Building Case Study (2010) - Arlingtonva
AIRE ENERGY SPOTLIGHT Fenwick center
Fast Fact Comparing winter 20082009 to winter 2009-2010 reveals a promising trend – electricity consumption fell nearly 30%, saving the county nearly $15,000!
Climate disruption is one of the most serious challenges facing our world today. To protect the health and economic well-being of current and future generations, we must reduce our emissions of heat-trapping gases by using the technology and practical solutions already at our disposal. The Fresh AIRE program—Arlington Initiative to Reduce Emissions—began in 2007 with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (primarily carbon dioxide (CO2)) across the County. Arlington is committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions from government operations to 10% below 2000 levels by 2012. We will achieve this by improving energy efficiency in our buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure; using alternative fuels and green power; increasing recycling; conserving and protecting water; and maintaining and enhancing the tree canopy in Arlington. AIRE is supporting and encouraging the community to join us by committing to actions that will make Arlington a more sustainable place to live, work, and play.
www.arlingtonva.us/aire www.arlingtonclimateblog.com [email protected]
Originally built in 1974, and then renovated in 2005 with additional space added, the Fenwick Center is an all-electric 21,000 square foot facility that houses various Department of Human Services programs. It accommodates over 240 people in its open and spacious waiting and reception areas, seven exam rooms, two interview rooms, and six consultation rooms. Special facilities include lab and lab support rooms, an x-ray room, nurse stations, a pharmacy, three conference rooms and staff offices, and work areas. These specialty facilities require very high volumes of outside air for ventilation. This air must be conditioned, which adds to the energy burden of the public health center building.
Electricity use at fenwick center, 2006 – 2009 1,500,000 Electricty (kWh)
ABOUT AIRE
1,200,000 900,000 600,000 300,000 0
2006
2007
2008
2009
Our Improvements The County made improvements to the ductwork and ventilation system, including enhanced building controls, and began seeing sharp reductions in energy use in the last half of 2009. Additional retro-commissioning work and lighting improvements will continue in 2010.
everyday tips Get an Energy Audit. No matter what type, size, or style building you occupy, understanding how energy is being used enables you to make better decisions about proper efficiency investments that yield the most financial return. Reduce, Reuse, then Recycle. When possible, purchase goods made from durable, recycled, toxin-free materials with minimal packaging. Reuse, repurpose, donate, or sell unwanted items. Recycle packaging. You’ll minimize materials processing and prevent toxic materials from getting back into our environment. Travel Smart. Getting around Arlington is easy with the extensive network of bike/walk paths, bus routes, Metro stations, and car-sharing options. Think twice about how you get around town, go to work, and get out and play. Consider Green Power. Homeowners, businesses, and organizations can choose to buy power from wind, solar, or other renewable sources. Buying green power reduces your carbon footprint and stimulates the market for renewable energy.
www.arlingtonva.us/aire www.arlingtonclimateblog.com [email protected]
The County recently completed a test-and-balance study of the HVAC system, which identified a number of duct leaks and other anomalies that have been remedied. We have contracted with a firm to install a new building automation system for the HVAC system, and we will re-commission the building HVAC following installation of the new controls. In addition, there are still some lighting retrofit opportunities that will be addressed in 2010.
Value to the County Comparing the energy use of 2009 to 2008, the County has saved over $14,000 in annual energy costs and prevented over 70 metric tonnes of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere each year. These emissions reductions would be the equivalent of removing 50 cars from our roads or planting nearly 1,800 trees. Thanks to improvements to the existing building operational systems, the Fenwick Center has reduced its emissions by 10% just since 2008. Comparing winter 2008-2009 to winter 2009-2010 (the end of October thru the end of March) reveals a promising trend - electricity consumption fell nearly 30%, savings the County nearly $15,000. This is in spite of the fact this past winter was colder than the previous winter.
How Do We Rate? When we compare this building against a nationwide sample of medical offices and clinics, Fenwick uses much more energy than other facilities of its type. However, this facility continues to make great strides in electricity reduction, and we expect to see better energy performance in the future.
FOLLOW OUR LEAD Learn about the energy consumption of our entire portfolio by visiting our Building Energy Report Cards on the AIRE website, www.arlingtonva.us/aire.
Fast Fact Comparing winter 20082009 to winter 2009-2010 reveals a promising trend – electricity consumption fell nearly 30%, saving the county nearly $15,000!
Climate disruption is one of the most serious challenges facing our world today. To protect the health and economic well-being of current and future generations, we must reduce our emissions of heat-trapping gases by using the technology and practical solutions already at our disposal. The Fresh AIRE program—Arlington Initiative to Reduce Emissions—began in 2007 with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (primarily carbon dioxide (CO2)) across the County. Arlington is committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions from government operations to 10% below 2000 levels by 2012. We will achieve this by improving energy efficiency in our buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure; using alternative fuels and green power; increasing recycling; conserving and protecting water; and maintaining and enhancing the tree canopy in Arlington. AIRE is supporting and encouraging the community to join us by committing to actions that will make Arlington a more sustainable place to live, work, and play.
www.arlingtonva.us/aire www.arlingtonclimateblog.com [email protected]
Originally built in 1974, and then renovated in 2005 with additional space added, the Fenwick Center is an all-electric 21,000 square foot facility that houses various Department of Human Services programs. It accommodates over 240 people in its open and spacious waiting and reception areas, seven exam rooms, two interview rooms, and six consultation rooms. Special facilities include lab and lab support rooms, an x-ray room, nurse stations, a pharmacy, three conference rooms and staff offices, and work areas. These specialty facilities require very high volumes of outside air for ventilation. This air must be conditioned, which adds to the energy burden of the public health center building.
Electricity use at fenwick center, 2006 – 2009 1,500,000 Electricty (kWh)
ABOUT AIRE
1,200,000 900,000 600,000 300,000 0
2006
2007
2008
2009
Our Improvements The County made improvements to the ductwork and ventilation system, including enhanced building controls, and began seeing sharp reductions in energy use in the last half of 2009. Additional retro-commissioning work and lighting improvements will continue in 2010.
everyday tips Get an Energy Audit. No matter what type, size, or style building you occupy, understanding how energy is being used enables you to make better decisions about proper efficiency investments that yield the most financial return. Reduce, Reuse, then Recycle. When possible, purchase goods made from durable, recycled, toxin-free materials with minimal packaging. Reuse, repurpose, donate, or sell unwanted items. Recycle packaging. You’ll minimize materials processing and prevent toxic materials from getting back into our environment. Travel Smart. Getting around Arlington is easy with the extensive network of bike/walk paths, bus routes, Metro stations, and car-sharing options. Think twice about how you get around town, go to work, and get out and play. Consider Green Power. Homeowners, businesses, and organizations can choose to buy power from wind, solar, or other renewable sources. Buying green power reduces your carbon footprint and stimulates the market for renewable energy.
www.arlingtonva.us/aire www.arlingtonclimateblog.com [email protected]
The County recently completed a test-and-balance study of the HVAC system, which identified a number of duct leaks and other anomalies that have been remedied. We have contracted with a firm to install a new building automation system for the HVAC system, and we will re-commission the building HVAC following installation of the new controls. In addition, there are still some lighting retrofit opportunities that will be addressed in 2010.
Value to the County Comparing the energy use of 2009 to 2008, the County has saved over $14,000 in annual energy costs and prevented over 70 metric tonnes of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere each year. These emissions reductions would be the equivalent of removing 50 cars from our roads or planting nearly 1,800 trees. Thanks to improvements to the existing building operational systems, the Fenwick Center has reduced its emissions by 10% just since 2008. Comparing winter 2008-2009 to winter 2009-2010 (the end of October thru the end of March) reveals a promising trend - electricity consumption fell nearly 30%, savings the County nearly $15,000. This is in spite of the fact this past winter was colder than the previous winter.
How Do We Rate? When we compare this building against a nationwide sample of medical offices and clinics, Fenwick uses much more energy than other facilities of its type. However, this facility continues to make great strides in electricity reduction, and we expect to see better energy performance in the future.
FOLLOW OUR LEAD Learn about the energy consumption of our entire portfolio by visiting our Building Energy Report Cards on the AIRE website, www.arlingtonva.us/aire.
