.PG&E.com) All new residential construction in California will be zero net energy by 2020. A zero net energy (ZNE) building produces as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year. These buildings achieve ZNE first through high levels of energy efficiency, and then through the addition of clean, on-site renewable power generation—typically solar photovoltaic. Solar Photovoltaic, or otherwise known as Solar PV, is a technology that is installed either on a building rooftop, carport or standalone trellis structure that converts sunlight into electricity. Currently it is the energy producer of choice due to its reliability to generate power from the sun, shorter returns of investment than other power producing technologies and the ease of interconnection to your existing utility company. In the next 5 to 10 years, energy consumers with solar will be autonomous with supplying its own energy. over the past several years there has been much discussion on only the replacement of a property’s existing lighting—often due to the quick return of investment. However, in today’s market with technology standards increasing and the price of solar installation decreasing, this situation has made it a perfect storm to jump on the energy efficiency process for all properties and other scopes of work. Every day we are seeing more opportunities and faster financial returns to support this process. In 2014, our clients immediately saved thousands of dollars by taking the leap and replacing their onsite lighting, pool pumps and appliances; installing solar; and making various adjustments to their day-to-day energy usage. Now is the opportunity to upgrade your property’s value and lessen your energy usage. 6 California Hotel & Lodging Association SPRING 2015 By performing the key energy upgrades in the order that is established within the energy audit system you, as a building owner, can capitalize on your property’s future financial potentials. Rayco Energy’s mission is to become the market leader for energy efficiency solutions in the multi-tenant industry. We design and build projects specialized in energy efficiency, solar power, and building modernization. We are unique because we combine energy efficiency measures with renewable energy sources. For more information, visit www.raycoenergy.com. What Hotels are Doing to Increase Energy Efficiency By Keven R. Hempel, Director of operations at Rayco Energy
CHLA lodging News Spring 2015
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