Energy Smart program helps New Orleans cafe improve efficiency, preserve historic charm and boost the bottom line
Energy Smart program helps New Orleans cafe improve efficiency, preserve historic charm and boost the bottom line NOLA.com
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Sustainable Development Goals and Energy Efficiency: A Case Study on Wakin’ Bakin’ Restaurants
Introduction
Crystal and Conrad Chura, owners of Wakin’ Bakin’ restaurants in New Orleans, appreciate the historic charm of their older buildings. However, these buildings were not designed with modern energy usage in mind, making energy efficiency a challenge. In an effort to reduce energy consumption and save money, the Churas turned to the Energy Smart program, which aims to help small businesses discover opportunities for energy savings.
Energy Smart Assessment and Changes
After an initial Energy Smart assessment, the Churas implemented several energy-saving measures at their restaurants. These included the installation of smart thermostats and LED lights. These changes had no impact on the quality of food or service at Wakin’ Bakin’, but resulted in immediate financial benefits, particularly lower electricity bills. In total, the Energy Smart changes have saved nearly 6,300 kilowatt-hours at both restaurant locations combined.
Financial Benefits and Future Investments
The Churas are pleased with the financial benefits of the energy-saving upgrades. The lower energy costs at Wakin’ Bakin’ will provide them with more funds to invest in their business in the future. This reinvestment will strengthen their workforce, enhance customer service, and contribute to the local community.
Free Energy Assessments and Incentives
Energy Smart assessments are free for business owners. During the assessment, an energy advisor evaluates opportunities for energy savings and installs select energy-efficient measures. Additionally, larger projects such as new air conditioners or pipe-wrapping may qualify for significant rebates, further helping business owners save money.
Positive Impact and Future Considerations
The positive experience with the Energy Smart program has made the Churas more mindful of energy-efficient decisions. They now consider sustainability and energy efficiency when making investments for their business and when looking for a home. The education and awareness provided by the program have informed their choices and improved their long-term sustainability.
Conclusion
The Energy Smart program has successfully helped Wakin’ Bakin’ restaurants improve their energy efficiency and reduce costs. By implementing energy-saving measures, the Churas have not only saved money but also contributed to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals related to affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). Other New Orleans restaurants and businesses are encouraged to take advantage of the Energy Smart program to improve their efficiency and bottom line.
Contact Information
For more information or to schedule an assessment, visit energysmartnola.com, email info@energysmartnola.com, or call 504-229-6868.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs Addressed:
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Targets Identified:
- Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
- Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities
- Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
Indicators:
- Energy savings measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh)
- Reduction in electricity bills
- Number of energy-efficient measures installed
- Availability and utilization of incentives and rebates
Analysis:
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The article discusses the importance of energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption in buildings.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The article mentions the retrofitting of buildings and the use of energy-efficient technologies.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article emphasizes the need to reduce the environmental impact of buildings and improve their energy efficiency.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The article highlights the importance of sustainable management and efficient use of resources.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
The specific targets identified based on the article’s content are:
- Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency – The article discusses the improvements in energy efficiency achieved through the installation of smart thermostats and LED lights.
- Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable – The article mentions the retrofitting of older buildings to improve their energy efficiency.
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities – The article emphasizes the importance of reducing energy consumption in buildings to reduce their environmental impact.
- Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources – The article highlights the need for sustainable management and efficient use of energy resources in buildings.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Energy savings measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) – The article mentions that nearly 6,300 kilowatt-hours have been saved at both locations combined since the energy efficiency changes were made.
- Reduction in electricity bills – The article states that the changes in energy efficiency led to immediate financial benefits, including lower electricity bills.
- Number of energy-efficient measures installed – The article mentions the installation of smart thermostats and LED lights as energy-efficient measures.
- Availability and utilization of incentives and rebates – The article highlights the utilization of incentives to support energy-saving upgrades.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency | – Energy savings measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) – Reduction in electricity bills |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | – Number of energy-efficient measures installed – Availability and utilization of incentives and rebates |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities | – Energy savings measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) – Reduction in electricity bills |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources | – Number of energy-efficient measures installed – Availability and utilization of incentives and rebates |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: nola.com
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