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Call Us: 410-321-5936
Green Your Buildings –
and Your Bottom Line.

Utility rebates and tax incentives mean that now is the perfect time to start saving.

Happier Commercial Tenants, Fewer Maintenance Worries.

Energy efficiency improvements increase the value and durability of your buildings.

Reduce Visual Strain
with LED Lighting.

Our work improves how you work.  
Your Building Efficiency Partner
Every building is unique.

That’s why your first step to permanently lowering your energy and maintenance cost is a commercial energy audit. During your Zeronet energy audit, we pursue answers to 3 broad sets of questions which help us better understand your building and prepare us to help you make it more efficient, healthy and durable:

 

  1. How much is energy costing you?
  2. How and where are you using energy?
  3. What energy improvement measures can you enact to achieve your long-term savings and facility management goals?
Our Approach
Zerodraft Maryland's Approach

As building energy generalists, and lighting specialists, our goal on every Zeronet audit and project is to help you bring your facility one step closer to net-zero energy, the increasingly achievable goal of eliminating utility expense by producing as much energy as you consume.

On every Zeronet audit and project, we strive to give you:

  • accurate, complete facility assessments which take into account your areas of interest and concern
  • transparent pricing, with line-item payback for more informed investment decisions
  • correct, up-to-date information on volatile utility incentives
  • the option to assign the utility incentive to us, your contractor, thereby eliminating a source of project uncertainty and risk
  • suitable financing options, which virtually always create cash-flow positive projects
  • tested, quality materials, with industry-leading certifications and minimum 5-year manufacturer’s warranties
  • a dedicated, experienced project manager, and skilled, reliable crews (almost always in-house labor)
Your Steps to Energy Savings

For most commercial buildings, over 85% of energy consumption goes toward 3 end uses: lighting, plug loads (computers and appliances), and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). High HVAC energy consumption, in turn, can be caused by weaknesses in a building’s thermal envelope, as well as inefficiencies in either a heating/cooling unit, its control settings, or the distribution system which delivers heating and cooling through the building.

Whichever systems you’re looking to upgrade, we provide you with expert counsel and informed analysis so that you can take the best steps for your building, business and budget.

LED Lighting Retrofit

Lighting Retrofits

Lighting upgrades are one of the smartest ways to make a permanent dent in rising electricity costs, and LEDs are distinguished by their bright, clean light and long life. With over 100 commercial LED lighting projects completed, we have the expertise and the in-house crews to spec and install a lighting job that you’ll love.

Plug Load Controls

With the proliferation of electronic devices and appliances, virtually all buildings now bleed energy at times, such as evenings and weekends, when these devices are not needed. By locating these “phantom loads” and installing cost-effective plug load controls that are also safe for your building’s appliances, we help you stop energy waste at its source.

Plug Load Control
Building Envelope Upgrades

Building Envelope

Do you know what’s behind your walls and above your ceilings? At many older commercial properties, the answer is “not much.” Air leaks and insulation deficiencies lead to tenant comfort complaints, high bills, and problems with humidity and moisture control. We have the tools and experience to diagnose and combat common building envelope problems.

HVAC Efficiency

Haven’t budgeted for new heating / cooling systems? That’s no reason to accept high heating and cooling bills as fixed costs. Together with our expert mechanical partners, our auditors can identify low-cost, high-payback items, such as economizers and controls, that will extend the life of your HVAC systems while lowering your annual usage.

HVAC Efficiency
Some of Our Recent Projects

Realty Capital Investments, Inc.

Hagerstown, MD

Realty Capital Investments Inc
kWh Saved Annual kWh Saved: 174,011
Annual Savings Annual Savings: $15,835
Payback Period Payback Period: 1.9 years
Scope of Work: Retrofitting 624 interior fixtures and replacing 28 exterior fixtures helped the client, Realty Capital Investments Inc., improve a prime asset in a growth corridor right outside Hagerstown, MD. Plaza Office Building, which counts federal government agencies among its tenants, can now offer their employees improved quality of light and lower operating expenses.

