by Ann Withanee — May 20, 2011—Efficient Energy America, Inc. (E2America) announces that Platinum Corral, a multi-state franchise operator of Golden Corral Buffet-Grill restaurants, has signed an agreement to install E2America’s intelligent HVAC control system in all 30 of its stores. E2America’s automated, self-refining, wireless, retrofit system allows Platinum Corral to reduce both gas and electricity costs, usage and carbon emissions. As the company installs the E2America technology in all of its locations, Platinum Corral expects to lower its electricity costs by as much as $252,000 annually.
Typically, HVAC systems account for a large portion, in many cases, more than 50 percent, of the total energy used by commercial buildings.
Platinum Corral initially installed the E2America system in five of its Golden Corral restaurants and immediately saw its electricity bills decrease by as much as $700 per store for each month. Because the E2America technology is retrofitted, Platinum Corral was able to install the system directly to its existing HVAC units, which included various brands and ranged in age from one to 25 years. The company expects to see a return on investment in approximately 18 months, much faster than other sustainable energy technology.
E2America’s system is able to ensure maximum thermal comfort in all areas of a commercial building because the technology not only considers the environment inside a building, but also considers the environment a building is in. It is the only system that takes into account 19 variables, including external weather data, internal and external humidity, solar heat load and building occupancy to continually monitor, control and optimize the operation of the building’s HVAC systems.
E2America also worked with Platinum Corral’s utility providers to ensure that the company was able to take advantage of incentive programs offered to businesses that implement energy efficiency measures. Platinum Corral expects to qualify for a $5,000-$8,000 electricity company rebate per store for installing the E2America technology. Additionally, federal legislation changes regarding capital expenditures and accelerated depreciation allow Platinum Corral to write off 100 percent of the remaining balance on its 2011 tax returns. This reduces the effective ROI to less than eight months.
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