Planning
Nexamp’s first step is always a discussion with the client about goals and the available budget for achieving energy and carbon reductions. Once these points are clarified, Nexamp conducts a series of analyses to obtain the quantitative information required to determine the most cost-effective combination of measures for the client’s needs and budget. The final result integrates energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other energy options with available incentives (e.g., demand response payments, RECs [Renewable Energy Certificates], or carbon offsets) into a single, comprehensive plan that we work with the client to implement.
Energy Auditing
Energy auditing is now a highly developed science. Nexamp’s energy engineers are certified energy auditors with years of experience analyzing buildings and facilities for ways to improve their efficiency. Our network of partners includes specialists in lighting, HVAC, pumps and motors, daylighting, controls, and a wide range of other specialized areas. Nexamp begins the auditing process with a preliminary energy audit – a one- or two-day walk-through -- followed by a detailed audit analyzing total facility energy use and identifying energy efficiency opportunities in detail. These results are then integrated with assessments for renewable energy, demand response, CHP, and other options to produce a comprehensive assessment of all available measures.
Building Energy Simulation
As part of our comprehensive energy assessment, Nexamp has the capability to conduct building energy simulations of various combinations of efficiency and renewable energy options using state-of-the-art computer programs. These computer models, such as DOE 2, can quantify complex interactions among various building systems, such as lighting and HVAC, and analyze multiple measures to determine the most cost-effective combination for your budget.
Resource Assessment
Any given site will have multiple potential resources, including solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy. Nexamp’s resource assessment begins with an analysis of each, using in-house, proprietary models to quickly analyze data and produce a cost/benefit analysis sufficient to make a decision to proceed to a preliminary feasibility assessment. Nexamp’s integrated approach means that all available resources -- and the client's needs and budget -- are considered in planning the optimum energy package. It is not uncommon for us to assess solar, hydro, wind, and energy efficiency simultaneously and prepare a multi-year plan that the client can implement over time.
Feasibility Assessment and Report
At the client’s discretion, each preliminary feasibility assessment can lead to a full-scale feasibility study. These studies are conducted by experienced engineers and accountants and cover all aspects of technical and financial feasibility. Permitting issues are also considered, as permitting delays can increase costs and ultimately make a project infeasible. Our financial analysis goes beyond traditional metrics such as ROI and NPV and includes the effects of tax credits, the future value of RECs and demand response payments, future energy price scenarios, and the effects of alternative financing, such as PPAs.
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