360 Energy Group, LLC

01/09/2023

DOE proposes new efficiency rules for distribution transformers, potentially saving consumers $15B

A new Department of Energy (DOE) proposal, announced on December 28th and covered by Utility Drive, would raise the energy efficiency standard for distribution transformers by 2027. This new rule would reduce emissions and potentially save consumers $15 billion over 30 years, according to DOE numbers. Most electricity generated by power plants is distributed by transformers to reduce the voltage before it enters residential or commercial buildings.

Andrew deLaski, executive director of the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, backed the change in a public statement. “Most distribution transformers today use outdated technology that wastes electricity before it even gets to our homes and businesses. DOE’s change in standards would ensure all new models “minimize waste and use materials with a robust long term supply.”

If you’re a property owner interested in minimizing energy waste and maximizing the utility of your existing energy resources, 360 Energy Group has the services and relevant experience to fit your needs. Email us at [email protected] to learn more.

Because so much electricity passes through transformers, experts say that even small efficiency improvements can significantly reduce emissions and create savings.

12/09/2022

Global energy efficiency progress is accelerating, signalling a potential turning point after years of slow improvement - News - IEA

A news item last week from the International Energy Agency (IEA) illuminated an important trend: global energy efficiency progress is accelerating, after many years of slow growth. Fuel supply disruptions this year, stemming mainly from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, have pressured governments and consumers into adopting various energy-saving measures. Worldwide investments in energy efficiency – such as building retrofitting and renovation, electric vehicle and public transportation infrastructure have increased by 16% since 2021, according to recent market reporting by the IEA.

As the energy efficiency market grows and fuel supply issues persist, now is a great time to make the most out of your energy resources as a small business or commercial property owner. For retrofitting services, energy analysis and more, contact 360 Energy Group at [email protected].

Global energy efficiency progress is accelerating, signalling a potential turning point after years of slow improvement - News from the International Energy Agency

12/02/2022

Electric-vehicle charging stations could use as much power as a small town by 2035 — and the grid isn't ready

A new study produced by electricity and gas utility National Grid has underscored the work that needs to be done to prepare America’s energy infrastructure for an electric vehicle (EV) boom. The study suggests that by 2030, the average highway travel plaza could use the equivalent of a peak-hours sports stadium in electricity, and a similar rest stop serving trucks could use up to a small town’s worth of electricity by 2035. National Grid maintains that the study doesn’t imply that the challenge is insurmountable, but that utilities and policymakers need to start preparing the grid now and investing in power generation and storage. While the EV market is surging, it will likely be a long time before this level of demand is realized. Electric trucking in particular has a long way to go.

Consumers all over the world are taking energy efficiency and sustainability seriously. If you’re a commercial building owner, utility, or government agency that wants to lessen your carbon footprint and make the most of your energy resources, contact 360 Energy Group at [email protected].

A boom in sales of electric cars and trucks in the coming decades will require major upgrades to charging infrastructure in the US, a new study says.

12/02/2022

Energy Project Manager Job in Chicago, IL at 360 Energy Group LLC

360 Energy Group is hiring for a new Project Manager!

We are an established management consulting firm specializing in energy efficiency market transformation and related fields, seeking a motivated self-driven Program Associate with marketing experience to join our Chicago Loop area team. Energy and/or environmental field experience a plus. EV, EV charging, Solar, Water/Wastewater Treatments a plus as well.

Job Purpose:
Support project team in program administration, marketing, outreach, tracking and reporting.

Duties:
* Prepares program material by researching service descriptions; writing descriptions and promotions.
* Support project team with program tracking and reporting.
* Support management team in development of marketing and outreach strategies and plans.
* Coordinate and staff events and tradeshows.
* Prepares presentations by developing concept, medium, content.
* Supports project and engineering team members.
* Support development of press materials (ie. press advisories and releases) and assists with media outreach.
* Helps project and engineering team members by answering questions and responding to requests.
* Interfacing with hosting provider; maintaining and updating Web site; ensuring that the links are operational; adding and deleting pages; changing the formatting of the page(s).
* Reviewing and processing web and general correspondence.
* Develop and maintain social media presence including LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Blogs; monitoring content of LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Blogs; respond to requests or refer to appropriate personnel for action; track responses and as appropriate forward items of interest to management.
* Actively work with project staff to assist in developing creative means to drive strong engagement and organic growth of all social media properties.
* Responsible for email marketing including compilation, maintenance and electronic dissemination of information, send frequent and targeted email messages, maintain, segment and update the current contacts database.
* Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities.
* Accomplishes marketing and organization mission by completing related results as needed.

