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Using energy at the right time can save billions in energy costs, lower carbon emissions and strengthen the power grid, new whitepaper reveals

Mechanical Hub Team November 8, 2023

New study by Danfoss shows roll-out of demand-side flexibility technology can achieve annual societal cost savings of $10.5 billion by 2030, and 7% savings on electricity bills for households A new analysis commissioned by Danfoss reveals that an ambitious but realistic roll out of demand-side flexibility technology in the EU and UK can save 40 million Read more

New study by Danfoss shows roll-out of demand-side flexibility technology can achieve annual societal cost savings of $10.5 billion by 2030, and 7% savings on electricity bills for households

A new analysis commissioned by Danfoss reveals that an ambitious but realistic roll out of demand-side flexibility technology in the EU and UK can save 40 million tons of CO2 emissions each year by 2030, more than Denmark’s domestic climate footprint. In the U.S., demand-side flexibility, combined with optimized efficiency and the adoption of electric power sources, could save over $100 billion in energy costs and lower carbon emissions from buildings by over 90 percent by 2050.

Rolling out demand-side flexibility technologies can make the grid more resilient and create substantial economic benefits for societies and households.  Managing our energy more effectively and lowering demand in peak periods can reduce the risk of potential outages by lowering the strain on the grid. Consumers will see savings on their utility bills, as the cost of electricity is lower during non-peak periods.

Kim Fausing, President and CEO, Danfoss says: “We are leaving the fossil fuel era, but we haven’t prepared our energy system for the future because we are neglecting energy efficiency as one of the main tools to lower emissions. The grid is not ready to use all the renewable energy we are making rapid progress to produce. We must take steps to utilize energy efficiency solutions – such as demand-side flexibility technologies – that not only help us to use less energy, but to use the right energy at the right time. We have the solutions, but we need action.”

Demand-side flexibility refers to the levelling out of energy consumption to prevent periods of simultaneous high demand and low supply, which is especially important for an energy system based on renewables. The deployment of demand-side flexibility technologies can lower demand during expensive peak hours and reduce the amount of fossil fuels in the energy mix.

In buildings, for example, AI-driven technologies can save up to 20 percent in a building’s energy costs by combining building, weather, and user data to predict heating and ventilation demand.[i] Observations on 100,000 flats equipped with this technology, based mainly in Finland, show that the maximum power usage was reduced by 10-30 percent.[ii] Meanwhile, load-shifting can also be automated to cool supermarket freezers down to a much lower temperature than required outside the peak demand hours with the freezers effectively operating like a battery storing energy. This ‘supercooling’ technique means refrigerators can be switched off during the peak hours of energy demand, both lowering stress on the grid and saving money for the supermarket.

Renewables need to make up 70 percent of the energy mix by 2050 if the goals of the Paris Agreement are to be reached. However, the energy system is not yet prepared to manage the natural peaks and troughs of renewable energy supply.The new whitepaper from Danfoss, “Energy Efficiency 2.0: Engineering the Future Energy System”, presents the most cost-efficient way to prepare for the future energy system. It focuses on the deployment of a full-scale electrification of society, demand-side flexibility measures, wise use of hydrogen and storage and maximizing the use of excess heat.

Key whitepaper takeaways:

  • By transitioning from a fossil energy system to a fully electrified one, it is possible to cut up to 40% of final energy consumption. Electrification is itself a form of energy efficiency.
  • Through demand-side flexibility, the EU and UK can annually save 40 million tons of CO2 emissions and achieve annual societal cost savings of €10.5 billion by 2030. Similarly, households can save on average 7% on their electricity bills. In 2050, households are estimated to save 10% on electricity bills and €15.5 billion annual societal costs.
  • In the US, optimizing efficiency, demand flexibility, and electrification in buildings can save up to $107 billion in annual power system cost savings alongside a 91% reduction in carbon emissions from buildings by 2050.  
  • In 2030, up to 53% of the global energy input will be wasted as excess heat. However, much of this heat can be captured and reused to heat buildings and water through deeper sector integration.
  • On a global scale it is theoretically possible by 2050 to recover 1.228 TWh of excess heat from hydrogen produced through electrolysis – this is equivalent to almost two thirds of today’s global heat generation from coal, the largest source of heat.

Kim Fausing adds: “Electrification, demand-side flexibility, conversion, storage, and sector integration must take center stage in a future energy system enabling an energy grid powered by renewables. Seeing is believing, and, often, decision makers simply don’t know that we already have the solutions we need to not only reduce carbon emissions, but also to deliver substantial economic savings both at a societal and customer level. It’s about time for decision makers at all levels to prioritize energy efficiency and set the right regulatory and economic framework to reach net zero by 2050.”

