Most utility bills are split into two parts:

1. Electricity
2. Natural gas

For homeowners, natural gas typically is a smaller charge as gas goes towards cooking and sometimes heating (typically a small area). But this often not the same for businesses. Commercial building owners and the industrial sector consume a majority of the natural gas used in the United States. And unlike in the residential application, these business are running 12 – 24 hours a day.

Business Uses for Natural Gas

Natural gas is used in a variety of business applications. Each one, consumes additional therms (the unit of measurement of natural gas). Each therm adds additional cost to your utility bill. Certain, natural gas heavy, applications:

• Space heating
• Lighting
• Cooling
• Water heating
• Cooking
• Drying

What is Direct Access Natural Gas

In certain states, the natural gas (and electricity) market is deregulated. The purposes of this is to create a price competitive energy market, where there is no monopoly. It empowers the customer to choose it’s gas supplier based on rates.

Financial Savings Through Direct Access Natural Gas

For consumers, such as building owners, manufacturers, restaurants, etc, direct access natural gas allows consumers to lock in wholesale natural gas rates. Normally, your gas company buys it’s gas from suppliers, then markups the price, and transports the gas to your building. In a direct access scenario you buy the gas from a third party, your gas company transports it to you and charges you for the gas. The difference? The cost in the procurement of the gas itself. As the building owner, you recognize that savings when you use an independent supplier.

 How To Find Providers

Only certain states are deregulated. Deregulation can also be split across electricity and natural gas markets. Deregulated natural gas markets include: California, Maryland, Georgia, Texas and others

Learn More

California

Yes – the solar movement is going viral! The team at Greenzu came across this great solar social movement campaign.

The Campaign’s Purpose?

To urge business owners and landlords to go solar. Here is a snippit from the Change.org campaign. Sign here and share with your friends!

 According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 50% of the hours you spend awake are at work. Unfortunately, companies are prioritizing other expenditures over ones that impact their employees. While some companies have implemented significant sustainability measures, none have the impact that solar does. Recycled paper, LED lighting, power cords, light sensors and low flush toilets are great, but they don’t affect your immediate environment with the same impact or scale that solar energy does. Greenzu, a solar company that works with small businesses & non-profits, estimates that “US businesses can spare the air 5.164 billion tons of CO2 through solar”, creating a global impact.

Large corporation or small business — this affects you equally! Share a building? Get your co-workers on the side of solar, approach your boss and get your boss to speak with other businesses in the same building. It takes cohesiveness and numbers to persuade a landlord to go solar. And it starts with you!

Your vote counts! Tell your boss that you want your organization to lead the way in the solar movement. Solar reduces your company’s carbon footprint, boosts employee morale and saves money. Go solar now!

Learn more? Join our facebook page and spread the word to your friends. Solar starts with you!

Read the full details on the “Solar At Work” Campaign.

On Monday, President Obama sent a request to Congress to increase investments in clean energy in the the 2013 budget. Investments include a clean energy standard, bringing back tax credits for solar and other renewables that have lapsed, greater funding for energy efficiency and advanced research to make innovative energy technologies cost-competitive. Under this budget request, the Energy Department would receive a 3.2% increase from last year, increasing the budget to $27.2 billion.

Renewable Energy in The President’s Budget Request

Included in the budget request are the following items:

The budget request touts Obama’s plan to mandate that utilities produce 80 percent of the country’s electricity from low-carbon sources like wind, solar electricity, natural gas and nuclear by 2035.

The administration calls for funding the department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at $2.33 billion, a 29 percent increase from fiscal 2012 enacted levels.

The budget request sets aside about $5 billion for the department’s Office of Science, a 2.4 percent increase from exacted fiscal 2012 levels. But the administration’s fiscal 2012 budget request called for funding the office at $5.4 billion, a slightly higher level.

The budget request includes an 80 percent increase in funding for “energy efficiency activities to improve the energy productivity and competitiveness of our industries and businesses.”

In addition, the budget request would provide $310 million for an Energy Department program aimed at making solar energy cost-competitive; $95 million for developing wind energy technology; and $350 million for the Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy, a program aimed at boosting innovative energy technologies.

