Mainebiz

61 B U S I N E S S P RO F I L E S B U S I N E S S P R O F I L E S S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N of efficiency technologies and materials for their projects. For example, the recently completed Bayside Anchor multifamily building in Portland prioritized a super-efficient building shell. Another recent project, the Presque Isle Community Center, is on track to use significantly less energy than a conventional building due to its combination of lighting, "intelligent" lighting controls that adjust the lighting in response to occupancy and the amount of daylight, and a high-efficiency heating system. Around 45% of the lighting is provided by daylighting, dramati- cally reducing lighting load. Special attention was also given to the building envelope, which provides a continuous air barrier to reduce air leakage, as well as a super-insulated foundation, walls and roof. Because of this efficient envelope, the building can be heated with a low-temperature hydronic radiant floor heating system, fed by efficient condensing boilers. Boost Productivity Efficiency upgrades can boost productivity in a number of ways. For example, investments in site-specific manufacturing improve- ments can help make industrial processes more competitive. Efficiency Maine has provided numerous incentives for these types of upgrades, including blueberry freezing processes at Wyman's of Maine and high-efficiency vacuum pumps at Texas Instruments' semiconductor factory. Smaller projects at non-manufacturing facilities can also boost productivity as it applies to those settings. Upgrading to high- efficiency kitchen equipment has resulted in more even cooking and less food waste at restaurants and commercial kitchen facili- ties. LED lights and lighting controls have resulted in better-lit workspaces and greater employee control over lighting, ultimately leading to higher workplace satisfaction. Whatever your defini- tion of productivity, chances are that energy efficiency can help your business improve it. Reduce Operating Costs Many efficiency projects result in significant financial savings beyond lower energy bills. For example, LED lights last for much longer than traditional incandescent, halogen or linear fluores- cent fixtures. Upgrading to LEDs means fewer burnt-out bulbs or light fixtures requiring replacement, sometimes in places that are hard to access without lift equipment. e savings can really add up: e Furniture Superstore in South Portland estimates that its switch from incandescents to LEDs will avoid 19,000 bulb replacements over the next seven years. Greater Comfort Many Maine businesses find they improve comfort when they choose energy efficiency solutions. Lighting controls allow users to determine lighting levels and adjust lighting to specific tasks. Meanwhile, ductless heat pumps provide zoned heating and cooling, allowing landlords to provide tenants with customized heating and cooling functionality. Heat pumps have also been a popular choice with assisted care facilities, as they provide air filtration while also providing room-by-room solutions that are easily adjusted to meet patient and employee comfort. Investing in the Maine Economy Efficiency projects have lowered energy bills for Maine's homes and businesses by hundreds of millions of dollars each year, put- ting money back in our pockets. Just last year, Efficiency Maine provided incentives for projects that helped avoid more than $300 million in unnecessary energy costs. ese incentives also boost the Maine economy by encouraging private investment in energy efficiency. Last year, Efficiency Maine's $43.7 million in efficiency spending leveraged more than $80.9 million of incremental private spending. is combined investment helps generate local jobs and grow local businesses – today, over 1,200 businesses are part of Efficiency Maine's network of installing contractors and suppliers. Finally, energy efficiency projects have reduced energy demand on the grid: Efficiency resources now constitute 9% of Maine's total load and 5% of its generation capacity needs. Getting Started For countless Maine businesses, these kinds of efficiency projects mean less money on energy costs and more money toward the bottom line. And it's easy to explore opportunities at your facility. Efficiency Maine works with a network of hundreds of contractors, or Qualified Partners, across the state. Your heating, electrical or general contractor is likely familiar with energy-efficient tech- nologies and available incentives. e Efficiency Maine website can connect you with efficiency contractors working in your area. And if your preferred contractor isn't yet part of the Efficiency Maine network, we can help them get started. To locate a Qualified Partner or to learn more about available incentives, check out the Efficiency Maine website — efficien- cymaine.com. Join us in helping Mainers save energy and other costs while improving productivity and comfort. l P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F E F F I C I E N C Y M A I N E Top: Furniture Superstore's showroom is now lit by LEDs. Bottom: An air curtain system provides energy efficiency at Wyman's of Maine.

• Cover