GreenStep City Best Practices Buildings and Lighting
Efficient Existing Public Buildings
no. 1
Benchmark energy usage, identify savings opportunities, and work with utilities and others to implement cost-effective energy and sustainability improvements.
Invest in energy efficiency opportunities through recommissioning/retrofitting city-owned/school buildings or by using the Guaranteed Energy Savings Program.
The Minnesota Division of Energy Resources operates ongoing and one-time financial programs. For example, the State of MN's Guaranteed Energy Savings Program is open for cities to lock in verifiable ongoing energy savings through performance contracting of deep retrofits without capital appropriations. GESP is most appropriate, as a rule of thumb, for situations including at least one of the following: city utility bills are around $150,000 or more; possible project cost is around $350,000 or more; city population is around 10,000 or more.
Retrocommissioning is a process that seeks to correct and enhance how building equipment and systems function together. Depending on the age of the building, it often can resolve problems that occurred during design or construction, or address problems that have developed throughout the building's life. If the building went through this intensive quality assurance process (called commissioning) when initially designed and constructed, then the periodic follow-up process is called recommissioning. Retrofitting a building is the process of investing in the infrastructure of the building to increase its energy efficiency, comfort, safety, health and durability. This could include improvements to building components, upgrades to building operating systems and equipment, and installation of energy-efficient appliances.
Class 5 Energy has a long-standing comprehensive program for K-12 schools to save energy and money by changing behavior throughout a district. The firm provide a multi-year plan with strategies for efficient operations, energy awareness materials for staff and students, training, and utility tracking for immediate and sustainable savings.
The City of St. Paul, for example, has begun investing $1 million over several years into an Energy Conservation Investment Fund. The Fund is a revolving loan account that supports energy-efficiency investments with a documented payback of less than ten years for City-owned buildings. The Fund enables the City to retrofit existing facilities to conserve energy, reduce CO2 emissions, and provide for substantial long-term savings for taxpayers. For details contact the City Sustainability Coordinator, Anne Hunt, at anne.hunt@ci.stpaul.mn.us
DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency) is a one-stop source of information on the status of state programs and local utility programs, policies, and incentives.
Changing the Baseline Time Period: Click on the city building in the B3 Benchmarking left-hand menu bar, click on Baseline tab, find the Baseline Time Period, click on the twelve months (in orange type) (located to the left or below the colored gauges). Select the month-year that is 12 months prior to the start of implementing O&M changes in the building. (Status should be Measured. If not, utility data still needs to be entered for this baseline period.)
Posting a Print Screen of the B3 Baseline tab for the building: Click on the city building in left-hand menu bar, click on Baseline tab, press Alt - Prt Sc keys on your keyboard, open a blank document and right-click Paste. Save As a PDF and post on GreenStep website.
Complete retrocommissioning and/or retrofitting work on a building, then summarize the actions taken. Update the B3 Building Editor, as needed, and change the Baseline Time Period in the Baseline tab for that building so it shows the 12-month period immediately prior to implementing the changes. (See Implementation Tools for ideas, definitions, and database/reporting instructions.)
Complete 1 Star criterion for two buildings. Use B3 to track reductions in energy usage after the work is completed. Post a Print Screen of the Baseline tab for one building showing the actual reduction in energy usage for a full year following completion of the retrocommissioning or retrofit work compared to the baseline period [12 months immediately prior to implementing changes].
Complete 1 and 2 Star criteria for two buildings. In addition, implement an internal program or use an external program/vendor that provides funding/incentives for ongoing reductions in energy use by city-owned buildings (e.g. internal loan fund, shared savings, pay for performance, etc.) Describe the program and identify a person responsible for administering it. Report on results of the program annually by May 1st.
Implementation details: Fire Station 1:
All of the following changes were started in 2010 and completed by October of 2011. Some of the changes were the result of recommendations from an audit performed by Dakota Electric. Some changes, like the replaced furnace, were scheduled replacements. Most HVAC systems that will be replaced in Burnsville in the future will all be replaced with energy efficient models if funding allows.
