NFMT HPB+W event kicks off in Austin

May 2, 2016

The NFMT High Performance Buildings and Workplaces (HPB+W) has kicked off its second-annual show in at the Austin Convention Center in Texas, and will run until May 4. Hundreds of facility management professionals are gathering to discuss the latest trends happening in the industry and hear lectures from dozens of guest speakers representing a number of different energy- and sustainability-focused companies.

Behind NFMT HPB+W
NFMT HPB+W is the new event on the block, having only been premiered once before in June of 2015 in Fort Worth. The event was an instant success, which has driven anticipation and participation rates through the roof for this year.

Attendees will have access to some of the industry's top minds when it comes to efficient occupant-based facility managing. There will be opportunities to listen to lectures focused on the government, education, commercial office, health care, retail and hospitality sectors, and network with industry professionals.

CALMAC at NFMT
CALMAC's own Vice President of Sales and Marketing Paul Valenta will be speaking on "Using Ice Storage to Enhance Solar Assets and Reduce Peak Demand."

Valenta's lecture will look at how solar capacity can be enhanced with the inclusion of energy storage. Solar energy is intermittent by nature because the sun doesn't shine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To make renewable energy more viable, energy storage is vital, especially in Texas. Texas is home to one of the largest renewable markets, ranking in the top 10 for both solar and wind generation capacity.

The Alamo Heights Independent School District will be highlighted Valenta's speech, as it is a prime example of a campus using thermal energy storage to compliment solar panels by maximizing utility savings with a peak demand reduction strategy.

In 2010, Alamo Heights ISD received a $44 million bond to enable it to improve technology and learning in classrooms, as well as reduce operation costs. The school used the funds to install 900 kilowatts (kW) of solar power, which it then sold back to the energy provider. Alamo Heights ISD realized, though, that the renewables didn't reduce peak demand (kW) energy consumption. When the sun didn't shine, the campus inevitably had to draw from the grid, causing a steep hike in peak demand.

In 2012, the district installed 240 kW of energy storage, which resulted in reducing peak demand energy consumption by 21 percent in the first year alone. With the help of energy storage, the district was able to reduce the energy costs per sq. ft. despite adding over 40,000 sq. ft. for a new building expansion.

Beyond NFMT
Valenta's lecture is just one of many that will focus on how technology is allowing facility managers to create a more sustainable and efficient building. Peak demand is a costly expense on a utility budget, and renewables can't combat it alone. Without energy storage to shift energy usage from peak demand periods, the installed renewable capacity won't have the ultimate financial effect it can on a property. Buildings with "capacitance" will have lower operating costs.

If you'd like to learn more about how pairing energy storage with renewables can reduce your utility bill, or would like to listen to one of the many lectures at NFMT HPB+W, register now. The event is free. If you're unable to attend, contact us for more information.