HAWAII’S STATE CAPITOL BUILDING CELEBRATES SAVINGS AT THE MIDPOINT OF EPA’S ENERGY STAR NATIONAL BUILDING COMPETITION

For Immediate Release: July 28, 2011

HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR program marked the midpoint of the 2011 National Building Competition: Battle of the Buildings by releasing a list of Top Contenders for each building category as well as the progress of all participants in the competition. The State Capitol building was named a finalist in the Office building category.

Teams from 245 buildings around the country are going head-to-head in this year’s ENERGY STAR National Building Competition to see who can reduce their energy use the most. In the first six months of the competition alone, the competitors together have saved more than $3.7 million on utility bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equal to the electricity used by 2,300 homes annually.

As part of DBEDT’s Lead by Example energy efficiency program, state departments reduced total electric consumption by 2.8 percent from 2009 and saved more than $20 million in energy costs statewide.

“We encourage the public to continue their energy efficiency practices as each of us can contribute to reduce our consumption of imported oil,” said Estrella Seese, Acting Energy Program Administrator, State Energy Office. “We’ve received strong support from EPA’s ENERGY STAR program and look forward to even greater success in the remaining months of the competition.”

As of the midpoint of the competition, the State Capitol building has reduced its energy use through a variety of strategies, including mechanical, lighting, and plumbing upgrades, efficient operations, and an occupant behavior change campaign.

In 2007, the Energy Star Portfolio Manager score for the State Capitol Building was 57 with an Energy Usage Intensity (EUI) of 237.4 kBtu/sq. ft., meaning that the building was average in comparison to similar buildings nationwide. At present, the State Capitol Building has an Energy Star Portfolio Manager score of 86, meaning it qualifies for the Energy Star Building designation and ranks in the top 15% of similar buildings nationwide. The current EUI is 183.3 kBtu/Sq. Ft.

“Competitors in the second year of the ENERGY STAR Battle of the Buildings are already achieving energy-savings that really pack a punch,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, Gina McCarthy. “The stories behind these energy-savings speak to the dedication of American businesses and organizations to protecting the environment and public health, and to economic common sense.”

The competition includes 26 different types of commercial buildings across 33 states and the District of Columbia. Competitors measure and track their building’s monthly energy consumption using EPA’s ENERGY STAR online energy tracking tool, Portfolio Manager. The building with the largest percentage reduction in energy use, adjusted for weather and the size of the building, will be recognized as the winner in November. The competitors exchange ideas and strategies through various social media applications, including a live Twitter feed and a Facebook forum. Information about all competitors, including photos and facts about each along with energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions data, is available on the competition website.

ENERGY STAR was started by EPA in 1992 as a market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products as well as new homes and commercial and industrial buildings that meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by EPA. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved about $18 billion on their energy bills while preventing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions of 33 million vehicles.

List of Top Contenders and complete midpoint results for all competitors: https://www.energystar.gov/BattleOfTheBuildings For additional information please go to https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hawaii-State-Capitol-Building/181937041856016 or https://www.noresco.com/hi/.

The State of Hawaii’s most important economic enterprise is to pursue energy independence by building a clean energy economy and reaching 70% clean energy by 2030. The DBEDT State Energy Office’s mission is to act as a catalyst for creating efficiency measures, renewable energy resources, transportation initiatives, and progressive policy that lead to green jobs and investments in Hawaii’s economy. For more information, visit www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/energy.

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For more information, contact:

Estrella Seese
Acting Energy Program Administrator
DBEDT’s State Energy Office
Phone: (808) 586-2352

Lois Hamaguchi
Energy Analyst
DBEDT’s State Energy Office
Phone: (808) 587-9006

FIRST PUBLIC ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER AT THE STATE CAPITOL

For Immediate Release: July 27, 2011

HONOLULU – Governor Neil Abercrombie today unveiled the first electric vehicle charger at the State Capitol, located in the building’s underground parking garage. The charging station, which accepts major credit cards and requires no membership, is available to all electric vehicle owners and is the first of many charging stations to be installed across the state as part of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism’s (DBEDT) EV Ready Program.

At the State Capitol, it will cost EV drivers $2 an hour to charge, with a maximum of four hours. Charging times vary depending on the range of the car, but generally an hour of charging provides about 15 miles of range.

“Our vision for the future is that it becomes more common and accessible for people to drive electric vehicles,” Governor Abercrombie said. “The first public charging station for electric vehicles is a step toward a clean energy future, and every single step is important.”

Through this program, the state is supporting the transformation of Hawaii’s transportation sector to be less dependent on petroleum and becoming electric vehicle friendly by installing approximately five charging stations at State owned buildings downtown and adding a small fleet of electric vehicles to the State motor pool. In June, the State received its first electric vehicles, two Nissan all-electric Leafs. The Hawaii State Energy Office and state motor pool currently have the vehicles.

