To get a copy of WESCO’s Green Buyers Guide, call or visit your local Branch or log on to www.wescogogreen.com
1
1
Featured Suppliers
Date
The Go Green revolution is here to stay!
What does WESCO mean by
– Meet NFPA Class A fire retardancy
• 100% recyclable material
• Low installation cost, virtually maintenance free
Toolbox Talks, Edition 6 Coming Soon — Featuring Electrical Safety!
Giving you the convenience of a prefabricated product — plus the flexibility to accommodate jobsite requirements
PRE-formance™
PRE-formance™ from Cooper Crouse-Hinds is the only three–tiered offering that enables the contractor to
pick a prefab solution unique to their specific application, better control their labor allocation, and reduce total
installation and construction costs.
— Reduces overages and scrap
— Includes the patent-pending, open-back box
to reduce wiring time and speed installation.
Eliminates the need for disassembly on the
jobsite
WESCO Distribution, Inc.
• Complete (the most complete turnkey solution for
commercial construction projects!)
— Eliminates jobsite material “piles”
Suite 700
— Cafeteria style selection of mounting brackets,
plaster rings, boxes (includes ground screw and
stranded fork or solid pigtail installed into the
box), special packaging, kitting, and painting
225 West Station Square Drive
• Custom (assembled from stock components to
meet tight job requirements!)
Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1122
— Standard cataloged boxes and commonly
ordered assemblies
— Complete solution that starts with your
drawing and results in a package of custom
engineered and prefabricated branch wiring
system assemblies marked, packaged, and
shipped to your exact location to meet your
job requirements and timelines
www.wesco.com/construction
• Basic (available from factory stock!)
• Comments from Bill, Jim:
Saving the Green by “Going Green”
• WESCO Helps Contractors to “Go Green”
• Keys to Acquiring Green Projects
• Case Study: Slashing Energy Costs
4
• Featured Suppliers
• What Does WESCO Mean by Green?
• WESCO’s Sustainability Summits
WESCO Distribution is ready to help you realize energy savings for years. We continue our rich
tradition of leading the industry by providing the best environmentally friendly electrical and MRO
solutions. Our unmatched portfolio of suppliers, our extra-effort service, and value-added solutions
give your project the advantage from concept to construction when you Go Green with WESCO.
• Class A fire retardant
performance of material
Look to WESCO for environmentally friendly solutions at any stage of your project.
– Re-Form sorbents are less expensive
than our oil-based polypropylene sorbents
Brady Emergency Egress Marking
5Patented formula enhances the afterglow
The green building market
is new to many firms and
we’re here to help you
find the best products/
solutions for your customers.
As part of our commitment,
we will be holding 10 Sustainability
Summits in 2009 across the U.S. These symposium-style
events provide education on the opportunities and benefits of
green buildings and green data centers while operating in
a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.
• Cost savings
START
– 25–50% more absorbent than
oil-based polypropylene sorbents
Electrical Contractors
Prepare to Capitalize
on the Green Building
Movement
Is your project just getting started? Let WESCO help you in the
design phase. Before you break ground, incorporate the latest
technologies to realize the maximum energy savings.
• Better absorbency
• By the Numbers
3
BUILD
4
Our keynote speaker, Andy Karsner (U.S. Assistant Secretary
of Energy 2005–2008), along with local and national green
leaders, will provide their vision and counsel in both a
presentation-style and panel discussion. Join us as we come
together to meet the future of green and sustainability.
Register today for one of the below summits at
www.wescogogreen.com/events.asp.
– Re-Form is made from a minimum
of 70% recycled newsprint
& other cellulose
FROM CONCEPT THROUGH CONSTRUCTION
Building the next green masterpiece? The most ambitious projects
have the complete strength of more than 400 Branches and more
than one million products.
• Green to produce. Green in use.
• Electrical Contractors Prepare to
Capitalize on the Green Building
Movement
RECLAIM
Eco-friendly family of high-performance sorbent products.
City
Re-Form™ Eco-Friendly Sorbents
What’s in This Issue?
Do you have an existing building you want to turn green?
WESCO has the experience to help you incorporate energy-saving
technologies into older structures
3
SUSTAIN
• Has no hazardous by-product
Edition 5, 2009
Is your green building prepared to stay green? The latest
green electrical solutions are available from WESCO.
• Contains no radioactive materials
2
www.wescogogreen.com
• Uses no electricity
April 29
May 7
June 18
July 16
August 11
September 10
October 15
November 19
December
Consistent with LEED® goals.
Phoenix
Dallas
Houston
New York City
Boston
San Francisco
Denver
Los Angeles
Washington, D.C.
2
For more information about WESCO’s Green and Sustainable Solutions,
call or visit your local Branch or log on to www.wescogogreen.com.
BradyGlo™ Exit Signs
5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
BY THE NUMBERS
•More than 80 percent of commercial
building owners have allocated
funds to green initiatives this year,
and 45 percent plan to increase
sustainability investments in 2009,
according to the 2008 Green Survey:
Existing Buildings.
•The residential market is also going
green according to a report from
McGraw-Hill Construction. About
70 percent of homebuyers are more,
or much, more inclined to buy a
green home over a conventional
home in a down housing market,
according to its 2008 SmartMarket
Report.
•By 2013, the overall green building
market may more than double from
today’s $36 billion–$49 billion to
$96–$140 billion. Green building
is estimated to be 10 percent to
12 percent of the current
commercial and institutional
building market. McGraw-Hill
predicts it will represent 20 percent
to 25 percent of new commercial
and institutional construction starts
by 2013.
Source: U.S. Green Building Council
Firms are helping their clients
to save energy during the
economic downturn.
A perfect storm is brewing right now in the green building movement, says Burke Ewers
of Lime Energy. Rising utility costs, coupled with an increased focus on green energy, has
opened the door to electrical contracting firms with the knowledge and the capabilities to
help their customers save energy and cut expenses.
“What we’re seeing right now in the down economy is that our customers are focusing
on top line revenue growth, but they’re more concerned with bottom line profitability,”
says Ewers, the Vice President of Sales for Lime Energy, a national energy service provider
that provides electrical contracting services. “They’re looking for ways to cut operating
expenses, and one way to do that is to make their buildings as efficient as possible.”
Taking Action
Over the last few years, more electrical
contracting firms are grabbing hold of
opportunities in the green building market.
For example, in the last few years, CIR
Electrical Construction Corp., Buffalo, NY,
became an ally of the New York Energy
$martSM Small Commercial Lighting Program,
implemented a recycling program, and created
a dedicated sustainability coordinator position.
