Energy Services

SMOOTH OPERATIONS

To help buildings improve their energy efficiency and reduce operating costs, RAND draws on its extensive expertise in keeping buildings well maintained and watertight and ensuring that mechanical systems function properly. Building on that foundation, RAND’s Energy Team performs the following services:

Local Law 97 of 2019 Compliance Program

Local Law 97/19 of the Climate Mobilization Act mandates stringent greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction standards for buildings over 25,000 square feet in New York City. Building owners must comply with the law's emission limits or face steep penalties. RAND can work with owners to develop energy and GHG emissions reduction strategies, identify feasible energy reduction measures, and create a roadmap to achieve the targeted emissions reductions.

Local Laws 84 and 87 of 2009 Compliance Program

Benchmarking

Under New York City’s benchmarking law (Local Law 84), owners must submit an annual analysis of their building’s energy (electricity, gas, and fuel oil or steam) and water usage to the Department of Finance by May 1 every year. Using the EPA's online Portfolio Manager tool, RAND generates a property’s custom Energy Report, which includes the building’s profile, summary information, and estimates of its energy usage, and submits it to the city to ensure compliance.

Energy Audits

RAND performs energy audits to help property owners comply with Local Law 87, which applies to properties 50,000 square feet or larger. After analyzing the building's utilities use, RAND surveys the systems and components to identify operating and maintenance measures for better energy performance and cost savings, as well as capital improvements for further consideration. RAND’s Energy Analysis Reports detail our findings, summarize special problems or needs, and outlines a recommended scope of work for improving energy efficiency throughout the property, including estimated costs and savings.

Retro-commissioning

In accordance with Local Law 87, building owners are required to correct deficiencies in the base-building systems identified in the energy audit through a process called retro-commissioning. Retro-commissioning includes basic maintenance and repair items such as operating protocols, calibration, and sequencing; cleaning and repair; and maintenance staff training and documentation. As a retro-commissioning agent, RAND develops the retro-commissioning report, guides the owner through the diagnostic testing and performance monitoring protocols, and submits the final Energy Efficiency Report to the city to assure compliance. 

Oil-to-Gas Conversions

To help owners decide which fuel option—oil, gas, or dual-fuel—is best for their property, RAND conducts a feasibility survey to determine a building’s existing heating requirements and fuel usage, project the new oil and/or gas load, calculate the costs for new service and equipment, and estimate the annual savings and expected payback time for the conversion. RAND can then design and administer the heating plant upgrade and guide eligible buildings with rebate programs from NYSERDA and Con Ed to help defray the costs of converting.

Green Roofs

Green roofing systems provide many benefits: They add usable space and an aesthetic appearance to the roof, increasing the building’s property value. The vegetation and soil protect roofing membranes from ultraviolet radiation, extending the life of the roof. The soil and vegetation also add an extra layer of insulation, improving heating and cooling efficiency and reducing sound transmission. In addition, green roofs absorb rain, reducing storm water runoff. 

RAND evaluates the feasibility of installing a sustainable roofing system, analyzing such factors as the existing roof's construction, condition, load-bearing capacity as well as zoning restrictions and code compliance. RAND provides recommendations for the most appropriate type of green roofing system for the building and prepares the design and specifications for its installation, administering the project to completion.

Energy Team Credentials

To provide building owners with the quality of expertise required to keep their properties operating at maximum capacity and compliant with energy-efficiency regulations, RAND staffs its Energy Team with highly trained professionals who hold the following licenses and credentials: 

NYSERDA Multifamily Building Solutions Network Provider

RAND is a member of NYSERDA's Multifamily Building Solutions Network (MFBSN), a group of qualified professionals experienced in helping building owners and facility managers identify and integrate energy saving solutions into comprehensive building improvement plans.

By partnering with RAND, clients gain access to a range of incentive programs administered by NYSERDA, New York electric/gas utilities, and affordable housing agencies through the MFNSN program.