Energy Services

Sunstone Group provides energy consulting services to owners, builders, property managers, code officials, architects and others in the building industry. Clients are provided with expert design consultation tailored to their needs, focusing on energy performance, comfort, resiliency and durability. We work with clients from design phases through construction completion providing simulated energy usage modeling, inspections and testing through the construction phases. Our experts guide the development team through permitting, code compliance and building completion.

GDS takes an integrated approach to the energy performance of a home. Using computerized building energy simulation modeling, we identify opportunities to strengthen the building’s energy performance, durability and safety. A building is a system of integrated components that should perform in harmony with each other. We develop cost-effective design-alternatives and improvements to maximize efficiency value and minimize operation and maintenance costs.

Energy Audits

The first step in realizing valuable energy savings is to contract a reputable consultancy to perform an energy audit. We start with an Energy Usage Index (EUI) analysis, from which the magnitude of available energy savings can be estimated. Then, an in-depth energy audit can commence identifying all of the potential energy conservation measures (ECM) for your facility. The three ASHRAE energy audit levels are summarized below.

ASHRAE Energy Audit Level Summary

Level 1: Building energy systems analysis.

Summary of energy system optimization opportunities (high-level)
Identification of applicable incentive programs

Level 2: Detailed survey of building energy systems and operating modes

Breakdown of energy consumption by source and end-use
Detailed report of ECMs applicable to your community
Recommended operational changes leading to energy savings.

Level 3: Collection and analysis of energy consumption data

Community energy modeling and simulation validated by real world data.
ECM simulation built into the community model.
ECM implementation cost estimation and ROI calculation

Energy Modeling

Energy modeling allows design teams to evaluate alternative energy-saving solutions to find the best fit for each project. SMA takes into account the complex interactions between building components and systems using an integrated whole-building modeling approach through the energy modeling process. We identify and evaluate architectural, mechanical, and electrical energy-saving design strategies. We help design teams weigh alternative strategies for improving building performance; reducing operating costs; and complying with energy-performance goals, local or state energy requirements, or LEED® credits. We use state-of-the-art building energy analysis software including DOE-2, Energy Plus, and IES-VE. Working from 2-D or 3-D CAD or Autodesk® Revit® files, we create a model of the proposed building design using the most suitable software tool depending on project objectives and technical details. First, we create an initial baseline model for comparison. Then, alternative design solutions are simulated by changing building attributes including building orientation, envelope insulation levels, wall and roof construction, glazing properties, shading strategies, lighting system designs, mechanical system design, and other variables that influence the energy performance of the building. Modeled energy performance and life cycle cost analysis can then inform the optimal building design solution.

Energy Tax Credits

The Section 179D commercial buildings energy efficiency tax deduction has been updated as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. The 179D commercial buildings energy efficiency tax deduction primarily enables building owners to claim a tax deduction for installing qualifying systems in buildings. Tenants may be eligible if they make construction expenditures. If the system or building is installed on federal, state, or local government property, the 179D tax deduction may be taken by the person primarily responsible for the system’s design. The 179D tax deduction does not apply to other non-tax paying entities, including but not limited to NGOs or churches, unless there exists an energy-as-a-service agreement that is owned by a tax paying company.

A tax deduction shown in the table below (up to $1.88 per square foot) is available to owners of new or existing buildings who install (1) interior lighting; (2) a building envelope; or (3) heating, cooling, ventilation, or hot water systems that reduce the energy and power cost of the interior lighting, HVAC, and service hot water systems by 50% or more in comparison to a building meeting minimum requirements set by ASHRAE Standard 90.1. Cost savings must be calculated using qualified computer software, Sunstone Can provide this service. For properties placed into service on or before December 31, 2020, the energy and power cost shall be compared with the minimum requirements of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007. Projects placed into service on or after January 1, 2021, shall use the most recent Standard 90.1 affirmed no later than the date that is 2 years before the date that construction of the qualifying property begins, or the date the construction permit of the qualifying property is issued.