Big Savings Fast Paybacks in Existing Laboratory Buildings

摘要

In December of 2013, the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP), in response to a grant opportunity offered by the State of Maryland, embarked on a program to improve efficiency and reduce energy waste. Len Beyea was engaged to perform an energy assessment of their Rockville, MD headquarters, which includes laboratories, offices, a data center, and meeting facilities. The assessment identified over 40 specific measures, with potential savings of 22% in annual electricity usage, 16% in gas usage, and an annual utility cost savings of over $400,000. The most dramatic savings potential was available through reduction of laboratory air changes, but savings were found in virtually every aspect of facility operations. With a successful grant application to EmPower Maryland and incentives from the local utility, PEPCO, USP's net implementation costs were reduced to $1.28 million, with a net simple payback of 3 years. The project implementation was divided into two phases, with the first phase beginning in June of 2014 and completed in November of 2014, and the second phase started in November of 2014 and completed in April of 2015. As of March 2015, the project was on track to exceed projected savings. This paper reviews the opportunities for savings that were identified, specific solutions and how they were implemented, and lessons learned from the project.