Chinook Lodge: Energy Efficiency Case Study

Energy Efficiency Case Study: Chinook Foundation’s Seniors Housing Communities

Identifying Energy Cost Disparities Across Properties

Chinook Foundation manages three seniors housing communities in Cardston County. The Foundation noted that one of their three assets, Chinook Lodge, had considerably higher energy costs compared to the two other properties. The Foundation enlisted the expertise of their energy partner, 8760 Expense Management to answer these questions:

1. Is there a valid reason why the energy costs at Chinook Lodge are so much higher than the other two properties?
2. Is there anything that can be done to reduce these costs?

8760 recommended a Desktop Audit to verify if a problem existed and answer question #1.

Initial Assessment: Desktop Audit Approach

Leveraging Historical Data for Baseline Energy Metrics

In order to gain initial insights into the baseline energy efficiency metrics associated with Chinook Lodge, 8760 recommended the completion of a Desktop Audit. Using historical energy consumption data, 8760 was able to provide a valuable snapshot of several important indicators.

Comprehensive Analysis: Key Findings from Desktop and Energy Audits

The Desktop Audit revealed that Chinook Lodge’s electricity use was 11% above the target consumption, and natural gas consumption was 136% higher than the expected target. The facility scored 28 on the ENERGY STAR Score, a national benchmarking score, which is significantly below the national median and the target value of 50 and 75, respectively. The primary reason for the low score was excessive natural gas usage.

The next step was to perform a full Energy Audit of the building which is designed to determine specific issues driving the metrics revealed by the Desktop Audit.

8760 conducted an on-site walkthrough assessment to examine the building’s energy systems. It was determined the lighting and building envelope were in acceptable condition, with some minor improvements suggested, and not the cause of the higher energy consumption. It was determined through analysis, inspection, and discussion with key maintenance personnel that the HVAC system, and to a lesser extent the domestic hot water (DHW) system were the primary contributors to the elevated consumption. The building’s system controls could also benefit from upgrading and modernization, which could lead to potential significant energy use reduction.

Strategic Solutions: Recommendations and Implementation Plan

Phased Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs)

8760 provided the following recommended Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) which were divided into three phases for budgeting and planning purposes:

Phase 1 – Low-cost, quick implementation measures. These included:

Additional various boiler controls, reducing the airflow from the air handler, supplying outdoor combustion air to the boilers, adjusting flow dampers, rebalancing the air ducts, and basic lighting controls.

Potential savings: Approximately 13% of total annual energy spend

Phase 2 – Moderate investment measures with longer payback periods. These included:

Installing a DHW boiler bypass, adding air recirculation ducting, a heat recovery system, modern HVAC controls, and installing thermostat (window) interlocks.

Potential savings: Approximately 5% of total annual energy spend (combined 18% for Phase 1 and 2)

Phase 3 – Expensive measures with significant savings for future consideration. These included:

Install ground source heat pumps as well as a solar PV system.

Tiered Implementation Strategy

The implementation timeline varies for each ECM:

• Phase 1 measures should be implemented immediately due to their ease/ and low/no cost, to realize savings.
• Phase 2 measures can be budgeted and funded through various available grants.
• Phase 3 measures can be considered and implemented if capital costs decrease, or funding becomes available.

Projected Outcomes: Results and Conclusion

Anticipated Energy Savings and Environmental Impact

Implementing the recommended ECMs will result in substantial energy savings and reduced GHG emissions. Overall, these improvements would contribute to a more energy-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly facility.

Long-term Benefits of Energy Efficiency Improvements

The Desktop Audit identified a definite opportunity for energy and cost savings at Chinook Lodge. The subsequent Energy Audit conducted by 8760 provided Chinook Foundation with a comprehensive, detailed analysis along with actionable recommendations for improving the energy efficiency of the building. By implementing the suggested ECMs, the facility can significantly reduce its energy consumption, costs, and environmental impact, while enhancing occupant comfort and modernizing building controls.