Haven Harbour Marina

Rock Hall, MD

Haven Harbor
kWh Saved Annual kWh Saved: 11,541
Annual Savings Annual Savings: $1,385
Payback Period Payback Period: 1.1 years

Scope of Work: This prime Eastern Shore marina, a favorite destination of area sailors and boaters, turned to Zeronet to upgrade 6 of the most heavily used buildings in their complex to high-efficiency LED lighting. Work included 3 new exterior flood fixtures, 600 LED tube retrofits, and 124 new LED bulbs. Guests and employees are now enjoying a cleaner, crisper light throughout the complex.

MOM’s Organic Market

Timonium, MD

Moms Organic Market
kWh Saved Annual kWh Saved: 50,693
Annual Savings Annual Savings: $6,590

Payback Period Payback Period: 1.5 years

Scope of Work: MOM’s Organic Market is known for both its great selection of organic groceries and its deep commitment to sustainability in all its business practices. Because of this reputation, Zeronet was honored when the regional grocery chain turned to us to help complete its transition to 100% LED lighting in area stores. The Timonium project involved retrofitting 94 fixtures and replacing 39 fixtures for MOM’s Organic Market while repairing an electronic lighting control system which had previously not been working.

South Moon Under

Bethesda, MD

South Moon Under
apartment icon Annual kWh Saved: 21,480
kWh Saved Annual Savings: $2,578
Payback Period Payback Period: < 1 year
Scope of Work: This upscale clothes retailer chose LEDs for their superior light quality and savings, and chose Zeronet to install 103 fixtures and 150 lamps throughout the main store, basement and stairwells, while handling the paperwork for the generous utility rebate. Now South Moon Under is showcasing their clothing in an even better light, and enjoying the kind of savings that are always in fashion.

Charles Village Pub

Towson, MD

Company Charles Village Pub
kWh Saved Annual kWh Saved: 72,891
Annual Savings Annual Savings: $9,476
Payback Period Payback Period: < 1 year
Scope of Work: This neighborhood pub, a favorite of many Towson residents, has very long operating hours and was an early adopter of LED lighting. In doing so, they achieved their goals of brightening their kitchen, lowering their maintenance burden, and providing for dimmability in their main dining areas. Since 2013, when they engaged Zeronet to upgrade their lighting, they have recouped their initial investment by a factor of three. The work included 32 new LED tubes, 191 new LED bulbs, and 19 occupancy sensors and dimming switches.

Wendy’s

Leonardtown, MD

Wendy's
kWh Saved Annual kWh Saved: 28,099
Annual Savings Annual Savings: $2,810
Payback Period Payback Period: 2.3 years
Scope of Work: DavCo Restaurants, one of the world’s largest Wendy’s franchisees, is proactively leveraging local utility rebates and upgrading area stores to 100% LED lighting. Zeronet’s work at this store, in southern Maryland, covered the entire store and parking lot, and included 10 new parking area light fixtures, 57 interior fixture retrofits, and 22 new LED bulbs.

Salvation Army Regional Headquarters

Baltimore, MD

Salvation Army Regional
kWh Saved Annual kWh Saved: 100,733
Annual Savings Annual Savings: $13,700
Payback Period Payback Period: 1.6 years

Scope of Work: Because nonprofits tend to run on such tight budgets, they often benefit the most from reducing their monthly operating costs. The Salvation Army, one of the oldest and most-respected nonprofits in the nation, turned to Zeronet to retrofit its Maryland & West Virginia Divisional Headquarters, fittingly located on Light Street in Baltimore, with 362 fixture retrofits, 20 new fixtures, and 44 new LED bulbs.

Security Public Storage

Bethesda, MD

Security Public Storage
kWh Saved Annual kWh Saved: 77,155
Annual Savings Annual Savings: $8,487
Payback Period Payback Period: 1.6 years

Scope of Work: Since this large 24-hour facility has many conditioned spaces that are lit all day and night, the owner, BACO Realty Corp., was able to realize some sizeable savings by switching from T8 fluorescent to LED tube lighting. The work included retrofitting over 400 fixtures throughout the interior of the building and 22 exterior fixture replacements.

