The Future of Energy Management

Gone are the days when only large organizations and businesses with mammoth sized budgets were the ones who had the ability to control their energy efficiency fates (so to speak). A new era is dawning where small companies (the majority of businesses that exist) will be able to have tools just as sophisticated and effective as those used by Boeing. FCI has partnered with Siemens to offer their new EcoView, a no nonsense energy management system, that allows businesses 10,000 sq. ft. and smaller to enjoy the power and privilege of a more efficient operation. Priced competitively, easy to set up and use (you can control it remotely from an iPhone or iPad), and an ROI of about less that 24 months (usually), it has all the ingredients needed to help small companies take their operations to the next level and save a nice chunk of change in the process. One of FCI's core values has always been innovation and we are excited to help lead the way in this new era of broader energy management opportunities by offering this "cool" new system to our amazing clients. 

FCI is intuned and aware that what customers look for is a system that is efficient, effective and user friendly. FCI and EcoView can deliver this to its customers at a competitive price.  This system is also unique because of it's ability to help small companies and large companies.  This new offering is about helping ALL of our customers achieve maximum energy effiency.

For more information on the FCI and Siemens system partnership of EcoView, contact FCI Management Consultants at (562) 719-9300.

Smarter Energy Management Is Not Just For Big Business Anymore

The playing field is greatly leveling out in the energy world for small business as it relates to sophisticated ways to manage energy usage. At one time not long ago, the only folks seemingly permitted to control their energy destiny were the highly paid energy and facilities managers for huge companies. Now smaller franchises and "mom and pops" types are able to get into the game and keep a better handle on their energy expenditures. FCI is proud to announce that we have recently partnered with a huge firm (and widely recognized) to help pioneer this new opportunity. There will be more news on this soon from us, but in the meantime, get excited if you are a small business owner looking to competitively position your establishment in the green revolution. You can contact FCI Management Consultants at (562) 719-9300 or at fcimgt@fcimgt.com if you have any further inquiries.

FCI's Exciting Parternship with AMTC-Innovative Solutions to Water Conservation!

During the first quarter of the 2012 year, FCI is establishing partnerships with various diverse corporations to continue to provide energy efficient alternatives in energy conservation and sustainability.  In order to progress, FCI is diving into more savings and opportunities to offer their customers to fulfill the entire building’s envelope with as many measures and solutions feasible.  FCI’s most recent news derives from Gabriel Starkman, a representative of Advanced Modern Technologies Corporation, whom discusses new found territory in water usage. 

Advanced Modern Technologies Corporation (AMTC) is in the business of innovating and manufacturing advanced, unique and reliable automatic plumbing systems for the commercial and residential markets in the United States and Worldwide.  AMTC's patented highly reliable washroom systems cost effectively address every facility's need for water conservation, improved hygiene, and enhanced overall image in the washroom.  The award winning products from AMTC are easy to install and maintain, have a quick pay-back in water savings, and deliver on their promised performance.  AMTC's automatic washroom systems feature, AXIO Touch Free Technology, an innovative proprietary technology delivering accurate, dependable, and reliable washroom automation performance.

What can this bring to our customers? FCI’s partnership with AMTC will provide innovative washroom solutions.  Their products make a direct impact on water usage, especially with an optimal application. 

For example, the HYBRIDFLUSH is an automatic flush valve that combines the reliability of a manual flush valve and the functionality and advantages of an automatic flush valve.  If you do not want to install new toilets, they have an alternative called HALF-FLUSH or DUALFLUSH, which are water saving flush handles that quickly, easily, and cost effectively convert your urinals and water closets (toilets) into water-saving fixtures; save 30% to 50% water per flush. 

In addition, the HYBRIDFLO is an automatic faucet that incorporates proprietary brass cam gear technology to achieve an industry leading level of reliability; save up to 70% water.  In order to wash your hand properly, the AUTOMATIC SOAP DISPENSER SYSTEM is a reliable cam gear technology, which has an easy universal refillable soap container making this system very economical. 

The ideal client is advised to request for an appointment for a full energy assessment by FCI’s Energy Service Representative to give them an understanding of all the available rebates, incentives and efficient products recommended to reduce their overall bottom line. 

For more information regarding FCI or AMTC, please contact us immediately for management and consultation via phone (562) 719-933 or email fcimgt@fcimgt.com.

