Resources & News

Energy Insights & Industry Resources

Stay informed with the latest energy efficiency tips, industry news, guides, and tools from The R Group's certified experts.

Latest Insights

Latest Articles

Practical insights from our certified energy professionals.

What Is an ASHRAE Level 2 Energy Audit and Why Does Your Building Need One?
Energy Auditing5 min read

What Is an ASHRAE Level 2 Energy Audit and Why Does Your Building Need One?

An ASHRAE Level 2 audit goes beyond a walk-through to deliver a detailed analysis of energy systems, identifying capital-intensive improvements with projected costs and savings.

August 2026Read More
How Energy Star Benchmarking Can Improve Your Building's Market Value
Benchmarking4 min read

How Energy Star Benchmarking Can Improve Your Building's Market Value

Buildings with high Energy Star scores command higher rents, lower vacancy rates, and stronger resale values. Here's how benchmarking sets the foundation.

July 2026Read More
2026 California Energy Rebates: What Commercial Building Owners Need to Know
Rebates & Incentives6 min read

2026 California Energy Rebates: What Commercial Building Owners Need to Know

SCE, SoCalGas, and PG&E have updated their rebate programs for 2026. Learn which upgrades qualify and how to maximize your incentive dollars.

June 2026Read More
Retro-Commissioning vs. Recommissioning: Which Does Your Building Need?
Commissioning4 min read

Retro-Commissioning vs. Recommissioning: Which Does Your Building Need?

Both processes optimize building system performance, but they serve different purposes. Understanding the difference can save you time and money.

May 2026Read More
PACE Financing Explained: Fund Energy Upgrades With No Upfront Cost
Energy Financing5 min read

PACE Financing Explained: Fund Energy Upgrades With No Upfront Cost

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing lets building owners fund efficiency improvements through property tax assessments — no out-of-pocket cost required.

April 2026Read More
Water Audits: The Overlooked Opportunity in Commercial Building Efficiency
Water Efficiency4 min read

Water Audits: The Overlooked Opportunity in Commercial Building Efficiency

Most building owners focus on electricity and gas, but water waste can represent 10–30% of operating costs. A professional water audit reveals where savings hide.

March 2026Read More

Resources

Guides & Tools

Practical resources to help you take action on energy efficiency.

Energy Audit Checklist

A step-by-step checklist to prepare your building for a professional energy audit and maximize the value of the assessment.

Contact Us for a Copy

Benchmarking Quick-Start Guide

Learn how to set up your building in EPA's Energy Star Portfolio Manager and start tracking performance in under an hour.

Get Started

Rebates & Incentives Finder

Explore available utility rebates, state incentives, and federal tax credits for energy efficiency upgrades in California.

Explore Incentives

PACE Financing Overview

Understand how Property Assessed Clean Energy financing works and whether it's the right fit for your next energy project.

Learn More

EPA Program

Energy Star Resources

Official Energy Star guides, tools, and certification resources for commercial building owners and managers.

Energy Star Portfolio Manager Guide

Learn how to benchmark your building's energy and water use using EPA's free online tool.

Visit Energy Star

Energy Star Certification Overview

Understand the requirements and benefits of earning the Energy Star label for your commercial building.

Visit Energy Star

Energy Star for Commercial Buildings

Explore Energy Star resources, tools, and recognition programs for commercial and industrial facilities.

Visit Energy Star

Energy Star Fun Facts & Commercial FAQs

Answers to common questions about Energy Star programs, monitoring, utility coordination, and energy savings guarantees.

Visit Energy Star

Technical Library

Electrocell Brochures & Downloads

Technical documentation and product brochures from our Electrocell water treatment technology library.

Introduction

Overview of the Electrocell system and its core technology.

Download PDF

Laminar Flow

Technical brief on laminar flow principles in the Electrocell system.

Download PDF

No Chemicals

How Electrocell achieves water treatment without chemical additives.

Download PDF

Not a Filter

Understanding how Electrocell differs from conventional filtration.

Download PDF

Performance Indicators

Key performance metrics and benchmarks for the Electrocell system.

Download PDF

Total Suspended Solids

Analysis of TSS removal capabilities and test results.

Download PDF

BACnet Automation System

Integration guide for BACnet building automation compatibility.

Download PDF

Five Year Installation

Long-term performance data from five-year field installations.

Download PDF

Section 179D

Tax Credit FAQs

Frequently asked questions about the 179D Commercial Building Tax Deduction — compiled from U.S. Department of Energy and IRS guidance.

179D Commercial Building Tax Deduction — Overview

This document summarizes answers to frequently asked questions about technical aspects of Section 179D of the Internal Revenue Code for Commercial Building Tax Deductions. Developed in partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

For full IRS guidance, see IRS Notice 2006-52 and IRS Notice 2008-40. Contact The R Group for a personalized 179D assessment.

Engineering Tools

Calculation Tools

Financing, demand, and load factor calculations to support your energy efficiency projects. Contact us to request a custom calculation.

Financing Calculations

Estimate project financing costs, loan payments, and payback periods for energy efficiency upgrades.

Request Calculation

Demand (kW) Calculations

Calculate peak electrical demand to identify demand charge reduction opportunities and right-size equipment.

Request Calculation

Load Factor Calculations

Determine your building's load factor to understand energy consumption patterns and efficiency opportunities.

Request Calculation

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about energy auditing, benchmarking, and our services.

Have a question not answered here?

Our certified energy experts are ready to help. Reach out for a free consultation and let's talk about your building's energy goals.

Contact Our Team