Measure and Verify Your Success

We have the expertise and equipment to help you improve your physical facility, but we can also help with your overall energy management program. Whether you are a multi-site property management company or a small business just starting an energy management program, we can help ensure that:

  • you are being billed fairly and correctly for your energy usage
  • you are compliant with requirements — and receive proper recognition for your improvements
  • you receive proper utility, regional transmission, and tax credits for your energy conservation improvements
Utility Invoice Review

Utility Invoice Review

Do you understand your utility invoices and are you being billed correctly? Are you getting competitive utility supply rates with fair contract terms? Zerodraft and its partners provide no-cost utility invoice review and supply consulting services on a contingency basis. When we’re through with your review, you’ll either be saving money or have the peace of mind in knowing you’re being billed correctly and fairly.

Energy Benchmarking

Property benchmarking… coming soon to a jurisdiction near you! If your city or county does not already require you to track and report your property’s energy data with EPA Portfolio Manager®, it’s a good bet that this requirement is on the way. Zerodraft can help you stay compliant and turn this requirement into actionable data that helps you better budget for costs and prioritize projects.

Energy Benchmarking
Solar Feasibility Test

Solar

Once you’ve tuned up your building and are running as efficiently as possible, it may be time to consider a solar installation to offset your electricity usage in part or in full. Zerodraft partners with leading regional solar installers to get you what you need for an informed decision about your solar options. If you haven’t looked at the numbers in a while, you may be pleasantly surprised! Contact us for your free solar site assessment.

Your Commercial Utility Rebates and Incentives
What programs and incentives can you receive for your mid-Atlantic properties?

 

BGE Utility Lighting Rebates

Generous prescriptive (per-item) rebates cover up to 50% of the cost of certain LED upgrade projects, while funding is available. Click here for the official program website.

Maryland County Programs (PACE Financing)

Certain Maryland counties now allow 100% upfront, on-board financing that is tied to your property tax bill and transferable upon sale of the property.  For a current list of participating counties, please click here. *Please visit our Multifamily or Residential pages if you are looking for information on programs for multifamily or single family homes.

Pepco MD Small Business Quick Energy Check-Up

In this program, one of our trained energy auditors will assess your facility at no cost to you, and provide you with up to $250 of recommended low-cost measures during the visit, and then inform you of other energy-saving measures available to your small business, nonprofit, or faith-based organization. Please click here for details on the Small Business Quick Energy Check-Up

Pepco MD Utility Lighting Rebates

Extremely generous prescriptive (per-item) rebates cover up to 50% of the cost of certain LED upgrade projects for projects classified as Medium/Large Business projects, and 80% of the cost of projects classified as Small Business projects, while funding is available.  These energy efficiency incentives are some of the best in the nation, so funding may not last for long.  Click here for details on the Small Business Program and here for details on the Medium/Large Business program.

Maryland County Programs (PACE Financing)

Certain Maryland counties now allow 100% upfront, on-board financing that is tied to your property tax bill and transferable upon sale of the property.  For a current list of participating counties, please click here.

Delmarva MD Small Business Quick Energy Check-Up

In this program, one of our trained energy auditors will assess your facility at no cost to you, and provide you with up to $250 of recommended low-cost measures during the visit, and then inform you of other energy-saving measures available to your small business, nonprofit, or faith-based organization. Please click here for details on the Small Business Quick Energy Check-Up.

Delmarva MD Utility Lighting Rebates

Generous prescriptive (per-item) rebates cover up to 50% of the cost of certain LED upgrade projects for projects classified as Medium/Large Business projects, and 80% of the cost of projects classified as Small Business projects, while funding is available. These energy efficiency incentives are some of the best in the nation, so funding may not last for long. Click here for details on the Small Business Program and here for details on the Medium/Large Business program.

