Ever Green

Sue Ergen and police officer John Justin

If energy savings are measurable, why are only the cool kids doing it?

By Jill Copeland

We are the Saudi Arabia of energy efficiency, according to a recent research report by McKinsey & Company. Meaning, our country has the most potential for energy savings of any country in the world. This can translate into huge savings for businesses developing new construction or businesses that are able to retrofit their current digs.

Commercial and industrial sectors account for 65 percent of overall energy usage. They can reduce their energy use, and therefore operating costs, through a variety of programs including the Minnesota Chamber’s “Energy Smart” audit. Energy Smart arranged a lighting audit for Bernick’s Beverages & Vending in Waite Park, which led the company to replace about 500 metal halide bulbs with high-efficient T-8s at its Waite Park location. The company also installed a motion-sensor system to control the warehouse’s lighting usage and expects to save about $80,000 annually on lighting, with the project paying for itself in about a year. The company is putting LED lights and timers in its vending machines and using chargers to control the energy used to charge forklift batteries, which is expected to save $62 monthly per forklift, and is testing a device to regulate engine heater operating hours.

If the energy savings are measurable, why are only the cool kids doing it? In leased buildings, financial incentives for the building’s owner are uncertain, as the owner is least likely to capture the savings. On average the payback period for commercial upgrades is 3.6 years, according to Johnson Controls Energy Efficiency Indicator. Lenders may hesitate to provide capital for initial energy investments. Many facility managers are unaware of the savings potential and wrongly believe their buildings are optimized already.

Recently, the City of St. Cloud and GLTArchitects produced a case study in energy efficiency using the new police headquarters in downtown St. Cloud. The building is designed with community and departmental use in mind, and is energy efficient 24 hours a day. It is foremost secure, with built-in protections for evidence. Energy efficient mechanical and electrical supplies were chosen. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems were selected for maximum efficiency.

The roof was built with expansion in mind if the building ever reaches capacity. The highest R value possible for a roof is 45. The higher the R value, the more insulation is provided. The roof system at the police headquarters has an R value of between 30–40. The walls will have an R value of 20. Part of the building is built below grade for reduced HVAC expenses. Officer’s cars are stored below ground to maximize space and protect the intricate technologies in each squad car.

The energy efficient upgrades were not detrimental to the building’s budget. The new police headquarters was budgeted at $36.3 million and final costs came in under that amount, according to St. Cloud City Administrator Mike Williams.

Jill Copeland is the Communications & Workforce Development Coordinator at the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.