New faces on board at Blue Energy Group

The Louisville-based engineering firm has welcomed two new engineers and office staff to its team.

Brenden Frazier, Project Engineer

Before coming to Blue Energy Group, Brenden worked with another local MEP design firm. He also worked for Cummins, Inc in automotive manufacturing . Brenden, who is a Louisville native, worked two jobs to put himself through college. He Graduated from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2017.

Brenden enjoys automotive tinkering, traveling, and hiking. He is an avid motorcyclist and brewing enthusiast. He also enjoys continuing to learn and helping others do the same through tutoring.  Brenden plans to expand his knowledge and skills in energy efficient design and alternative energy solutions. 

Isaac Schuetz, Project Engineer

Isaac comes to Blue Energy Group from Hazel Green, Wisconsin. He received his Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and graduated with honors. While attending college Isaac worked a 7-month co-op at Amerequip Corporation. Isaac worked for 16 months as a part-time student at John Deere Dubuque Works and spent the summer of 2018 as an intern at the John Deere Moline Technology and Innovation Center.

Isaac’s interests include distance running, weight training, and keeping up to date with the running world. Isaac competed in Division III cross country and track and field while in college. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, and hiking. Isaac’s fiancee is currently working on her PhD in Mathematics at the University of Kentucky.    

Shelia Brown, Office Administrator

As our Office Administrator, Shelia will be responsible for ensuring smooth operations of the Blue Energy Group office location, handling multiple tasks and responsibilities and providing overall administrative support. Shelia has several degrees in technology including Master’s of Education-Technology, a Bachelor of Science-Networking, and an Executive Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering. She comes to us with over 25 years administrative and other experience to include management, business ownership, technical documentation, human resources and experience as a data analyst.

In her free time she is focusing on continuing her learning and in developing code skills in CSS, HTML, Java, and Python. She loves spending time with her family and friends. She has 3 daughters and a grandson. She also likes cooking, art, and theater.

Recent Promotions at Blue Energy Group!

Steven Nuttle

Congratulations to Steven Nuttle on his recent promotion to Engineering Project Manager. Steven Graduated in 2015 from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He completed his co-op with Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort. Steven began his career with Blue Energy Group shortly after graduation in 2015 as a Project Engineer. He passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam in the fall of 2016 and has achieved his Engineer in Training. Steven is soon to begin the process to obtain his Professional Engineers Licences. 

Steven’s hobbies include playing baseball and he manages an adult baseball team in Louisville. He is a fan of the University of Michigan, the University of Louisville, and the Boston Red Sox. He enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 nieces. 

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About: Blue Energy Group approaches engineering with a focus on our clients. We exist to help our clients do what they do best and we take care of the rest. Blue Energy works with clients across the United States with Energy Modeling and MEP Design Services. Some of our specialties include 179D and 45L tax deductions granted to building owners and designers of energy efficient systems, LEED energy modeling, life-cycle cost analysis, and ECM (energy conservation measure) analysis. Our clients include architects, engineers, energy service companies (ESCOs), accounting firms, and building owners.

We're Hiring!

Looking for a change of pace? One thing is sure, we set a different pace! We are currently seeking an experienced Professional Engineer to join our growing company. The Engineer we seek to add to our organization is a detail-oriented self-disciplined professional. This position requires a considerable amount of travel to all parts of the country. In addition to travel, s/he will develop commercial building energy models, design HVAC and/or electrical systems, and develop energy saving projects. The Engineer must have a demonstrated ability in being a technically minded problem-solver. Focus on the task at hand, follow-through on the prescribed plan, and the ability to be flexible and think under pressure are all key to this role. We are seeking highly motivated individuals who have a strong desire to learn and a team player attitude. The ideal candidate has his/her Professional Engineer (PE) license in any state, a strong desire to travel, a willingness to learn, and a professional work ethic. Previous experience with AutoCAD and/or modeling software such as eQuest or Trane Trace preferred. BSME or BSEE required; PE required.

Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

• Travel to client facilities to inspect energy performance upgrades

• Exercise creative thinking to devise new systems and innovative ways to work

• Understand mechanical/electrical concepts and processes easily

• Develop building energy models for a variety of purposes (tax incentives, LEED, life-cycle costs, energy performance)

• Work well with a team to develop systems for fixing problems or create solutions to get the job done

• Manage time, supplies, personnel, and budget

Engineer Requirements and Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

• Experience using Microsoft Office tool suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project)

• Experience with AutoCAD and/or building energy modeling software (eQuest, Trane Trace, etc)

• Communication skills; must be able to communicate with our clients

• Problem-solving skills, especially the ability to identify the source of the problem and create and test solutions

To apply, click here.

2 Things You Should Consider When You Need MEP Design Services

Because every space is different, there are different challenges and considerations that need to be made when you decide to renovate or design a building. We have outlined a few of them below. Learn what your MEP design may be missing.

Building Owner and Architect Agreement

If there is an agreement between the owner of the building and the MEP designer, then the design is not open to changes, and you will have peace of mind that the design plan is being followed. If changes do need to be made after the agreement, the system design should be changed accordingly within parameters agreed upon by the owner and designer.

Extra Space

Due to the nature of MEP design, you may not know that extra space needs to be made for your mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. If this extra space isn’t considered or if any measurements are off, you could end up with major design flaws. There are examples all over the Internet of poor spatial planning.

Ready to get started on your design? Contact Blue Energy Group today! Not only can we help with your design, but we can ensure that your design meets all qualifications necessary for 179D tax deductions.

How a BLUE-Guard Audit Defense Can Help You

Are you working towards getting a 179D building certification? Make sure that you’re not worried about the certification being rejected. When you work with Blue Energy Group to secure a 179D deduction, we give you peace of mind with our BLUE-Guard Audit Defense©.  Besides guaranteeing the accuracy of the certifications, every client also gets:

• Free representation during an IRS audit or appeal
• Refund of fees to the extent the certification is modified by the IRS
• Reimbursement of all penalties and interest resulting from a modification

What are you waiting for? Contact Blue Energy Group today. We have the experience and integrity to ensure your deductions are safe.

BLUE Energy Group Expands Into MEP Design Services→

Louisville, KY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/07/2017 -- BLUE Energy Group is honored to announce the arrival of professional engineer Keith Dohn who will head BLUE Energy Group's Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Design Services team. Keith brings a host of in-depth experience that will be invaluable in continuing to offer clients the best in energy consulting.

As a licensed engineering firm that specializes in helping companies receive tax deductions under Section 179D Tax Deduction for Energy Efficient Buildings, BLUE Energy Group's positive reputation for their effective work now extends to their MEP design services. With Professional Engineering licenses in 36 states, their Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) design capability covers a large area of the country as well as a broad spectrum from the most complex to the simplest of systems, large and small buildings, public or private. 

"We have built our good reputation on having the capability that our clients demand and our attention to detail. With the addition of Keith to our team, we only get better at doing both. We are now a full service MEP engineering firm offering energy modeling analysis prior to the project, MEP design services, and tax and utility rebate energy modeling services at the end of the project. We are grateful to have Keith come on board and bring his expertise to continue strengthening our team and providing our clients with superior energy/building-system consulting."

To learn more about BLUE Energy Group's energy consulting services, visit their website today.

About BLUE Energy Group
BLUE Energy Group is a MEP Design Engineering firm that works with clients across the United States to help them take advantage of the 179D tax deductions granted to building owners and designers of energy efficient systems. BLUE Energy's clients include architects, engineers, energy service companies (ESCOs), accounting firms, and building owners in need of MEP design services or who seek to take advantage of the tax benefits currently allowed under Section 179D of the Internal Revenue Code, related to energy efficient buildings.

Going Green is Popular with the Majority of Consumers

In the United States, “72% of customers believe it is important to buy from green companies,” according to a 2011 study. Since increasing environmental awareness has been a long-term trend, that number may already be higher, and will likely continue to rise.

This means that being environmentally responsible is not just about saving money on utility bills or getting tax deductions, but is also a smart investment for the marketing value that comes with being able to tell consumers that they, too, are being environmentally responsible by doing business with your company.

