Commercial Energy Toolkit

The commercial sector includes offices, hotels, restaurants, convenience stores, doctor’s offices, and places of worship.

Commercial buildings are responsible for consuming approximately 16% of the energy consumed within Pennsylvania. Due to the variety of types of buildings within the commercial sector, the overall energy usage will vary by subsector.

This toolkit provides you with the same initial steps we would take to start assessing energy savings potential in a commercial building. Some of these changes you can make on your own, while others may require further consult and an expert energy audit. You can explore our case studies below to learn more. Be sure to contact PennTAP with any questions or to schedule a virtual audit.

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Fact Sheets

The following fact sheets will point you towards some key areas for energy and cost savings in your building. The sheets include statistics, tips, and guides on a variety of energy-saving topics throughout the commercial sector. The fact sheets cover:

• Energy Usage in Commercial Buildings
• Foot-Candle Lighting Guide
• Occupancy Sensors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Calculators

The calculators will allow you to input your own site-specific information for estimated personalized savings. Instructions for use and a description of the energy saving project is included in each calculator.

For the commercial sector, we offer free calculators for the following:

• Boiler
• Chiller
• HVAC
• Lighting

To access the calculators, please follow the link below to complete the request form. 

Request the Calculators

Note: The calculators should be used for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of a professional energy audit. The results provided are an estimation. Your savings may vary based on your actual facility and equipment sizes.

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Case Studies

The case studies provide examples of savings achieved in other commercial buildings.

• Lighting Assessment Yields Potential Savings of $33,000 for Mifflin County Nonprofit
• Plug Load Strategies for Zero Energy Buildings
• Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center
• Berkshire Medical Center Energy Efficiency
• Lessons Learned from Case Studies of Six High-Performance Buildings
• Energy 101: Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings

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Additional Resources

For more information about saving energy throughout your facility, visit the following:

• Energy Toolkit Glossary
• Utility Genius Rebate Finder
• ENERGY STAR® Rebate Finder
• ENERGY STAR® Commercial Buildings Resources Database
• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Energy Efficiency Incentives
• Building Users are the Key to Successful Energy Efficient Strategies
• The Cost of Saving Electricity Through Energy Efficiency Programs Funded by Utility Customers
• Report Highlights Significant Energy Savings Potential for Commercial Appliances

This project was funded by the Metropolitan Edison Company/Pennsylvania Electric Company Sustainable Energy Fund. For more information about their programs, go to their website here.