Administration and Operations: Energy Management Systems and Controls

The city of Fort Worth, Texas has recently made forward progress in reducing emissions and saving taxpayer money.  Fort Worth has contracted with Johnson Controls, a leader in energy-efficient building products and solutions.   Several city facilities have had HVAC, electrical, and water upgrades.

Johnson Controls was started by Warren Johnson, the inventor of the electric thermostat.  The company specializes in automotive, power solutions, and building efficiency.  Their corporate campus has achieved LEED Platinum silver for building efficiency and sustainability improvements.  Johnson Controls is committed to environmental leadership and social responsibility.

Fort Worth wanted to comply with a state Senate bill that aimed at a five percent reduction in annual electricity consumption in all municipal facilities by 2013.  The city has chosen 95 buildings to be upgraded and improved for greater efficiency and lower carbon emissions.  There is a projected $29 million dollar energy and water savings through the year 2025.

The improvements are being performed in phases.  Improvements include:

• Retrofitting lighting systems with more efficient equipment and controls
• Replacing old chillers and boilers with new high-efficiency equipment
• Upgrading to more energy-efficient air-conditioning systems and equipment
• Installing low-flow plumbing fixtures, flush-valves, aerators, and pedal-valves
• Converting old spray-head irrigation to drip-type systems
• Deploying the Metasys^® building management system to monitor, control, and optimize building systems

The city was able to pay for all of the improvements without raising taxes or increasing capital expenditures.  Financing was obtained from the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) and municipal equipment lease-purchase agreements.  Fort Worth is well on the way to generating money and the savings will soon pay for themselves.  An estimated 19,000 tons of carbon emissions will be eliminated due to the improvements.  

I have witnessed the improvements first hand.  Johnson Controls has began retrofitting Fort Worth fire stations.  Some of the improvements that have been made include:

• Replacing old light ballasts
• Installing low-flow toilets and faucets
• Limiting the HVAC controls
• Installing foot pedals at kitchen sinks to discourage water waste

The 2012 fiscal year budget was just released and all general employees received a 3 percent across the board pay increase.  I believe that this was made possible by the savings that the city has gained due to sustainable improvements.

Resources: City of Fort Worth Case Study, City Council Review Packet, Johnson Controls Sustainability, Johnson Control Building Efficiency