Honolulu-based Volta Industries installed the Eaton Corporation charger equipped with a credit card- swipe system, at the State Capitol. The charger is a Level 2, 240-volt station, using the industry-standard J1772 connector, which is compatible with all new electric cars currently in production. The cost of the charger unit and installation was approximately $8,000.

In 2009, $4 million of the State Energy Program’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus funding was allocated to the Transportation Energy Diversification EV Ready Program. DBEDT provided $475,500 of federal ARRA stimulus funds to the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) Automotive Management Division to assist Hawaii State governments comply with statutory requirements for electric vehicle parking and to lead by example through the purchase of advanced technology vehicles such as electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and electric vehicle supply equipment (EV charging stations).

“Hawaii is charging ahead and making charging stations more accessible to people choosing to drive electric vehicles. We are committed to a smaller carbon footprint, 70 percent clean energy by 2030 and opportunities help protect our environment,” said Bruce Coppa, Director, State Department of Accounting and General Services.

The Capitol station, located in the State Capitol underground parking garage, is accessible via Miller Street off of Punchbowl Street, is open to the public during operating hours; 4:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday; 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturdays; closed on Sundays.

“Hawaii drivers now have a convenient charging facility downtown. Thanks to our success in securing federal funding, this is the first of an entire network of charging stations we plan to install throughout the state, as we build an infrastructure that will maintain Hawaii’s leadership in electric vehicles and entice more manufacturers to Hawaii,” said Richard Lim, Director, State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

DBEDT’s EV Ready Grant Program has awarded $2.6 million in federal stimulus funds to six organizations to accelerate Hawaii’s adoption of electric vehicles and related charging equipment. Another $1.4 million in federal stimulus money was allocated to the EV Ready Rebate Program, which allows rebates of up to $4,500 toward the purchase of new electric vehicles. Rebates of up to $500 are also available for the purchase and installation of new electric vehicle chargers in homes or business sites. Rebate forms are available on DBEDT’s Energy office electric vehicle website, https://electricvehicle.hawaii.gov.

In addition to the State EV rebates, Federal tax incentives of up to $7,500 are also available for highway-capable vehicles (the Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle credit, which applies to at least 200,000 units per auto manufacturer before it phases out) and up to $1,000 for individual buyers and up to $30,000 for businesses installing EV charger stations.

The State of Hawaii’s economic enterprise is to pursue energy independence by building a clean energy economy and reaching 70 percent clean energy by 2030. The DBEDT State Energy Office’s mission is to act as a catalyst for efficiency measures, renewable energy resources, transportation initiatives, green jobs, and investments in Hawaii’s economy.

For more information, visit www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/energy and https://electricvehicle.hawaii.gov.

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For more information, contact:

Estrella Seese
Acting Energy Program Administrator
DBEDT’s State Energy Office
Phone: (808) 586-2352

Lois Hamaguchi
Energy Analyst
DBEDT’s State Energy Office
Phone: (808) 587-9006

DEADLINE EXTENDED THROUGH JANUARY 2012 FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE REBATES

For Immediate Release: July 25, 2011

HONOLULU –The state extended the deadline to January 31, 2012 for residents to apply for rebates on new electric or hybrid electric/gasoline cars and chargers.

From early January to mid-July, 128 rebates have been approved for 68 electric vehicles and 60 chargers, with $1,068,988 remaining in funding.

“We want to empower more Hawaii residents with the opportunity to contribute to Hawaii’s goal of becoming more energy efficient and increase our energy security,” said Estrella Seese, acting energy program administrator for the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s Energy Office. “Our top economic priority as a state is energy independence. The extension of the rebates for electric vehicles and chargers is good news for consumers who wish to purchase them.”

Electric vehicles are twice as energy efficient as the average gasoline-powered car. The rebates are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Rebate forms are available on DBEDT’s Energy office website at https://electricvehicle.hawaii.gov.

Hawaii residents can apply for state rebates of up to $4,500 on purchases of electric vehicles and up to $500 for electric vehicle chargers through the Hawaii Electric Vehicle (EV) Ready Program. In addition to the State EV rebates, federal tax incentives of up to $7,500 are also available for highway-capable vehicles (the Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle credit, which applies to at least 200,000 units per auto manufacturer before it phases out) and up to $1,000 for individual buyers and $30,000 for businesses installing EV charger stations. This allows for the potential of up to $13,500 in rebates and tax credits for an individual.

The state anticipates an increase in consumer demand for new electric vehicles for the last quarter of this year and extended its original deadline for tax rebates from September 2011 for another four months.

