Mr. Jim Newman, CEM, LEED AP BD+C, ASHRAE BEAP &OPMP, Owner and Managing Partner of Newman Consulting Group, announced that he has appointed Douglas Elbinger as Energy Systems Analyst for its new division, Optimized Building Solutions (OBS).
“Our focus will be on innovative financing, such as PACE, through our Optimized Building Solutions division. Doug will be a valuable addition to our experienced team of engineers, analysts and program managers. We are ideally positioned to help building owners and facility managers with energy audits, financial analysis, and guide them through the application process to qualify for PACE or other funding”.
Elbinger has more than 35 years of experience as an innovator in corporate communications, and a personal passion for saving money through energy efficiency. He brings both experience and drive to leading the OBS division. Doug is a native Detroiter and has always been an advocate for renewable energy and energy conservation. Prior to NCG, Elbinger co-founded Greenlancer, a Detroit start up and one of the Quicken Loans family of companies. Greenlancer is a cloud-based platform that enables contractors to quickly and inexpensively custom design solar systems. Elbinger’s media coverage of advanced energy topics are frequently published on RenewableEnergyWorld.com and he is also a contributing editor to Construction Association of Michigan magazine.
Optimized Building Solutions, a division of Newman Consulting Group, helps commercial, industrial and multi-family property owners all over the U.S. implement energy efficiency projects (including renewable energy such as solar and wind), eliminate waste and save money through innovative energy management and financing solutions, including PACE, Property Assessed Clean Energy.
According to current energy data, commercial and industrial buildings use about 60% of the energy generated in the US. About a third of this energy, especially in older buildings, is wasted due to inefficiency. But how do we know which third, and what can we do about it?
The answer is plenty! And with the new PACE financing available in Michigan, it will be even easier.
PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) helps commercial, industrial and multi-family property owners implement energy efficiency projects, eliminate waste and save money using innovative financing options.
“People often see cost as the biggest obstacle to making the improvements,” says Jim Neman, CEM, LEED AP BD+C, OPMP, BEAP, FESD, managing partner of Newman Consulting Group. “Even when we can show the building owner that the improvements will pay for themselves in 18 months to 5 years.” Through PACE, energy projects are now clearly profitable for all parties – property owners, contractors and financial institutions.
New to Michigan, PACE has been working successfully in over 30 states. It helps eliminate one of the biggest barriers – access to capital and financing. The program allows qualified property owners to access 100% upfront financing using long-term loans (up to 20 years) in the form a ‘special assessment property tax.’ This makes energy efficiency and clean energy improvements much more affordable.
Almost any project that reduces energy or water usage or installs renewable energy systems is eligible. “With guaranteed energy savings you are cash flow positive from day one. When it makes financial and environmental sense, why not do it?” says Newman.
If this sounds like ‘free money,’ in a sense it is. PACE projects qualify as an operating expense. This means owners can finance improvements without incurring additional debt on their balance sheet and while preserving capital and credit lines for core business investments.
Newman, and his team of energy professionals at Newman Consulting Group (NCG) were among the first on board. A long-time CAM member, Newman is one of the country’s most respected energy and green building experts. Known as the “Dean of Green,” Jim is an internationally recognized speaker and advocate for green building technology, policy and sustainability.
Source: NGC
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