Feb 2019
Newsletter
SEDAC Announcements
An Energy Assessment Love
Letter
 
To celebrate Valentine's Day, we are sharing a few love letters from former clients who have received SEDAC energy assessments. 

"Working with SEDAC was simple and everyone there was very friendly and helpful. [After implementing SEDAC's recommendations] we saw an immediate reduction in both natural gas and electricity usage near 30%."  - Ian Peery, Director of Buildings and Grounds, Glenside Public Library

"For years I looked at the utility bills . . . and assumed there was no way to control rising energy costs. SEDAC provided us with a solution through its free energy audit. Measures implemented from the audit are helping Macon County Conservation District use less energy resulting in significant cost savings!" - Paul Marien, Macon County Conservation District Operations Manager
 
There's a lot to love about a SEDAC energy assessment! 
  • Expert, independent advice
  • Thorough analysis of energy data and building energy systems
  • Detailed recommendations to save energy and money
  • Identified incentives to help cover costs of improvements
  • Energy cost savings analysis
Does your facility need some love from the SEDAC team? SEDAC provides no-cost  energy assessments  for public sector facilities in Ameren Illinois territory, and for wastewater treatment plants throughout Illinois. Find out more about eligibility requirements and apply here. 
 
When: March 6-7, 2019
Where: Champaign, IL

This affordable training conference features high-quality educational sessions on the latest technologies and applications used in the efficient and sustainable operation of buildings. 

The Illinois Chief Engineers & Facility Managers Conference is designed for both public and private sector chief engineers, facility managers and other key operations/maintenance staff responsible for optimizing the performance of your building systems and equipment. 

This program is developed by a committee of representatives from state agencies, facilities and universities with additional input provided by industry experts and the Illinois Green Economy Network.  The conference is organized by the University of Illinois, in partnership with SEDAC. 

Click here to learn more and register. 
 
To help people prepare for the  adoption of the Updated Illinois Energy Conservation Code (based on the 2018 IECC, with Illinois Amendments), SEDAC has been busy presenting workshops and webinars throughout the state.  Don't miss your chance to attend a training event! 
  • Workshop: "Energy Code Basics & 2018 IECC Updates." February 25, 2019 from 1 to 2:30 in Mt. Sterling, IL.
  • Webinar: "2018 IECC Commercial Lighting Provisions with Corresponding NEC Sections."  Wednesday February 27, 2019 from noon to 1 pm
Find out more and register  here . 
Funding for this program has been provided in whole or in part by the Illinois EPA Office of Energy.
Spotlight on Savings: 
Village of Annawan Wastewater Treatment Plant 
Recently, SEDAC completed an energy assessment for the Village of Annawan wastewater treatment facility and identified tremendous energy savings opportunities for this small lagoon-type facility. 

SEDAC recommended measures that will bring total annual electric utility savings of $9,600 and 101,000 kWh, representing a 66% reduction in electricity use. 

In analyzing energy data and visiting the site, SEDAC found that the original plant was oversized in anticipation of growth that has not happened. They recommended resizing the plant's motors and modernizing the aeration equipment to increase energy efficiency. 

The Illinois EPA Wastewater Treatment Plant Energy Assessment Program helps local municipalities reduce the cost of wastewater treatment. Find out more and apply for a free energy assessment here. 
Notes from the field: Fighting the winter blues

The huge temperature fluctuations we've seen in January and February have been tough on building energy systems! Here are a few tips to keep your facility warm and energy efficient through the rest of the winter and into the spring. 
  • Don't forget to resume normal operating schedules after bitterly cold days. One building SEDAC analyzed left heating on 24/7 during a cold stretch to protect the building and accidentally left it that way for the remainder of winter and spring, a $30,000 mistake. 
  • Walk around the building after hours to see what is operating when it's not supposed to. For larger facilities, the local utility may have interval data that can provide insight about after hours operations. 
  • Install Programmable Thermostats. According to Energy Star, a programmable thermostat can reduce heating costs up to 12%. Smart thermostats can set back the heating or cooling when there are no occupants to provide savings while minimizing comfort impacts. 
  • Stay on top of your HVAC maintenance by checking air filters regularly. Consider spring cleaning projects that include repairing outdoor air dampers, and addressing controls issues. 
  • Seal air leaks around doors, windows, and wall penetrations. Uncomfortable rooms are often a symptom of an air-sealing problem. Caulk, spray foam, weather-stripping, and door sweeps can all help reduce infiltration. 
  • Make sure heating hot water pipes are insulated so that heat can get where it needs to.
  • Adjust ventilation. Reduce exhaust and outdoor-air ventilation rates within code limits.  

sedac.org / 800-214-7954 / info@sedac.org
Providing effective energy efficiency strategies for buildings and communities