The company also joined the U.S. Green
Building Council, which manages the
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) program. Some of the employees are also
studying to become LEED Accredited Professionals. By having LEED Accredited
Professionals on staff, the firm can more easily take advantage of growing opportunities
in the green building market, and more easily win work, says Tracy Will, Sustainability
Coordinator.
“Having an electrical contractor with LEED Accredited Professionals on a project team
makes the whole process easier during a green building project,” Will says. “There
are many different things you have to comply with, and it’s important to have the
knowledge to be able to help with the energy improvements.”
Continued on page 3
Look inside for information to help your
company Go Green with WESCO.
© Copyright 2009 WESCO Distribution, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Printed in the USA. 0209/0902_0332
1
TOOLBOX TALKS
Sustainable Lighting
WESCO Helps Contractors to Go Green
Wind Power Generation
Featured Green Case Study
Comments from Bill, Jim:
Bill Cenk
VP Industrial/Construction East
WESCO Distribution, Inc.
Jim Griffin
VP Industrial/Construction West
WESCO Distribution, Inc.
Saving the Green by “Going Green”
The future is bright for green products and
technology. According to McGraw-Hill
Construction, the overall green building
market will more than double by 2013 and
could reach $140 billion.
As more companies are looking for ways to
save energy and improve productivity, they’re
turning to electrical contracting firms to invest
in energy-efficient operating systems. WESCO
has the products and technology to help you
meet your energy-efficiency goals.
Electrical contracting firms, as well as their customers, are facing tough times due to the slowing economy. By understanding the green
building market and applying their knowledge, companies can boost their profitability and help save the environment.
Energy Systems
and Controls
“We are partnering with our electrical contractors to uncover every green opportunity to provide cost savings to our end user customers,”
Olson says. “Using all of the resources WESCO has to offer, our customers are seeing the advantages of partnering with WESCO.”
Cable Management
and Termination
Here are eight ways that WESCO is helping contractors to pursue and complete green building projects successfully:
Batteries and Flashlights
Lighting retrofits. As commercial and industrial customers are looking for ways
to save energy, they are often investing in lighting retrofits and upgrades.
Many times, they hire electrical contracting firms to replace inefficient
lighting technology with more environmentally friendly options.
In addition to replacing overhead lighting with compact fluorescent
technology, contractors are also working with their customers to install LEDs
in outdoor street lights. As the economy has started to take a turn, more
customers have become more open-minded about switching to energyefficient technology, says John Rucker, manager of the WESCO Branch in Van
Nuys, CA. In fact, one of his customers just ordered 90,000 LED lights, and the
Branch is also supplying Disney with LED technology.
Just as many businesses are committed to
saving energy, WESCO is also committed to
providing environmentally-friendly, sustainable
products. In fact, we stock more than 1,500
green products from 47 suppliers, and all
of these products will help you to meet
environmental standards, save money,
improve productivity, and reduce waste.
Our Branches not only supply contractors with
the latest technology, but they also equip them
with the tools and the skills they need to get
the job done. Many of our Branches offer a
wide variety of resources to electrical contracting
firms from training seminars to one-on-one
product consultations. Lastly, we encourage
you to register for WESCO’s Sustainability
Summits and hear from keynote speakers and
suppliers providing cutting edge products.
Electrical
Distribution
As contractors take on projects in this market, WESCO is behind them every step of the way, says Rob Olson, District Sales Manager
for EESCO, New Brighton, MN.
1
“For a long time, LED lighting didn’t have enough fire power to handle task
and outdoor lighting,” he says. “Now, we’re seeing that manufacturers are
offering some viable solutions. Often times, this type of lighting has a longer
life than both fluorescent, incandescent, or HID lights.”
2
Lighting audits. To provide more value to its electrical contracting clients,
EESCO in New Brighton, MN, is now offering lighting audits. Two employees
from each one of EESCO’s Branches are now equipped to help contractors
assess the needs of their clients and select the most energy-efficient lighting
products, Olson says.
3
4
5
2 Sustainability Solutions
Substantial Cost Savings Through
Lamp recycling. After electrical contracting firms complete
lighting upgrades for their customers, they can turn to
WESCO to recycle the old fixtures. WESCO works with
recycling companies to safely dispose of the fluorescent
bulbs. In some states, such as California, contractors must
recycle the light bulbs, which can contain mercury and be
harmful to the environment.
Educational materials. EESCO Branches are working on
several initiatives to help electrical contracting companies
learn more about the green building market. For example,
the Branches are offering webinars on energy-saving devices,
publishing HOT Topics newsletters, and leaving behind onepage documents detailing the benefits of green products.
Customer seminars. Many of the WESCO Branches invite
vendors to offer training sessions on their products such
as the Van Nuys, CA Branch. EESCO plans to offer several
customer seminars this year to educate its electrical
contracting companies about the green technology that
is currently available on the market.
Case Study: Slashing Energy Costs
Problem: High-pressure sodium light fixtures illuminated a parking ramp adjacent to a courthouse in downtown Duluth, MN. These lights were inefficient and had to be left on 24 hours a day, seven days a week,
because they weren’t compatible with occupancy sensors.
3
6
7
8
Trade shows. Electrical contractors can also learn about
the latest green products by attending trade shows and
conferences in their area. For example, EESCO is working
with the Minnesota Electrical Association to host a green
seminar at its annual summer event, which attracts customers
from across the state of Minnesota. EESCO is also discussing
sponsoring several trade shows in its Branches focused on
LED lighting and energy-saving devices.
Solution: After conducting a lighting study, St. Louis County worked with APi Electric, a Duluth, Minnesotabased electrical contracting company, to determine ways to cut energy usage. The team of APi Electric and
United Electric (a division of WESCO) recommended upgrades to lighting fixtures and controls to achieve
the desired energy savings. Electricians retrofitted the parking ramp fixtures by replacing the HPS fixtures
with new metal halide fixtures and mounting them lower for improved light distribution, safety, and security.
LED exit fixtures were installed to replace the fluorescent fixtures and also installed were occupancy sensors,
daylight sensors, and timers. Additionally, the county installed a 5.1kW solar panel on the rooftop.
For more information
on WESCO’s Green
and Sustainability
initiatives, go to
www.wescogogreen.com
4
Cost $avings: Thanks to the solar and LED technology, the County’s monthly electrical bill for the parking
ramp declined from an average of $1,150 per month to about $165. Before the lighting retrofit project, the parking
ramp had 101 fixtures at 16,400W. The project cut that number to 63 fixtures at 3,945W to light the same space.
Sustainability Impact: St. Louis County took sustainability to a new level in their existing parking facility
by addressing and reducing total energy consumption.
