Benny Skelton: The Business Case for Energy Efficiency

Summary  In this episode of the Building Energy Pod, host Matt welcomes Benny Skelton, founder of Cyclone Energy Group, to discuss the business case and ROI for energy efficiency improvements and sustainable retrofits across various sectors. They explore the challenges and opportunities in commercial, educational, and other types of buildings, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and innovative technologies like heat pumps and retro commissioning. Benny shares insights on funding mechanisms, the role of incentives, and the impact of long-term planning on building sustainability.     Key Takeaways:   ROI for energy efficiency varies by sector and is influenced by market factors.  Commercial office retrofits often have a 3-5 year payback period.  Healthcare buildings benefit from energy efficiency due to constant operation.  Educational institutions can plan for longer payback periods due to property retention.  Retro commissioning and monitoring-based commissioning are key for operational efficiency.  Heat pump technology is advancing, offering more sustainable heating solutions.  Funding for retrofits can come from incentives, rebates, and creative financing.  Long-term planning is crucial for decarbonization and building resilience.  Cyclone Energy Group's projects demonstrate significant energy savings and sustainability.  The Innovation Rodeo showcases new ideas and technologies in building performance.      Keywords  heating technology, air source heat pump, ground source heat, electric water heating, fossil fuels, development, retrofits, permitting process