Professor Nick Eyre, Professor of Energy and Climate Policy at University of Oxford & Senior Research Fellow in Energy at the Environmental Change Institute, says: “We need to rethink energy efficiency and place it at the center of the race towards full decarbonization. This means enabling the electrification of end-uses not previously served by electricity. It also means creating a highly flexible energy system to avoid carbon-intensive demand peaks. Historically, energy efficiency has delivered the largest share of greenhouse gas mitigation and reinventing it for the era of renewables will enable us to continue this trend and achieve net zero by 2050.”

Toby Morgan, Senior Manager, Built Environment at Climate Group, says: “As we electrify everything we can and build a flexible grid fit for the future, we cannot forget energy efficiency. The greenest form of energy is saving energy, and efficiency means we need fewer wind farms and fewer battery facilities. AI can help turbocharge progress on energy efficiency, optimizing electricity usage for any given time of day. Yet AI’s role in connecting up climate-smart technologies in one integrated, energy efficient building is where it gets really exciting. AI can optimize the use of rooftop solar when it’s sunny, make decisions on when to draw on the building’s battery storage, or the batteries of EVs plugged into its charging points when it’s not, plus choose an optimum time to sell renewable electricity back to the grid when demand is high.”

Download the full whitepaper: “Energy Efficiency 2.0: Engineering the Future Energy System”

Harts Services supports the future of skilled trades industries with innovative training program

Mechanical Hub Team November 8, 2023

Tacoma plumbing service provider advocates transformational thinking about trades while building next-generation workforce with immersive Harts Academy initiative Harts Services, a top-rated Tacoma-based plumbing company founded in 2013, urges jobseekers to consider the many rewarding, high-paying career opportunities available in the essential skilled trades. “Whether you’re just entering the workforce or you’re frustrated in your Read more

Tacoma plumbing service provider advocates transformational thinking about trades while building next-generation workforce with immersive Harts Academy initiative

Harts Services, a top-rated Tacoma-based plumbing company founded in 2013, urges jobseekers to consider the many rewarding, high-paying career opportunities available in the essential skilled trades.

“Whether you’re just entering the workforce or you’re frustrated in your current job and want to make a mid-career change, we encourage everyone to think about the trades as a meaningful alternative to the traditional career path,” said Rich Hart, co-owner of Harts Services. “Many of us have been taught that attending a four-year college is the only way to have a successful and satisfying career. But we’re starting to see that college doesn’t necessarily pay off for everyone. That’s leading a lot of young people to look for other options.”

Harts Services, a top-rated Tacoma-based plumbing company, supports jobseekers considering a rewarding, high-paying career in the essential skilled trades with its innovative Harts Academy in-house training program.

As the cost of a college education continues to rise, the long-term financial value of a four-year degree is steadily declining. At the same time, an ongoing shortage of skilled labor is driving up demand for trained workers in home service industries such as plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Experienced technicians in those fields are highly employable and can demand premium salaries as well as signing bonuses, paid training and opportunities for rapid advancement.

“Instead of treating trades as a fallback, we want people entering the trades to be energetic and enthusiastic,” Hart said. “Being a plumber or electrician requires training, focus, problem-solving and people skills, just like any other profession. It’s a dynamic and engaging field with a lot of upside, especially in today’s labor market.”

In 2022, Harts Services launched Harts Academy, an innovative in-house apprenticeship program that prepares motivated trainees for immediate employment.

The Harts Academy program includes four weeks of comprehensive classroom education and immersive hands-on experience in the Harts Academy plumbing platform. Classroom sessions are followed by two to three years of supervised field training with licensed plumbers, with pay raises to match experience, testing and skill level. Harts Academy also provides preparation assistance for the plumber licensing exam.

“We created Harts Academy to help meet the needs of our industry overall and transform how younger generations think about the trades,” Hart said. “We’re investing in the creation of a truly trained and expert team not only here at Harts but throughout the Pacific Northwest. It’s part of a major disruption that we expect to unlock new opportunities for young people, drive economic growth and ensure that homeowners have access to the services they need.”

Harts Academy apprentices support plumbing leads in the warehouse and on jobsites while actively learning core skills. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record are required. Apprentices must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and are expected to work in crawlspaces, operate machinery, climb ladders and stairs, and other physical work in the warehouse and on jobsites.

For more information about Harts Services, please call (253) 470-8766 or visit www.hartsservices.com.

For more information about Harts Academy or to apply, visit https://hartsservices.com/academy-apprentice-program/.

BDR’s Trailblazer Sales Academy Empowers Territory Managers With Key Leadership and Sales Skills

Mechanical Hub Team November 7, 2023

The premier business training and coaching provider for the HVAC industry announces the return of the ongoing development program for distribution, designed to enhance territory sales and strategic growth Business Development Resources (BDR), the training and business coaching authority for home services industry professionals, announces its 2024 program for Trailblazer Sales Academy, an ongoing online training program Read more

The premier business training and coaching provider for the HVAC industry announces the return of the ongoing development program for distribution, designed to enhance territory sales and strategic growth

Business Development Resources (BDR), the training and business coaching authority for home services industry professionals, announces its 2024 program for Trailblazer Sales Academy, an ongoing online training program for territory managers and distribution sales team members that focuses on developing sales skills, leadership agility and a strategic vision for territory growth.