• RECLAIM Green: The county took back the facility by reducing the overall lighting energy consumption by
76%. By doing so, they took an existing structure much closer to carbon neutrality. Every kWh reduced saves
the environment (every kWh of electricity reduced saves 0.43 Kg of CO2).
5
Green product selection. As electrical contracting firms are
increasingly taking on green building projects, WESCO
Branches are ready to supply them with any products that
they need to help their customers to save energy. EESCO
offers such products as LED lighting, fluorescent lighting
high-bays, advanced ballasts, dimming products, occupancy
sensors, and monitoring devices.
Green Buyers’ Guide. To help contractors to more easily find
green products, WESCO publishes a directory of more than
1,500 environmentally friendly products from 47 suppliers.
• SUSTAIN Green: By reducing the number of fixtures by 27%, the County ensured a more sustainable
maintenance and operation program for the facility. The facility will require fewer replacement parts and
labor hours to keep it operational. Every reduction in parts and service is an elimination of energy necessary
to create and install MRO product solutions.
The Next Great Innovation
in Conduit Bodies!
The optimum solution for
retrofit applications
BlueKote™ Universal Conduit Elbow
Wireless Occupancy
Sensing Solution
As the construction market continues to
change, we will be right by your side, and
help you to lead the way in energy-efficient
electrical installations.
NEW!
Keys to Acquiring Green Projects
Continued from the cover
Electrical Contractors Prepare to Capitalize on the Green Building Movement
Energy Efficiency
Electrical contracting firms can boost their profitability by taking advantage of opportunities in the green building market.
Here are five tips to get involved:
1. Research the market. Create a team of employees who
are dedicated to researching the market and will actively
look for opportunities.
2. Learn from other experts. Partner with architects and
general contractors who are already working in the green
building market and try to learn as much as you can from
them.
3. Keep up on regulations. Every state has different
restrictions on green building. For example, in California,
the electrical contracting firms must follow Title 24, which
states that they must install a certain lumen per watt and
wattage per square foot.
4. Join the U.S. Green Building Council. While certification
is on an individual basis, electrical contracting firms can
become a member of the organization. Their employees
can then become Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) Accredited Professionals.
5. Spread the word. Once you have worked on some green
building projects and obtained certifications, work with
your marketing department to brand your firm as a
business dedicated to sustainability.
Ask us about SKU
reducing solutions
Many times, customers may think that by going green, they’ll have to settle for lower lighting levels or
reduced cooling capabilities, but that’s often not the case, Ewers says. Instead, electrical contractors have
the opportunity to help their clients save energy, while at the same time make a high return on their
investment.
One way many electrical contracting firms are helping their clients to cut operating costs is through
lighting upgrades. For example, CIR Electrical has swapped out inefficient light fixtures with their more
energy-efficient counterparts. In addition to lighting retrofits, the company has also upgraded motor and
control systems to cut down on their clients’ energy consumption.
“There are a lot of things that we are well-poised to work on due to our knowledge about electrical
construction,” Will says.
To take advantage of the growth in the green building market, electrical contracting firms must continuously
attain knowledge and keep up with technology, she says. In her opinion, green building is not a trend, but is here to stay.
“It’s a huge opportunity, and it’s not going away,” she says.
• Radius is the same as bent
conduit. Pull wire through
the body!
• BlueKote™ four-layer protection
provides internal and external
corrosion resistance
• Angled cover port — easier
wire pulling and uses standard
covers
• UL® listed as an enclosure —
splices allowed inside the LU
• Rated for 40% wire fill!
Introductory Offer!
Customer Bonus! FREE Cover & Gasket with each T&B®
BlueKote™ Universal Elbow, Form 7 & Form 8 conduit body
purchased, NOW through to April 30, 2009!
Terms & Conditions Visit: www.tnb.com/wesco_custpromo
Ask your local Branch for more information regarding
part #’s 786209-91238 through 786209-91244
Features and Benefits
• Installation is quick and
easy — simply replace the
existing wall switch with
the Wall Switch Receiver,
mount the Wireless SelfPowered Occupancy Sensor
and installation is complete
• No new wiring required for
installation — installs easily in
locations that would be difficult
to hardwire in both retrofit and new
construction applications for quicker
job turnaround times and lower labor
costs — as much as 50% less in installation
costs than hardwired sensors
• No external power or batteries required — the wireless
occupancy sensor utilizes a built-in solar cell to draw on
available ambient light to power itself and the remote
switch uses kinetic energy each time the button is pushed
to power itself for additional energy and material savings
1
TOOLBOX TALKS
Sustainable Lighting
WESCO Helps Contractors to Go Green
Wind Power Generation
Featured Green Case Study
Comments from Bill, Jim:
Bill Cenk
VP Industrial/Construction East
WESCO Distribution, Inc.
Jim Griffin
VP Industrial/Construction West
WESCO Distribution, Inc.
Saving the Green by “Going Green”
The future is bright for green products and
technology. According to McGraw-Hill
Construction, the overall green building
market will more than double by 2013 and
could reach $140 billion.
As more companies are looking for ways to
save energy and improve productivity, they’re
turning to electrical contracting firms to invest
in energy-efficient operating systems. WESCO
has the products and technology to help you
meet your energy-efficiency goals.
Electrical contracting firms, as well as their customers, are facing tough times due to the slowing economy. By understanding the green
building market and applying their knowledge, companies can boost their profitability and help save the environment.
Energy Systems
and Controls
“We are partnering with our electrical contractors to uncover every green opportunity to provide cost savings to our end user customers,”
Olson says. “Using all of the resources WESCO has to offer, our customers are seeing the advantages of partnering with WESCO.”
Cable Management
and Termination
Here are eight ways that WESCO is helping contractors to pursue and complete green building projects successfully:
Batteries and Flashlights
Lighting retrofits. As commercial and industrial customers are looking for ways
to save energy, they are often investing in lighting retrofits and upgrades.
Many times, they hire electrical contracting firms to replace inefficient
lighting technology with more environmentally friendly options.
In addition to replacing overhead lighting with compact fluorescent
technology, contractors are also working with their customers to install LEDs
in outdoor street lights. As the economy has started to take a turn, more
customers have become more open-minded about switching to energyefficient technology, says John Rucker, manager of the WESCO Branch in Van
Nuys, CA. In fact, one of his customers just ordered 90,000 LED lights, and the
Branch is also supplying Disney with LED technology.
Just as many businesses are committed to
saving energy, WESCO is also committed to
providing environmentally-friendly, sustainable
products. In fact, we stock more than 1,500
green products from 47 suppliers, and all
of these products will help you to meet
environmental standards, save money,
improve productivity, and reduce waste.
