General
How is Parity's service different from a BMS?
A traditional BMS is designed to allow the operator to control all of the different building systems in one place. However, they still rely on a third party to program the control adjustment/sequence schedules. While you may have a very sophisticated BMS, you are likely still relying on the resident manager's manual adjustments and/or basic programming. That's the primary gap that our system and supporting service fill by sitting on top of the BMS to be that automation and support layer. We also don't work with access control, elevator, fire suppression, and other non-HVAC-related systems that you may want to have in a traditional BMS.
Does Parity install or manufacture hardware?
Unlike our competitors, we only install third-party, non-proprietary hardware. We do not manufacture equipment. We typically install control panels, variable frequency drives, and communication devices. If your building doesn’t have a BMS, we can install one for you. Your building owns the installed equipment. We provide a 5-year warranty for the equipment that we install.
Will there be an impact on our building's heating or cooling?
There will be no impact on heating, cooling, or ventilation services that your residents or guests will experience. All units/rooms will continue to be able to call for as much heating and cooling as they wish. We help ensure that the property isn't overconsuming utilities in order to provide those services. Our optimization focuses on central heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, like boilers and cooling towers.
Can Parity still reduce energy if we electrify our HVAC systems?
Yes. We can integrate with just about any modern controller. We would review the specs for the new system(s) to ensure that a non-proprietary and open-source communication-enabled controller can be installed. We’d then have the installing contractor wire it up to our control panel. Additionally, we could work with any engineer you engage to provide the operating data that we would be collecting on the existing systems to help inform the sizing/design of the new system(s).
What are the benefits of working with Parity?
Parity lowers energy usage, cuts CO2 emissions, automates demand response curtailment, maintains resident/guest comfort, and reduces on-site staff workloads. Our service helps condo, co-op, apartment, and hotel owners and managers respond to building performance standards, all while lowering energy and operating costs.
What’s included in Parity’s Optimizer service?
On an ongoing basis, your building will receive (1) deployment of our control optimization software, (2) Access to Pi, our monitoring and alerts dashboard, (3) Automated demand response curtailment (4) Regular reports detailing savings achieved and operational improvements (4) Remote and onsite support from our technical team. We will act as an extension of your building staff. We’ll also support the planning of future efficiency efforts and capital projects that the building may decide to undertake.
What makes Parity better than it's competitors?
Our system dynamically automates and controls HVAC systems in real-time with remote control adjustments to dynamically reduce energy waste. We operate your HVAC equipment based on our system's ability to understand what the real-time demand for heating, cooling, and ventilation is. Typical types of energy management systems provide alarms and alerts, rather than automation. This requires building staff to perform manual actions for there to be any measurable impact. Our automation approach allows for more precision, higher value/savings delivery, and operational efficiencies for the building staff. It's also what allows us to offer a savings guarantee.
Will Parity take up more of our building staffs time?
No. Parity takes the daily management of HVAC system performance off your building staff’s shoulders to free up time. Our alerting system will notify staff if any issues arise that require their attention, so they can address them before they affect resident comfort.
What is Automated Demand Response? And how is Parity Involved?
Utility providers have demand response programs to incentivize buildings to reduce electricity usage during peak periods to maintain grid stability. Typically, resident managers are notified 24 hours in advance and have to make manual adjustments before and after the event. With Parity, the curtailment of the HVAC systems can be pre-programmed and automated, ensuring seamless participation and maximizing revenue generation. You can learn more here.
How does Parity set a baseline for comparison?
We follow the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP), which is the industry standard for baselining and measuring energy efficiency savings. This includes normalizing for weather using heating degree and cooling degree day calculations. We issue quarterly reports detailing the savings vs. baseline as part of the service.
How does Parity generate energy savings?
The HVAC performance parameters (set points, fan speeds, etc.) that we achieve ensure that energy supply is at parity with demand. In other words, the amount of electricity and fuel that is consumed in order to deliver the requisite heating, cooling, and ventilation in the building will be reduced since energy waste within each of the HVAC systems that we are controlling will be eliminated.
Are there additional benefits beyond Parity's savings?
Yes. Our service also results in reduced maintenance and service call costs, reduced exposure to fines from Building Performance Standards (Local Law 97, BERDO, BEPS), lower CO2 emissions, and increased equipment lifespans.
How does Parity account for increasing energy costs?
Increasing energy costs is one of the most compelling reasons to use Parity. Our guarantee takes energy price fluctuations into account, so it remains valid even if prices go up.
What happens if Parity generates extra savings?
You pocket the extra savings.💰 Yup, that's right. Working with us is like having a fairy godmother and tooth fairy all in one.
How does Parity track the progress of the savings guarantee?
Optimizer monitors your building’s HVAC systems 24/7/365. You can access the data and insights via the Pi dashboard. Parity’s reporting service automatically verifies and normalizes the data using IPMVP to generate degree-day weather-adjusted quarterly and yearly reports for you. You’ll have authenticated GHG emissions data at your fingertips to report to leadership, shareholders, board members, tenants, or regulators. All of this available data makes it easy to track how much energy and money you’ve been saving with Optimizer.
What happens if Parity doesn't achieve its guaranteed utility cost savings?
If the data shows Optimizer was ineffective for your building, Parity will cut you a check for the difference between our lower cost estimates and what you actually paid.
How does Parity guarantee savings?
By analyzing your building’s historical data, energy usage, and utility bills, we can very accurately calculate your building’s predicted energy and cost savings. We’re so confident in the effectiveness of our Optimizer service that we can guarantee every customer will pay less for their energy after working with us. Parity will cut you a check for the difference otherwise.
Condos/Co-ops
What’s included in Parity’s Optimizer service?