Elsewhere, the plan seeks extension of renewable energy tax credits and revival of a lapsed program that provides tax credits for domestic manufacturing of renewable energy and energy efficiency equipment.

The 2013 Budget Request Faces Obstacles

Unfortunately, the budget has not been approved. The administration faces hurdles in pushing their Green Agenda forward. However, Obama’s commitment to clean energy reflects the importance of energy in the country’s economic future.

Read the full article: “Obama’s Budget Doubles Down on Renewable Energy” on The Hill.

A Swedish architect explores the application of large scale solar installations along the Los Angeles freeway. Freeways have an abundance of space and Los Angeles has a large demand for energy.

This project was spurred by recent debate over the Mayor’s allocation of central land for the city’s solar program. LA freeways have 800 km – perfect for solar.

Read the full article and see all of the pictures: Mans Tham: Solar Serpents

Virgina based solar developer, Secure Futures, and Dominion Power are debating the interpretation of the state’s exclusive power supply rights of utilities. The solar array in question is Washington and Lee University’s 450 kW solar system that offsets 3% of the school’s power. Utilities have exclusive power rights in certain geographic areas. Renewable energy finance providers are eligible for an exemption if the renewable energy offsets 100% of the customer’s demand.

 Choosing to avoid litigation, Secure Futures worked with Dominion to adjust its arrangement with Washington and Lee. The deal changed from a PPA into a model where the school rents the equipment in order to generate its own power.

Regulatory Hope For Solar in Virginia

Currently, in the Virginia state legislature there is a bill that would permit PPAs. This would help increase the adoption of renewable energy in the state.

Read the full article: VA PPA Deemed Illegal

A new program to bring in private financing to restore Louisiana’s disappearing wetlands could be the impetus for America’s first ever carbon offset market for wetland restoration.

Voluntary carbon markets oversee investment in hundreds of conservation projects around the world, but the projects have thus far focused largely on reforestation or agricultural practices. The new tool would allow investors for the first time to pay for wetlands restoration along the Gulf Coast as a carbon credit.

This program is yet another move towards creating tools to support environmental business practices. And its a move for private investors to create wealth through green investments.

Read the Full Article: New Tool Could Flood Louisiana Wetlands with Private Financing.

Floating water purification solar “UFO”s have been created by NTT Facilities.

The disc-shaped machines weigh about 3.4 tons each and measure 1.6 meters (5 ft) tall and 5 meters (16 ft) across. During the day, an array of solar panels power the machine’s filtration system, which pumps fresh oxygen into the water while removing impurities. At night, a 1.3-kilowatt solar battery provides juice to the LED lamps lining the edges of the floating craft.

Read the full article, “‘Solar UFO’ water cleaners afloat in Osaka canals“

There is a large focus on spreading solar to the developed world. However, there is a growing effort to provide the world’s poorest people with clean, renewable energy. This piece claims the cell-phone revolution is a positive force in the deployment of renewable energy.

Cell-phone towers around the world are being converted to hybrid renewable power sources, offering phone companies a ‘powerful’ motivation to get renewable power into rural areas, to get electricity to their customers, and to charge for electricity through their mobile payment systems.”

The author sites companies like Zimbabwe’s Econet Power that has an innovative business model. However, large scale deployment of solar in impoverished countries will require stronger global financial markets, continuing drop in the prices of solar and stronger business models.

Read the full story, Affordable Solar Power for the Poor is Within Reach, at Environmental Expert.

Pharmavite is a leading and growing US manufacturer, marketer, and retailer of quality vitamins, mineral and herbal supplements both domestically and internationally with a strong portfolio of brands such as Nature Made, (Cholestoff, Triple Flex, and SAM-e Complete), and SOYJOY.​ With over 30 years as a major force in the nutritional supplement business, Pharmavite was built on the premise of producing the highest quality nutritional products in the country and operates one of the most sophisticated, state-of-the art research and development facilities in the industry.

