GGP Energy has an office in Raleigh, NC which is a really popular area for Clean Technology. A company that knows that all too well is Piedmont Services who has been in business since 1971. We found this article and thought it was quite worth while. Please enjoy.
RALEIGH, N.C., June 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — With the rising demand for energy efficiency stretching from university campuses, across businesses, and to North Carolina’s largest data centers, there’s a growing market for companies who specialize in helping businesses identify and implement energy saving measures.
Piedmont Service Group, an energy efficiency and facilities services company headquartered in Raleigh, has seen a sharp increase in the demand for energy audits, energy engineering and other efficiency-related services. The company, formerly known as Piedmont Air Conditioning, rebranded itself in April 2011 to reflect its increased focus on energy efficiency and sustainability services. The company’s traditional HVAC design build and service remains a core part of its business.
“Energy efficiency and sustainability is no longer a luxury for companies. It is a requirement — an economic and environmental responsibility,” said Peter Williams, President of Piedmont Service Group. “That mindset led us to expand our core HVAC business to help companies reduce their energy consumption through smart energy planning and monitoring.”
Piedmont recently partnered with Shaw University in Raleigh to help the university secure a $350,000 grant from the State Energy Office to upgrade an outdated chiller plant that serves the student center and two campus dormitories. The grant money, provided by the NC Department of Commerce through the Federal Recovery Act, is expected to help the university reduce its energy costs by $85,000 a year. Work on the project is currently underway.
“This grant enables us to move forward with important energy savings projects that will improve our bottom line, reduce our impact on the environment and provide a more comfortable learning environment for our students,” said Dr. Jeffrey Smith, Vice President of Student Affairs, Shaw University.
Piedmont Service Group has worked with many companies across North Carolina to obtain LEED certification, the gold standard for energy efficient buildings. During the construction of Quintiles’ new 252,000-square foot world headquarters in the Research Triangle Park, Piedmont provided mechanical systems that lowered energy consumption and reduced Quintiles carbon footprint. Piedmont also installed an energy management system that allows Quintiles’ facilities staff to remotely monitor and control the building’s heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and lighting systems.
“The advances in smart building technologies have created enormous opportunity for companies to reduce their energy consumption through automated systems,” Williams said. “That technology, combined with mechanical systems designed to maximize energy efficiency, can save companies like Quintiles hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of their building.”
The increased demand for energy efficiency and sustainability services has allowed Piedmont to successfully maintain its business during the slowdown of new construction projects seen over the last three years. Piedmont has increased their workforce by 10% over the past year, including five Certified Energy Managers, as well as professional engineers and mechanical engineers who provide special expertise in energy efficiency and mechanical/HVAC systems.
In addition to its energy efficiency services, Piedmont continues to operate a highly successful HVAC business, the foundation of its business since 1971. Many of North Carolina’s largest data centers, including SAS, MCNC, Genworth and Qualcomm, rely on Piedmont to maintain its mission critical equipment.
About Piedmont Service Group
Piedmont Service Group, formerly Piedmont Air Conditioning, makes buildings more efficient. A leader in energy services, Piedmont has expanded its core HVAC business to address the growing market demand for energy efficiency and sustainability services. The company is headquartered in Raleigh, NC and employs 150 people across six locations in North and South Carolina (Greensboro, Greenville, Hickory, Myrtle Beach, Raleigh, Wilmington). Piedmont was founded in 1971. Learn more at www.PiedmontServiceGroup.com.
