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Happy March! With spring right around the corner, now is the perfect time to "go green." Gain access to smart energy saving tips by following us on social media or visiting our website below.
June 1, 2020 is the DEADLINE for all commercial, institutional, and residential buildings in Chicago larger than 50,000 square feet to submit a benchmarking report in accordance with the City of Chicago's Energy Benchmarking Ordinance. Need help benchmarking your buildings or verifying your benchmarking results? 360 Energy Group can ensure your building remains in full compliance with Chicago's Energy Benchmarking Ordinance. As part of our services, we can:
Benchmark your building(s) through ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager
Verify your benchmarking data. Note: Under the ordinance, data must be verified every three years by a qualified in-house or third-party representative with proper credentials (ie. Professional Engineer, Registered Architect, Certified Energy Manager)
Submit your benchmarking data to the City of Chicago
Contact Alyssa Collins today at alyssa@360eg.com or 312-267-2275 to get started! For more information about the Chicago Benchmarking Ordinance, please visit the City of Chicago Benchmarking website here.
EV Charging Solutions
A critical obstacle to electric vehicle expansion is the time it takes to reach a full charge. Unlike filling up at the gas station, charging an EV could take anywhere from several minutes to several hours. As the EV industry rapidly evolves, industry professionals are looking for ways to make EVs more attractive by cutting down on plug-in time.
There are currently three charger types available, level 1, level 2, and DC fast chargers. The most accessible charger is a level 1, which is equivalent to using a 120-volt household power outlet. This is a great option for household charging when the car can remain in the garage for an extended period. Level 1 is also the slowest form of charging, replenishing just 3 to 5 miles per hour. It would take a 2018 Tesla Model 3 long range 50 hours to reach a full charge.
Level 2 chargers on the other hand, use 240 volts of power. This is equivalent to what most high energy consuming appliances such as water heaters or air conditioners use. Many garages are equipped with a 240-volt power line, giving EV owners the option to install a level 2 charger at home. Level 2 chargers are also commonly found in local parking lots and parking garages. The same 2018 Tesla Model 3 would take just 6 hours to charge with a level
A level 2 charger is great for everyday use, but it won't cut it when planning a family road trip. This is where DC fast chargers come in handy. While these charge stations are more expensive, they are able send direct current electricity from the power grid to the car's battery. Doing so can bypass the charger's limit and supply a large amount of energy in a short period of time. The charger speed varies significantly but some stations can add up to 75 miles of range in just 5 minutes.
Other companies are working to build even faster chargers to accommodate larger vehicles and semi-trucks. Cutting down charging time will make EV adoption an easy solution.
The Social Media Corner
Energy Efficiency for Schools and Universities
Spring break is right around the corner! With teachers and students out of the building, spring break is a great time to get started on an energy project. Learn how your school or university can spring into savings this year! Read more here.
Boosting the Energy Efficiency Workforce
As the baby boomer generation nears retirement, the energy industry must find a way to boost workforce development. We hope industry professionals will keep this in mind as we train a more skilled and diverse workforce. Read more here.