There are a lot of ways to go green, from switching to a renewable power source like solar or wind to installing more efficient appliances and lighting options. Insulating your building properly and upgrading to efficient HVAC systems can also go a long way in driving your energy consumption down and your green image up.

If you’re a business owner or commercial building owner, doing all you can to be green is the smart choice.

What’s Involved in a Feasibility Study

Blue Energy Group conducts a feasibility study to determine if your business is eligible for the 179D tax deduction. During this study, we complete an evaluation to determine if any of the energy-efficient systems that you use qualify you for the deduction. To complete our evaluation, we require information on your building, the type of lighting you use, the areas these systems are in, and their mechanical schedule.

Let Blue Energy Group know when you’re ready for your feasibility assessment! Not only do we offer a free, no-obligation evaluation, but we also offer a quick, 48-hour turnaround time.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Never before has solar energy been this available to average households.  Here’s some great reasons to go solar:

·         Save money – adding solar panels to your home or business save thousands of dollars annually.

·         Solar Purchase Power Agreements (PPAs) and lease agreements make it easier for homeowners to convert.

·         Increases home value.

·         Incentives and rebates (while they last) offer additional ways to save.

·         Reduces carbon footprint.

·         Assists in energy independence from fossil fuels.

Homeowners and businesses alike can benefit from going solar.  In fact, businesses that are found to be energy efficient may be eligible for a 179D Tax Deduction.  Contact Blue Energy Group for your complimentary feasibility study.

Inefficiency Is Not Charming

 

The Inefficiency of Old Buildings

The charm and character that old buildings hold, is incomparable; however, their efficiency may not be up to today’s standards, making them costly to heat and cool. Making an entire building energy efficient can cost time and money that you don’t have, so is it worth it?

Expertise to Help You Save

Not only can making your building energy efficient reduce your utility bills, but it can also provide you with tax deductions. Start by having an energy audit done on your building. Once you’ve gone through and made your updates, you may qualify for tax deductions! Blue Energy Group helps clients across the United States take advantage of the 179D tax deductions granted to building owners. 

Save money and benefit today. Visit www.bluergy.com for more information.

Going Green Saves Your Business Big Money

There are many ways your business can save money, big and small, by going green.  It can also help differentiate your company from your competitors and even attract consumers.  Here are a few ways your business can start saving:

·         Go paperless.  If you do need to use paper products, make sure it is 100% post-consumer waste.

·         Use environmentally friendly and biodegrable cleaning products.

·         Switch to LED lighting.  Not only do they last longer, but they also use less energy.

·         Replace old appliances with energy efficient models.

·         Have a complimentary feasibility study performed by Blue Energy Group on your building to determine if you qualify for a 179D tax deduction.

From small changes such as conserving water to big incentives like 179D tax deductions, there are many ways to save green by going green.

Requirements to Qualify for a 179D Tax Deduction

If you are a building owner, architect, engineers, energy design firm, or an energy service company, you may be eligible for a 179D tax deduction.  But where to start?  The requirements needed to qualify your building for a 179D tax deduction can be confusing and daunting.

First, you will need to have a feasibility study performed on your buildings to determine their potential for qualification.  A favorable feasibility study allows you to move forward with the certification process.  Before the IRS certifies a building, your buildings will require an energy study as well as a site visit.

The Blue Energy Group certification process carefully follows all IRS and NREL guidelines so that our clients can be sure that they are receiving an accurate building certification.

Are You Eligible for a 179d Tax Deduction?

Architects, Engineers, and Energy Design Firms Can Qualify

The 179D is a commercial buildings energy efficiency tax deduction which enables building owners to claim a tax deduction for installing qualifying systems and buildings.  But did you know this also applies to architects, engineers, and energy design firms?  Architects, engineers, and other designers of government-owned buildings are eligible to claim Section 179D federal tax deductions for their work designing energy efficient publicly-owned buildings.

If you completed a project between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2014, these projects may qualify you for a tax refund.  Before amending those tax returns, have your property inspected by Blue Energy Group to make sure you qualify.  

