Adapting to the Evolution Occurring within the Retrofit Industry

Many professionals within the retrofit market have developed core capabilities in energy audits, designing a lighting upgrade that is more efficient, and project managing the retrofit install.  Moving forward, however, as the retrofit market continues to evolve, additional skills and expertise must be developed. 

One of the most important is the capability to design and commission wireless control solutions and networked systems that allow a facility to tie multiple measures together, as well as software solutions that enable a facility manager to understand the building’s (or the company’s building portfolio) energy use intensity (EUI). 

In addition, customers want partners that can make retrofitting their buildings as seamless and as easy as possible. When it comes to increasing the efficiency of their building, some of the turnkey services desired by customers include:

1.      Conducting energy audits

2.      Designing advanced lighting and control systems

3.      Providing or identifying funding & financing mechanisms for the project

4.      Identification and securing available rebates for the project

5.      Installation and commission of advanced lighting and control systems

6.      Disposal and recycling of materials

7.      Ongoing maintenance and support of advanced lighting and control systems

One of the biggest value-adds on this list is the identification of various funding mechanisms and tools that enable the upfront cost of the project to be as small as possible for the customer. This helps to accelerate the payback from the efficiency gains of the updated advanced lighting and controls solution. Whether the funding mechanism or tool takes the form of an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC), an Energy as a Service Agreement (EaaS), a utility rebate, a grant for efficiency measures, avoidance of a GhG emission tax, or a low interest loan.

There are several trade associations that offer training or resources to help serve the retrofit market: AEE, NALMCO, NAESCO, and NECA. 

How Acuity Brands Can Help

Acuity Brands' "Relight" by Lithonia Lighting^® offers an efficient retrofit solution. These kits upgrade your space to the look and performance of new LED fixtures while keeping the existing housing. Enjoy minimal mess, disruption, and disposal, along with significant cost savings, environmental benefits, and improved employee satisfaction. For more information about smart lighting, lighting controls and retrofit projects, visit:  Retrofit Lighting Solutions. I look forward to bringing you more topics to help you win more jobs and grow your business.

David Errigo, Director of Energy Solutions