For organizations looking for money to help with renewable energy or energy upgrade projects, many utilities offer grant and rebate programs that can lower the return on investment on these projects, making them much more attractive and financially feasible.
Take for instance New Glarus Brewing in New Glarus, Wis. The makers of the much-sought-after brew Spotted Cow recently partnered with Focus on Energy, a program that helps Wisconsin companies work with utilities to “install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.”
The program delivers $3.66 in direct economic benefit for every dollar spent, according to a recent analysis. Administrative costs for Focus on Energy are only 1 cent for every kilowatt-hour saved, which ranks as the lowest of 41 utility programs.
Since 2016, New Glarus has worked with Focus on Energy to invest $100,000 on upgraded lighting to LEDs and use more energy-efficient refrigeration, compressors, and pumps, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. The brewery has also invested in a solar panel system on top of one of its freezers.
Greg Zimmerman is executive editor of Building Operating Management. Read his cover story on how buildings are tackling climate change.
