Summer is here and while that means weekends at the beach for New Yorkers, it also means enormous energy and water costs, especially for skyscrapers. Par Green Solutions has developed innovative ways for New York skyscrapers to decrease energy and water costs this summer while reducing their carbon footprint.

One of the best ways to reduce utility costs this summer is by reducing water consumption. Many of the new green buildings in New York are equipped with gray water waste treatment and recycling systems for the greatest water efficiency.

These advanced systems allow water from sinks and showers to be immediately cleansed and used for other systems like toilets and irrigation. The need for fresh water is diminished and the cost of water is reduced for the building owner.

A similar alternative for buildings utilizing Con Ed steam is the use of steam condensate for condenser water system make-up in the summer and the use of gray water for condensate cooling in the winter. Buildings should also consider installing WaterSense certified fixtures and faucets to reduce occupant usage of water.

Since heating, cooling and ventilation of large commercial buildings typically accounts for more than half of energy use and costs, finding new ways to be energy efficient will reduce costs drastically.

These strategies can include energy audits and retro-commissioning to iendtify areas with the greatest savings portential, replacement of equipment where the energy and maintenance cost savings can fund the replacement, the outsourcing of preventative maintenance and continuous performance monitoring.

Smaller buildings may also consider hot water heaters that use solar energy or heat pump technology. Energy Recovery Ventilator's can maintain high indoor air quality and minimize energy loss. Another options is Energy Star qualified roofing that reflects solar heat and reduces internal cooling loads while limiting the urban heat-island effect. Well-insulated buildings with high-performance, operable windows also reduce overall heating and cooling costs.

Lighting strategies should include both fluorescent technologies and LED technologies with control strategies such as occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting. Recycling of fluorescent bulbs should be employed.

In order to control air pollutants and increase air quality, it is important that all buildings keep HVAC components clean and dry. Adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, carpeting, furniture and composite-wood products used during the construction process should be selected for their low chemical emissions. Wood used in the buildings should be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council to reduce the environmental impact of its use.

Par Green Solutions assists all buildings in achieving their energy and water efficiency goals while also reducing costs.