-Exhaust ventilation controls were installed
-Programmable thermostats were installed
-Outdoor ventilation controls were installed
-All existing vents are now tied into the furnaces
-The furnace was replaced with a high efficiency condensing furnace
-Bay heaters were replaced with infrared heating
-Outdoor lighting fixtures began converting to LED fixtures.
Dakota Electric provided a $3,000 rebate for the air source heat pumps. CenterPoint Energy provided funding for the high efficiency furnaces.
Burnsville City Hall:
-In 2007 the chiller was replaced with a variable drive.
-In 2010, a TPL Roof with R34 insulation was installed
-Installed an Energy Management System
-Converted all the pneumatic VAV boxes to electronic or digital control
-Hot and cold water valves have been replaced with digital and electronic controls instead of air
-A dozen outdoor fixturs have been replaced with LED lights.
-In 2011, Maintenance Staff began converting interior lobby lights, property lights and several other areas to LED (26 LED fixtures in total).
-In the process of signing a contract to install a high efficiency condensing boiler in the building. This will be completed in 2012.
The following items will be completed in the next couple of years:
-Circulating pumps will be replaced with variable frequency drives
-Humidifiers will be replaced with more energy efficient models
-All HVAC equipment will will be tied into the energy management system.
In 2012, Burnsville created an Energy Efficiency Fund. The fund is overseen by Maintenance Supervisor Gary Novotny. This fund incentives purchasing energy efficient products by matching rebates and by selectively paying for energy efficient products that have longer paybacks, such as LED lighting. Currently the fund is being used to pay for outdoor LED lighting fixtures. The results of the program will be reported in Burnsville's Annual Report for it's Sustainability Plan. In addition, going forward, Gary Novotny and Sue Bast will report progress on the GreenStep Cities Site.
Outcome measures/metrics: Fire Station 1 energy consumption reduced 13.76% post retrofitting.
City Hall energy consumption reduced 15.65% post retrofitting.
Burnsville created its Energy Efficiency Fund in 2012. The results of the program will be reported in Burnsville's Annual Report for it's Sustainability Plan. In addition, going forward, Gary Novotny and Sue Bast will report progress on the GreenStep Cities Site.
Implementation details: In 2011 the City contracted with McKinstry under the Guaranteed Energy Savings Program. Under the contract, the 12 largest municipal facilities were audited. This energy audit identified the following efficiency improvements and implemented: $141,000 building envelope improvements, $18,000 water conservation improvements, and $310,000 interior lighting retrofits. This retrofit project included 11 separate city buildings. In 2013 the City will consider a second round of energy efficiency retrofits.
Outcome measures/metrics: The GESP project is projected to reduce over 540,000 kWh and 19,600 therms of gas on an annual basis, reducing the Citys carbon footprint by 540 metric tons of CO2 annually and qualify for a guaranteed annual savings of approximately $54,000.
For more information contact: Ross Bintner (City staff) | rbintner@edinamn.gov | (952)903-5713
Implementation details: The city received a $657,000 Federal Energy Efficiency and Conservations Block Grant to upgrade city owned buildings to make them more energy efficient. The consulting firm of McKinstry oversaw the project and leveraged the grant dollars with utility rebates that resulted in $1.2 million in improvements.
The City receives rebates from Dakota Electric and other utilities as a result of the projects funded through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. Examples where rebates were received include building recommissioning work and interior lighting upgrades. The City also participates in Dakota Electric's load shedding program to reduce peak demand electricity needs, which results in a rebate to the City.
Outcome measures/metrics: The city received a $657,000 Federal Energy Efficiency and Conservations Block Grant.
The direct impact of the retrofits resulted in significant energy, dollar and CO2 savings for the buildings receiving the retrofits; in particular the Municipal Building, Police Building and Maintenance Facility.
Underperforming buildings will have a targeted plan to make modifications to meet defined goals. In particular, each building that is currently underperforming after the initial retrofits will have a 3-5 year plan wherein energy enhancements that were not included as part of the initial energy audit will be planned and budgeted for.