On an ongoing basis, your building will receive (1) deployment of our control optimization software, (2) Access to Pi, our monitoring and alerts dashboard, (3) Automated demand response curtailment (4) Regular reports detailing savings achieved and operational improvements (4) Remote and onsite support from our technical team. We will act as an extension of your building staff. We’ll also support the planning of future efficiency efforts and capital projects that the building may decide to undertake.
Does Parity help with Building Performance Standards (ex: LL97)?
Yes. Our team is well-versed in the local building performance standards in all the markets we serve, including NYC's LL97. We invested in making our Optimizer service the most cost-effective option for reducing emissions and complying with regulations without ripping and replacing equipment.
How does Parity guarantee savings?
By analyzing your building’s historical data, energy usage, and utility bills, we can very accurately calculate your building’s predicted energy and cost savings. We’re so confident in the effectiveness of our Optimizer service that we can guarantee every customer will pay less for their energy after working with us. Parity will cut you a check for the difference otherwise.
What markets does Parity serve?
We currently operate in Greater Toronto, New York City Metro (including North Jersey), Washington D.C., Maryland, Northern Virginia, Greater Boston, and the state of California.
Don't see your market? Email contact@paritygo.com to let us know you're interested!
What kind of buildings does Parity work with?
Parity currently operates in Condos, Co-ops, Rental Apartments, and Hotels.
We typically work in buildings that are over 100,000 sq. ft., have 75+ units, and are 6+ stories high. Additionally, building HVAC systems with a central plant (boiler or steam) that utilizes a hot water distribution loop, a mechanical supply/make-up air, and a chilled water distribution loop are best suited to benefiting from our services.
Hotels
What’s included in Parity’s Optimizer service?
On an ongoing basis, your building will receive (1) deployment of our control optimization software, (2) Access to Pi, our monitoring and alerts dashboard, (3) Automated demand response curtailment (4) Regular reports detailing savings achieved and operational improvements (4) Remote and onsite support from our technical team. We will act as an extension of your building staff. We’ll also support the planning of future efficiency efforts and capital projects that the building may decide to undertake.
Does Parity help with Building Performance Standards (ex: LL97)?
Yes. Our team is well-versed in the local building performance standards in all the markets we serve, including NYC's LL97. We invested in making our Optimizer service the most cost-effective option for reducing emissions and complying with regulations without ripping and replacing equipment.
How does Parity guarantee savings?
By analyzing your building’s historical data, energy usage, and utility bills, we can very accurately calculate your building’s predicted energy and cost savings. We’re so confident in the effectiveness of our Optimizer service that we can guarantee every customer will pay less for their energy after working with us. Parity will cut you a check for the difference otherwise.
What markets does Parity serve?
We currently operate in Greater Toronto, New York City Metro (including North Jersey), Washington D.C., Maryland, Northern Virginia, Greater Boston, and the state of California.
Don't see your market? Email contact@paritygo.com to let us know you're interested!
What kind of buildings does Parity work with?
Parity currently operates in Condos, Co-ops, Rental Apartments, and Hotels.
We typically work in buildings that are over 100,000 sq. ft., have 75+ units, and are 6+ stories high. Additionally, building HVAC systems with a central plant (boiler or steam) that utilizes a hot water distribution loop, a mechanical supply/make-up air, and a chilled water distribution loop are best suited to benefiting from our services.
Rentals
What’s included in Parity’s Optimizer service?
On an ongoing basis, your building will receive (1) deployment of our control optimization software, (2) Access to Pi, our monitoring and alerts dashboard, (3) Automated demand response curtailment (4) Regular reports detailing savings achieved and operational improvements (4) Remote and onsite support from our technical team. We will act as an extension of your building staff. We’ll also support the planning of future efficiency efforts and capital projects that the building may decide to undertake.
Does Parity help with Building Performance Standards (ex: LL97)?
Yes. Our team is well-versed in the local building performance standards in all the markets we serve, including NYC's LL97. We invested in making our Optimizer service the most cost-effective option for reducing emissions and complying with regulations without ripping and replacing equipment.
How does Parity guarantee savings?
By analyzing your building’s historical data, energy usage, and utility bills, we can very accurately calculate your building’s predicted energy and cost savings. We’re so confident in the effectiveness of our Optimizer service that we can guarantee every customer will pay less for their energy after working with us. Parity will cut you a check for the difference otherwise.
What markets does Parity serve?
We currently operate in Greater Toronto, New York City Metro (including North Jersey), Washington D.C., Maryland, Northern Virginia, Greater Boston, and the state of California.
Don't see your market? Email contact@paritygo.com to let us know you're interested!
What kind of buildings does Parity work with?
Parity currently operates in Condos, Co-ops, Rental Apartments, and Hotels.
We typically work in buildings that are over 100,000 sq. ft., have 75+ units, and are 6+ stories high. Additionally, building HVAC systems with a central plant (boiler or steam) that utilizes a hot water distribution loop, a mechanical supply/make-up air, and a chilled water distribution loop are best suited to benefiting from our services.
Sustainability
What sustainability frameworks can Parity help me with?
The Pi Dashboard provides you with all the energy data you need to complete most frameworks, including GRI, SASB, and LEED. Don’t see the framework you are looking for? Set up a call with our team to discuss your specific needs.
Does Parity help with Building Performance Standards (ex: LL97)?
Yes. Our team is well-versed in the local building performance standards in all the markets we serve, including NYC's LL97. We invested in making our Optimizer service the most cost-effective option for reducing emissions and complying with regulations without ripping and replacing equipment.
How does Parity affect sustainability performance?
By reducing energy waste and maximizing energy efficiency, buildings working with Parity measurably reduce their direct and indirect emissions of CO2 and other GHGs. These reductions can be quantified for ESG reporting and factored into calculations of building owners’ overall climate impact.
