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Mike Gauss
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Phil Kirk Discusses the Future of Energy Production and Consumption
Address South Brunswick Island Rotary
Phil Kirk, director of Brady Energy Services, today discussed concerns over recent trends in energy production and consumption with members of South Brunswick Islands Rotary Club. During the club’s regular Friday morning breakfast meeting, Kirk reported that buildings account for 72 percent of the total U.S. energy consumption and are a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
“Moreover, eight out of 10 buildings are expected to experience double-digit energy price increases over the next year,” explained Kirk. To meet this demand, he predicted the use of alternative energy sources—solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, biomass, wood, and fuel oil—will continue to increase. Kirk pointed out several factors driving this including higher costs, environmental concerns, state and federal tax credits, and tougher state and federal mandates. Kirk also called for more off-shore drilling and new nuclear power plants with proper health and safety precautions in effect.
“Energy consumption accounts for nearly 30 percent of a typical commercial building’s operating budget. In today’s economy, where business owners are looking at ways to cut costs to stay in business, reducing energy expenses ranks at the top of their lists.” Kirk said. Believing that this is why improving energy efficiency is so important, he added, “It impacts the bottom line in addition to the environment and good health of our citizens.”
Energy efficiency improvements in commercial buildings have primarily focused on lighting, HVAC and controls. Hindering many improvement projects has been a lack of capital and the length of time it could take to see a return on investment.
Kirk pointed out that, “One way these obstacles are being overcome is through performance contracts.” During the discussion, Kirk outlined the performance contract that Brady Trane has with the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. “Through such energy-saving mechanisms as controls upgrades, new air handlers, lighting retrofits, water conservation measures, variable frequency drives throughout the campus, as well as solar tubes in Randall Library, Brady has guaranteed annual savings of $333,566 per year over the next 20 years. Any excess savings are kept by the university, and if the annual savings are not achieved, Brady writes a check for the difference.”
At the conclusion of his talk, Kirk, who is also Chairman Emeritus of the State Board of Education, noted, “Every dollar saved on energy and other operating costs can go toward hiring more teachers for the classroom and increasing their pay. This is a win-win for everyone.”
Kirk has been a regular speaker for civic and community groups across North Carolina since his time as president and CEO of the North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry. In addition to discussing business and energy, he has also provided talks on improving education.
About Brady:
Brady is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina with offices in Raleigh, Fayetteville, Wilmington and Charlotte. Founded in 1962 by Chairman Don Brady, the company remains a family owned enterprise, today employing nearly 300 associates. The company works with building owners, facility managers, developers, architects, engineers and contractors providing sustainable, comprehensive building solutions for commercial and industrial facilities. Brady provides customers with a diverse range of solutions including building automation, energy conservation, green design, performance contracts, mechanical systems, parts and supplies, as well as responsible technical support. For more information, visit www.bradyservices.com or call (800) 849-1915.
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