Houston Independent School District: Farias Early Childhood Center Retrocommissioning
Background
Farias Early Childhood Center (FECC) is one of the 238 schools that are part of the Houston Independent School District (HISD). In 2015, the district developed an Energy Master Plan to implement retrocommissioning across 20 targeted campuses. FECC was identified as having the highest energy use index amongst school buildings based on energy consumption, square footage and occupancy.
FECC is a dual-language facility serving over 430 children in pre-kindergarten. The building was constructed in 2005 using several energy efficient design elements including corridor skylights, energy efficient windows, and VAV HVAC systems. However, in recent years, this facility realized atypical electrical loads attributed to a fault in the direct digital control (DDC) programming and skill deficiencies of the maintenance staff. The DDC programming allowed for the building to operate on a 24/7 schedule.
Solutions
Energy efficiency measures included adjustments to set points and building system controls, repair to damaged sensors, de-lamping and cleaning of equipment. Implementation began in October of 2015 and is expected to result in an annual energy savings of 58% and $88,000 at the project’s conclusion.
Below is a list of energy efficiency measures implemented at FECC including the cost per measure and savings achieved:
Savings Measure | Project Cost | Cost Savings Achieved | Notes |
| Reduce air handling unit (AHU) run time | $3,040 | $32,000 |
|
| Space temperature set point control | $0 | $12,000 |
|
| Variable air volume (VAV) box minimum air flow set point | $0 | $8,000 |
|
| VAV AHU air flow control | $500 | $8,000 |
|
| Chilled water coil discharge air temperature control | $0 | $2,400 |
|
| Preheat coil discharge air temperature control | $0 | $2,400 |
|
| Reduce central plant equipment run time | $4,505 | $2,400 |
|
| Open throttled isolation valves | $0 | $2,400 |
|
| Reduce domestic hot water set point | $0 | $2,400 |
|
| De-lamp corridor lighting fixtures | $871 | $2,400 |
|
| Central Plant Maintenance | EST. $500 | $2,400 |
|
| Perform air-side equipment maintenance | EST. $500 | $3,200 |
|
Other Benefits
In addition to the energy savings above, the measures are expected to increase overall building comfort, therefore improving the learning environment for the kids and the teachers by eliminating over-cooling of classrooms. The reduced equipment run times will also improve system reliability and increase equipment life, as well as reduce maintenance cost over the life of the building.
The district benchmarks Farias using the EPA’s ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager tool and expects these savings to result in an improved ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager score with the potential for certification in the future. In addition, HISD plans to reinvest cost savings achieved district-wide to fund additional efficiency measures and academic support needs.
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