Built RenewAge: a National Energy Services Contractor

Overview

In 2011, Encharge co-founder Dustin Cavanaugh launched RenewAge Energy Solutions with a mission to eliminate energy waste in commercial, residential, and municipal buildings through advanced energy efficiency technologies. Over the next 14 years, RenewAge grew into a nationally recognized energy services construction company, working with over 500 clients, delivering more than 1,500 energy retrofit projects, and achieving over $50 million in annual energy cost savings for its customers.

Today, RenewAge stands as a testament to the vision and expertise of Encharge’s founders, serving as a pioneer in energy efficiency and management while setting the standard for innovation in energy retrofit construction.

The Challenge

Building owners and operators face increasing energy costs, aging infrastructure, and the need to meet sustainability goals. However, implementing large-scale energy performance upgrades often comes with significant challenges:

• Identifying and auditing energy waste across complex portfolios.
• Navigating rebate and incentive programs to offset project costs.
• Managing the engineering, financing, and construction of advanced energy retrofits.
• Ensuring rapid payback periods and long-term cost savings for customers.

Dustin and the RenewAge team sought to address these challenges by delivering turnkey energy solutions that reduced operational costs, enhanced property value, and minimized environmental impact.

The Approach

1. Comprehensive Energy Solutions

RenewAge offered a diverse range of energy efficiency technologies, including:

• LED lighting upgrades for enhanced illumination and reduced energy consumption.
• Water-efficient plumbing retrofits to reduce utility costs and conserve resources.
• Advanced building controls to optimize HVAC systems and improve operational efficiency.
• Custom-engineered solutions tailored to each property’s unique energy profile.
• Solar and EV charging infrastructure to support renewable energy adoption and electrification.

2. Innovative Tools and Processes

• Developed an in-house energy auditing tool to efficiently identify energy waste and prioritize upgrade opportunities.
• Leveraged extensive expertise to secure rebates and incentives that subsidized project costs, making upgrades more affordable for clients.

3. Turnkey Delivery Model

• Operated under Dustin’s general, electrical, and plumbing contractors license to ensure seamless project execution.
• Provided end-to-end services, including energy audits, engineering, financing solutions, and full-scale construction.
• Delivered projects with an average payback period of 2.5 years or less, ensuring rapid ROI for clients.

4. Industry Leadership and Recognition

• Grew into a trusted partner for high-profile clients, including Irvine Company, AvalonBay Communities, UDR, Adventist Health, Marriott, CBRE, JLL, and City of Anaheim.
• Recognized for its industry impact, with accolades such as:
  • Inc. 5000's Fastest Growing Companies List (2021), #878.
  • FastCompany Magazine's Top 10 Most Innovative Joint Ventures (2021).
• Generated over $60 million in revenues during its tenure.

The Results

• 1,500+ Projects Completed: Delivered advanced energy retrofits across multifamily, commercial, retail, hospitality, and municipal properties.
• $50 Million in Annual Savings: Helped clients achieve substantial operational cost reductions while meeting sustainability goals.
• Nation-Leading EV Charger Deployments: Installed more Level 2 networked EV charging stations in Los Angeles County than any other operator.
• High-Profile Client Portfolio: Worked with over 500 customers, including some of the largest real estate and municipal entities in the U.S.

Why It Matters

The success of RenewAge Energy Solutions reflects the entrepreneurial spirit and expertise of Encharge’s principals, who built the company into a leader in energy management and performance contracting. RenewAge’s turnkey approach to design, engineering, project management, rebate administration, and construction continues to influence the energy efficiency industry.

While Dustin and Frank transitioned leadership of RenewAge in 2022 to focus on building Loop Global, their legacy remains deeply rooted in the company’s continued success. Today, RenewAge is still a pioneer in its field, driving impactful energy solutions for a sustainable future.

At Encharge, we leverage this invaluable experience to deliver unparalleled expertise in energy project planning, execution, and innovation, empowering businesses and communities to thrive in a cleaner, more efficient world.

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