12 - Energy
Energy conservation efforts at golf facilities throughout Hawai’i support the state’s initiatives and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are integrated within Hawai’i’s legislation.
Energy is a critical focus within the State of Hawai’i. Under the Sustainable Hawai’i Initiative and the State’s Aloha+ Challenge, the Hawai’i state goal is to reduce energy consumption and achieve 100 percent renewable energy use by 2045. Resorts and golf clubs serve Hawai’i residents and a global visitor industry - as stewards of the environment and community, it is important to reduce energy use and shift to renewables when practicable.
The GCSAA Golf Course Environmental Profile, Phase II, Vol. V (GCSAA 2017), estimates that turf maintenance accounts for 47 percent of energy use at a golf facility, with total facility uses encompassing clubhouses, swimming pools, tennis courts, and various other operations. The study identifies six major energy sources for golf course use: electricity, gasoline, diesel, natural gas, propane, and heating oil. Propane and heating oil use are not prevalent in Hawai’i.
Hawai’i superintendents can work toward achieving energy reductions within these six areas (where applicable) through implementing BMPs which drive behaviors and processes, improve product efficiencies, encourage optimal design, support innovative solutions, and promote education. Lower energy consumption can generate efficiencies and cost savings up to 25 percent. Reductions in energy use and facility costs support stewardship and sustainable development within our Hawai’i golf and visitor industries.
DATA ANALYSIS
The first step in managing energy at a golf course is understanding consumption. This is gauged by conducting an energy audit through a third party or inputting data from monthly utility bills, receipts, and statements into a spreadsheet. Once annual data is entered, it should be designated as the baseline year to measure against in subsequent years. When practicable, conduct a carbon footprint analysis using total energy consumption to determine emissions, consult an expert if needed.
For Conversion Factors Visit: https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/units-and-calculators/british-thermal-units.php
Make sure an adequate number of meters and gauges are installed and operating properly. If feasible, track energy used by the pump station separately; it accounts for the most significant energy use on the course. When practicable, segregate data on meters by area including maintenance buildings, clubhouse, tennis facilities, pools, or additional amenities for optimal monitoring and control.
Analyzing Data & Setting Energy Reduction Goals
Look at consumption metrics by month, area, day of week, and time of day. Factors to consider during analysis year-over-year, by month, or quarterly include:
Electricity utilization during peak hours 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (6)
Unusually high temperature creating increased HVAC usage - Hawaii’s summer season is between May and October (7)
Periods of drought causing increased irrigation - Hawaii's heaviest rains usually come from winter storms between October and April (8)
Events and seasonality (by island) resulting in increased energy consumption (9)
Alterations to landscape or building renovations
Faulty or damaged equipment
Look for trends, spikes, or potential issues which could be caused by faulty equipment, leaks, or peak utilization. Equipment maintenance can impact energy use and is important to consider when analyzing data. Keep proper equipment maintenance, maintain service logs, and consider whether you’ve acquired newer, more efficient equipment or shifted to an alternate approach (e.g., switching to hybrid diesel-electric fairway mowers vs. hydraulic diesel motors may change energy use composition). Take an equipment inventory on a regular basis - logging date of operation, energy used, patterns, issues, and operational hours. This shows changes in energy use and supports capital expenditures.
An energy management plan (EMP) moves priorities forward by aligning stakeholders around common goals. It creates structure, accountability, and a timeline. It is a continuous improvement process centered around the concept of “Plan-Do-Check-Act” which incorporates a roadmap, implementation, monitoring, and adjustments. The goals of an EMP often intersect with other BMPs, increasing impact across areas. For example, an effective preventive maintenance program can improve equipment efficiency and reliability. Irrigation efficiencies, leak detection, and monitoring can improve energy performance. Conversely, energy management practices can help lower maintenance, increase equipment life, and lower emissions.
Recommendations for energy efficiency opportunities come from a variety of sources, including reference materials, industry success stories, staff, consultants, or energy providers. Include relevant stakeholders and key management ‘champions’ as part of the energy management team. This includes employees responsible for a specific job or task, managers, and departments influential in decision-making or processes. Example departments include engineering, finance, IT, food and beverage, events/catering, stewarding, and guest/member services; key partners and contractors should also be considered. Effective engagement of stakeholders and champions will drive efficiencies, reduce bottlenecks, and positively impact departments.