The US Bank Project-FCI and Greening the Corporate Sector

In the fall of 2011, FCI Management Consultants (FCI) landed a major deal with US Bank, an international banking institution, to complete a lighting retrofit upgrade for their California banking locations.

The story began at several designated locations in Southern California.  The completed lighting retrofits at the US Banks’ pilot sites were a success, which lead to FCI retrofitting the remaining California locations. US Bank has over 100 branches in California. FCI performed comprehensive energy audits and applied the latest in energy efficiency measures to save money and fulfill environmental mandates. 

FCI applied incentives and performed quality checks on all work to ensure achievement of promised savings.  The lighting retrofits have allowed US Bank to leverage the support of communities its banks are located in and announce US Bank’s commitment to the environment. 

FCI’s presence has been heavy in development and management of a wide range of utility service programs.  This project has added to the diversification of FCI’s portfolio and enhances the set of offerings and services FCI can provide its clients. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive energy audit, call FCI at (562) 719-9300 or email us at fcimgt@fcimgt.com.

Why Non-Green Companies are Going the Way of the Dinosaur

As customers, vendors, and stake holders become more savvy, the power they wield over the business world greatly increases. Companies are having to rethink, rewire, and rework how they do business in this dynamic economy. One of the concepts that many buyers associate with forward thinking and innovation is sustainability (marketers have caught on to this). Businesses that are stuck in their ways and not willing to adjust will soon find themselves out of favor with tomorrow's marketplace. Sustainability goes way beyond just changing out light bulbs. It is a belief system that has the welfare of the earth for future generations at its essence (it is also good for business). Sustainability is global stewardship. Firms who fail to realize this will slowly drift into obscurity and irrelevance, very similar to how old non efficient operations/programs are doing. You probably have already heard this, but some ideas bare repeating.

FCI’s New Service Offering-The FCI Maintenance Agreement

In the New Year, FCI is focused on providing better services to our clients.  The latest service provided by FCI is the new FCI Maintenance Agreement.  This is a contractual service offered to past, present and potential clients of FCI.  Sustainability and saving money is a priority for all businesses and the maintenance agreement does both.   This service allows businesses to take advantage of a universal flush of their energy consumption.  This opportunity intends to strategically assess an entire building to effectively calculate energy usage, hours of operations, business tasks, employee traffic, and other miscellaneous factors that affect the overhead. 

The procedure is simple.  FCI will agree to provide the audit and consultation – which includes site inspection and survey of what is existing, audit and evaluation of what is non-efficient, and recommend energy-efficient upgrade opportunities.  The initial inspection and retrofit is scheduled upon signing of the Maintenance Agreement.  This includes but is not limited to complete re-lamping, replacement, retrofit and cleaning of client’s “maintained items”, which will be listed within the terms of the agreement.  Retrofit is a term used to “upgrade” non-efficient items, which will also be included within the terms of the agreement, where upgrades are appropriate. 

This agreement describes maintenance services to the client for a twelve (12) month period.  Quarterly inspection and maintenance visits will be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time.  In the event of an emergency, FCI will respond accordingly to fulfill needs and services within the contract year.

The maintenance service will be performed in a professional and competent manner, conforming to industry standards.  Each of the individuals assigned to provide any service under this agreement has the proper skill, training, and background to provide the maintenance.  All products will be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and will carry the manufacturer’s warranties on products. 

For more information regarding FCI or the Maintenance Agreement service or to schedule a consultation, please contact FCI at (562) 719-9300.

FCI Looking to Shake Things Up With Ozone Laundry Systems

With innovation being one of FCI's core values, we are always looking for cutting edge technologies to introduce to our client base. The newest addition to our product portfolio is AscendWash, an ozone supported laundry (OSL) system. Believe it or not, on premise laundry (OPL) is one of the largest operational expenditures in a property. Ozone systems greatly reduce these costs while doing a better job of laundry cleaning. FCI is partnering with E3 Pros to bring our clients this great new product that will reduce operational costs and disinfect laundry more effectively. Contact us today for a no obligation savings analysis on how AscendWash can work for you!

