Buildings benefit from going 'green'

Illinois recently achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to encourage building owners to go green. Through ComEd, building owners now have access to more than $80 million in energy-saving rebates at a time when energy costs are already high and could likely rise.

The multiyear effort, which provides rebates of up to $50 per lighting fixture, as much as $400 per refrigeration unit as well as savings for air conditioners and other energy-saving equipment, leaves little excuse to commercial and industrial customers not to participate. It's a key incentive to heal the state's vast number of energy inefficient buildings, which cost taxpayers millions and affect the health of the occupants who use them.

Why are so many of Illinois' buildings still energy inefficient? Many building owners have an incorrect assumption that energy efficiency is a drain on operating costs. In fact, it's a cost boon. Investments in energy efficient upgrades often provide a greater return on investment than other company upgrades or expansion costs. Energy efficient building systems cost as little as 1 percent more upfront, may need a short two-year payback, and yet can save millions of dollars over the 20-plus year life span of each system. Plus, energy efficient buildings are more valuable assets.

Buildings consume one-third of all energy worldwide which is usually the largest line item in a company's annual operating budget.

Savings on energy bills contribute directly to the building's net operating income.

And, in addition to being respected as a stronger community citizen, studies show that organizations that implement energy-efficiency measures outperform their competitors by as much as 10 percent. That's because their employees are more productive in a comfortable environment. The Illinois business community has yet to reap the full advantage of going green. It's now time.

Chris Comperchio

Trane in Chicago and West Michigan