Energy Efficient Buildings | Recommissioning

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Case Study - Office Tower: Royal Bank Office, Winnipeg (MB)

Built in 1965, the Royal Bank office building in downtown Winnipeg is one of the first modern high-rises built in the province. The 17-storey building of 20,000 m² accomodates about 1,000 employees and its annual energy bill before the RCx was about $294,000. Completed in 2009, the RCx reduced the bill by 20% and focused mainly on the following electromechanical systems:

2 natural gas boilers of 2,930 kW each (299 hp)
10 air handling units with a total capacity of 69,500 L/s (147,000 CFM)
2 chillers with a total capacity of 430 tonnes

Measurement and Verification (M&V): Additional Savings!

After the RCx implementation phase, the M&V carried out during the year resulted in new discoveries that generated additional electrical savings of 800 GJ.

Reduced Water Consumption: A Significant Spinoff!

In addition to the RCx measures outlined in this case study, the overall project included some water consumption reduction measures that benefited the owner. As shown below, the savings were substantial:

Water consumption reduction: 15,000 m³ (64%)
Monetary savings: $45,000/year

Measures implemented to reduce water consumption, in addition to the RCx measures, helped to achieve BOMA BESt environmental certification.

Results

Energy savings¹ (75% natural gas, 25% electricity): 6,652 GJ/year (25%)
Monetary savings²: $59,000/year
GHG reduction (equivalent to 66 cars): 363 t CO₂e/year
Simple payback³: 3.3 years

Cost Breakdown

RCx winning measures		Annual savings
1	Optimization of ventilation systems Both ventilation systems were functioning continuously at constant loads. The operating hours were reduced and re-scheduled based on occupancy rates and outdoor temperatures, resulting in natural gas and electricity savings. Cost: $97,500 \| Payback: 2.9 years	3,727 GJ/year $33,075/year
2	Installation of C0₂ sensors This measure regulates the return air CO₂ levels and modulates the opening of outside air dampers when CO₂ concentrations rise, resulting in natural gas savings. Cost: $30,000 \| Payback: 1.8 years	1,779 GJ/year $16,300/year
3	Setpoints modification and night setback The direct digital command (DDC) is reprogrammed to maintain a 23°C (74°F) cooling setpoint and a 21°C (70°F) heating setpoint during daytime and to reduce night loads, resulting in natural gas savings. Cost: $7,900 \| Payback: 2.9 years	298 GJ/year $2,700/year
	Other RCx measures Cost: $56,600 \| Payback: 8.2 years	848 GJ/year $6,925/year

NB: Costs and paybacks include only implementation phase materials and labour.

" Building energy performance trending through monthly energy consumption and costs indicates that the overall energy and water conservations, as a result of the Commercial Building Optimization Program (CBOP) of Manitoba Hydro and in-house efficient operations efforts exceed preliminary calculations. We are quite satisfied with the results and the project’s impact on our daily operations! "

Sue Ziemski, Property Manager

Canadian Real Estate Investment Trust (CREIT)

Toronto (ON), Canada

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To learn more about CanmetENERGY's activities related to industrial systems, visit the Industrial Systems Optimization section of the website.

Stakeholders

Building owner and manager: Canadian Real Estate Investment Trust
RCx consultant: Demand Side Energy
Collaborator: Manitoba Hydro

¹ Savings verified by an indendent third party in accordance with the International Performance Monitoring & Verification Protocol (IPMVR) and standardized according to weather conditions.

² Monetary savings do not include non-energy impacts (NEIs) such as extended service life of equipment or increased comfort for tenants.

³ Includes all costs for the 4 phases of the project.

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