Energy efficiency takes center stage
Glenn Weihert and his team at the Overture Center are wrapping up the first phase of a retrocommissioning effort. Optimizing the building's energy-using systems will save $60,000 in energy costs annually.
Thousands of visitors attend events annually at Madison's Overture Center for the Arts—from musicals and operas to comedy shows. People of all ages are eager to check out performances at this world-class venue.
Backstage, Overture's Facility Operations staff is fine-tuning a different kind of performance—the overall performance of the building. The team began this $57,500 retrocommissioning effort in the spring. Ticket demand may be low for this event, but the expected energy savings should generate plenty of applause.
"It has been intense and challenging but very exciting to make this building more energy efficient," said Glenn Weihert, Overture's Director of Facility Operations, who spearheads the retrocommissioning effort. "Once the work is done, we expect to save about $60,000 in energy costs annually starting in 2009."
Large facilities, like Overture, rely on interactive systems to control heating, air-conditioning and lighting. Because they are complex, these systems can stray from optimal operation. Retrocommissioning is a systematic way to evaluate energy-using systems and identify strategies to reset a building to its most efficient settings. Plus, this maintenance helps extend equipment life.
Since the 380,000-square-foot facility opened in 2004, Overture staff has been energy conscious and willing to tackle energy-saving projects.
"We cut energy costs by reprogramming our automation system, updating lighting and making other changes—but we want to continue improving," Weihert said. "Cathy Mackin and her team at MGE have really helped pinpoint areas we can improve and strategies that yield results. When they recommended retrocommissioning, we knew it was a smart next step."
Weihert recruited experts to help, including MGE, Johnson Controls and Pearson Engineering. They reviewed energy-use data and completed a comprehensive audit—a thorough review of building systems and controls.
"We put a plan in place and began improvements, which include adopting an optimal-start program for heating and cooling," Weihert said. "This uses less energy to keep areas that will be occupied at comfortable temperatures."
Overture also is making adjustments to individual pieces of equipment, building pressure controls and the way chilling towers are used. Weihert's 14-member staff is working alongside project engineers and technicians.
It is important for them to be part of the process, have a complete understanding of why we are making changes and learn new procedures firsthand, Weihert noted.
A $45,000 grant from Focus on Energy will help cover the cost of the current retrocommissioning project. Overture plans to partner with Focus on Energy and start a second project phase next year.
"We use green cleaning products, we recycle and we will continue to make our building green," Weihert said. "It is my goal to achieve LEED certification for the Overture Center in the future—that would be an award-winning performance.
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