Business Development Resources (BDR) announces its 2024 program for Trailblazer Sales Academy, an ongoing online training program for territory managers and distribution sales team members that focuses on developing sales skills, leadership agility and a strategic vision for territory growth.

Trailblazer Sales Academy features four live virtual workshops from January through May to help participants start the 2024 year strong in essential areas for HVAC territory managers and outside sales representatives. These four-hour training sessions provide participants with the opportunity to learn the best practices of top-performing territory managers, with topics including:

  • Jan. 4: Drive sales and help dealers win in the first quarter
  • Feb. 13: Build your strategic sales call process
  • April 2: Find the right dealer through targeted prospecting
  • May 23: Help dealers install more jobs through labor leverage

“Trailblazer Sales Academy is an opportunity for territory managers to forge a sales path and reap the rewards of their dream territory,” said Sr. Vice President of Training and Marketing Matt MacArthur. “The program empowers members to enhance their business acumen and build a plan while developing their skills in key areas. At the end of the training, participants can implement new processes to drive immediate growth and long-term strategies for taking ownership of their sales areas.”

The academy also includes targeted podcasts and self-paced courses to help participants continue to develop their skills and make the most of the program.

Membership in Trailblazer Sales Academy is limited to just 50 participants in 2024. Discover more and register at https://www.bdrco.com/trailblazer-academy/.

Lowe’s Foundation announces New Round of Gable Grants to Goodwill, LISC and NCCER

Mechanical Hub Team November 6, 2023

Grants bring Lowe’s Foundation’s total support for skilled trades workforce development to nearly $11 million in 2023 as part of five-year, $50 million commitment The Lowe’s Foundation today announced a total of $3 million in Gable Grants to three national nonprofit organizations that are delivering innovative and scalable skilled trades training in local communities nationwide Read more

Grants bring Lowe’s Foundation’s total support for skilled trades workforce development to nearly $11 million in 2023 as part of five-year, $50 million commitment

The Lowe’s Foundation today announced a total of $3 million in Gable Grants to three national nonprofit organizations that are delivering innovative and scalable skilled trades training in local communities nationwide. The $1 million grants are being awarded to Goodwill Industries International, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

The national Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants program will accept applications for two-year grants to help build a sustainable infrastructure of innovative training programs to cultivate more job-ready tradespeople and address the skilled trades labor shortage throughout the U.S.

“Each of these organizations brings something different to the table through their robust network of skilled trades training programs and a strong local and national presence,” said Janice Dupré, Lowe’s executive vice president of human resources and chair of the Lowe’s Foundation. “These programs, paired with the grants to community and technical colleges announced this summer, are a critical step as the Lowe’s Foundation continues to help build a sustainable infrastructure of innovative skilled trades programs across our communities.”

These grants will fund programs that prepare more individuals for skilled trades careers, including providing accelerated training, coaching, wraparound services and targeted workforce development in communities impacted by natural disasters.

Goodwill will use the funding to support the Goodwill Opportunity Accelerator, a workforce development program that provides holistic wraparound services

Goodwill will use the funding to support the Goodwill Opportunity Accelerator, a workforce development program that provides holistic wraparound services to help participants from any background develop foundational digital and job-ready skills and pursue a pathway into an in-demand industry position. This comes to life through the support of strong partner relationships with employers, credentialing organizations and funders.

“We are extremely grateful for this grant from the Lowe’s Foundation, which will enhance the dignity and quality of life for job seekers nationwide,” said Martin Scaglione, chief mission officer of Goodwill Industries International. “The critical support provided by Gable Grants will help us leverage the Goodwill Opportunity Accelerator, our holistic workforce delivery model. This will increase access to skilled trades training and help dedicated tradespeople connect with employers who need them.”

LISC will fund 12 partners that offer industry-specific training, financial coaching, income support access and wraparound services to skilled trades job seekers in local communities

LISC will fund 12 partners that offer industry-specific training, financial coaching, income support access and wraparound services to skilled trades job seekers in local communities.

“We know that building bridges between workers and potential employers at the community level, combined with culturally relevant training and coaching support, is a highly effective model,” said LISC CEO Michael T. Pugh. “This grant will allow us to ramp up access to training in the skilled trades in places it has been historically lacking, and it will help lead hundreds of people into fulfilling careers.”