How to Qualify for a 179D Tax Deduction

179D Tax Deduction

Property owners all over the United States may be surprised to find there are tax deductions for their buildings. 179D tax deduction is the most popular but that does not mean everyone can or will qualify. There are certain criteria your building must meet to be eligible for the deduction.

The deduction is geared toward commercial buildings. Regular home owners do not qualify as their structure is too small. Buildings that fall into the Standard 90.1-2001, or buildings with that have a heating system of 3.4 Btu/h/sf or a cooling system on 5 Btu/h/sf. Qualification depends on the predicted energy performance of the building.

At Blue Energy Group, we can help you determine whether or not your building qualifies for the deduction. Simply give us a call at 866.346.7992

Businesses Going Blue!

Going green is all the rage and is quickly transforming the way companies do business. While going green provides an abundance of benefits, the process of certification can be a pain for business owners.

Now you can go blue with Blue Energy Group. Blue Energy Group’s goal is to make this process as worry-free as possible for their clients. They want to promote the positive impact your business building will have while making the energy efficiency transition. Blue Energy’s aims to secure every tax benefit under the 179D certification for you and your business.

Blue Energy serves clients from industries such as architecture, engineering, energy, accounting and more. For more information on Blue Energy Group and their services, contact them at 866.346.7992. 

How Going Green Can Save Your Business Money

3 Ways Your Business Can Save Money By Going Green

One thing that attracts consumers is your business’ green practices. Not only are you missing out potential customers but major savings. Here are three ways you can save money by going green.

Recycle- There are many instances in which your business can recycle. It can be as simple as setting out an extra garbage can for plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Or it can be refilling your toner cartridges instead of buying new ones. It saves your company money in the long run, especially if you print a great deal of items.

Renewable Energy Sources- Lower the cost of your energy bill by utilizing other energy sources. Install solar panels onto your building instead of powering your building for with standard electricity.

Decorate with Sustainable Furniture- There are many options out there for businesses in terms of furnishing. Look for furnishings that are made from repurposed or recycled materials.

Section 179d Tax Deduction

One last money saving tip is Section 179d tax deduction. Owners of energy efficient commercial properties are eligible for a tax deduction. For more information about this tax deduction, look to Blue Energy Group. 

Keeping an eye on the budget

The section 179D deduction is currently set to expire on December 31, 2013.  However, the Obama Administration’s fiscal year 2014 proposal would increase both the maximum deduction and the partial deduction available for the installation of energy-efficient commercial building property.

The proposal would raise the current maximum deduction to $3.00 per square foot (from $1.80 per square foot) and the maximum partial deduction allowed with respect to each separate building system to $1.00 per square foot (from $0.60 per square foot).

For satisfying the energy savings targets for both building envelope and HVAC and hot water systems, the proposal would increase the maximum partial deduction to $2.20 per square foot (from $1.20 per square foot). Energy-savings targets would be updated every three years by the Secretary of Treasury in consultation with the Secretary of Energy to encourage innovation by the commercial building industry.

The proposal also would provide a new deduction based on a combination of the projected and realized energy savings performance achieved by retrofitting existing commercial buildings. The deduction would only be applicable to existing buildings with at least 10 years of occupancy. The deduction would be capped at 50% of the total cost of implementing the plan. The deduction would be allowed on a sliding scale ranging from $1.00 per square foot of retrofit floor area, for energy savings of at least 20%, up to $4.00 per square foot of retrofit floor area, for energy savings of 50% or more. Sixty percent (60%) of the deduction would be available when the property is placed in service and would be based on the projected energy savings performance of the commercial building retrofit plan. The remaining 40% of the allowable deduction would be available at a later point and would be based on actual energy savings performance of the retrofit plan. Actual energy savings would be based on the energy usage of the commercial building after the retrofit plan is complete, as determined by methods and procedures provided by Secretary of Treasury in consultation with Secretary of Energy.

Special rules would also be provided to allow the credit to benefit a real estate investment trust (REIT) or its shareholders.

The new deduction would be permanent and would be available for property placed in service after 2013.  The existing Section 179D deductions would remain in place until the end of 2013.  We will be keeping an eye on the budget process over the course of the next six weeks.