The continual tracking of energy use and costs through B3 will provide the tangible data to prioritize which buildings need the most attention to meet the energy saving goals.
Implementation details: After the Retap audit we received a grant from the Department of Energy for new doors and lighting for the Hoffman Square building. It was completed by September 2010. We completed new lighting in the Hoffman gym. We also completely gutted 2 buildings and renovated them with energy saving insulation, lighting, etc. We now have healthcare providers there so residents do not have to drive out of town.
For more information contact: Muriel Krusemark (City staff) | heda@runestone.net | 320-986-2448
Implementation details: Hopkins had two buildings fall into the bottom third of the B3 energy performance ranking: City Hall and the parking ramp. In November '10 City Hall received new boilers and the parking ramp is scheduled for new lighting by Spring '11. Both projects are eligible for rebates; the boiler room has been submitted for 3892.00. The reduced use of natural gas in 2009 was due to the decision to take the boilers off line during the summer months instead of running them year round. The fuel usage so far this year for the new boilers is running about 30-40% below last year's usage. The boiler savings are starting to show up only 3 months after replacing the old boiler. The City's estimated savings is around $8,000.
Outcome measures/metrics: City of Hopkins fuel costs before and after boiler upgrade (2009 cost/2010 cost) Sept-Oct: $937/$96. Oct-Nov: $1165/$759. Nov-Dec: $2667/$1786.
Implementation details: Energy audits were completed on all City buildings and savings opportunites identified. Buildings with the most potential for energy savings with the lowest cost were targeted for efficency improvements.
Outcome measures/metrics: Lighting retrofits were completed at City Hall, Wastewater Facility, Parks Department, Airport, Ambulance building, and Merit Center, replacing all T-12 lighting with high performance T-8 lighting.
Implementation details: In the late 1980s, the City of Red Wing worked with NSP to do a lighting retrofit at City Hall, Public Works, and the Library that they paid back with the energy savings created because of the retrofit.
Implementation details: The city has retrofitted 2 buildings and is in the process of recommissioning a third. New insulation and drywall was installed at the Police Garage. New insulation and vapor-sealing was installed on the rim joist of the Police Station. The Rogers Activity Center is being recomissioned and a new building controls system is being installed.
Outcome measures/metrics: We will post a print screen of the results in B3 when they become available in the next billing period.
For more information contact: Mike Bauer (City staff) | mbauer@ci.rogers.mn.us | 763-428-0947
Implementation details: After doing an energy audit of all city buildings the city chose to make energy upgrades (relamp/retrofit) in all buildings. We could have saved money by not doing the cold storage building (least energy savings)but we chose to do all buildings and take the total energy savings.
Outcome measures/metrics: Work was completed before 12/31/10 so we will have a full year of data to check on our energy savings.
For more information contact: Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
Implementation details: All city buildings have had recommissioning studies completed, as well as lighting retrofits.
In 2007, Woodbury City Hall was remodeled, including a 13,841 sq. ft. addition to the building. Energy improvements included a geothermal system, a south facing glass facade to maximize daylight, energy efficient mechanical and electrical systems, energy efficient lighting, and occupancy sensors. An energy management system allows the city to control the energy use based on occupancy. The project also featured installation of a green roof, porous paver parking stalls, low-flow water fixtures, a rain garden, and the installation of "Grasspave" and "Advanced Turf" along walking paths to handle truck loads without adding impervious surface.
In 2009, Woodbury replaced the existing ice arena refrigeration system at Bielenberg Sports Center with an energy-efficient geoexchange (or ground source heat) system. The new system is estimated to prevent 1,024 metric tons of CO2 emissions and result in $100,000 in utility cost savings. The project also included installation of low emissivity ceilings, a new energy management system, and fixture retrofits for water conservation.
During the Summer of 2011, the city remodeled and expanded the public safety building to include a geothermal system for heating and cooling. In October 2012, a 40kW solar PV array was installed on the building. The project also included the addition of a parking garage for public safety vehicles. Since the vehicles previously idled for long periods to keep computer and medical equipment from freezing, the garage eliminated the need for continuous idling. Fuel savings averaged througout the year equals 1,100 gallons of fuel each month.