Our Branches not only supply contractors with
the latest technology, but they also equip them
with the tools and the skills they need to get
the job done. Many of our Branches offer a
wide variety of resources to electrical contracting
firms from training seminars to one-on-one
product consultations. Lastly, we encourage
you to register for WESCO’s Sustainability
Summits and hear from keynote speakers and
suppliers providing cutting edge products.
Electrical
Distribution
As contractors take on projects in this market, WESCO is behind them every step of the way, says Rob Olson, District Sales Manager
for EESCO, New Brighton, MN.
1
“For a long time, LED lighting didn’t have enough fire power to handle task
and outdoor lighting,” he says. “Now, we’re seeing that manufacturers are
offering some viable solutions. Often times, this type of lighting has a longer
life than both fluorescent, incandescent, or HID lights.”
2
Lighting audits. To provide more value to its electrical contracting clients,
EESCO in New Brighton, MN, is now offering lighting audits. Two employees
from each one of EESCO’s Branches are now equipped to help contractors
assess the needs of their clients and select the most energy-efficient lighting
products, Olson says.
3
4
5
2 Sustainability Solutions
Substantial Cost Savings Through
Lamp recycling. After electrical contracting firms complete
lighting upgrades for their customers, they can turn to
WESCO to recycle the old fixtures. WESCO works with
recycling companies to safely dispose of the fluorescent
bulbs. In some states, such as California, contractors must
recycle the light bulbs, which can contain mercury and be
harmful to the environment.
Educational materials. EESCO Branches are working on
several initiatives to help electrical contracting companies
learn more about the green building market. For example,
the Branches are offering webinars on energy-saving devices,
publishing HOT Topics newsletters, and leaving behind onepage documents detailing the benefits of green products.
Customer seminars. Many of the WESCO Branches invite
vendors to offer training sessions on their products such
as the Van Nuys, CA Branch. EESCO plans to offer several
customer seminars this year to educate its electrical
contracting companies about the green technology that
is currently available on the market.
Case Study: Slashing Energy Costs
Problem: High-pressure sodium light fixtures illuminated a parking ramp adjacent to a courthouse in downtown Duluth, MN. These lights were inefficient and had to be left on 24 hours a day, seven days a week,
because they weren’t compatible with occupancy sensors.
3
6
7
8
Trade shows. Electrical contractors can also learn about
the latest green products by attending trade shows and
conferences in their area. For example, EESCO is working
with the Minnesota Electrical Association to host a green
seminar at its annual summer event, which attracts customers
from across the state of Minnesota. EESCO is also discussing
sponsoring several trade shows in its Branches focused on
LED lighting and energy-saving devices.
Solution: After conducting a lighting study, St. Louis County worked with APi Electric, a Duluth, Minnesotabased electrical contracting company, to determine ways to cut energy usage. The team of APi Electric and
United Electric (a division of WESCO) recommended upgrades to lighting fixtures and controls to achieve
the desired energy savings. Electricians retrofitted the parking ramp fixtures by replacing the HPS fixtures
with new metal halide fixtures and mounting them lower for improved light distribution, safety, and security.
LED exit fixtures were installed to replace the fluorescent fixtures and also installed were occupancy sensors,
daylight sensors, and timers. Additionally, the county installed a 5.1kW solar panel on the rooftop.
For more information
on WESCO’s Green
and Sustainability
initiatives, go to
www.wescogogreen.com
4
Cost $avings: Thanks to the solar and LED technology, the County’s monthly electrical bill for the parking
ramp declined from an average of $1,150 per month to about $165. Before the lighting retrofit project, the parking
ramp had 101 fixtures at 16,400W. The project cut that number to 63 fixtures at 3,945W to light the same space.
Sustainability Impact: St. Louis County took sustainability to a new level in their existing parking facility
by addressing and reducing total energy consumption.
• RECLAIM Green: The county took back the facility by reducing the overall lighting energy consumption by
76%. By doing so, they took an existing structure much closer to carbon neutrality. Every kWh reduced saves
the environment (every kWh of electricity reduced saves 0.43 Kg of CO2).
5
Green product selection. As electrical contracting firms are
increasingly taking on green building projects, WESCO
Branches are ready to supply them with any products that
they need to help their customers to save energy. EESCO
offers such products as LED lighting, fluorescent lighting
high-bays, advanced ballasts, dimming products, occupancy
sensors, and monitoring devices.
Green Buyers’ Guide. To help contractors to more easily find
green products, WESCO publishes a directory of more than
1,500 environmentally friendly products from 47 suppliers.
• SUSTAIN Green: By reducing the number of fixtures by 27%, the County ensured a more sustainable
maintenance and operation program for the facility. The facility will require fewer replacement parts and
labor hours to keep it operational. Every reduction in parts and service is an elimination of energy necessary
to create and install MRO product solutions.
The Next Great Innovation
in Conduit Bodies!
The optimum solution for
retrofit applications
BlueKote™ Universal Conduit Elbow
Wireless Occupancy
Sensing Solution
As the construction market continues to
change, we will be right by your side, and
help you to lead the way in energy-efficient
electrical installations.
NEW!
Keys to Acquiring Green Projects
Continued from the cover
Electrical Contractors Prepare to Capitalize on the Green Building Movement
Energy Efficiency
Electrical contracting firms can boost their profitability by taking advantage of opportunities in the green building market.
Here are five tips to get involved:
1. Research the market. Create a team of employees who
are dedicated to researching the market and will actively
look for opportunities.
2. Learn from other experts. Partner with architects and
general contractors who are already working in the green
building market and try to learn as much as you can from
them.
3. Keep up on regulations. Every state has different
restrictions on green building. For example, in California,
the electrical contracting firms must follow Title 24, which
states that they must install a certain lumen per watt and
wattage per square foot.
4. Join the U.S. Green Building Council. While certification
is on an individual basis, electrical contracting firms can
become a member of the organization. Their employees
can then become Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) Accredited Professionals.
5. Spread the word. Once you have worked on some green
building projects and obtained certifications, work with
your marketing department to brand your firm as a
business dedicated to sustainability.
Ask us about SKU
reducing solutions
Many times, customers may think that by going green, they’ll have to settle for lower lighting levels or
reduced cooling capabilities, but that’s often not the case, Ewers says. Instead, electrical contractors have
the opportunity to help their clients save energy, while at the same time make a high return on their
investment.
One way many electrical contracting firms are helping their clients to cut operating costs is through
lighting upgrades. For example, CIR Electrical has swapped out inefficient light fixtures with their more
energy-efficient counterparts. In addition to lighting retrofits, the company has also upgraded motor and
control systems to cut down on their clients’ energy consumption.