T-12 Lamps Will Be History in 2012

All good things must come to an end to make way for better ones. T-12 lamps with magnetic ballasts, most commonly found in office buildings and warehouses, will be phased out of production in the summer of 2012. Thus, the rebates an incentives that are offered to businesses to replace this old technology with the newer T-8 lamp with electronic ballast are expiring in 2012 as well. This is the perfect time to get your lighting upgraded, improve your facility, and reduce operational costs. A lighting retrofit is one of the simplest and quickest ways to boost your bottom line and increase facility efficiency. So what are you waiting for? Contact FCI today to start saving, before it's too late.

FCI Rolls Out Rytec High Speed Doors

FCI is excited to announce that we are now offering a new product, High Speed Doors, which are made by Rytec Corporation (Rytec Doors). Rytec doors reduce the energy costs that are prevalent in industries that need to keep the interior temperatures of their facilities at a specific level, such as cold storage facilities. The California IOU's (Investor Owned Utilities) are offering significant rebates and incentives for the installation of high speed doors, some offer up to 100% of the cost. Rytec High Speed Doors are ideal for cold storage and refrigerated warehouses, automobile dealerships, car wash and truck wash, apartment, condo, and loft parking, and much more. To find out more about this awesome new product that we offer,contact FCI at (562) 719-9300.

So How Does Demand Response Work Anyway?

Demand Response (DR) is a collective group of programs and activities that enable a better distribution of energy use across the grid. During peak energy use times, utilities seek to better control energy load to mitigate blackouts and limit the need to generate more electricity from power plants. Demand Response is becoming a more mainstream and widely accepted approach for reducing critical energy load for both commercial and residential users. Users who are a part of a Demand Response program are called upon to reduce their energy load by a certain percentage when an event is called (an event is when the utility company calls for energy reduction from DR participants). There are DR programs that even pay participants for participating in them even if no energy reduction events are called. Demand Response is an attractive proposition for many businesses because it provides another stream of revenue and also shows that these companies are environmentally friendly, doing their part to improve the energy crisis. FCI currently offers Southern California Edison's (SCE) Capacity Bidding Program to our clients. We do this in addition to the energy efficiency and water conservation solutions that we offer in order to provide our customers with maximum energy saving potential.

FCI Partners With Pasadena Water and Power To Implement SBDI Program

FCI is now working with Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) to implement its Small Business and Direct Install (SBDI) program. With PWP, FCI will identify customers that qualify for an assortment of measures such as LED lighting, Electronically Commutated Motors (ECM), Anti Sweat Controls, HVAC work, and water products. PWP is taking a comprehensive approach as it relates to serving their customers. FCI is excited to be a part of this new endeavor and we look forward to serving the city of Pasadena.

FCI Performs Massive Energy Assessment For Mattel Inc.!!!

FCI is excited to announce that we are performing an energy assessment for toy juggernaut, Mattel Inc. We will provide Mattel with recommended solutions that will assist them in reducing their energy load and carbon imprint, while simultaneously maintaining and/or enhancing the comfort ability, aesthetics, and safety of their facilities. We are providing Mattel with information that will help them decrease their utility bills and efficiently use their current lighting, HVAC, and water equipment. FCI is honored to be working with this globally recognized brand that is concerned about the environment. More updates soon!!!

FCI Rolling Up Our Sleeves for US Bank Project

FCI is excited to announce that we are working with US Bank to make many of their California branches more energy efficient. US Bank has been assertive with their efforts to "invest in environmentally beneficial business opportunities". So far, FCI has done energy assessments on approximately 120 branches throughout California. Lighting efficiency is the primary focus of the project; however HVAC, Water, and Demand Response opportunities are also under consideration.We are elated to be working with a company that is committed to reducing their impact on energy consumption and carbon emissions. To read more on US Bank's conservation activities, visit USbancorp.

FCI Looking To Make a Splash in the California Water Association

FCI was present at the California Water Association (CWA) business fair this past week that was held at the Santa Fe Springs Town Hall. The CWA held this event to promote and welcome contractors to the California Water Utilities' Supplier Diversity Program, which provides procurement opportunities for minority-, women-, and disabled veteran-owned business enterprises. The CWA is a trade association of investor-owned water utilities providing high-quality water utility services to nearly 6 million people throughout California. FCI has been focusing heavily on its water conservation efforts over the past several months and the opportunities available from this program are a perfect fit for our services. We met several key people and companies who are instrumental in the success and management of the  California Water Utilities' Supplier Diversity Program. We look forward to developing these relationships and serving the CWA in its water conservation efforts.