Implementation details: Apple Valley received federal Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant funding, which allowed the city to undertake efficiency upgrades in eight buildings. Utility rebates provided additional funding for many projects.
Implementation details: 1) Riverside Arena lighting retrofit, completed with grant money from EECBG 2) Both Austin Riverland Community College Buildings have been retofitted with T8 bulbs and ballasts via an energy performance contract and are currently having commissioning studies performed by an organization using PBEEEP funds.
For more information contact: Janet Anderson (Elected official) | jkanderson@gofast.am | 507-433-1081
Partners: Park & Rec Dept.; Riverland Community College
Implementation details: After conducting an energy audit at city hall, lighting in the entire building (city hall, council chambers, public works garage, and fire department) was retrofitted to a more efficient standard.
Outcome measures/metrics: With the assistance of Xcel Energy rebates, the expected payback for the upfront capital costs is expected to be less than two years.
Implementation details: 3 New 97% high efficency mini boilers were installed in the Grand Rapids Fire Hall in 2011 replacing the 78% ribbion type boiler that were 25 years old.
Outcome measures/metrics: 20% reduction is gas consumption
Implementation details: 1. The exterior of City Hall was retrofitted with LED and Dark-Sky compliant lighting.
2. We are in the process of entering the GESP program for our ICe Arena.
Outcome measures/metrics: We will be tracking energy usage at City Hall to guage the effectiveness of our new lighting.
Implementation details: City Hall energy improvements: We contracted with a certified building engineer to conduct an evaluation of our city hall and made the recommended improvements to increase energy efficiency. We installed new roof vents, added insulation to the ceiling, replaced entry doors,added outside wall insulation and new siding. Additionally we made improvments to our furnace system and improved water runoff with new gutters which drain to a grassy area rather than draain to an impervious surface.
Outcome measures/metrics: We are comparing our energy expenses currently to energy expenses previous to the improvements.
Implementation details: The Maplewood nature center was retrofitted in 2011 with many new energy effecient systems. Part of the funding came through the Legacy trails grant with funding for a solar array system and other energy efficiency improvements including updated HVAC systems and lighting. The solar array system on the Nature Center consists of 8, 3 x 4 panels, installed as an awning on the south (front) side of the building. The panels are connected by micro inverters that convert the direct current (DC) produced by the cells to alternating current (AC) that our homes and businesses use for electricity. These particular inverters also allow us to see how much energy each panel is producing, which is used in a computer program and display for educational purposes at the Nature Center. Energy produced by the panels is also displayed on the City's Energy webpage.
Implementation details: This retrofitting project replaced 20+-year old HVAC equipment at Oakdale City Hall with new high-efficiency equipment. As part of this project, the following improvements were made:
a. Boiler replacement: The aging boiler system was removed and replaced with 2 Hydrotherm KN-series cast iron high-efficiency boilers rated at 600 MBH input - rated 99% efficient with an expected yearly energy cost savings of $1,900;
b. Condensing unit replacement: The 20-year old condensing unit was replaced with a Carrier 40T unit with an eer rating of 11.5, R410a and VFD installation. The expected yearly energy cost savings is $5,600 over the current equipment;
c. Rooftop unit replacement: The 25 year old low-efficiency rooftop unit was replaced with a Carrier 20 ton capacity unit with an 11.5 eer rating.
The project received $13,900 in rebates from Xcel Energy for installing energy efficient technology.
Implementation details: The liquor store was retrofitted with a high efficiency furnace and air conditioner and LED lighting in the refrigerator doors.
For more information contact: Marilyn Patterson (Community volunteer) | mpp03@charter.net | 320-258-5300
Peter Berger, Guaranteed Energy Savings Program Manager, MN Dep. of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources, for assessment and financing of energy improvements: 651/296-2459, peter.berger@state.mn.us, http://tinyurl.com/azktby2
Best Practice Action 3
