New systems translate to energy savings

A building systems retrofitting project at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is generating big savings in energy usage, according to Terry Ruprecht, director of energy conservation in Facilities and Services. A retro-commission team in F&S analyzes heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems to ensure they operate as efficiently as possible. Projects at Krannert Center and the National Soybean Research Center were completed in December, and another project is nearing completion at Newmark Laboratory.

Preliminary consumption data from completed buildings is showing 15-33 percent reductions in energy use. In comparison to a year ago, steam consumption for January was down 46 percent and electricity usage was down 23 percent at KCPA.

“We estimate the combined savings for December and January to be $74,800, with steam savings comprising about 70 percent of that,” Ruprecht said. “These savings were achieved by the combined efforts of Krannert staff members and the F&S retro-commissioning group.”

A new computer-based control upgrade was put into operation in February for the majority of Krannert Center’s heating and air-conditioning systems, enabling full monitoring and control by Krannert staff members, even from off-site.

“We believe this improved information and controllability will enable both additional savings and enhanced ability for Krannert to accommodate special event requirements,” Ruprecht said.

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