What to Include in EMP: Prioritizing, Determining Steps, Assigning Tasks
Focus efforts by choosing the top three to five energy conservation opportunities based on your analysis or energy audit. Based on course size, Hawaiian Electric Industries (parent company of county utilities) can help assess and evaluate existing programs. An account manager can perform analyses and advise of opportunities for reductions.
Priority initiatives could include infrastructure updates, onsite renewable energy production, equipment upgrades or maintenance, behavioral/process changes, or agronomic practices. Designate priority initiatives by energy source (electricity, fuel, etc.). Consider benefits and investments, including upfront and long-term costs.
Once energy efficiency and reduction opportunities have been identified, prioritize opportunities within the context of the overall business and regulatory requirements. The broader business strategy may factor in guest/member experience and satisfaction, employee satisfaction, renovations, or area/departmental priorities; each property is unique. Regulations may require minimum efficiency standards for products and Hawai’i energy code compliance requirements for buildings, such as HB103 and HR203. Reference Hawai’i State Legislature at www.capitol.Hawai’i.gov or the US Department of Energy at www.energycodes.gov/adoption/states/Hawai’i for current legislation and codes.
After establishing priorities, determine annual goals for energy use versus prior year. Goals for energy conservation could encompass initiatives related to infrastructure, equipment, behavior, processes, and agronomic practices. Aim for SMART goals which are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. Share goals with employees at monthly meetings and post them in a clearly visible area.
Monitoring, Tracking, and Communication
Establish a tracking mechanism to monitor energy use regularly. At a minimum, create a spreadsheet detailing units of measurement, energy used by day, month, meter or department, rates, weather, and energy conversion factors. There are tools and software services available for tracking, such as Energy Star. If feasible, particularly at resort facilities, consider energy management software which can provide robust data and controls, incorporating intelligent building automation systems and monitoring. Calculate savings achieved through energy reductions to track progress and support energy efficient capital investments.
Analyze data weekly or monthly to confirm progress toward goal attainment and note inefficiencies, spikes, or issues. Establish performance parameters to optimize irrigation pumps. Communicate results with employees on a weekly basis and post signage showing monthly progress to goal attainment to encourage teamwork and innovation, address opportunity areas, and reward successes. Consider scorecards and/or benchmarking performance between departments, or against similar-sized facilities.
BEHAVIOR
An energy management plan (EMP) moves priorities forward by aligning stakeholders around common goals. It creates structure, accountability, and a timeline. It is a continuous improvement process centered around the concept of “Plan-Do-Check-Act” which incorporates a roadmap, implementation, monitoring, and adjustments. The goals of an EMP often intersect with other BMPs, increasing impact across areas. For example, an effective preventive maintenance program can improve equipment efficiency and reliability. Irrigation efficiencies, leak detection, and monitoring can improve energy performance. Conversely, energy management practices can help lower maintenance, increase equipment life, and lower emissions.
Recommendations for energy efficiency opportunities come from a variety of sources, including reference materials, industry success stories, staff, consultants, or energy providers. Include relevant stakeholders and key management ‘champions’ as part of the energy management team. This includes employees responsible for a specific job or task, managers, and departments influential in decision-making or processes. Example departments include engineering, finance, IT, food and beverage, events/catering, stewarding, and guest/member services; key partners and contractors should also be considered. Effective engagement of stakeholders and champions will drive efficiencies, reduce bottlenecks, and positively impact departments.
What to Include in EMP: Prioritizing, Determining Steps, Assigning Tasks
Focus efforts by choosing the top three to five energy conservation opportunities based on your analysis or energy audit. Based on course size, Hawaiian Electric Industries (parent company of county utilities) can help assess and evaluate existing programs. An account manager can perform analyses and advise of opportunities for reductions.
Priority initiatives could include infrastructure updates, onsite renewable energy production, equipment upgrades or maintenance, behavioral/process changes, or agronomic practices. Designate priority initiatives by energy source (electricity, fuel, etc.). Consider benefits and investments, including upfront and long-term costs. Align priorities and steps with task owners to maximize teamwork and accountability. Establish steps to implement by identifying:
Resources needed (capital expenses, acquiring/updating products/systems, communications, etc.)
Departments involved
Projected energy reductions
Estimated cost savings
Timeframe
Implementation
Tie EMP progress to overall energy reduction goals. Communication and engagement should happen on several levels.