Skills/Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Marketing or relevant discipline, excellent computer skills, proven skills in effectively using Excel, PowerPoint and Editing Adobe PDF files, working knowledge of Social Media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, Business Writing and Editing for Online/Print Media, Presentation Skills, Graphic Design Skills a plus, Market Knowledge, Deadline-Oriented, Communication Processes, Creative Services, Attention to Detail, Financial Skills a plus.

For more information, visit our ZipRecruiter job posting.

Easy 1-Click Apply (360 ENERGY GROUP LLC) Energy Project Manager job in Chicago, IL. View job description, responsibilities and qualifications. See if you qualify!

12/02/2022

Google Maps got a big update that shows where fast-charging EV stations are and more

A new update for Google Maps is adding a very welcome feature for electric vehicle owners: location data for fast charging stations. Charging stations have been available on Maps for a while, but this update adds the ability to filter specifically for fast charging stations. This comes on the heels of an earlier update that allows users to filter by plug compatibility. Fast charging stations have chargers that hit 50kW or higher. This update is available for both iPhone and Android, and in all countries where EV charging stations are accessible.

360 Energy Group is involved in transportation electrification and is excited to continue this crucial work into the future. For more information, visit us at 360eg.com

Google Maps was updated with new features, such as the option to find fast-charging EV stations, and, starting next week, a new augmented reality search option.

11/08/2022

White House Trumpets $13 Billion Move to Reduce Energy Costs

Bloomberg reported last Wednesday on the White House’s new initiative to promote electric heat pumps as an energy saving tool. AirBnB, Lyft, and Procter and Gamble have been tapped to mobilize further production and installation of the heating systems, which save energy by moving heat from cool to warm areas, instead of generating it by burning fossil fuels. This was part of a larger move by the White House on Wednesday to push for Inflation Reduction Act goals, announcing over $13 billion in assistance aimed at lowering utility expenses, promoting union jobs, and hitting climate goals. Heat pumps are evidently a big component of this plan.

If you’re a business owner interested in heat pumps for your commercial property and want to understand which energy efficiency measures are right for you, reach out to us at [email protected] for efficiency design assistance.

The Biden administration is pushing electric heat pumps as a solution to high energy costs, enlisting companies like Airbnb, Lyft, and Procter and Gamble to spur production and installation of the energy-efficient heating systems.

10/06/2022

Black Founders Of EV-Charging Startups Have More Than Profits On Their Minds

In late September, Forbes published a column profiling several Black CEOs of electric vehicle (EV) charging start-ups. The profiled companies range from home installers to app-based charging services, and all of them share a commitment to hiring from underrepresented communities and ensuring nobody is left under-served by EV adoption. As the EV market rapidly expands, it is becoming an industry that offers opportunities for many diverse groups of people to make their mark.

To read more about Black-owned EV startups, you can find the article below. 360 Energy Group is proud to be a part of the American EV boom and will be involved in further EV infrastructure buildout in the future. If you’re looking for help with your organization’s energy efficiency project, contact us at [email protected].

Black founders of EV-charging startups are trying to ensure that Black people aren’t left behind as America transitions to electric vehicles. At stake, they say, is a chance to improve health outcomes in areas with high pollution, as well as economic opportunities tied to EV adoption.

09/08/2022

IKEA Teams Up With Electrify America To Deploy EV Charging Stations

IKEA has announced the addition of over 200 fast electric vehicle (EV) chargers to more than 25 stores in 18 states. Electrify Commercial, the business division of Electrify America, will implement the charging infrastructure. Ikea US is working towards zero emissions home delivery by 2025, and halved customer and employee emissions by 2030.

Javier Quiñones, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer for IKEA US said: “This collaboration with Electrify America will not only bring ultra-fast public chargers to our stores for the first time but it will also help us take a big leap as we work towards our targets to become circular and climate-positive.”

360 Energy Group has experience working with EV charging installation and will be involved in EV infrastructure projects in the future. If you’re a private or public building owner, utility, or government agency that wants to reduce your carbon footprint and make the most of your energy resources, contact us at [email protected].

IKEA plans to expand the number of ultra-fast public charging stations and delivery fleet vehicle chargers at its US stores with the help of Electrify America.