NCCER will expand its Community Construction Academies to underserved individuals in response to community and workforce needs

NCCER will expand its Community Construction Academies to underserved individuals in response to community and workforce needs. These boot camp-style training programs will build upon a successful tuition-free, rapid recovery construction training pilot funded by Lowe’s last fall to help rebuild Southwest Florida communities after Hurricane Ian. The academies allow program participants to earn industry-recognized NCCER construction craft credentials.

“We see an opportunity to engage and train individuals to help with rebuilding efforts locally and provide opportunities for fulfilling careers in construction that can last a lifetime,” said Boyd Worsham, president and CEO of NCCER. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to scale this program. We know these academies can transform both communities and lives.”

The Lowe’s Foundation has committed $50 million over five years to help prepare 50,000 people for careers in skilled trades. The Foundation awarded Gable Grants totaling nearly $8 million to community and technical colleges in July and plans to announce its first cohort of community-based nonprofit grant recipients in early 2024.

Goulds Water Technology Empowers the Next Generation of Water Technology Talent with 2023 GPDA Scholarship

Mechanical Hub Team November 1, 2023

High school students of GPDA members receive $24,000 in scholarships to fund higher education Goulds Water Technology, a Xylem brand, is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the Goulds Professional Dealers Association (GPDA) scholarships. The initiative serves as a valuable resource for GPDA members, awarding $24,000 in scholarships to 16 deserving students across the Read more

High school students of GPDA members receive $24,000 in scholarships to fund higher education

Goulds Water Technology, a Xylem brand, is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the Goulds Professional Dealers Association (GPDA) scholarships. The initiative serves as a valuable resource for GPDA members, awarding $24,000 in scholarships to 16 deserving students across the U.S. every year. Each student receives $1,500 in scholarship money, which is granted based on academic standing, volunteerism and leadership skills, and enables students to pursue higher education at the college or technical school level. GPDA scholarship recipients are family members of GPDA members, highlighting the company’s support and commitment to independent dealers and young talent. Since its inception, the annual GPDA scholarship program has awarded more than $420,000 to 352 recipients.

“At Goulds Water Technology, we understand the importance of education and the positive impact it has on the future of our industry,” said Jen Manswell, demand generation manager, Residential & Agriculture, Xylem. “Each year, we take great pride in presenting these scholarships, helping to propel students toward their education goals, enrich their futures and reinforce the foundation of our industry. Through GPDA, we support our members and their students on their path to success.”

This year’s GPDA scholarship recipients are located across the U.S. and Canada, each bringing their unique potential and ambition to the water technology industry. The 2023 recipients are:

  • Makayla Kemp, Robstown, Texas – A&R Septic Services LLC
  • Solomon Hancock, Idaho Falls, Idaho – American Pump Company
  • James Christensen, Hartington, Nebraska – Christensen Well and Irrigation
  • Cazden Christensen, Hartington, Nebraska – Christensen Well and Irrigation
  • Alex Christensen, Hartington, Nebraska – Christensen Well and Irrigation
  • Dalton Molnar, Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada – Don’s Plumbing and Heating
  • Trevyn Keene, Grand Island, Nebraska – Wells Plumbing Co., Inc.
  • Kayna Deschênes, St. Pascal, Québec, Canada – Les Puits Artésiens Deschênes, Inc.
  • Abigail Burnette, Concord, North Carolina – Commercial Services
  • Andrew Daisey, Millsboro, Delaware – Daisey’s Well Drilling
  • Braelyn Brenneman, Accident, Maryland – Brenneman Well Drilling, Inc.
  • Leah Brenneman, Friendsville, Maryland – Brenneman Well Drilling, Inc.
  • Vidhya Boggs, Pound, Virginia – Boggs Municipal Services, Inc.
  • Ava Miranda, Hallettsville, Texas – Chandler Drilling
  • Harrison Steinberger, Rockwall, Texas – H&H Waterwell
  • Kenneth Muller, Ridgefield, Connecticut – Interstate Artesian Well Co.

Recipient Spotlight: James, Alex and Cazden Christensen
James, Alex and Cazden Christensen are just three of this year’s GPDA scholarship program recipients. Their family-run business, Christensen Well & Irrigation, specializes in water well drilling services. The company is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and Alex, James and Cazden are an integral part of its success.

“My favorite thing to do at Christensen Well is going out on water calls and saving the day for people who are out of water,” said James, providing crucial assistance to those facing water scarcity. His free time is reserved for outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing.

James and Cazden are headed to Northeast Community College, studying electrical construction and control, while Alex is attending University of Nebraska-Lincoln to study mechanical engineering.

GPDA is the industry’s oldest and largest dealers’ association, founded over 50 years ago. As a world-class professional membership organization, GPDA provides independent dealers with extensive technical and product training, sales leads and marketing support. More than 20,000 dealers and distributors have graduated from its education center, going on to further their product knowledge, grow their businesses and help tackle water scarcity in their local communities.

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