The Tower Companies: Millennium Building
Solution Overview
The Tower Companies' Millennium Building is a commercial office building located on the premiere corner of Washington D.C.'s Golden Triangle business district. The building as a result of energy efficiency upgrades in 2009 has saved the company 20% in energy savings and over $200,000 in cost savings.
Background
The Millennium Building is a commercial office building located on the premiere corner of DC's Golden Triangle business district. The building is owned and managed by The Tower Companies, and was selected to undergo an energy efficiency upgrade in 2009. As a result of these efforts, the company has realized energy savings of 20% and cost savings of over $200,000.
The 240,000 square foot "Class A" facility includes ground floor retail consisting of a restaurant and a bank. Building amenities include a rooftop terrace, concierge services, and a fitness center. In addition, it features an 80,000 square foot parking garage which services the building.
Renovations of The Millennium Building demonstrate The Tower Companies' goal to provide Class A office spaces that are attractive, healthy, sustainable and productive work environments for their clients. The company is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and understands the importance of being able to respond quickly to the changing business environment. As such, The Tower Companies is committed to continually improving the energy efficiency of the existing buildings in their portfolio.
Solutions
Since the launch of the program, the following ECMs have been incorporated at The Millennium Building: a real time energy management program to educate building engineers and property managers on efficient building operations and identify potential energy savings activities; building management system (BMS) and HVAC controls; and LED stairwell lighting. Work began in January 2012 and was completed in December 2012.
These ECMs were selected due to their quick payback period and the potential for energy reductions and savings. Over the 18 month period of January 2012-June 2013, the company realized an electricity reduction of over 1,800 MWh (or 20%) compared to its normalized 2011 baseline, which is equivalent to the emissions from 267 cars for one year. The company regularly conducts night audits to ensure system efficiency. Adjustments to the BMS will be made to account for seasonal changes and ensure occupant comfort. Monthly team meetings are held to identify additional ECMs for consideration including additional lighting and equipment upgrades.
New technologies and best practices are constantly evolving and The Tower Companies seek to stay ahead of these developments and set trends in the industry.
Other Benefits
The building received ENERGY STAR® certification in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and has recertified since. The Tower Companies expect increases in the future through the use of various ECMs and the real time energy monitoring system.
The Millennium Building achieved LEED® certification in 2009 under the Existing Buildings v2.0 and received LEED Gold Re-certification in 2013 under EBOM v3. In addition, The Millennium Building achieved LEED Gold Certification under Commercial Interiors in 2011 for two tenant office spaces.
Image Gallery
The Millennium Building
View of the roof