Engage energy management team weekly and/or monthly to review progress
Engage leadership team regularly to provide updates to support investment decisions and show progress
Communicate with all staff regularly, including updates to employees within stakeholders’ departments
Share EMP conservation highlights and achievements with members and guests
Policy and Performance Guidelines
Energy conservation requires behavioral changes. A commitment or position statement toward energy conservation, policies, and planning should be established at the facility or resort level. This shows employees, guests, and members that energy conservation is a priority.
Recommended (or required) performance guidelines should be distributed according to building or operational area such as the clubhouse, swimming pool, food and beverage, parking lot, offices, maintenance building, tennis courts, etc. Stakeholders from each area should be engaged in monitoring and adhering to conservation commitments.
Golf maintenance should establish its own position statement under the broader framework to include surrounding landscapes, the pump station, irrigation system, and related agronomic operations including turfgrass maintenance.
Behavioral Practices: Lighting, HVAC, Irrigation/Water, and Equipment
Heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC) may account for 40 to 50 percent of total electricity usage for a building (e.g., clubhouse). Energy conservation measures for HVAC can have a significant impact on electric bills. Lighting may account for more than 20 percent of total electricity used in a building. Hot water within facilities is used for showers, hand-washing, and restaurant operations. Miscellaneous equipment, such as office equipment, can represent more than 20 percent of electricity used in a building.
Turning off devices and administering a regular maintenance program will help lower electricity expenses. Keeping mechanical systems clean improves HVAC efficiency by 10 to 20 percent.
For golf course maintenance, the irrigation pump is the largest user of energy. A well-engineered pump station, proper maintenance, and monitoring are critical to reducing energy (and water) consumption. Ensure efficient operation and maintenance of the pump station, irrigation pumps, controls, and components. Pumps in Hawai’i generally last five to seven years with proper maintenance. Common issues include power surges from the utility company which can damage the transformer and motor. Pump stations and well pumps with variable frequency drives (VFD) help minimize energy consumption and equipment damage based on reduced water surge. Audit the irrigation system to assess efficiency and determine needs for upgrades, alternative equipment, or components.
Schedule irrigation during off-peak demand hours in the evening or early morning. If feasible, consider a prescriptive irrigation system with remote mobile control capabilities to help manage usage and detect leaks in order to reduce energy consumption.
Wastewater Treatment
Hawaiian Electric estimates that 20 percent or more energy savings can be gained from energy efficiency measures in water and wastewater sectors. Onsite wastewater treatment is unique for a club in Hawai’i, however worth noting that opportunities for energy efficiency in water and wastewater systems can be found in electric motors, the use of controls to optimize operations, optimization of pump and well operations, and reduction of volume being treated and distributed; in addition to solids handling processes and disinfection systems (UV systems). There is potential for onsite electrical and thermal energy generation using anaerobic digester gas, a byproduct of the anaerobic sludge digestion process, as a renewable energy resource.
Energy Management Tip! Create a checklist of energy reduction behavioral best management practices for your clubhouse, golf maintenance facility, and other buildings on property. This can be used as a self-audit and guide toward continuous improvement.
Golf Club Energy Reduction Best Management Practices Behavioral Checklist
Source: Radius Sports Group, LLC. 2019
Establish a Supplier Code of Conduct (SCOC) and Environmental Purchasing Plan (EPP) that aligns with your position statement. The SCOC should incorporate adherence to Hawai’i state laws and regulations as they pertain to environmental legislation, including energy codes and green building design. The EPP builds upon your energy policies, outlining product/service selection priorities for energy efficiencies, reductions, innovation, and environmental responsibility. Prioritize energy consumption as part of purchase decision-making for HVAC, food service, laundry, swimming pools, etc. This helps align suppliers with your energy conservation goals and objectives.
Conduct quarterly supplier meetings to identify new technologies, products, or upgrades that improve efficiencies. Examine fuel types, level of energy required, and use of alternative energy or fuels. Shifting to hybrid mowers and electric golf carts helps reduce fuel consumption and lowers greenhouse gas emissions, more closely aligning with the Hawai’i 2045 renewable energy and carbon neutrality goals.