Maryland County Programs (PACE Financing)

Certain Maryland counties now allow 100% upfront, on-board financing that is tied to your property tax bill and transferable upon sale of the property.  For a current list of participating counties, please click here. *Please visit our Multifamily or Residential pages if you are looking for information on programs for multifamily or single family homes.

Potomac Edison Utility Lighting Rebates

Generous prescriptive (per-item) rebates cover up to 50% of the cost of certain LED upgrade projects, while funding is available. Click here for the official program website. Update: please note that all funding has been committed and the program is currently frozen. Contact us if you wish to be notified when the program is processing rebate applications again.

Regional Transmission Operator (PJM Interconnect) Energy Efficiency Credits

PJM, our regional transmission operator, offers additional energy efficiency resource credits which can amount to up to 10% of the value of an energy efficiency project, depending on the exact measures enacted. Only certain utility programs allow “double dipping” of utility rebates and PJM credits. Zerodraft typically deducts the value of any available PJM credits from the initial customer payment.

Maryland County Programs (PACE Financing)

Certain Maryland counties now allow 100% upfront, on-board financing that is tied to your property tax bill and transferable upon sale of the property.  For a current list of participating counties, please click here. *Please visit our Multifamily or Residential pages if you are looking for information on programs for multifamily or single family homes.

SMECO Utility Lighting Rebates

Generous prescriptive (per-item) rebates cover up to 50% of the cost of certain LED upgrade projects, while funding is available. Click here for the official program website.

Maryland County Programs (PACE Financing)

Certain Maryland counties now allow 100% upfront, on-board financing that is tied to your property tax bill and transferable upon sale of the property.  For a current list of participating counties, please click here. *Please visit our Multifamily or Residential pages if you are looking for information on programs for multifamily or single family homes.

 

 

Pepco D.C. Lighting Rebates (DC SEU)

Prescriptive (per-item) rebates cover up to 25% of the cost of certain LED upgrade projects, while funding is available. Click here for the official program website. *Please visit our Multifamily or Residential pages if you are looking for information on programs for multifamily or single family homes.

 

Dominion Power Lighting Rebates

Prescriptive (per-item) rebates cover up to 30% of the cost of certain LED upgrade projects while funding is available.  Click here for the official program website.

Regional Transmission Operator (PJM Interconnect) Energy Efficiency Credits

PJM, our regional transmission operator, offers additional energy efficiency resource credits which can amount to up to 10% of the value of an energy efficiency project, depending on the exact measures enacted. Only certain utility programs allow “double dipping” of utility rebates and PJM credits. Zerodraft typically deducts the value of any available PJM credits from the initial customer payment. *Please visit our Multifamily or Residential pages if you are looking for information on programs for multifamily or single family homes.

Appalachian Power (APCo) Lighting Rebates

Rebates are calculated according to annual kWh saved ($.05/kWh) and can amount to 15-30% of total LED upgrade cost, depending on the type of fixtures and facility burn hours. Click here for the official program website.

Regional Transmission Operator (PJM Interconnect) Energy Efficiency Credits

PJM, our regional transmission operator, offers additional energy efficiency resource credits which can amount to up to 10% of the value of an energy efficiency project, depending on the exact measures enacted. Only certain utility programs allow “double dipping” of utility rebates and PJM credits. Zerodraft typically deducts the value of any available PJM credits from the initial customer payment. *Please visit our Multifamily or Residential pages if you are looking for information on programs for multifamily or single family homes.

 

MetEd Lighting Rebates

Rebates are calculated according to either prescriptive (per-item) measures or annual kWh saved ($.05/kWh) and can amount to 20-50% of total LED upgrade cost, depending on the type of fixtures and facility burn hours. Click here for the official program website.