“There are a lot of things that we are well-poised to work on due to our knowledge about electrical
construction,” Will says.
To take advantage of the growth in the green building market, electrical contracting firms must continuously
attain knowledge and keep up with technology, she says. In her opinion, green building is not a trend, but is here to stay.
“It’s a huge opportunity, and it’s not going away,” she says.
• Radius is the same as bent
conduit. Pull wire through
the body!
• BlueKote™ four-layer protection
provides internal and external
corrosion resistance
• Angled cover port — easier
wire pulling and uses standard
covers
• UL® listed as an enclosure —
splices allowed inside the LU
• Rated for 40% wire fill!
Introductory Offer!
Customer Bonus! FREE Cover & Gasket with each T&B®
BlueKote™ Universal Elbow, Form 7 & Form 8 conduit body
purchased, NOW through to April 30, 2009!
Terms & Conditions Visit: www.tnb.com/wesco_custpromo
Ask your local Branch for more information regarding
part #’s 786209-91238 through 786209-91244
Features and Benefits
• Installation is quick and
easy — simply replace the
existing wall switch with
the Wall Switch Receiver,
mount the Wireless SelfPowered Occupancy Sensor
and installation is complete
• No new wiring required for
installation — installs easily in
locations that would be difficult
to hardwire in both retrofit and new
construction applications for quicker
job turnaround times and lower labor
costs — as much as 50% less in installation
costs than hardwired sensors
• No external power or batteries required — the wireless
occupancy sensor utilizes a built-in solar cell to draw on
available ambient light to power itself and the remote
switch uses kinetic energy each time the button is pushed
to power itself for additional energy and material savings
1
TOOLBOX TALKS
Sustainable Lighting
WESCO Helps Contractors to Go Green
Wind Power Generation
Featured Green Case Study
Comments from Bill, Jim:
Bill Cenk
VP Industrial/Construction East
WESCO Distribution, Inc.
Jim Griffin
VP Industrial/Construction West
WESCO Distribution, Inc.
Saving the Green by “Going Green”
The future is bright for green products and
technology. According to McGraw-Hill
Construction, the overall green building
market will more than double by 2013 and
could reach $140 billion.
As more companies are looking for ways to
save energy and improve productivity, they’re
turning to electrical contracting firms to invest
in energy-efficient operating systems. WESCO
has the products and technology to help you
meet your energy-efficiency goals.
Electrical contracting firms, as well as their customers, are facing tough times due to the slowing economy. By understanding the green
building market and applying their knowledge, companies can boost their profitability and help save the environment.
Energy Systems
and Controls
“We are partnering with our electrical contractors to uncover every green opportunity to provide cost savings to our end user customers,”
Olson says. “Using all of the resources WESCO has to offer, our customers are seeing the advantages of partnering with WESCO.”
Cable Management
and Termination
Here are eight ways that WESCO is helping contractors to pursue and complete green building projects successfully:
Batteries and Flashlights
Lighting retrofits. As commercial and industrial customers are looking for ways
to save energy, they are often investing in lighting retrofits and upgrades.
Many times, they hire electrical contracting firms to replace inefficient
lighting technology with more environmentally friendly options.
In addition to replacing overhead lighting with compact fluorescent
technology, contractors are also working with their customers to install LEDs
in outdoor street lights. As the economy has started to take a turn, more
customers have become more open-minded about switching to energyefficient technology, says John Rucker, manager of the WESCO Branch in Van
Nuys, CA. In fact, one of his customers just ordered 90,000 LED lights, and the
Branch is also supplying Disney with LED technology.
Just as many businesses are committed to
saving energy, WESCO is also committed to
providing environmentally-friendly, sustainable
products. In fact, we stock more than 1,500
green products from 47 suppliers, and all
of these products will help you to meet
environmental standards, save money,
improve productivity, and reduce waste.
Our Branches not only supply contractors with
the latest technology, but they also equip them
with the tools and the skills they need to get
the job done. Many of our Branches offer a
wide variety of resources to electrical contracting
firms from training seminars to one-on-one
product consultations. Lastly, we encourage
you to register for WESCO’s Sustainability
Summits and hear from keynote speakers and
suppliers providing cutting edge products.
Electrical
Distribution
As contractors take on projects in this market, WESCO is behind them every step of the way, says Rob Olson, District Sales Manager
for EESCO, New Brighton, MN.
1
“For a long time, LED lighting didn’t have enough fire power to handle task
and outdoor lighting,” he says. “Now, we’re seeing that manufacturers are
offering some viable solutions. Often times, this type of lighting has a longer
life than both fluorescent, incandescent, or HID lights.”
2
Lighting audits. To provide more value to its electrical contracting clients,
EESCO in New Brighton, MN, is now offering lighting audits. Two employees
from each one of EESCO’s Branches are now equipped to help contractors
assess the needs of their clients and select the most energy-efficient lighting
products, Olson says.
3
4
5
2 Sustainability Solutions
Substantial Cost Savings Through
Lamp recycling. After electrical contracting firms complete
lighting upgrades for their customers, they can turn to
WESCO to recycle the old fixtures. WESCO works with
recycling companies to safely dispose of the fluorescent
bulbs. In some states, such as California, contractors must
recycle the light bulbs, which can contain mercury and be
harmful to the environment.
Educational materials. EESCO Branches are working on
several initiatives to help electrical contracting companies
learn more about the green building market. For example,
the Branches are offering webinars on energy-saving devices,
publishing HOT Topics newsletters, and leaving behind onepage documents detailing the benefits of green products.
Customer seminars. Many of the WESCO Branches invite
vendors to offer training sessions on their products such
as the Van Nuys, CA Branch. EESCO plans to offer several
customer seminars this year to educate its electrical
contracting companies about the green technology that
is currently available on the market.
Case Study: Slashing Energy Costs
Problem: High-pressure sodium light fixtures illuminated a parking ramp adjacent to a courthouse in downtown Duluth, MN. These lights were inefficient and had to be left on 24 hours a day, seven days a week,
because they weren’t compatible with occupancy sensors.
3
6
7
8
Trade shows. Electrical contractors can also learn about
the latest green products by attending trade shows and
conferences in their area. For example, EESCO is working
with the Minnesota Electrical Association to host a green
seminar at its annual summer event, which attracts customers
from across the state of Minnesota. EESCO is also discussing
sponsoring several trade shows in its Branches focused on
LED lighting and energy-saving devices.
Solution: After conducting a lighting study, St. Louis County worked with APi Electric, a Duluth, Minnesotabased electrical contracting company, to determine ways to cut energy usage. The team of APi Electric and
United Electric (a division of WESCO) recommended upgrades to lighting fixtures and controls to achieve
the desired energy savings. Electricians retrofitted the parking ramp fixtures by replacing the HPS fixtures
with new metal halide fixtures and mounting them lower for improved light distribution, safety, and security.