Your carbon footprint extends beyond the course. Purchase goods locally on island or within the state, when practicable. Purchases which require transport from the mainland or internationally increase greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to time, potential damage, and shipping costs. Work with the Hawai’i GCSA, Chamber of Commerce, your finance manager, or existing suppliers to find local solutions.
For new equipment purchases throughout the club, consider programs like Energy Star or the EPA’s WaterSense program for product labeling to identify products with high energy efficiency. The State of Hawai’i and Hawaiian Electric Industries offer rebates and incentives which may apply to an equipment purchase. To learn more visit https://Hawai’ienergy.com/for-businesses/incentives or the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency at http://www.dsireusa.org/.
Energy Management Tip! Create a checklist of energy reduction product selection best management practices for your clubhouse, golf maintenance facility, and other buildings on property. This can be used as a self-audit and guide toward continuous improvement. Sample checklist below and reference Hawaiian Electric General Best Practices in Appendix B.
Golf Club Energy Reduction Best Management Practices Product Selection Checklist
Source: Radius Sports Group, LLC. 2019
DESIGN
New construction and renovation offers an opportunity to integrate energy efficiencies into the built environment and golf course design. Engage partners including the building and golf course architects, builders, contractors, engineers, etc. to prioritize energy reductions and efficiencies as part of project requirements. Educate stakeholders on your club’s energy conservation position statement. Work with Hawai’i regulators and Hawaiian Electric Industries to optimize programs and meet standards.
Assess initial investments and long-term gains, maintaining a focus on integrating energy conservation measures. Consider building location, orientation, course slope, native vegetation, landscape placement, drought resistant turf such as paspalum, and materials used (e.g., thermal conductivities, best materials for cooling, etc.) Conduct a lifecycle assessment on materials used to understand environmental impact. Utilize energy efficient lighting. Evaluate smart building automation systems, monitoring systems, programmable scheduling and controls, etc. and incorporate innovative technology.
Source: Energy for Sustainability, Randolph & Masters, 2008.
For construction it is particularly important to source locally where practicable, especially heavy or bulky materials. This reduces embodied energy (energy used in the extraction, production, transportation and construction of a building material) to lower your carbon footprint. Energy conservation measures and suppliers may be found through the US Green Building Council, including details on the LEED framework and certification for highly energy efficient, green buildings; also the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, or ASHRAE for energy efficiency standards and guidelines.
Onsite Solar Electricity Generation
The state of Hawai’i has a goal of 100 percent renewable energy use and carbon neutrality by 2045. An increasing number of Hawai’i golf clubs and resorts are installing solar to provide onsite electricity. When evaluating benefits and costs, look at the long-term effect and payback period, in addition to employee and community well-being.
Hawaiian Electric Industries provides comprehensive resources and tools for evaluating onsite solar generation and alternative transportation options. Solar factors to consider include location, building design, distribution availability, required steps, timeframe, and financing. Hawaiian Electric provides a database of pre-approved EVO certified contractors to assist with the process for faster, easier installations.
State rebates and incentives are available for solar generation and electric vehicles, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency http://www.dsireusa.org/ or Hawaiian Electric https://www.Hawaiianelectric.com/clean-energy-Hawai’i/electric-vehicles.
Carbon Offset Program
Hawai’i does not formally offer a carbon offset program, 2018 legislation was passed to implement one effective January 28, 2045. HB1986 establishes a carbon offset program under the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, in partnership with the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Proceeds and revenue generated will be deposited into: forest stewardship fund; projects enhancing water infrastructure; or mitigating threats to water sustainability due to climate change.
EDUCATION
It is important to educate and engage employees. Incorporate energy conservation training that creates a connection between better quality of life, cleaner air, and preservation of natural resources. Provide tips and quizzes to make it fun and memorable. Educate through email, signage on bulletin boards, and handouts. Engage peer influencers to demonstrate importance.
Communicate progress toward departmental and organizational goals for energy reductions. Improve transparency by reporting facility usage and developing a departmental scorecard. Dynamic ideas come from employees engaged in daily operations. Shorten feedback delays by discussing energy as a weekly topic or in daily staff meetings. Restructure information flow by encouraging idea-sharing or providing a suggestion box. Incorporate incentives for ideas and achieving results.
Celebrate energy conservation successes and provide recognition on bulletins, in meetings, and newsletters. Award certificates of accomplishment for individual and team contributions. Rewarding successes and recognizing efforts helps institutionalize energy conservation.
