Shaping the Future of DC Buildings: Join the RFP Template Conversation
Help us empower building owners and architects to make informed decisions about DC power.
By Robert Kroon
A collaborative effort to develop an RFP Template will produce a better result!
We're so accustomed to AC power that it's easy to take it for granted. But what if there was a better way? A more efficient, resilient, and future-proof way to power our buildings? That's the promise of DC power, an opportunity commercial building owners and architects shouldn't ignore as they plan their next projects.
But to make this a reality, we need your help. We're inviting our network of experts to contribute their expertise and refine a crucial tool: a Request for Proposal (RFP) template for DC-powered buildings. We intend to create a template that everyone in the DC-powered building ecosystem would feel comfortable encouraging their customers to use.
While the benefits of DC-powered buildings – from increased energy efficiency and reduced operating costs to enhanced grid resilience and the seamless integration of renewable energy sources – are becoming increasingly clear, many building owners and architects face a critical hurdle: how to specify and evaluate DC solutions in a way that fairly compares them to traditional AC systems. Traditional RFPs are often geared toward AC systems, leaving DC as an afterthought or, worse, completely overlooked, hindering the exploration of potentially superior solutions.
This is where we can change the game.
We've taken the crucial first step by creating a draft RFP template for building owners and architects to evaluate AC and DC power systems. This template offers a starting point for exploring DC’s potential. Fill out the form below to get a copy of the current draft. Also, request a connection on LinkedIn if you haven’t done this before.
Important Note: This template is not comprehensive for a complete MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) RFP. It specifically addresses the electrical aspects of a proposal. Users should add other requests, including mechanical and plumbing requirements, as they see fit to create a complete RFP for their project.
This isn't just about switching to a new technology; it's about building the future. DC power allows for a more streamlined and efficient energy flow, minimizing losses and maximizing the use of renewable energy. Imagine a building that not only consumes less energy but also acts as a microgrid, capable of generating and storing its own power. This is the potential of DC, and it's within reach.
The draft RFP template is a valuable resource, but it's just that – a draft. We believe that through collaborative improvement, we can create a truly powerful tool that empowers building owners and architects to make informed decisions about their building's power infrastructure.
That's why we're reaching out to you, our network of experts, for your invaluable input. Your comments, suggestions, and expertise are essential to refine this template and ensure it addresses the key considerations for evaluating AC and DC power systems. Crucially, all revisions and suggestions should be agnostic to specific brands or proprietary technologies. The goal is to create a template that allows for fair comparison of solutions based on performance and value, not vendor lock-in. However, respondents to the RFP are free to suggest specific brands and technologies as part of their proposed solutions.
We welcome input from anyone.
Here's how you can contribute:
Review the draft RFP template: As a building owner, architect, or industry product or service provider, carefully examine the document, paying attention to the sections on technical requirements, cost analysis, and evaluation criteria. Consider how these sections address both AC and DC systems and identify any gaps.
Share your feedback: From your perspective as a building owner, architect, or industry product or service provider, what works well? What needs improvement? Are there any crucial elements missing? Your specific suggestions are vital. Be as detailed as possible in your feedback, referencing specific sections of the template.
Offer your expertise: If you're a building owner, architect, or industry product or service provider, with experience in DC power systems, share your insights and best practices. Your real-world experience is invaluable in ensuring the template is practical and effective.
By working together, we can create a comprehensive RFP template that empowers building owners and architects to embrace the future of power. And the work doesn't stop there. After we have an improved template, we would like to ask owners and architects to submit a summary of their results to create case studies regarding the use of the template. This will allow us to continuously improve the template and create stories that demonstrate the value propositions realized from considering DC-powered buildings. Let's make DC-powered buildings the new standard, one RFP at a time.
Join the conversation! Share your comments and suggestions below, or reach out to us directly. Let's build a brighter, more efficient future, together.
