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Waste Reduction Partners engineers can assist farming operations to identify energy efficiency opportunities and to better understand and manage utility costs. WRP staff will conduct onsite assessments and provide a written report of recommendations. No-cost, low-cost, and capital investment projects will be outlined which will cut operating costs by improving energy-use management and water-use efficiency. Farm owners and management representatives will be expected to provide the energy and water cost information below and be in attendance during the onsite assessments. WRP is a contractor for the North Carolina Farm Bureau which provides support funding for these energy assessments.
Request an assessment through the North Carolina Farm Bureau by contacting:
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Paul Sherman
NC Farm Bureau Federation
P.O. Box 27766
Raleigh, NC 27611
(919) 719-7292
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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For more information on the Farm Bureau's grant program for energy effiency, renewables, and energy audit services, go to http://www.ncfarmenergy.org
Once WRP is notified by the Farm Bureau that your farm site has been approved for an audit, WRP will communicate with you to schedule and conduct the audit.
WRP Energy Assessment Description:
- The WRP onsite farm energy assessment process will typically require about one day unless the facility is exceptionally large or has multiple buildings.
- The assessment will begin with an hour meeting with key farm staff to review essential information required to achieve an effective and efficient assessment.
- The WRP assessor will then conduct a walkthrough audit of the farm facilities and operations with farm owner, operations manager, or maintenance staff.
- To save time, appropriate individuals should review information pertinent to the below topics, as applicable, prior to the scheduled meeting to facilitate a productive discussion.
- Background information needed: A copy of the most recent 12-month history of utility billings of electricity, fuels (non-vehicle), and water as applicable, should also be provided, including current rate structure. Billing history should include energy usage (e.g., kWh, kW, Therms, etc.) not just costs. Many utilities provide online electronic billing and usage histories for their customers.
Topics of Coverage During the Audit:
The WRP Energy Assessor(s) will verbally inquire about the following kinds of information, as applicable, during the energy assessment and operations walkthrough. Note except for the background billing information, Waste Reduction Partners staff does not expect the client to have pre-prepared data or documentation on the topics below.
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Administration and Utility Accounting
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Utilities management responsibility, current energy reduction efforts in progress, monthly tracking effort, review and information distribution, top management involvement, rate schedule reviews, etc.
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Building Envelope
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Type of use, age, modifications (including future plans, if any), hours of operation, square footage, wall and roof insulation, sidewall insulation, closed-cell foam insulation applications, curtain wall replacements, weather stripping, type and color of roof, types of windows, etc.
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HVAC
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Exhaust fan efficiency, comfort issues, system type, tonnage, number of units, supply and return balance, age, (SEER rating), maintenance, filter change, setbacks, T-stat settings, etc.
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Process Energy Use, Dryers and Boilers
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Dryer efficiency, size and age, maintenance, operating temperatures, fuels, steam or hot water, leaks and trap maintenance, etc.
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Lighting
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Evaluate higher efficiency lighting applications for poultry raising and livestock, grow lights, and other space lighting requirements. Review will include: lighting level appropriateness, indoor lighting types (T-12 vs. T-8, electromagnetic vs. electronic ballast, HID, incandescent), lighting count by type, lighting use policy, type and number of EXIT signs, type, number and control of outdoor lights, etc.
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Hot Water
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Type (gas or electric), size, line insulation, T-stat settings, special requirements for sanitation and food preparation, circulating pumps, flow restrictors, water efficient fixture, etc.
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Motors
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Typical motor sizes, approximate total motor load, rewind and management policy, premium efficiency motor use, variable speed control, belt drive type, shutdown policy, off-peak hour scheduling, etc.
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Compressed Air
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Size, pressure, shutdown policy, water or air cooled, air supply, leak-check routine, etc.
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Office/Miscellaneous Equipment
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Computers, monitors, printers, copiers and other office equipment turned off and / or set for sleep mode when not in use, new purchase policy, beverage machine lighting, occupancy sensors, etc.
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Water Efficiency Opportunities
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Review of irrigation and landscaping water use for most efficient applications, domestic water use fixtures, HVAC water use, and other process water use.
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Renewable Energy Application Identification
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Review farm operations for suitable renewable energy application including solar-thermal hot water (for process water, sanitation, water pre-heat, and space heating), photovoltaic solar (livestock pumps) small-scale wind project, biomass (such as corn/wood pellet burner to heat greenhouses, anaerobic digesters, and others). |
Assessment Opportunity Reports:
WRP engineers will provide client with a written report covering: 1) situation analysis; 2) summary of detailed energy savings opportunities and costs (where possible); 3) technical analysis; and 4) description of potential improvement.
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Waste Reduction Partners is administered by the Land-of-Sky Regional Council and the Triangle J Council of Governments. WRP is a partnership program of the NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach, with sponsorship, in part, by the North Carolina State Energy Office.