08/31/2022

Soon electric vehicles could charge faster than your iPhone

According to reporting by the Washington Post, scientific research released this week has identified a technology that could reduce electric vehicle (EV) charging times to a wait-time comparable to filling up a conventional vehicle at the pump. A machine-learning analysis of battery degradation performed by a team led by Dr. Eric Dufek at the Idaho National Laboratory revealed a charging protocol that could refresh a battery to around 90% in 10 minutes. The researchers believe this technology is 5 years away from making it to the market but is a favorable signal of evolving user-friendliness in EV technology. “We’ve significantly increased the amount of energy that can go into a battery cell in a short amount of time,” said Dufek. “Currently, we’re seeing batteries charge to over 90% in 10 minutes without lithium plating or cathode cracking.”

360 Energy Group has experience working with EV charging installation and is currently involved in EV infrastructure projects. If you’re a private or public building owner, utility, or government agency that wants to lessen your carbon footprint and make the most of your energy resources, contact 360 Energy Group at [email protected].

Consumers could charge electric vehicle batteries up to 90 percent in ten minutes within five years, far surpassing the best superchargers in existence.

08/31/2022

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has just released the third round of energy efficiency grants for Illinois wastewater treatment plants, totaling nearly $347,000 in funding for energy and cost saving upgrades. The winning applicants were awarded grant money based on potential energy savings per dollar funded, energy cost impact, how much the applicant facility is already paying for energy, and amount of energy used to treat one million gallons of wastewater at the plant. The funding recipients are the City of Danville, Vermilion County - $260,000, the Village of New Baden, Clinton County – almost $33,500, and the City of Vandalia, Fayette County – over $26,770.

Our partner, The Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) works with the ILEPA to provide local municipalities free energy use assessments, the first step to reducing the cost of treating water and wastewater. If you operate a publicly owned water and wastewater treatment system in Illinois and are interested in a no-cost assessment, you can apply below.

https://smartenergy.illinois.edu/water/

08/18/2022

Last week, the new congressional budget deal, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 passed the house. The bill is expected to be signed by President Biden next week and contains several provisions that could benefit energy-conscious home and business owners.

Rebates will be in place for the installation of residential heat pumps and solar, delivering a 30% tax credit for the installation of residential panels (focused on low- and moderate-income homes, with a maximum rebate of $14,000 in all). The bill also includes tax credits for green upgrades, such as new energy-efficient windows, doors, water heaters, furnaces, and air conditioners. Rebates will also be available for low- and middle-income families that purchase energy-efficient home appliances.

The IRA also expands and renews tax reduction 179D, which incentivizes energy efficiency in commercial buildings and certain multi-family housing units. The deduction will be increased from its current $1.88 maximum to as high as $5 per square foot. Partial benefit allowances have been removed, and new retrofit plan qualifications have been added. These changes will go into effect in January 2023.

For more information about what the IRA means for homeowners, read more coverage on Kiplinger. If you’re interested in taking effective steps towards efficiency and lower energy usage on your commercial property, contact 360 Energy Group at [email protected].

08/03/2022

Over the past week, several notable developments in the electric vehicle (EV) charging landscape have moved forward.

The Ohio Department of Transportation will receive more than $100 million over the next five years to construct one EV charging station every 50 miles along interstate highways. Each station will power at least four vehicles at a time and could cost anywhere between $600,000 to $1.2 million to build.

Today, Michigan submitted its electric vehicle infrastructure plan, which aims to fulfill the criteria of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, and plan out how an expected $11 million in federal dollars will be spent. The criteria (source: The Center Square) are as follows:

· Charging infrastructure every 50 miles along the designated Alternative Fuel Corridor highway and within one mile of an exit.
· At least four DC simultaneous fast chargers.
· The EV charging station must have a minimum power at or above 600kW and supports at least 150kW per port simultaneously across four ports for charging.

The deadline for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration to approve or request alterations to state EV infrastructure plans is September 30.

Santa Clara, CA’s non-profit municipal electric utility, Silicon Valley Power, has launched a new technical assistance program to make EV charging stations more accessible for multifamily properties, schools, and businesses. The program will support project design and implementation, acquisition of building permits, and the contractor hiring process.

360 Energy Group has experience working with EV charging installation and will be involved in EV infrastructure projects in the future. If you’re a private or public building owner, utility, or government agency that wants to lessen your carbon footprint and make the most of your energy resources, contact us at [email protected].

