energy management

Manasquan, N.J. — As demand from the industry grows, SMG Holdings LLC has launched a new energy and sustainability solutions division: SMG Energy Solutions (SMG Energy). Led by Jason Menser, executive vice president of strategic initiatives, the vision is to integrate technology capabilities with core services and strategic alliances to meet the growing demand for “greener” solutions and newer sustainable technologies that will offer clients unique opportunities to reduce their cardon footprint while improving operational efficiencies and mitigating risk. SMG Energy is the vision of Shannon Prato, CEO of SMG …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

— By Jeff Hungarter — Videri Chocolate Factory: an LED lighting solution showcases a sweet spot.   When Roxanne Lundy began working at Videri Chocolate Factory in Raleigh, North Carolina, she was fresh out of college and the company was but 1 month old. Lundy has been a catalyst behind Videri’s growth from a small, 2-day-a-week operation into a handcrafted bean-to-bar emporium par excellence — far beyond her imagination. Lundy has advanced from chocolate wrapper to retail manager to, today, general manager. She’s a designer by inclination and training, and …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

— By Cedar Blazek — Two major businesses effectively meet and exceed energy-efficiency goals despite COVID-19 challenges.   It’s no secret that the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020 brought everything to a screeching halt. Nearly overnight the world was in lockdown, businesses shuttering — some temporarily, some for good — as the overarching “What do we do now?” question blanketed the economic landscape. The pandemic forced widespread shutdowns across sectors and challenged essential businesses to adapt quickly as consumer traffic changed and public health protocols tightened. …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

— By Del Williams —   How UVC light inactivates viruses and other airborne pathogens, thus improving indoor safety.   With commercial facilities taking precautions against viruses as never before, an effective new tool in their arsenal is a new type of “germicidal” LED fixture.  This specialized, enclosed LED fixture draws in air and irradiates it with ultraviolet light (UV), significantly improving indoor safety by providing continuous disinfection of airborne viruses as well as bacteria and germs. While traditional UV fixtures have been used for many years to clean surfaces, …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Tampa, Fla. — As record high temperatures sweep the United States, HVAC systems are being pushed to their limits in more places than ever before. If you live in a part of the country accustomed to more moderate summers, scorching temperatures and the stress of heavier-than-normal use can cause cooling systems to break down. The Pacific Northwest and Mountain West have experienced unprecedented temperatures, with highs in Portland, Ore., reaching a record 116 degrees in August. Heat advisories and even excessive heat warnings are also in effect across the South …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

— By Rick Orman — Why power surges are the hidden threat to restaurant business operations.   The last decade has seen the rapid adoption of digital equipment in quick-service and full-service restaurants. It’s not uncommon to see mobile devices, fully digitalized point-of-sale (POS) systems, network-connected grills and self-service kiosks in restaurants. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this digital transformation due to the increased need to offer online ordering, contactless service and customer demand for a high-tech experience. While the use of technology has increased restaurant efficiency and helped create …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

— By Clive Samuels — Creating safer and healthier indoor air quality.   The spotlight is on indoor air quality as COVID-19 continues to change the way we look at the world. While there is more to learn about SARS-CoV-2, there is strong evidence that it spreads through the air from person to person.1 As a result, consumers and employees are aware — perhaps more than ever before — of the importance of safe and healthy indoor air quality. Viruses present a difficult challenge for air sanitizing and filtering systems. …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

— By Steve Peldiak — Communal air solutions in retail and restaurant locations.   Sanitation conversations around indoor air quality (IAQ) at restaurants and retail locations will be critical to their longevity and bottom lines. 2021 has seen the arrival of a vaccine, however many customers may remain hesitant to dine or shop inside even with continued mask mandates. Indoor air quality improvements completed and communicated to both employees and patrons will put many at ease as the path to public-wide vaccination is paved and businesses begin to fully reopen. …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

— By Tom Szafranski — Managing energy efficiency in a commercial kitchen.   Energy efficiency can often be an overlooked component of commercial foodservice equipment; in reality, an energy-efficient unit is not only better for the environment, but better for the bottom line for the owner/operator. According to ENERGY STAR®, the EPA’s program to promote and certify energy efficiency, restaurants use around 5 to 7 times more energy than any other commercial facility. Additionally, energy costs for commercial foodservice establishments — such as restaurants, hotels and quick-service eateries — make …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

— By Phil Thomas — Air curtains with COVID-19 disinfection: How to present stores and restaurants that customers are confident to enter during a pandemic.   Confidence is one game-changing factor restaurants and retailers must restore to regain patrons and employees amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Facility operators should take sanitization actions and promote them as part of their COVID-19 response. Outdoor dining, curbside service and pickup, masks, shields and social distancing have instilled some confidence and brought back a few patrons that have shopped online or eaten at home since …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail