Energy and Water Assessment
SEA helped The Plaza recognize more than $350k in annual savings through recommended energy reduction installations.
About the Facility
The Plaza is a Class B office building completed in 1976 and features a total of 220k sq. ft. of leased office space located in downtown Birmingham, AL. The facility owners wished to reduce utility expenses and benchmark current facility energy usage utilizing a loan program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act known as Alabama Saves. The act enables businesses to secure below-market rate financing for achieving energy savings which typically provide a simple 10-year payback. It requires an ASHRAE Level I Assessment objective to primarily identify potential energy conservation measures, estimated savings and budgeted costs. While capital improvements are included, the aim of the program was focused on providing low cost solutions.
AT A GLANCE
The Plaza Facts
$350k Cost savings annually from energy reduction
220k Square Feet of Commissioned Space
Scope of Work
SEA was contracted to provide an ASHRAE Level 1 Energy Assessment for The Plaza. This resulted in SEA utilizing computer energy models to actively seek energy conservation opportunities while maintaining comfort and increasing productivity for unique occupants. The maximum Return on Investments (ROI), life cycle costing and total project costs were included in the calculations. Some of the major recommendations, included:
Retro-commissioning
Lighting Upgrades
HVAC Control Upgrades
Plumbing Fixture Upgrades
Variable Frequency Drives
Chiller Upgrades
All of this work was completed with no disruption to active courses and activities with varying occupancy throughout the day. As a result, SEA was able to recognize more than $350k in annual savings through energy reduction installations.
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