SF Energy Watch Commercial Program
Putting Money Back In Your Bottom Line!
Driven by the rise of energy costs and growing public concern about climate change, businesses are looking for ways to shrink their energy bills and do their part to protect the environment. SF Energy Watch supports local businesses by reducing energy costs by switching to energy efficient equipment while improving the comfort and function of facilities. Services are provided to the full range of businesses sizes and categories in San Francisco ranging from sole proprietor retail stores and restaurants to medical campuses and office buildings. To schedule a free energy assessment, contact the SF Energy Watch hotline at 415.355.3769 or email energywatch@sfenvironment.org.
Programs offered by SF Energy Watch include:
Small Business Direct Install
Small businesses and nonprofits may qualify for the Small Business Direct Install (SBDI) turnkey services option, which saves them the time and effort of decision-making. Program staff provides start-to-finish technical assistance, recommends energy efficient equipment, facilitates the selection of contractors, coordinates installation, and conducts an inspection when the work is completed.
Energy efficient upgrades include interior, exterior and high-bay lighting, lighting controls, refrigeration controls, and strip curtains.
Commercial Plus
The Commercial Plus Program is designed to help any type of business in San Francisco, including nonprofit organizations, to save money and energy while reducing their carbon footprint. The program offers free on-site energy assessments and helps arrange for licensed Preferred Contractors to complete energy efficient upgrades at greatly reduced cost. Businesses also have the option to install the equipment themselves through the self-installation process.
SF Energy Watch Neighborhood Campaign 2009-2012
The SF Energy Watch Neighborhood Campaign also helped build economic opportunities. A number of SF Energy Watch representatives that live in San Francisco are part of Environment Now, a program at San Francisco Department of the Environment that provides green job training and employment opportunities for unemployed and underemployed residents. Environment Now staff have become the city’s green ambassadors, building a green economy by spreading the good word about financial and environmental benefits of becoming energy efficient through programs like the SF Energy Watch.
SF Energy Watch T12 Lighting Campaign 2012
SF Energy Watch reached out to businesses in San Francisco to encourage them to upgrade their old T12 lamps with magnetic ballasts to T8 lamps with electronic ballasts before SF Energy Watch incentives expired by the end of the year 2012. Fluorescent tube T12 lamps, commonly used in businesses, are not only inefficient but also do not meet federal standard for fluorescent lighting.
After July 14, 2012, T12 lamps will no longer be available as replacement lamps. To read about the Amended EISA's Energy Conservation Standard for General Service Fluorescent Lamps, visit the Impact of Amended Energy Conservation Standards on General Service Fluorescent Lamps: FACT SHEET.