LED exit fixtures were installed to replace the fluorescent fixtures and also installed were occupancy sensors,
daylight sensors, and timers. Additionally, the county installed a 5.1kW solar panel on the rooftop.
For more information
on WESCO’s Green
and Sustainability
initiatives, go to
www.wescogogreen.com
4
Cost $avings: Thanks to the solar and LED technology, the County’s monthly electrical bill for the parking
ramp declined from an average of $1,150 per month to about $165. Before the lighting retrofit project, the parking
ramp had 101 fixtures at 16,400W. The project cut that number to 63 fixtures at 3,945W to light the same space.
Sustainability Impact: St. Louis County took sustainability to a new level in their existing parking facility
by addressing and reducing total energy consumption.
• RECLAIM Green: The county took back the facility by reducing the overall lighting energy consumption by
76%. By doing so, they took an existing structure much closer to carbon neutrality. Every kWh reduced saves
the environment (every kWh of electricity reduced saves 0.43 Kg of CO2).
5
Green product selection. As electrical contracting firms are
increasingly taking on green building projects, WESCO
Branches are ready to supply them with any products that
they need to help their customers to save energy. EESCO
offers such products as LED lighting, fluorescent lighting
high-bays, advanced ballasts, dimming products, occupancy
sensors, and monitoring devices.
Green Buyers’ Guide. To help contractors to more easily find
green products, WESCO publishes a directory of more than
1,500 environmentally friendly products from 47 suppliers.
• SUSTAIN Green: By reducing the number of fixtures by 27%, the County ensured a more sustainable
maintenance and operation program for the facility. The facility will require fewer replacement parts and
labor hours to keep it operational. Every reduction in parts and service is an elimination of energy necessary
to create and install MRO product solutions.
The Next Great Innovation
in Conduit Bodies!
The optimum solution for
retrofit applications
BlueKote™ Universal Conduit Elbow
Wireless Occupancy
Sensing Solution
As the construction market continues to
change, we will be right by your side, and
help you to lead the way in energy-efficient
electrical installations.
NEW!
Keys to Acquiring Green Projects
Continued from the cover
Electrical Contractors Prepare to Capitalize on the Green Building Movement
Energy Efficiency
Electrical contracting firms can boost their profitability by taking advantage of opportunities in the green building market.
Here are five tips to get involved:
1. Research the market. Create a team of employees who
are dedicated to researching the market and will actively
look for opportunities.
2. Learn from other experts. Partner with architects and
general contractors who are already working in the green
building market and try to learn as much as you can from
them.
3. Keep up on regulations. Every state has different
restrictions on green building. For example, in California,
the electrical contracting firms must follow Title 24, which
states that they must install a certain lumen per watt and
wattage per square foot.
4. Join the U.S. Green Building Council. While certification
is on an individual basis, electrical contracting firms can
become a member of the organization. Their employees
can then become Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) Accredited Professionals.
5. Spread the word. Once you have worked on some green
building projects and obtained certifications, work with
your marketing department to brand your firm as a
business dedicated to sustainability.
Ask us about SKU
reducing solutions
Many times, customers may think that by going green, they’ll have to settle for lower lighting levels or
reduced cooling capabilities, but that’s often not the case, Ewers says. Instead, electrical contractors have
the opportunity to help their clients save energy, while at the same time make a high return on their
investment.
One way many electrical contracting firms are helping their clients to cut operating costs is through
lighting upgrades. For example, CIR Electrical has swapped out inefficient light fixtures with their more
energy-efficient counterparts. In addition to lighting retrofits, the company has also upgraded motor and
control systems to cut down on their clients’ energy consumption.
“There are a lot of things that we are well-poised to work on due to our knowledge about electrical
construction,” Will says.
To take advantage of the growth in the green building market, electrical contracting firms must continuously
attain knowledge and keep up with technology, she says. In her opinion, green building is not a trend, but is here to stay.
“It’s a huge opportunity, and it’s not going away,” she says.
• Radius is the same as bent
conduit. Pull wire through
the body!
• BlueKote™ four-layer protection
provides internal and external
corrosion resistance
• Angled cover port — easier
wire pulling and uses standard
covers
• UL® listed as an enclosure —
splices allowed inside the LU
• Rated for 40% wire fill!
Introductory Offer!
Customer Bonus! FREE Cover & Gasket with each T&B®
BlueKote™ Universal Elbow, Form 7 & Form 8 conduit body
purchased, NOW through to April 30, 2009!
Terms & Conditions Visit: www.tnb.com/wesco_custpromo
Ask your local Branch for more information regarding
part #’s 786209-91238 through 786209-91244
Features and Benefits
• Installation is quick and
easy — simply replace the
existing wall switch with
the Wall Switch Receiver,
mount the Wireless SelfPowered Occupancy Sensor
and installation is complete
• No new wiring required for
installation — installs easily in
locations that would be difficult
to hardwire in both retrofit and new
construction applications for quicker
job turnaround times and lower labor
costs — as much as 50% less in installation
costs than hardwired sensors
• No external power or batteries required — the wireless
occupancy sensor utilizes a built-in solar cell to draw on
available ambient light to power itself and the remote
switch uses kinetic energy each time the button is pushed
to power itself for additional energy and material savings
To get a copy of WESCO’s Green Buyers Guide, call or visit your local Branch or log on to www.wescogogreen.com
1
1
Featured Suppliers
Date
The Go Green revolution is here to stay!
What does WESCO mean by
– Meet NFPA Class A fire retardancy
• 100% recyclable material
• Low installation cost, virtually maintenance free
Toolbox Talks, Edition 6 Coming Soon — Featuring Electrical Safety!
Giving you the convenience of a prefabricated product — plus the flexibility to accommodate jobsite requirements
PRE-formance™
PRE-formance™ from Cooper Crouse-Hinds is the only three–tiered offering that enables the contractor to
pick a prefab solution unique to their specific application, better control their labor allocation, and reduce total
installation and construction costs.
— Reduces overages and scrap
— Includes the patent-pending, open-back box
to reduce wiring time and speed installation.
Eliminates the need for disassembly on the
jobsite
WESCO Distribution, Inc.
• Complete (the most complete turnkey solution for
commercial construction projects!)
— Eliminates jobsite material “piles”
Suite 700
— Cafeteria style selection of mounting brackets,
plaster rings, boxes (includes ground screw and
stranded fork or solid pigtail installed into the
box), special packaging, kitting, and painting
225 West Station Square Drive
• Custom (assembled from stock components to
meet tight job requirements!)
Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1122
— Standard cataloged boxes and commonly
ordered assemblies
— Complete solution that starts with your
drawing and results in a package of custom
engineered and prefabricated branch wiring
system assemblies marked, packaged, and
shipped to your exact location to meet your
job requirements and timelines
www.wesco.com/construction
• Basic (available from factory stock!)
• Comments from Bill, Jim:
Saving the Green by “Going Green”
• WESCO Helps Contractors to “Go Green”
• Keys to Acquiring Green Projects
• Case Study: Slashing Energy Costs
4
• Featured Suppliers
• What Does WESCO Mean by Green?
• WESCO’s Sustainability Summits
WESCO Distribution is ready to help you realize energy savings for years. We continue our rich
tradition of leading the industry by providing the best environmentally friendly electrical and MRO
solutions. Our unmatched portfolio of suppliers, our extra-effort service, and value-added solutions
give your project the advantage from concept to construction when you Go Green with WESCO.
• Class A fire retardant
performance of material
Look to WESCO for environmentally friendly solutions at any stage of your project.
– Re-Form sorbents are less expensive
than our oil-based polypropylene sorbents
Brady Emergency Egress Marking
5Patented formula enhances the afterglow
The green building market
is new to many firms and
we’re here to help you
find the best products/
solutions for your customers.
As part of our commitment,
we will be holding 10 Sustainability
Summits in 2009 across the U.S. These symposium-style
events provide education on the opportunities and benefits of
green buildings and green data centers while operating in
a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.
• Cost savings
START
– 25–50% more absorbent than
oil-based polypropylene sorbents
Electrical Contractors
Prepare to Capitalize
on the Green Building
Movement
Is your project just getting started? Let WESCO help you in the
design phase. Before you break ground, incorporate the latest
technologies to realize the maximum energy savings.
• Better absorbency
• By the Numbers
3
BUILD
4
Our keynote speaker, Andy Karsner (U.S. Assistant Secretary
of Energy 2005–2008), along with local and national green
leaders, will provide their vision and counsel in both a
presentation-style and panel discussion. Join us as we come
together to meet the future of green and sustainability.
Register today for one of the below summits at
www.wescogogreen.com/events.asp.
– Re-Form is made from a minimum
of 70% recycled newsprint
& other cellulose
FROM CONCEPT THROUGH CONSTRUCTION
Building the next green masterpiece? The most ambitious projects
have the complete strength of more than 400 Branches and more
than one million products.
• Green to produce. Green in use.
• Electrical Contractors Prepare to
Capitalize on the Green Building
Movement
RECLAIM
Eco-friendly family of high-performance sorbent products.
City
Re-Form™ Eco-Friendly Sorbents
What’s in This Issue?
Do you have an existing building you want to turn green?
WESCO has the experience to help you incorporate energy-saving
technologies into older structures
3
SUSTAIN
• Has no hazardous by-product
Edition 5, 2009
Is your green building prepared to stay green? The latest
green electrical solutions are available from WESCO.
• Contains no radioactive materials
2
www.wescogogreen.com
• Uses no electricity
April 29
May 7
June 18
July 16
August 11
September 10
October 15
November 19
December
Consistent with LEED® goals.
Phoenix
Dallas
Houston
New York City
Boston
San Francisco
Denver
Los Angeles
Washington, D.C.
2
For more information about WESCO’s Green and Sustainable Solutions,
call or visit your local Branch or log on to www.wescogogreen.com.
BradyGlo™ Exit Signs
5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
BY THE NUMBERS
•More than 80 percent of commercial
building owners have allocated
funds to green initiatives this year,
and 45 percent plan to increase
sustainability investments in 2009,
according to the 2008 Green Survey:
Existing Buildings.
•The residential market is also going
green according to a report from
McGraw-Hill Construction. About
70 percent of homebuyers are more,
or much, more inclined to buy a
green home over a conventional
home in a down housing market,
according to its 2008 SmartMarket
Report.
•By 2013, the overall green building
market may more than double from
today’s $36 billion–$49 billion to
$96–$140 billion. Green building
is estimated to be 10 percent to
12 percent of the current
commercial and institutional
building market. McGraw-Hill
predicts it will represent 20 percent
to 25 percent of new commercial
and institutional construction starts
by 2013.
Source: U.S. Green Building Council
Firms are helping their clients
to save energy during the
economic downturn.
A perfect storm is brewing right now in the green building movement, says Burke Ewers
of Lime Energy. Rising utility costs, coupled with an increased focus on green energy, has
opened the door to electrical contracting firms with the knowledge and the capabilities to
help their customers save energy and cut expenses.
“What we’re seeing right now in the down economy is that our customers are focusing
on top line revenue growth, but they’re more concerned with bottom line profitability,”
says Ewers, the Vice President of Sales for Lime Energy, a national energy service provider
that provides electrical contracting services. “They’re looking for ways to cut operating
expenses, and one way to do that is to make their buildings as efficient as possible.”
Taking Action
Over the last few years, more electrical
contracting firms are grabbing hold of
opportunities in the green building market.
For example, in the last few years, CIR
Electrical Construction Corp., Buffalo, NY,
became an ally of the New York Energy
$martSM Small Commercial Lighting Program,
implemented a recycling program, and created
a dedicated sustainability coordinator position.
The company also joined the U.S. Green
Building Council, which manages the
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) program. Some of the employees are also
studying to become LEED Accredited Professionals. By having LEED Accredited
Professionals on staff, the firm can more easily take advantage of growing opportunities
in the green building market, and more easily win work, says Tracy Will, Sustainability
Coordinator.
“Having an electrical contractor with LEED Accredited Professionals on a project team
makes the whole process easier during a green building project,” Will says. “There
are many different things you have to comply with, and it’s important to have the
knowledge to be able to help with the energy improvements.”
Continued on page 3
Look inside for information to help your
company Go Green with WESCO.
© Copyright 2009 WESCO Distribution, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Printed in the USA. 0209/0902_0332
1
To get a copy of WESCO’s Green Buyers Guide, call or visit your local Branch or log on to www.wescogogreen.com
1
Featured Suppliers
BradyGlo™ Exit Signs
2
Consistent with LEED® goals.
• Uses no electricity
• Contains no radioactive materials
• Has no hazardous by-product
3
Re-Form™ Eco-Friendly Sorbents
Eco-friendly family of high-performance sorbent products.
• Green to produce. Green in use.