Hawaii is among the states designated for early release of the first EVs produced by manufacturers such as the Nissan Leaf, Wheego Life, GM Volt, and Mitsubishi i (MiEV). Many manufacturers are continuing to choose Hawaii as an ideal location, for many reasons including:

• Consumers’ high level of enthusiasm to adopt electric transportation. Hawaii has the largest number of reservations per capita in the country for the Nissan Leaf.
• Favorable electricity time-of-use EV charging rates from electric utility companies.
• Moderate climate, limited driving distances, and strong tourism industry are ideal for EV utilization.
• DBEDT’s Hawaii Electric Vehicle EV Ready Program has provided $2.6 million in grants for the systematic installation of electric vehicle chargers across the state; public education and outreach including an EV Ready Guidebook; introduction of EVs to rental car and County fleets, car-sharing services within the hospitality industry; and an online permitting system for charger installations at single-family residences on Oahu.

The EV Ready Program is funded by $1.4 million in Federal stimulus funds administered by DBEDT.

The State of Hawaii’s economic enterprise is to pursue energy independence by building a clean energy economy and reaching 70 percent clean energy by 2030. The DBEDT State Energy Office’s mission is to act as a catalyst for efficiency measures, renewable energy resources, transportation initiatives, green jobs, and investments in Hawaii’s economy. For more information, visit www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/energy.

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For more information, contact:

Estrella Seese
Acting Energy Program Administrator
DBEDT’s State Energy Office
Phone: (808) 586-2352

Lois Hamaguchi
Energy Analyst
DBEDT’s State Energy Office
Phone: (808) 587-9006

STATE OF HAWAII CAPITAL DISTRICT CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS TO SAVE 30 PERCENT IN ENERGY COSTS

For Immediate Release: July 13, 2011

HONOLULU – The State of Hawaii’s Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) has completed the installation of 1,005 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the Kalanimoku Building in the downtown Honolulu Capital District as part of the State’s ongoing efforts to lead by example in reducing Hawaii’s dependence on imported oil. The system is already saving 12 percent of the building’s use, resulting in $300 of daily savings in electricity costs.

Energy-saving projects in nine other buildings in the Capitol District are scheduled for completion in September. The Capitol District projects are expected to save the State 30 percent in utility costs.

Kalanimoku’s PV panels, each rated at 236.2 watts of direct current (DC) power generating capacity, has been producing electricity at or above its expected monthly output. Annually, the system will generate a minimum of 296,849 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 500,000 pounds (carbon dioxide equivalents). Depending on weather conditions, the PV system could produce as much as 374,810 kWh each year for a reduction of 564,000 pounds of green house gas emissions.

A public information kiosk on the ground floor lobby displays the output of the PV system and will eventually have energy efficiency information for the 10 Capital District state buildings.

“The Kalanimoku Building is a great example of how best to use clean energy to reduce our use of imported oil, keep the money we would have spent on oil in our economy, and save taxpayer dollars. The Capital District includes other examples of being green and I am confident that we’re moving closer towards our goal of 70 percent clean energy for Hawaii,” said Richard Lim director of the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT). The Kalanimoku Building PV project is made possible by $2.97 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant provided by the U.S. Department of Energy through DBEDT’s Energy Office.

“It is imperative that we aggressively implement actions to make our facilities more energy efficient, and environmentally sustainable,” said Bruce Coppa, director of the State Accounting and General Services. “To ensure our commitment, we are developing another energy savings performance contracting project involving 30 more of our DAGS buildings statewide. Efficiency and sustainability are where we need to be in our State facilities.”

The Kalanimoku PV project is part of the $33.9 million Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) project awarded by DAGS in 2009 to improve the energy efficiency for 10 office buildings, located in the downtown State Capital District, with high annual utility bills. The ESPC project will reduce total energy consumption in the 10 buildings by about 30 percent, about 6.3 million kWh of energy per year, enough to power more than 10,000 homes. The 10 buildings are the State Capitol, Kalanimoku, Keelikolani, Kekauluohi (State Archives), Kekaunaoa, Keoni Ana, Kinau Hale, Queen Liliuokalani, No. 1 Capitol District, and Leiopapa a Kamehameha.

Energy conservation measures being implemented under the ESPC project include a new energy management system for all 10 buildings, improvements to air conditioning equipment, lighting systems, water conservation, weather-based control for landscape irrigation systems, building envelope modifications, desktop computer power management, and an energy conservation educational program for building occupants. Implementation is about 80 percent complete and Noresco performance guarantees are expected to start by September 2011.

The State of Hawaii’s most important economic enterprise is to pursue energy independence by building a clean energy economy and reaching 70% clean energy by 2030. The DBEDT State Energy Office’s mission is to act as a catalyst for creating efficiency measures, renewable energy resources, transportation initiatives, and progressive policy that lead to green jobs and investments in Hawaii’s economy. For more information, visit www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/energy.

###

For more information, contact:

Estrella Seese
Acting Energy Program Administrator
DBEDT’s State Energy Office
Phone: (808) 586-2352

Lois Hamaguchi
Energy Analyst
DBEDT’s State Energy Office
Phone: (808) 587-9006

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