Several factors have combined to create an imbalance between natural gas supply and demand, which has driven natural gas costs to double this year. Organizations that developed energy procurement strategies well in advance of this year likely locked in long-term natural gas and electric supply contracts in 2019/20 and will be protected from current market pricing increases for now. However, organizations that do not have supply contracts through the winter of 2021-22 will be exposed to natural gas pricing above $6 per one million British Thermal Units (MMBTU), which is the highest pricing seen since February 2014 during the polar vortex.

The Stone House Group is partnering with Lehigh University and Trust to develop Lehigh’s Climate Action Strategy.  Our team will conduct an ASHRAE Level 1.5 Energy Audit of thirty-four (34) campus facilities and provide technical consulting services through the Climate Action Planning process.  Trust will engage with the campus community to support Plan development.  The Climate Action Plan will outline strategies and tactics that provide potential paths for the University to achieve net carbon neutrality.  Carbon reduction targets will be developed in conjunction with campus working and advisory groups.  The Stone House Group’s staff will work with students in Lehigh’s Industrial Assessment Center to complete campus energy audits, providing an opportunity to make the campus a living laboratory.