Commercial, Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Solar  -  October 4, 2024 - By Better Buildings, U.S. Department of Energy

St. John Properties Headquarters’ Integrated Energy Efficiency Solutions

Background
Situated just outside Baltimore, MD, the St. John Properties headquarters is a 71,000 square foot, 2-story Class “A” office building designed for optimal operational efficiency. The building serves as a testing ground for energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives and regularly pioneers measures to be replicated across their entire commercial real estate portfolio. To further its ongoing commitment to reduce energy consumption, St. John Properties headquarters implemented a series of energy efficiency upgrades between 2018-2021, which included enhancements to HVAC, solar, and lighting systems, alongside the implementation of a Building Management System (BMS), resulting in over 225,000 kWh of energy savings and $12,500 in cost savings annually.

Solutions
The St. John Properties Headquarters achieved LEED certification for Operations and Management as an existing building (EBO&M) in 2012 and was among the first of St. John’s properties to undergo retrofitting with LED lights, now the primary energy-saving feature across the portfolio. Building on the success of the LED retrofit, a comprehensive series of upgrades was implemented between 2018-2021, addressing various facets of the building. This included HVAC Damper Upgrades, which replaced outdated equipment and installed new dampers on rooftop units to ensure optimized performance. Solar Optimization measures were also employed to fine-tune existing rooftop solar infrastructure, maximizing operational efficiency.

The second-floor renovation integrated state-of-the-art HVAC equipment and air balancing techniques, while the conference room HVAC upgrade introduced a high-efficiency air handling unit, enhancing comfort and reducing energy consumption. Additionally, a lighting retrofit smoothly transitioned outdated fixtures to energy-efficient LEDs.

The implementation of a Building Management System also introduced an intelligent energy management system, enabling proactive HVAC monitoring and scheduling. This system provides an enhanced view of the buildings HVAC, identifying smaller system errors before leading to bigger problems.

Collectively, these initiatives resulted in over 225,000 kWh of energy savings and cost savings of $12,500 annually, underscoring St. John Properties' ongoing commitment to reducing energy consumption and costs.

Other Benefits
Beyond energy savings, the upgraded HVAC systems enhance Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) through increased ventilation, creating healthier indoor environments and promoting employee well-being. Improved IAQ is correlated with enhanced productivity, as improved ventilation and lighting contribute to enhanced employee wellbeing, potentially saving thousands of work hours each year. Additionally, the initiative alleviates maintenance burdens through the implementation of long-lasting fixtures, ensuring sustained efficiency and operational excellence.

The St. John Properties headquarters sets an important example for the broader adoption of sustainable practices and technology throughout their portfolio.

This column originally appeared on the Better Buildings website.

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