Integrating energy solutions early in the planning process provides better designs/increased efficiency

Every day, property owners, developers and architects across New York State create commercial real estate designs that don't properly integrate energy solutions because energy efficiency is only considered after other design features are set. Involving the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in early scoping sessions or during a design charrette, however, saves developers from time-consuming and costly redesign. Utilizing an objective, experienced resource like NYSERDA can make a real difference when trying to achieve energy-efficient building design. NYSERDA is a public benefit corporation tasked with helping New York businesses achieve energy efficiency and reduce costs. NYSERDA's New Construction Program team members are experts on energy issues and can provide technical assistance and financial incentives on this important task. In 2011, St. Peter's Hospital completed construction of a six-story, 275,000 s/f hospital tower on the corner of New Scotland Ave. and South Manning Blvd. in Albany. Early in the design process, NYSERDA and its energy and sustainability technical consultant conducted a design charrette with the project's decision makers. This intensive, hands-on workshop involved people from different disciplines who identified specific design options that improved the project's energy performance and increased the number of sustainability opportunities. Many of these suggestions were incorporated into the project design, resulting in significant improvements that went well beyond the project's initial specifications. NYSERDA's early involvement and incentive of $502,500 helped St. Peter's defray a portion of the implementation costs to install the efficiency improvements and achieve LEED® certification. In total, the project resulted in: * Annual energy savings of 4,665,782 kWh * Peak demand savings of 1,172 kW in the summer and 667 kW in the winter * Annual energy cost savings of $452,677 * The St. Peter's Tower building is 19% above the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004 code. The St. Peter's project was part of a seven-year, $259 million campus modernization project to bring the hospital into compliance with national standards and offer state-of-the-art patient care services. The project included new cardiac and vascular surgery facilities and patient recovery rooms, new maternity care and cancer care centers, and a two-story atrium with easy access to patient services. The total number of beds remains the same, 442, but now 60% are private rooms, compared to 10% previously. Energy efficiency measures implemented at St. Peter's included: * Improved roof insulation and exterior wall insulation * High-performance glazing * Fan wall technology air handling unit * Hybrid chiller plant * Cooling tower optimization * Variable frequency drives for system pumps * Premium-efficiency motors * Optimized lighting power density Early assistance from NYSERDA is available for any qualifying new construction or substantial renovation project located in New York State. NYSERDA has $90 million available to distribute to New York State businesses through Dec. 31, 2015, or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. So don't wait — get started now by visiting www.NYSERDASolutions.org. Christopher Reohr is a senior project manager at New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Albany, NY.