Job Description:

Pharmavite is a leading and growing US manufacturer, marketer, and retailer of quality vitamins, mineral and herbal supplements both domestically and internationally with a strong portfolio of brands such as Nature Made, SAM-e Complete, and SOYJOY. ​ With over 35 years as a major force in the nutritional supplement business, Pharmavite was built on the premise of producing the highest quality nutritional products in the country and operates one of the most sophisticated, state-of-the art research and development facilities in the industry.​
As a member of the Pharmavite team, employees enjoy competitive salaries and an exceptional benefits package featuring medical, dental, vision, 401K, life insurance, and long term disability coverage.​  In addition, employees enjoy educational assistance, credit union membership, substantial discounts on our products, and 11 paid holidays per year.​
We currently are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and innovative Facilities & Equipment Maintenance Manager.​ This key position will be based in our corporate offices (this may change depending on location i.​e.​ operations, distribution etc.​) in San Fernando, CA (So.​ CA).

Position Summary:

Manages the engineering maintenance team with the objectives of safety, efficiency, and effective operation of machinery and systems in a cost-effective and timely manner for multiple Pharmavite Southern CA sites.​  Ensures the value of the company’s capital assets (facilities and equipment) are protected and enhanced while achieving a minimum of downtime.​
Responsibilities:

Achieves results and brings out the best in people by:

• Establishing job design and ensuring appropriate staffing to deliver the department’s strategic operating plan and short-term objectives.

• Communicating department goals and objectives and cascading them to others, ensuring workload is distributed appropriately to achieve goals and objectives.
• Maintaining two way dialogue with direct reports on work and results.​
  Interpreting and ensuring Company policies and procedures are understood and consistently followed by others.​ Collaboratively creating development plans and coaching individuals in achieving them.
• Working within the people management systems in the Company to develop others (performance management, rewards and selection process); and
• Creating an energizing work environment that supports the Company’s high performance culture while ensuring an efficient and flexible organization.
• Responsible for all plant maintenance and operations including overseeing the maintenance and continuous operation of all building systems including: fire/​life safety, mechanical (HVAC, plumbing, controls) electrical (lighting, UPS, generators, primary switch gear), lighting and temperature controls systems, critical environments, and digital systems (fire alarm, duress, card access).
• Routinely inspects and evaluates facilities infrastructure and utility systems for liabilities related to equipment age/​condition, operating cost or potential failure.​ Prioritizes recommendations for facility upgrades, and prepares justifications for resources to be included in the capital or operating budgets.
•  Schedules routine and preventative maintenance based on production requirements to minimize production disruptions, equipment failure, downtime, and corrects any unsafe conditions.
• Manages, monitors, and controls Plant Services Department, its custodial services, resources, and documentation to ensure compliance with cGMP’s, safety standards, and Pharmavite’s requirements for cleanliness within budgetary guidelines.
• Manages, monitors, and approves operation budgets and expenditures for facilities and equipment maintenance and repairs; establishes good inventory practices for all Maintenance and Plant Services supplies, tools, spare parts, and outside services to ensure the plant operates at maximum efficiency.​ Responsible for MRO inventory.
• Manages, trains, and develops department staff to ensure consistent customer support and a safe working environment.
•  Accomplishes work through a combination of self-performance and contract management with outside vendors to obtain needed goods, services, and repairs that are reliable and cost-effective.
•  Assists Engineering and Operations personnel in recommending production/​facilities improvements to enhance productivity and safety and to meet cGMP’s.
• Identifies the maintenance objectives for each facility and establishes a plan that includes preventive, predictive and reactive maintenance procedures.
• Ensures compliance with all regulatory laws and guidelines in operation of the buildings’ infrastructure.
• Assists in the development of a Capital plan which includes planning for infrastructure upgrades, equipment replacements and building modifications to ensure the buildings’ future capabilities are maintained.
• Maintains all infrastructure and compliance documentation for the buildings including up-to-date building drawings and single-lines, SOP’s as well as documentation mandated for the purpose of maintaining regulatory compliance with Federal, State and Local laws.
• Identifies and implements processes to reduce equipment downtime.
• Responsible for energy efficiency programs to reduce operational costs.
• Maintains excellent relationship with customers by providing quality customer service and plant reliability.
• Oversees the facility and equipment maintenance of multiple Pharmavite Southern CA sites including manufacturing, packaging and warehouse operations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Facilities Management or equivalent in engineering or technical area.​

