Innovative leaders working to save energy, improve public safety, and meet labor force demands are recognized by the WSU Energy Program. The Northwest Energy Efficiency Council (NEEC) and the BOC program are proud sponsors of the Energy/Facilities Connections (EFC) Conference and the award.
This information is shared courtesy of the WSU Energy program.
Challenges are less daunting when we leverage lessons of others who have solved similar problems. Local leaders who are taking innovative steps to save energy, improve public safety, and meet labor force demands shared their ideas at this year’s Energy/Facilities Connections Conference hosted by the WSU Energy Program. Their efforts earned them Energy/Facilities Innovations Awards, sponsored by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council.
City of Kenmore
The City of Kenmore wanted to build a community gathering space that incorporated meeting areas and a cafe so people could gather, interact, meet some of their daily needs, and have an authentic local sense of place. The City wanted the space to have an energy efficient HVAC system and achieve a high Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating.
Heating and cooling a 4,000 square foot public building efficiently required a unique system design. In addition to an integrated HVAC system, the Hangar at Town Square has a radiant floor heating and cooling system, a large retractable steel and glass door with its own electric gear systems, and gear operated bay windows for cooling in the summer months which eliminates the need for AC. A “green roof” complete with an automated irrigation system also acts as a cooling system for the building.
The Hangar meets the 2030 Challenge based on Total Project Energy Use Index (EUI) for the year the project was designed (2015). The 2015 2030 Challenge target was a 70% reduction in CO2 emissions and the Hangar exceeded that target by generating 79% fewer CO2 emissions than the average U.S. building of the same type and size. The building envelope was designed to exceed the 2012 Washington State Energy Code by 15% which helped achieve such high efficiency standards.
Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center
There was concern about the cleaning protocol not being clearly addressed at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center (WSCJTC) in regard to sanitation and using “green” cleaning products that are safe for the applicators, end users, and facility.
Using the technical advice of the consortium, investing in equipment and supplies, and training staff allowed the WSCJTC to save state dollars and improve the safety of everyone while maintaining a fresh, clean environment.
DJ McClain, Construction and Maintenance Supervisor at the WSCJTC, worked with Sue Brown with the Washington Corrections Center for Women to provide training for the Purdy Work Crew who implement the green cleaning program. The training included instruction on how to operate the new cleaning machine, using proper cleaning techniques, and environmentally friendly cleaning products.
The Center now not only smells fresh throughout the facility, but measured bacteria levels are well below levels recorded before any changes were made to the cleaning protocol. As a result of the green cleaning protocol, staff morale has improved, there are fewer complaints, and work orders are under control.
Congratulations to these 2018 EFC Innovations Award winners. Public, nonprofit, and tribal organizations are eligible for award consideration. Innovations must be facilities related, such as maintenance, custodial, new construction and renovation, security, grounds, and emergency preparedness. See the WSU Energy Program website for details.