At the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and Nebraska Medicine, a major renovation project has turned an aging building into a showcase of energy efficiency and operational optimization. This ambitious overhaul included replacing critical equipment, updating lighting systems, and implementing advanced automation systems, resulting in significant energy savings and a better environment for building occupants. The project’s success was illustrated by EnergyCAP’s reporting features, which helped the team to boast their success.
Replacing the equipment
Built decades ago and completely surrounded by other structures, this multi-story facility was in need of a refresh. The primary motivation behind the project was the age of the systems, though efficiency improvements were also anticipated. With new air handlers, VAV boxes, hydronic piping, pumps, heat exchangers, and an exhaust system for the underground parking garage, the building’s infrastructure was updated from top to bottom. The project also included a full LED lighting retrofit and installation of advanced automation systems.
Optimization to maximize efficiency
UNMC worked with Optimized Systems from the outset by leading the full design of the automation system in collaboration with the engineering team, which made a notable difference in the end product. Being involved from the project’s start allowed Optimized Systems to reduce installation costs of the control system while also providing a high quality automation design. They also implemented a customized sequence of operations, reducing overall energy costs and enabling optimizations to be integrated as equipment came online. Unlike typical projects where optimization happens post-installation, this early collaboration led to smoother project execution and ensured efficiency gains began immediately.
Through a detailed analysis of the building’s mechanical, electrical, and automation systems, Optimized Systems identified areas of inefficiency and programmed the HVAC and BAS components. For further efficiency, they integrated the HVAC system with room scheduling software to match occupancy patterns, which minimized energy waste.
The results after the first year demonstrate the substantial impact of this project:
- Overall energy: Reduced by 6.1 million kBtus
- Chilled water use: Reduced by 35%
- Steam use: Reduced by 48.5%
- Electricity consumption: Reduced by 20%
- Cost avoidance: $107,000 (including $80,600 in actual savings)
While the initial project investment was substantial, approximately $12 million, the energy savings have had an immediate impact on the university’s utility budget, supporting their commitment to net-zero sustainability goals. The project also ensures a safe, comfortable environment for all building occupants.
Optimized Solutions utilized EnergyCAP’s advanced reporting tools to effectively visualize and analyze their energy savings. The EnergyCAP report library was straightforward, allowing them to leverage the built-in report functions to evaluate the project’s impact. The graphs generated for each commodity and the overall building performance clearly demonstrated the project’s success, providing a compelling visualization of the achieved energy savings.
Upon completing the project, it was easy for me to go into the EnergyCAP reports tool and use the out-of-the-box report function to see the impact of the project. As you can tell by the graphs for each commodity and for the building as a whole, the success of this project is obvious.
Melanie Stewart // Sustainability Manager, Optimized Systems
Looking forward: efficiency as a strategy
Although the energy savings won’t cover the project costs in the near term, UNMC’s investment in this renovation reflects their long-term vision for sustainability and operational resilience. With this foundational work in place, the facility is poised to maintain lower energy consumption and improved efficiency for years to come, setting an example of environmental stewardship for other institutions.
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