Cities looking to increase energy efficiency of their buildings

The City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is looking to increase the energy efficiency of some of its most iconic buildings.

According to a recent article on Whyy.org, city officials are considering upgrades to City Hall, the Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice, and several health centers and homeless shelters.

“There’s going to be some hefty savings in these buildings,” Dominic McGraw, deputy director of energy services & operations of the city’s Municipal Energy Office, told the website.

Proposed enhancements include upgrading these buildings’ HVAC systems, lighting, and building automation systems. McGraw also told Whyy.org that the city will also consider adding solar panels and sustainable resilience measures such as onsite battery storage to these buildings.

According to the city’s own data, 12% of its general fund energy usage goes to four of the buildings under consideration for enhancements: the criminal justice center, City Hall, the Municipal Services Building, and the One Parkway Building.

These buildings already underwent energy efficiency renovations back in 2015. The $12 million project included LED lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures, weatherization, and insulation of a steam heating system, resulting in annual energy cost savings of over $1.4 million and 7,800 metric tons of annual reduction in the buildings’ greenhouse gas emissions.

McGraw said this new renovation project should be completed in the next five years.

The Need for Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency projects like the one the City of Philadelphia is considering are becoming a necessity in our electricity-hungry modern world.

The American Society of Civil Engineers gave the U.S.’s energy infrastructure a C- in its most recent Infrastructure Report Card, citing the unreliable nature of our aged power grid infrastructure. And the influx of technology-driven energy needs, such as artificial intelligence and data centers, means there’s less electricity to go around at a time when we need more power than ever before.

Energy efficiency projects can also positively impact our ongoing attempts at reversing the effects of Global Warming. Buildings and manufacturing plants account for about two-third of carbon dioxide emissions in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

“Energy not used is energy saved, and the U.S. Department of Energy encourages partners to lead with energy efficiency,” the department wrote on its website.

Philadelphia is not unique in its attempts to increase energy efficiency in the buildings the city owns and operates. In fact, since 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released an annual “Top Cities” list where it spotlights the cities with the greatest number of ENERGY STAR certified commercial and multifamily buildings.

Los Angeles led the way in the agency’s most recently released list with 876 ENERGY STAR certified buildings. Washington, D.C. took second place with 631, and New York third with 390.

According to the EPA, the energy used by commercial buildings is responsible for 16% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions and costs more than $190 billion per year. ENERGY STAR certified buildings use an average of 35% less energy and are responsible for 35% less carbon dioxide emissions than typical buildings.

“Cities and communities play an essential role in fighting the climate crisis and reducing energy use in commercial and multifamily buildings,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With help from ENERGY STAR, city leaders and building owners are working together to strengthen their economies and businesses, reduce energy bills, and create a healthier environment.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key benefits of improving energy efficiency in buildings?

Improving energy efficiency in buildings offers several significant benefits:

• Cost Savings: Reduced energy consumption leads to lower utility bills, which can result in substantial cost savings over time
• Environmental Impact: Energy-efficient buildings produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint and helping to combat climate change
• Increased Comfort and Health: Energy-efficient buildings maintain more consistent indoor temperatures, improving occupant comfort. They also often have better ventilation and air quality, which can positively impact health

What are some common strategies for enhancing energy efficiency in buildings?

Several strategies can be employed to enhance energy efficiency in buildings:

• Insulation and Sealing: Proper insulation and sealing of windows, doors, and other openings prevent heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer
• Energy-Efficient Appliances and Systems: Utilizing energy-efficient heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting, and appliances can significantly reduce energy consumption
• Smart Building Technologies: Implementing smart thermostats, lighting controls, and energy management systems can optimize energy use based on occupancy and usage patterns
• Renewable Energy Sources: Incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, can reduce reliance on non-renewable energy and lower energy costs

How can building owners assess and improve their building's energy efficiency?

Building owners can take several steps to assess and improve energy efficiency:

• Energy Audits: Conducting an energy audit is a comprehensive way to assess a building's current energy use and identify areas for improvement. Professional auditors can provide detailed recommendations
• Benchmarking and Monitoring: Comparing energy use against similar buildings (benchmarking) and continuously monitoring energy consumption can help track progress and identify inefficiencies
• Upgrades and Retrofits: Implementing the recommendations from energy audits, such as upgrading insulation, windows, HVAC systems, and lighting, can lead to significant improvements in energy efficiency
• Engaging Experts: Consulting with energy efficiency experts and contractors can provide valuable insights and ensure that improvements are implemented effectively and efficiently