– Re-Form is made from a minimum
of 70% recycled newsprint
& other cellulose
4
• Better absorbency
– 25–50% more absorbent than
oil-based polypropylene sorbents
• Cost savings
– Re-Form sorbents are less expensive
than our oil-based polypropylene sorbents
April 29
May 7
June 18
July 16
August 11
September 10
October 15
November 19
December
Date
• Class A fire retardant
Brady Emergency Egress Marking
5Patented formula enhances the afterglow
performance of material
Phoenix
Dallas
Houston
New York City
Boston
San Francisco
Denver
Los Angeles
Washington, D.C.
City
Our keynote speaker, Andy Karsner (U.S. Assistant Secretary
of Energy 2005–2008), along with local and national green
leaders, will provide their vision and counsel in both a
presentation-style and panel discussion. Join us as we come
together to meet the future of green and sustainability.
Register today for one of the below summits at
www.wescogogreen.com/events.asp.
The green building market
is new to many firms and
we’re here to help you
find the best products/
solutions for your customers.
As part of our commitment,
we will be holding 10 Sustainability
Summits in 2009 across the U.S. These symposium-style
events provide education on the opportunities and benefits of
green buildings and green data centers while operating in
a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.
– Meet NFPA Class A fire retardancy
For more information about WESCO’s Green and Sustainable Solutions,
call or visit your local Branch or log on to www.wescogogreen.com.
www.wescogogreen.com
2
Is your green building prepared to stay green? The latest
green electrical solutions are available from WESCO.
3
• Electrical Contractors Prepare to
Capitalize on the Green Building
Movement
• By the Numbers
• Comments from Bill, Jim:
Saving the Green by “Going Green”
• WESCO Helps Contractors to “Go Green”
• Keys to Acquiring Green Projects
• Case Study: Slashing Energy Costs
4
• Featured Suppliers
• What Does WESCO Mean by Green?
• WESCO’s Sustainability Summits
5
• 100% recyclable material
• Low installation cost, virtually maintenance free
Giving you the convenience of a prefabricated product — plus the flexibility to accommodate jobsite requirements
PRE-formance™
PRE-formance™ from Cooper Crouse-Hinds is the only three–tiered offering that enables the contractor to
pick a prefab solution unique to their specific application, better control their labor allocation, and reduce total
installation and construction costs.
• Basic (available from factory stock!)
— Standard cataloged boxes and commonly
ordered assemblies
• Custom (assembled from stock components to
meet tight job requirements!)
— Cafeteria style selection of mounting brackets,
plaster rings, boxes (includes ground screw and
stranded fork or solid pigtail installed into the
box), special packaging, kitting, and painting
• Complete (the most complete turnkey solution for
commercial construction projects!)
— Complete solution that starts with your
drawing and results in a package of custom
engineered and prefabricated branch wiring
system assemblies marked, packaged, and
shipped to your exact location to meet your
job requirements and timelines
— Eliminates jobsite material “piles”
— Reduces overages and scrap
— Includes the patent-pending, open-back box
to reduce wiring time and speed installation.
Eliminates the need for disassembly on the
jobsite
Edition 5, 2009
What’s in This Issue?
SUSTAIN
Do you have an existing building you want to turn green?
WESCO has the experience to help you incorporate energy-saving
technologies into older structures
RECLAIM
Building the next green masterpiece? The most ambitious projects
have the complete strength of more than 400 Branches and more
than one million products.
BUILD
Is your project just getting started? Let WESCO help you in the
design phase. Before you break ground, incorporate the latest
technologies to realize the maximum energy savings.
START
Look to WESCO for environmentally friendly solutions at any stage of your project.
WESCO Distribution is ready to help you realize energy savings for years. We continue our rich
tradition of leading the industry by providing the best environmentally friendly electrical and MRO
solutions. Our unmatched portfolio of suppliers, our extra-effort service, and value-added solutions
give your project the advantage from concept to construction when you Go Green with WESCO.
The Go Green revolution is here to stay!
What does WESCO mean by
Toolbox Talks, Edition 6 Coming Soon — Featuring Electrical Safety!
www.wesco.com/construction
Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1122
225 West Station Square Drive
Suite 700
WESCO Distribution, Inc.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
BY THE NUMBERS
•More than 80 percent of commercial
building owners have allocated
funds to green initiatives this year,
and 45 percent plan to increase
sustainability investments in 2009,
according to the 2008 Green Survey:
Existing Buildings.
•The residential market is also going
green according to a report from
McGraw-Hill Construction. About
70 percent of homebuyers are more,
or much, more inclined to buy a
green home over a conventional
home in a down housing market,
according to its 2008 SmartMarket
Report.
•By 2013, the overall green building
market may more than double from
today’s $36 billion–$49 billion to
$96–$140 billion. Green building
is estimated to be 10 percent to
12 percent of the current
commercial and institutional
building market. McGraw-Hill
predicts it will represent 20 percent
to 25 percent of new commercial
and institutional construction starts
by 2013.
Source: U.S. Green Building Council
FROM CONCEPT THROUGH CONSTRUCTION
Electrical Contractors
Prepare to Capitalize
on the Green Building
Movement
Firms are helping their clients
to save energy during the
economic downturn.
A perfect storm is brewing right now in the green building movement, says Burke Ewers
of Lime Energy. Rising utility costs, coupled with an increased focus on green energy, has
opened the door to electrical contracting firms with the knowledge and the capabilities to
help their customers save energy and cut expenses.
“What we’re seeing right now in the down economy is that our customers are focusing
on top line revenue growth, but they’re more concerned with bottom line profitability,”
says Ewers, the Vice President of Sales for Lime Energy, a national energy service provider
that provides electrical contracting services. “They’re looking for ways to cut operating
expenses, and one way to do that is to make their buildings as efficient as possible.”
Taking Action
Over the last few years, more electrical
contracting firms are grabbing hold of
opportunities in the green building market.
For example, in the last few years, CIR
Electrical Construction Corp., Buffalo, NY,
became an ally of the New York Energy
$martSM Small Commercial Lighting Program,
implemented a recycling program, and created
a dedicated sustainability coordinator position.
The company also joined the U.S. Green
Building Council, which manages the
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) program. Some of the employees are also
studying to become LEED Accredited Professionals. By having LEED Accredited
Professionals on staff, the firm can more easily take advantage of growing opportunities
in the green building market, and more easily win work, says Tracy Will, Sustainability
Coordinator.
“Having an electrical contractor with LEED Accredited Professionals on a project team
makes the whole process easier during a green building project,” Will says. “There
are many different things you have to comply with, and it’s important to have the
knowledge to be able to help with the energy improvements.”
Continued on page 3
Look inside for information to help your
company Go Green with WESCO.
© Copyright 2009 WESCO Distribution, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Printed in the USA. 0209/0902_0332