Regional Transmission Operator (PJM Interconnect) Energy Efficiency Credits

PJM, our regional transmission operator, offers additional energy efficiency resource credits which can amount to up to 10% of the value of an energy efficiency project, depending on the exact measures enacted. Only certain utility programs allow “double dipping” of utility rebates and PJM credits. Zerodraft typically deducts the value of any available PJM credits from the initial customer payment. *Please visit our Multifamily or Residential pages if you are looking for information on programs for multifamily or single family homes.

PPL Lighting Rebates

Rebates are calculated according to annual kWh saved ($.05/kWh) and can amount to 15-30% of total LED upgrade cost, depending on the type of fixtures and facility burn hours. Click here for the official program website.

Regional Transmission Operator (PJM Interconnect) Energy Efficiency Credits

PJM, our regional transmission operator, offers additional energy efficiency resource credits which can amount to up to 10% of the value of an energy efficiency project, depending on the exact measures enacted. Only certain utility programs allow “double dipping” of utility rebates and PJM credits. Zerodraft typically deducts the value of any available PJM credits from the initial customer payment. *Please visit our Multifamily or Residential pages if you are looking for information on programs for multifamily or single family homes.

 

 

Delmarva DE Lighting Rebates

Prescriptive (per-item) rebates cover up to 40% of the cost of certain LED upgrade projects, while funding is available. Click here for the official program website. *Please visit our Multifamily or Residential pages if you are looking for information on programs for multifamily or single family homes.

Our Clients
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zerodraft MD licensed and insured?

Yes, Zerodraft is fully certified, licensed, and insured to meet or exceed all utility standards. Our technical staff hold multiple certifications from the Association of Energy Engineers, Building Performance Institute, and the American Institute of Architects.

 

 

 

How many commercial projects has Zerodraft completed?

Zerodraft has completed energy efficiency upgrade at over 100 distinct commercial, nonprofit, and small business facilities across the mid-Atlantic region.

 

 

 

How long does it take to complete a lighting audit?

While this depends largely on the size and complexity of your facility, a 50,000 sf. office building can typically be audited in about half a day, while small businesses can be done in as little as half an hour.

 

 

 

What warranty do you provide?

On all of our common-area lighting jobs, we provide a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty on all fixtures, and a 1-year service warranty on labor.

 

What kind of rebates can I expect?

This depends on a number of factors, including your state, utility, existing building condition, and your electric rate classification. Rebates can range from as low as 10% to as high as 80% of final project cost. We are utility program experts and would be happy to give you a straightforward assessment of what utility programs can do for you.

 

Can you upgrade our PL lights to LED?

Yes. Compact Fluorescent PL lights (a type of ballasted CFL most often found in recessed can fixtures) are very common to hallway and office lighting because they are a reasonably efficient light with neutral aesthetics. However, they are widely disliked by maintenance because of issues with flicker and the necessity of frequent ballast changes. There are now a wide variety of LED replacement solutions that offer a higher-quality light that is more efficient and maintenance-free. Some utility programs now even offer a rebate for this conversion.

Will LED lighting reduce our maintenance costs?

Absolutely. Besides the substantial reduction in your lighting costs, you will also enjoy lighting that is virtually maintenance free. New LED fixtures last 10 years or longer, and don’t have ballasts or bulbs need to change.

How do you choose the right lights for my facility?

We are officially vendor-neutral and have years’ of experience in finding lighting product that meets the right criteria of reliability, aesthetics, utility specifications, and price. We often buy in bulk and factory-direct, which enables us to be extremely price-competitive, but we can also work with you if you have a preferred manufacturer or aesthetic for your building, or if you require product that is US-made and/or TAA-compliant.

Do you handle the rebate paperwork?

Yes. We take care of all of the utility rebate paperwork and reporting requirements so you don’t have to. In addition, and unlike many other contractors, we offer the option of discounting the utility rebate directly from your final project cost so that you don’t have to wait 12 weeks or even longer for the utility rebate to arrive.

More questions?

Please contact us today with your project-specific questions!

No Cost. No Obligation.

    Are You Ready to Cut      Your Energy Costs?

Start to Green your Buildings and Bottom Line Today!

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