Pathway to Sustainability

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Case Study: Pathway to Sustainability November 9, 2010

Synopsis: Beginning in April 2010 a major big box retailer took part in a case study of the benefits of recommissioning its HVAC systems at nine of its Florida locations (approximately 25% of its Florida operations). The study demonstrated that the retailer reduced the stores’ carbon footprint by using less electricity. This also lowered utility expenses. By bringing the HVAC units to optimum performance, the frequency of service calls was reduced while extending the life cycle of the HVAC units. Increased sales-floor comfort levels for the retail customer were also achieved. Alpine Mechanical Services LLC, a Pennsylvania based HVAC service, repair and maintenance company, has a significant case study underway with a major big box retailer that is creating a pathway to sustainability for the retailer through recommissioning rooftop HVAC units. The recommissioning has so far, according to the case study, provided very positive results. At the core of the case study is the fact that a typical big box retailer often times has a huge carbon footprint. This in turn means such retailers are using excessive amounts of energy based on a number of factors including: geographic location (i.e., retailers with locations in high heat areas), malfunctioning or inoperable rooftop HVAC units, or improperly maintained systems. Increasingly, big box retailers are now investigating ways to reduce their carbon footprint and energy usage while qualifying for rebates from utility companies. Alpine Mechanical Services has been actively involved in and promoting their Greening in Place Program, or recommissioning program, as a first step in the retailer’s pathway to sustainability. Recommissioning involves documentation of current HVAC operating parameters and projects energy savings and cost benefits to the retailer for making improvements. The retailer involved in the case study has 180 stores nationwide; 29 stores are located in Florida. The case study focused on approximately 25% of the retailer’s Florida operations. The study involved comparing “before and after” information about the stores’ unit performance (actual equipment efficiency before recommissioning and afterwards), capacity improvement, and associated cost savings. The investigation also incorporated figures on available utility rebates so the retailer received a clear picture of the value of recommissioning in dollars and cents.

The Process Using Alpine’s handheld HVAC Service Assistant, field technicians conducted rooftop inspections of seven of the retailer’s locations throughout Central and Southern Florida. A total of 93 HVAC units were recommissioned through the Alpine Greening in Place Program. The recommissioning involved a thorough initial inspection of the individual

Case Study: Pathway to Sustainability

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