What If You Could Buy Energy From Your Favorite Department Store?

As the economy is still trying nurse itself back to health, all types of businesses are looking for new revenue models not only to stay competitive, but to survive. A new phenomena is starting to catch fire in the energy world, starting in the UK. Marks and Spencer, a well known retail chain (similar to Macy's) has become an electricity seller. M&S Energy, which is the company's energy division has a website that almost rivals well established utility companies. M&S seems to be a fish in water as they use their marketing and customer service prowess to attract their already loyal customer base to their energy services. This idea is quite ground breaking and actually makes a lot of sense. Most customers who live in deregulated energy markets are unaware that other alternative energy providers even exists because these providers don't have the marketing dollars to penetrate established utilities' market shares. Companies like M&S are well positioned to take advantage of deregulation because of their large capital, marketing savvy, customer loyalty, and growing disdain/distrust of utility companies. We see hints of this business model forming in the US. Retail juggernauts such as Amazon.com and Costco sell solar roof panels.Who wouldn't want to buy energy from their favorite retailer anyway? Being able to pick up a brand new pair of Hugo Boss loafers and pay my energy bill in tandem sounds sort of appealing.

Ladies and Gentlemen: Wear Sunscreen (When in Pursuit of Solar Panels!)

I had a thought recently, something that may be a little absurd, but an idea I gave some attention to regardless: It is summertime in NYC. The sun is at its hottest and the UV rays are coming at us harder than ever (let's blame that on the hole in the ozone layer). While being tan is still the hottest thing since Coco Chanel, people are still lathering on the SPF 15 in attempts to thwart the most prevalent cancer in the United States. It struck me then that these people are all heading to spots where the solar potential is highest: the shore, the baseball fields, stadiums, and most importantly the urban community pools. All spots prolific in the smelly tannins of sunscreen and all spots that would be equally prolific as viable locations for solar installations.

And then I remembered the aesthetic pleasure that drives our society and how solar panels in any of those places could be shunned and exiled as an ugly invention of future that should be kept in the closet until we can come to our own moral terms with it because having solar panels produce renewable clean energy is so wrong, right?

Slightly disillusioned, I put away my beach PV blueprints and set to work on a more feasible urban green/social good project. And then, two weeks ago, an amazing tool was introduced- the NYC Solar Map, eliminating the need to follow beach-goers to sun heavy spots.

The NYC Solar Map is an online mechanism that calculates the solar potential for any building in the five boroughs for one of the best spots to capture the sun's energy- on your roof. Using the dimensions of the roof and some other factors, the solar map will give you an estimate on how large of a system you can install (in kilowatts), the cost of the system, rebates you can get for the installation, how much carbon dioxide you would be reducing, and the equivalent amount of trees planted. Now that's really putting solar on the map! In addition to presenting the solar potential, current installations and statistics can also be found on the map. The power of the sun is now in any NYC building owner's hands. With the ability to see your immediate ROI, there's really no argument against the solar synergy. Just make sure to wear sunscreen when hanging out with the panels on the roof!

Check out the NYC Solar Map at www.nycsolarmap.org. Type in FCI's NYC HQ address at 37-18 Northern Blvd to see how much solar energy we'd be generating if we didn't have an organic farm on our rooftop which is just as awesome.

Why Should You Do Business With FCI?

There are several energy consulting companies in the energy sector that are excellent at what they do. Yet, there are few that have as broad of a range of specialties as FCI. Most energy consulting companies have only one niche (which isn't necessarily a bad thing) therefore only assisting their clients in one area. FCI'S holistic approach allows us to serve the diversified needs of our clients, which also allows them drastically cut project costs when working with us (as oppose to several different contractors looking for their piece of the pie). So what does this mean to you?


Utilities/ Government Entities-FCI has a long history of working with uutility companies and providing them with solutions that allow them to achieve maximum results without micro management. Take a look at our affiliations/clients on our website. Over the course of the last 6-8 years, we have serviced over 70,000 small businesses through our utility relationships. We not only help out our utility clients with their small business customers, we also serve 200kW+ customers as well as power line infrastructure project management and agricultural retro-commissioning.