07/20/2022

The future of urban housing is energy-efficient refrigerators

Newly constructed green buildings confer many benefits, but often it is more feasible and effective to retrofit existing buildings to be more energy efficient. Last month, the MIT Technology Review covered the New York City Housing Authority’s Clean Heat for All Challenge, which is soliciting efficient heat-pump designs from manufacturers based on this principle. NYCHA will purchase and install at least 24,000 units of the proposed model from the winner. You can read the article below.

360 Energy Group has reduced the cost of doing business for many Illinois entities via energy efficiency design assistance projects, including retrofitting. To learn more about what we offer, email us at [email protected].

Adapting old, energy-inefficient buildings is less sexy but far greener than many high-tech solutions.

07/13/2022

'A 'Wow' moment': US renewable energy hit record 28% in April. What's driving the change?

The U.S. Energy Information Administration has released new figures this week revealing that this April, renewable energy hit a record 28% of all energy produced. Peter Kelly-Detwiler, an energy analyst and author, described the information as a “wow moment” to USA Today. This surge in renewable energy was the result of several converging factors, the primary being wind and solar installations dominating U.S. energy buildouts. Mandates and incentives on both the federal and state level also contributed to record-breaking renewable energy production.

If you’re interested in incorporating renewables into your commercial energy efficiency project, or securing funding that can finance your adoption of renewable energy, contact 360 Energy group at [email protected].

Power in the U.S. is getting greener. In April, electricity generated by renewable resources like wind and solar supplied a record 28% of U.S. energy.

07/08/2022

Tesla to open up Superchargers to non-Tesla electric vehicles in US later this year, White House says

The White House announced today that electric vehicle (EV) giant Tesla will be opening its charging network to all EVs later this year. This open-access program has been piloted in parts of Europe for some time but will now likely arrive in North America earlier than expected.

"Tesla is expanding production capacity of power electronics components that convert alternating current to direct current, charging cabinets, posts and cables," the White House said in a fact sheet. "Later this year, Tesla will begin production of new Supercharger equipment that will enable non-Tesla EV drivers in North America to use Tesla Superchargers.”

360 Energy Group has experience with transportation electrification and will be involved in EV charging efforts in the future. If you’re looking for assistance in planning an energy efficiency project for your organization or commercial property, contact us at [email protected].

Tesla’s expansion of its Supercharger stations will offer more options for EV drivers to charge their cars.

07/01/2022

White House says companies investing $700 million to boost EV charger production

This Tuesday, Reuters reported on a statement from the White House announcing that several large firms are planning to invest more than $700 million to strengthen U.S. manufacturing capacity for electric vehicle (EV) chargers. This influx of funding is expected to add at least 2,000 jobs and result in a more accessible and affordable EV charging marketplace.

Volkswagen’s Electrify America initiative is set to invest $450 million, Siemens has earmarked $250 million, and FLO (an EV charging infrastructure operator) is spending $3 million to open its first US plant in Auburn, Michigan.

360 Energy Group has experience working with EV charging installation and will be involved in EV infrastructure projects in the future. If you’re looking for help with your organization’s energy efficiency project, contact us at [email protected].

The White House said on Tuesday that companies are planning to invest more than $700 million to boost U.S. manufacturing capacity for electric vehicle (EV) chargers - actions set to add at least 2,000 jobs and make charging more accessible and affordable.

06/20/2022

Last week, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released a statement calling for deeper and more widespread adoption of efficiency measures, as the energy crisis instigated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine deepens. Founded by Henry Kissinger in 1974 to protect oil circulation after the 1973 embargo, the IEA has weighed in multiple times in recent years on energy efficiency.

“The cleanest, cheapest, most reliable source of energy is what countries can avoid using, while still providing full energy services for citizens.” The IEA statement reads. “That is why the IEA refers to energy efficiency as the ‘first fuel’. Without early action on efficiency the energy transition to net zero emissions will be more expensive and much more difficult to achieve.”

