Monday, April 21, 2014

Three Eastman Buildings Recognized by EPA's ENERGY STAR® National Building Competition

"Good work by EPA's Energy Star program in driving fantastic efficiency and savings (see the 20m dollar number...how impressive).  We look forward to entering our building next year.  How about you?



 
Three Eastman Kingsport site buildings successfully crossed the finish line in EPA’s 2013 Energy Star National Building Competition: Battle of the Buildings.  B469, B470 and B471 have been competing for the past two years in the competition, which features buildings from across the country racing to improve energy efficiency, lower utility costs, and protect health and the environment. The competition challenges buildings to reduce energy use by 20 percent. Together, competitors cut their energy costs by more than $20 million.

For the 2013 competition, recognized as the #9 Top Performer, B470 reduced its energy use by 29.64 percent. Additionally, B469 was formally recognized as the #10 Top Performer, reducing its energy use by 29.59 percent. B471 was recognized for reducing its energy use more than 20% as well, reaching a reduction of 25.47 percent. Over 3000 buildings entered the competition.
The three buildings also placed among the Top Ten in the office building category:
B470 landed in 3rd, B469 in 4th and B471 in 9th.

“EPA’s ENERGY STAR National Building Competition helped us raise awareness about saving energy both at the office and at home, said Sharon Nolen, Manager, Corporate Energy Program. “We are excited by the enthusiasm and commitment of the Eastman team members who helped us achieve this successful milestone. We look forward to seeing more savings in the future from our efforts.”
The overall winner of this year’s competition was Claiborne Elementary School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which reduced its energy use by 46 percent.

From improvements in operations and maintenance to upgrades in equipment and technology, the competitors together reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 130,000 metric tons and saved more than $20 million on utility bills annually. The competitors also prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the electricity used by nearly 18,000 homes per year.

The three Eastman buildings reduced their energy use through a variety of strategies, such as turning off the lights in offices, conference rooms and restrooms when leaving or setting computers to hibernate at night. Building changes were also made that included replacing lighting with more energy-efficient lights, relocating thermostats for better heating and cooling control, reducing intake air during night hours, and installing a building automation system. These changes not only improved building efficiency but also improved the work environment. Employees expressed appreciation for improved lighting and work environment comfort.
“The impressive results of the fourth-annual National Building Competition are proof positive that any building can take simple steps to improve the energy efficiency of the buildings where we all work, play, and learn,” said Jean Lupinacci, chief of Energy Star for commercial buildings and industrial plants."


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