Commercial Clients- We are able to service your facilities in a more comprehensive manner. We not only can replace your old energy consuming lighting hardware with the newest state of the art equipment, we can also revamp you restrooms with advanced water conservation technology that will lead to better use of water resources for your company. FCI has experienced HVAC technicians that can give an overhaul to your current heating ventilation and air conditioning systems that will allow your building occupants to be more comfortable and make sure that the system is operating at maximum efficiency. We can help your business participate in load shifting during critical energy peak demand hours, which will help alleviate rolling blackouts as well as put extra revenue in your pocket.

Residential Clients-FCI is able to retrofit an entire home to make it more comfortable, economical, and safer. Many homes were built before there were enforced energy standards and they are wasting tons of energy and hard earned dollars. We can whip your home into shape and provide you with a nice utility rebate to offset the cost greatly. We also offer programs that do not cost our customer's anything.

FCI is a company that is committed to excellence, innovation, and most importantly customer solutions that will fill the particular need that you may have. We believe that we are a family and any client of ours (no matter how small ) is a part of our ever growing family. So give FCI a try!

Patricia Watts featured Author in Million Dollar Conversations

Patricia Watts, CEO of FCI

FCI is proud to announce that our Founder/CEO, Patricia Watts, is a featured author in the new business/entrepreneurship book Million Dollar Conversations. MDC is especially geared toward aspiring women entrepreneurs to provide motivation, wisdom, insight, and encouragement for them on their journey. Business has been known to be a male dominated arena, yet each author took life by the horns and carved their own niche into the business world.

Watts took a fledgling start up intiated in her home office to a multi million dollar energy and water conservation consulting company.

She took the "leap of fatih" and has reaped tremendous benefits as a result, not only that, her 100+ employees have been able to share in the success as well. This book is required reading for any aspiring entrpeneur/business owner (not just women either) that may come from less than ideal beginnings, looking to make a significant impact in the world. So read Million Dollar Conversations and be inspired!



FCI To Be Vendor at The 2011 Energy Managment Congress Conference

FCI is proud to announce that we will be participating in the 2011 Energy Management Congress Conference, which will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center this year on June 15th and 16th. The Energy Management Congress, also known as EMC, is the largest energy conference and technology expo in the US on the west coast. The EMC provides quality advice on energy issues from industry experts as well as great opportunities to network with other energy companies and professionals. There are optional seminars that attendees can participate in.We will be sharing a booth with our good friends, Lenape Lighting and Peri Software (click on the links to be directed to their websites). FCI is excited to participate in this great event, taking place in our own backyard! If you happen to be there, be sure to swing by our booth (108) and say hello. Hope to see you there!

Battling Climate Change in the East Coast's Largest Urban Epicenter

Michael Bloomberg, current Mayor of New York City, is a man of innovation. Many people know him as the first Mayor to be elected for three consecutive terms in NYC, or as the founder of Bloomberg LP (an influential financial news and services media company), but few know of his remarkable efforts at battling climate change in one of the world's largest urban epicenters. 

Mayor Bloomberg enacted PlaNYC in 2007 as a very ambitious plan that aimed to ultimately improve the quality of life in NYC through green efforts. The past four years have led to the environment being returned to a healthier natural state through a definite paradigm shift throughout the city in all aspects of sustainability. Energy efficiency standards have been advanced while energy systems are becoming cleaner and more reliable. Public transportation is being cultivated to reduce emissions, and is providing a reputable way to travel. Waterways and public spaces are becoming more accessible, and traditional food systems are being overhauled to achieve a fresher standard that accommodates many.  

The most recent addition to PlaNYC will be the installation of solar panels on five city owned sites. This project should yield enough energy to power just less than 700 homes, or the equivalent of 3 megawatts. This effort is partially in response to NYC lagging behind other cities with solar efforts, but momentum is expected to pick up with the greater federal support of clean energy.

Another venture that Bloomberg actively pursues is the C40 Cities, where he functions as Chair. The C40 Cities is an organization of cities around the world that attempt to battle climate change through multilateral efforts. The C40 Mayors Summit was held last week in Sao Paolo, Brazil, and addressed many of the growing issues with climate change in cities. The outcome of this conference was a partnership with the World Bank, which will likely bolster financial efforts at sustainability in cities around the world, and especially New York, which is leading the way in the urban fight against the changing climate.