Building owners, investors, and managers are increasingly aware of and concerned about energy consumption, green building technology, and sustainability. Criterium Engineers stands ready to assist with services to promote and facilitate these important operating procedures.
Unfortunately, no single consistent approach for the design and evaluation of buildings has yet emerged. Some of the services we offer include:
LEED Design and Certification
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a comprehensive approach to designing and operating green buildings. A key component is energy conservation. However, LEED also considers the impact of water consumption and re-use, transportation, indoor air quality, and related systems. With 18 LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED AP), Criterium Engineers is ready to assist with the design and certification of new and existing buildings.
Energy Star Rating
Energy Star ratings have been created by the U.S. Department of Energy to promote energy efficiency in products and buildings. To receive an Energy Star rating, a building must be in the top 25th percentile when benchmarked against similar buildings. A licensed Professional Engineer is required to certify operation of the building against the referenced benchmark.
Energy Tax Credits
Section 179(d) of the tax code allows the property owner to take a tax credit for equipment that is installed to reduce energy consumption by 50 percent. The tax credit ranges between $0.60 and $1.80 per square foot. Criterium Engineers can provide design and analytical services in support of these tax credits.
Energy Audits
An energy audit is designed to analyze the major sources of energy consumption within a building and develop alternative strategies to reduce that consumption. Criterium Engineers offers a preliminary analysis as an option with our Property Condition Assessments or a complete energy audit as a stand-alone service.
