In today’s world, sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity. For property owners and managers in New York City, managing a green portfolio of buildings has become crucial due to stringent regulations and the increasing awareness of environmental responsibility. LC Associates, a leading energy consulting firm, has been at the forefront of helping building managers navigate this complex landscape. By leveraging advanced tools like Microsoft’s PowerBI and SharePoint, LC Associates streamlines the process of collecting, visualizing, and acting on key performance indicators (KPIs). This blog explores how they do it and how they can help you manage your green building portfolio.
LC Associates employs Microsoft’s PowerBI and SharePoint to revolutionize how data is collected, managed, and visualized. These tools enable a seamless integration of data from various sources, providing a comprehensive view of a building’s energy performance.
PowerBI is a powerful business analytics tool that turns raw data into insightful visualizations. LC Associates uses it to create dashboards that display critical KPIs related to energy consumption, cost savings, and environmental impact. These dashboards are not just static reports but dynamic, interactive tools that allow managers to drill down into specific data points, uncover trends, and identify areas for improvement.
SharePoint, on the other hand, acts as a centralized repository for all the data collected. It ensures that all stakeholders have access to the latest information, fostering collaboration and transparency. SharePoint’s robust document management capabilities also mean that all proposals, reports, and plans are stored in an organized manner, making it easy to track the progress of various projects.
One of the standout features of LC Associates’ approach is how they use PowerBI to organize and prioritize energy efficiency improvements. By displaying both active and proposed projects in a single dashboard, managers can make informed decisions based on multiple factors, such as economic impact, environmental benefits, and compliance with local regulations like Local Law 97.
Local Law 97 imposes strict carbon emissions limits on buildings, with hefty fines for non-compliance. LC Associates’ PowerBI dashboards help managers avoid these fines by highlighting which projects will have the most significant impact on reducing emissions. For instance, a proposed upgrade to a building’s HVAC system might show a substantial reduction in energy consumption and carbon footprint, making it a top priority.
The ability to weigh economic and environmental impacts side by side is a game-changer. LC Associates uses PowerBI to present a clear picture of the return on investment (ROI) for each project. This includes not only the initial cost and expected savings but also the potential environmental benefits. Managers can see, at a glance, which projects offer the best balance of cost savings and sustainability benefits.
Moreover, by incorporating data on available incentives and rebates, LC Associates ensures that managers can maximize their financial benefits. New York City and state offer numerous programs to support energy efficiency improvements, and navigating these can be complex. LC Associates simplifies this process by identifying the best opportunities and incorporating them into their PowerBI dashboards.
One of the most significant challenges in implementing energy efficiency improvements is the upfront cost. However, LC Associates excels in securing cash incentives to offset these expenses. By staying up-to-date with the latest incentive programs, grants, and rebates, they help clients take full advantage of available financial support.
For example, New York State offers incentives through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). These can significantly reduce the cost of upgrades like energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and building insulation. LC Associates has a proven track record of successfully navigating these programs, ensuring that clients receive the maximum possible support.
Additionally, federal programs like the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for renewable energy installations can further offset costs. LC Associates’ expertise in these areas means that clients not only save money on their projects but also benefit from long-term operational savings.
Don’t wait until fines or high energy costs force your hand. Contact LC Associates today to start managing your green building portfolio more effectively. Their team of experts is ready to assist you with all aspects of energy efficiency, from data collection and visualization to securing financial incentives.
