Leading the way in innovative salon business models, Salonz Beauty & Spa Suites (Salonz) is also setting an example in saving energy and expenses. With locations in three Florida counties, Salonz’s energy efficiency efforts have earned them the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) July Triple E Award.
“As a salon suite rental chain in Florida, Salonz Beauty & Spa Suites is triple the size of a standard salon and, therefore, has unique energy demands,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “Salonz is making energy savings a priority by maximizing efficiencies when constructing new salons and renovating existing locations. We’re pleased to recognize these efforts.”
During four construction and renovation projects, Salonz successfully utilized Florida Power & Light Company’s (FPL) Business HVAC program, which encourages installation of high efficiency electric heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units. Salonz purchased and installed highly efficient HVAC units and A/C and ERV units with high energy efficiency ratio (EER) ratings for these locations. Together, the upgrades qualified for rebates of more than $2,300.
“With rising energy costs, energy efficiency makes more sense than ever, so we’re trying to do our share to increase efficiencies at both existing salons and new construction,” said Marc Finer with Salonz Beauty & Spa Suites. “Our salon/spa suite rental concept includes 250 independent salon specialists at eight locations in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, and we hope to work with FPL on future efficiency upgrades at our other locations.”
“At FPL, we believe all businesses, regardless of size, can improve their bottom line through investments in energy efficiency,” said Brad Gunter, Manager of FPL DSM Energy Efficiency Programs. “We were happy to work with Salonz Beauty & Spa Suites to help them make a smart investment that will help them reduce their energy use and provide immediate and long-term savings.”
Covering the state’s five major geographic areas, each month the PSC presents its Triple E Award to a local business that has accomplished superior energy efficiency. Look for past PSC Triple E Award recipients under Hot Topics on the PSC’s homepage, www.floridapsc.com. The PSC encourages cost-effective conservation and renewable energy to reduce the use of fossil fuels and defer the need for new generating capacity through the Florida Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.
About Salonz Beauty & Spa Suites
Salonz Beauty & Spa Suites is a unique salon concept–an elegant beauty mall–made up of over 250 independent hair, nail, skin, massage, tanning, and other specialists. We offer what no other salon is able to offer–unparalleled privacy and the most personalized salon experience you can receive. Our health and beauty professionals operate from their very own, private salon suite, setting their own prices and hours and making their own appointments to ensure that you’ll always have a direct connection. The SALONZ environment allows you to satisfy all of your health and beauty needs under one roof for a total salon/spa experience. For more information, visit http://salonzbeautysuites.com/clients.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
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PSC’s Triple E Award
Diocese of Venice Receives PSC’s Triple E Award
The Diocese of Venice (DOV) is a light to all who need its many services, but keeping the lights on costs money. By choosing to reduce their energy consumption, the DOV can put the savings toward important mission activities—earning them the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) April Triple E Award for Energy Efficiency Efforts.
“The PSC recognizes the Diocese of Venice for exploring energy efficiency with its utility and implementing their suggestions,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “By making a smart energy efficiency investment, the Diocese was able to reduce one of its highest expenses—its electric bill—and thereby expand services for parishioners.”
The Diocese contacted Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) to ensure its plans for more classrooms and a gymnasium at St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota were energy efficient. Following FPL’s recommendations, the Diocese invested in a new high-efficiency Thermal Energy Storage system, allowing on-peak electricity use and lower energy bills. St. Martha is projected to reduce electric use by about 20 percent, saving an estimated $3,000 or more per month.
“Often when a Catholic School and/or Parish are considering energy efficient measures, the overriding concern can become economical,” said Susan Laielli, Director of Communication for the Diocese of Venice. “The Diocese worked together with the two schools and the Parish to figure out the most efficient use of energy to ensure that any decision would fully benefit parishioners. We hope the energy efficiency commitment is an example of how to be a good steward of our environmental and financial resources.”
“FPL applauds the Diocese of Venice for making a prudent investment that will help them reduce energy use and provide immediate and long-term savings,” said Brad Gunter, Manager of FPL DSM Energy Efficiency Programs. “All FPL customers—business and residential—have the opportunity to benefit from FPL’s free energy evaluations and its Demand Side Management programs to help reduce their energy use and monthly bills.”
