Improving the way a building uses energy and materials is one way to protect the environment and save money without sacrificing comfort - just ask Susan Ode. Ode, conservation project for the City of Saint Paul, has overseen numerous energy conservation projects over the past four years. Results indicate that her efforts are paying off. One building shes worked with which has shown considerable improvements in saving is the City Hall Annex.
Due to conservation efforts, district heating and cooling demand charges at City Hall Annex are expected to drop by more than 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively. In addition, electrical consumption is roughly $2,000 a month less than it was two years ago. "New technology made achieving the savings easier, but technology only goes so for without people," says Ode "Mark Galloway, building superintendent, is responsible for making the technology Galloway, building superintendent, is responsible for making the technology work" Mayor Norm Coleman agrees. "In March, I was pleased to recognize Mark Galloway as city employee of the month," says Coleman "Mark's efforts in improving the excellent of the City Hall Annex building set an excellent example of how to save taxpayers money.
In 1994, all of the heating in the City Hall Annex were retrofitted with efficient lamps, and ballasts. An energy management system, custom made with Galloways input, was installed later that year to more easily control lighting, white noise and building temperature. Although the energy management system requires a considerable amount of Galloway's time, he says it's been worth it "It's made my job so much easier," he says. "I can quickly see what's going on throughout the building from just one spot which is especially nice since we don't have a lot of staff" Galloway says that he is glad that the building is on district heating and cooling. Not having to maintain and operate boilers and chillers has: allowed him to concentrate on conservation issues.
Galloway continually monitoring and operates controls throughout the building from his computer at work. He can also connect to the system from his home. If he bears of extreme temperatures forecast for the next day, he can pre-heat or pre-cool the building without having to run back the office. Galloways says the energy management system also adds security. On weekends, he can use the system to see which floors are occupied
In addition to energy management, the City Hall Annex has experienced considerable savings thanks to an increased emphasis on recycling. Most everything in the building is now recycled rather than thrown away. As a result, garbage bills have drop-from roughly $2,000 to $500 a month.
Changes at the City Hall Annex have not gone unnoticed by its tenants. They approve of the conservation measures already in place and have encouraged building to do even more.
"The result of conservation efforts have really yielded positive results both financially and environmentally." says Ode. "All building managers should develop and pursue conservation strategies"
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