If you want to reduce your own exposure to volatile fuel prices while playing a part in achieving national energy security, contact 360 Energy Group for assistance in pursuing energy efficiency goals for your business or commercial property.

https://www.iea.org/reports/the-value-of-urgent-action-on-energy-efficiency/highlights

06/14/2022

On Monday, CNN reported that the Department of Energy will propose a new rule regulating residential, natural gas furnaces, requiring a higher standard of energy efficiency. Likely spurred by spiking gas prices, this would be the first substantive update to home furnace rules in 35 years. This regulation would compel non-weatherized gas furnaces and furnaces used in mobile homes to be far more energy-efficient, complying with a 95% annual fuel utilization efficiency standard. Out of all the furnaces shipped to consumers today, only 40% are at or above 95% fuel utilization. Unlike previous efforts to improve the efficiency of natural gas furnaces, this would establish a national standard for home-heating furnaces regardless of size.

If you’re interested in achieving high levels of energy efficiency for your commercial property or business, don’t wait to play catch-up with potential new regulation. Contact 360 Energy Group ([email protected]) to schedule an energy audit today.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/13/politics/energy-efficient-furnace-rule-climate/index.html

05/11/2022

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Market Report,2030

New analysis by Grand View Research has predicted that the electric vehicle charging infrastructure market could be worth $217 billion by 2030. Exacting vehicle emissions standards, as well as highly focused research and development in the industry were named as contributing factors to the market’s potential explosive growth.

The fast charger segment is expected to do very well and emerge as the fastest growing. The Combined Charging System (CCS) is expected to rule the connectors segment. Fast-charging station deployment along highways, in hotels and shopping malls, and parking facilities will likely grow the commercial segment and help it gain significant traction.

360 Energy Group has experience working with EV charging installation and will be involved in EV infrastructure projects in the future. If you’re looking for help meeting your organization’s energy needs, contact us at [email protected].

The global electric vehicle charging infrastructure market size was valued at USD 19.26 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.6% from 2022 to 2030

04/26/2022

An analysis column published on Reuters last week covered the continued global rise in electric vehicle sales despite increasing battery costs. Worldwide EV sales during Q1 of 2022 rose by nearly 120%, according to estimates by EV-volumes.com. China’s Nio, Xpeng and Li Auto broke EV sales records in March, while Tesla sold a record 310,000 EVs in the first quarter. These sales have not been deterred by lithium-ion battery cells prices jumping from $105 per kilowatt-hour to $160 in just a year. The simultaneous rise in gasoline and diesel prices since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have likely contributed to consumer adoption, in addition to the environmental concerns that motivate many EV buyers.

Rising EV adoption is a sign that more consumers all over the world are taking energy efficiency and sustainability seriously. If you’re a private or public building owner, utility, or government agency that wants to lessen your carbon footprint and make the most of your energy resources, contact 360 Energy Group at [email protected].

04/07/2022

Starbucks, in a bid to take advantage of the expanding electric vehicle (EV) market, is deploying a new line of EV charging stations at storefronts between Denver and Seattle, 1 per roughly every 100 miles. By the end of 2022, 60 fast-charge stations across 15 locations will be up and running, offering a place to sip coffee while your vehicle charges.

Charging an EV away from home will usually require parking your vehicle for between 20 minutes and an hour, depending on the model of car. According to Michael Kobori, Starbucks’ chief sustainability officer, this is a sensible opportunity for the coffee chain. “This is pairing the idea of electric vehicle charging with the fact that, if you’re on a trip, you’re going to stop in in the morning anyway to get your Starbucks, to get your beverage, to get your breakfast. And as you’re sitting there, getting ready for the day and planning out your route and checking out, your car is just charging.”

360 Energy Group has experience working with EV charging installation and will be involved in transportation electrification efforts in the future. If you’re looking for assistance in meeting your organization’s energy needs, contact us at [email protected].

03/25/2022

As the USA bans Russian oil imports in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine, oil prices have risen to $110 per barrel, sending gasoline prices and heating bills soaring. If there is a silver lining to this situation, it’s that these oil price shocks are hurting the wallets of Americans less than they would of in the past, due to the improved fuel economy of new vehicles, and the proliferation of electric vehicles. Between 2010 and 2015, global average fuel consumption was reduced by 2.6%, implying a correlated reduced expenditure. In 2018, electric vehicles displaced 323 million gallons of gasoline in the US, 42% higher than the year before. Assuming similar levels of adoption have continued, that’s a lot of pain at the pump avoided by electric vehicle owners. This is just one of the myriad ways energy efficiency and clean energy initiatives deliver value to American consumers.

Ensuring your home and commercial properties are energy efficient is one of the best ways to insulate yourself from rising oil prices. For energy audits, alternative financing solutions and more, contact 360 Energy Group at [email protected].