About Diocese of Venice in Florida
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Venice in Florida was founded on June 16, 1984 by Pope John Paul II and consists of about 60 parishes and 14 schools in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties. Call 941-484-9543, or email [email protected] for more information.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
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Meadow Pointe I in Wesley Chapel Receives PSC’s Triple E Award
With resident services and costs a top priority, the Meadow Pointe I community in Wesley Chapel retrofitted its recreation areas with LED light fixtures. The efficiency upgrade not only saves 11,826 kWh annually, it also earned Meadow Pointe I the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) March Triple E Award–for Energy Efficiency Efforts.
“Meadow Pointe I, a Community Development District (CDD), offers its residents a broad range of community-related services to help ensure the highest quality of life,” PSC Chairman Julie Brown said. “The community is now enjoying reduced light pollution and $1,400 in annual energy savings by switching to LED lighting, and we’re happy to recognize their efforts.”
To date, Meadow Point I has upgraded the lighting at its four tennis courts, pool decks, and parking lots. Tampa Electric Company also completed an energy audit for the community’s facilities in September 2015, and the CDD applied for two air conditioning (cooling) rebates from Tampa Electric in 2016. The cooling project’s energy savings is estimated at $326 a year, with a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
“Besides the great environmental benefits, our annual electric costs are reduced and we’ve also saved money through Tampa Electric’s efficiency rebate programs,” said Keith Fisk, Operations Manager, Meadow Pointe I. “We are so pleased with our current energy saving improvements that we are planning additional lighting retrofits at our basketball and volleyball courts.”
“For more than 40 years, Tampa Electric has been a leader in promoting energy efficiency,” said Gordon Gillette, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tampa Electric. “We’re one of the first utilities to offer LED lighting and are pleased that Meadow Pointe I has been able to take advantage of our rebate programs to help conserve energy and save on their energy costs.”
Covering the state’s five major geographic areas, each month the PSC presents its Triple E Award to a local business that has accomplished superior energy efficiency. Look for past PSC Triple E Award recipients under Hot Topics on the PSC’s homepage, www.floridapsc.com. The PSC encourages cost-effective conservation and renewable energy to reduce the use of fossil fuels and defer the need for new generating capacity through the Florida Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.
About Meadow Pointe I
Meadow Pointe I CDD is a single family residential community surrounded by over 100 ponds and conservation areas in Wesley Chapel. For more information, call 813-973-1671. CDD responsibilities within communities often include streetlights, recreational facilities, storm water management, irrigation water supply, sewer and wastewater management, and solid waste collection. There are over 300 CDDs throughout Florida.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
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Caribbean Isles Receives PSC’s Triple E Award
Caribbean Isles does energy efficiency in style, which is why the 55+ community earned this month’s Triple E Award—for Energy Efficiency Efforts— from the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC).
“These active residents have taken an extremely proactive approach to saving energy,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “Caribbean Isles is resident-owned and its residents are dedicated to finding novel ways to becoming more energy efficient.”
“We’re on a roll and excited to work with Duke Energy to see how we can make further improvements to our facilities to realize even more savings,” said Dick Foos and Richard Bovin, Directors. “As a forward-thinking community, we have banded together and feel very positive, knowing that we are making a difference in our residents’ energy bills.”
In 2012, Caribbean Isle residents began working with their local utility, Duke Energy Florida, LLC (DEF), to improve the efficiency of their clubhouse, which also doubles as their banquet hall, and upgrade their lighting. Since then, they have implemented the following energy saving measures: duct test and repair, window film installation, improved ceiling insulation, and even more lighting upgrades. More recently, they also consulted with DEF to upgrade their 5 HVAC units.
“It was a pleasure working with Caribbean Isle residents,” said Harry Sideris, Duke Energy state president–Florida. “By continuing to invest in energy efficiency improvements, residents have been able to save greater than 16,000 kWh annually.”
About Caribbean Isles
Caribbean Isles is a 55+ resident-owned community located just minutes from Gulf Beaches. As its website says, “It’s the perfect place to retire or to be your ‘home away from home’ each year.” Located in Largo, it is within walking distance of shopping malls, restaurants, market shopping, beaches, medical facilities and public transportation. For more information, call 727-584-6400 or visit: http://www.caribbeanislesmhp.com.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
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