Certification:
None.​  P.​E.​ registration preferred.​  A CPMM certification is desirable.​

Experience:
Requires ten or more years of related management experience with an emphasis in facilities and equipment maintenance, preferably in pharmaceuticals or food industry.​  Also requires experience in lean manufacturing and project initiatives.
Knowledge/​Skills/​Abilities:

• Competent knowledge of standard principles of routine, preventative, and predictive maintenance.
• Comprehensive knowledge of government regulations/​code compliance including OSHA, EPA, FDA, AQMD, NEC, NFPA 101 Life Safety and other relevant regulations and/​or codes.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and demonstrated customer service skills in dealing with internal customers.
• Good mechanical aptitude.
• Working knowledge of building systems including boilers, chillers, compressed air systems, dust collection, etc.
• Ability to respond 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
• Experience in JDE maintenance software highly desirable.
• Working and theoretical knowledge of tableting, soft gel, encapsulation, and granulation processes.

Physical Requirements:

General manufacturing environment, ability to stand/​walk for long periods of time.​  Ability to move about a manufacturing plant including roof inspections as required.

Environment:

Exposure to disagreeable elements is moderate.

Safety:

The incumbent must be able to perform this job safely without endangering the health or safety of self or others.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Incumbent has direct supervisory responsibility for one to five employees.

To Apply

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Job Description:

Company Background

White Cap Construction Supply is a leading distributor of specialty hardware, tools and materials targeting large and medium sized construction contractors. With over 160 branches nationwide and 500 sales representatives, White Cap stocks a wide array of more than 65,000 products, including brand name construction materials, hand tools, fasteners, safety equipment, power tools and equipment, work wear, concrete forms and supplies, and landscape lighting.

Job Summary

Plan, direct, and coordinate the storage and distribution operations of products and materials.
Major Tasks, Responsibilities and Key Accountabilities

• Establish standard and emergency operating procedures for receiving, handling, storing, and shipping of products and materials.
• plan, develop, and implement warehouse safety and security programs and activities.
• Review work orders, consumption reports, and demand forecasts to estimate peak delivery periods and issue work assignments
• Supervise the activities of workers engaged in receiving, storing, and shipping products or materials.
• Develop and implement plans for facility modification or expansion, such as equipment purchase or changes in space allocation or structural design.
• Schedule surface pickup, delivery, or distribution of products or materials.
• Prepare or direct preparation of correspondence, reports, and operations maintenance and safety manuals.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Nature and Scope

• Experience provides solutions.
• Ensure that work is performed consistently with HD Supply policies and procedures.
• Leads a group or team of support, craft, or lower level professional associates.

Work Environment

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs in a physical environment. Ability to stand for periods of time up to and exceeding 60 minutes. Ability to make repetitive movements including, but not limited to, using a 10-key or calculator, bending or squatting.

• Located in a comfortable indoor area. Any unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and not objectionable.
• Typically requires overnight travel less than 10% of the time.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be eighteen years of age
• Must pass the Drug Test
• Must pass the Background Check
• Must pass pre-employment tests if applicable
  Education and Experience
• Typically requires BS/BA in related discipline. Generally 5+ years experience in related field. May require certification. Advanced degree may offset less experience in some disciplines.

When you join HD Supply you are joining one of the largest diversified wholesale distributors in North America. With a diverse portfolio of industry-leading businesses, HD Supply provides a broad range of products and services to help professional customers in the Infrastructure & Energy, Maintenance, Repair & Improvement and Specialty Construction markets.

We focus on serving contractors, builders, maintenance professionals, government and municipal entities and industrial businesses, and provide our customers a superior supplier relationship backed by our long history of industry expertise, knowledgeable associates, and established reputation for top quality service.

With approximately 700 locations and 15,000 associates across the United States and Canada, the opportunities for growth are limitless!

We are now seeking a Warehouse Manager – Come Build Your Best Life with us!

To Apply

click here