Shorenstein Properties – Pavan Kumar Ryali – 2017

Goals

Shorenstein Properties, one of the country’s oldest and most respected real estate organizations, enlisted EDF Climate Corps fellow Pavan Ryali to enhance the sustainability performance of one of its largest properties as part of its organizational goal of reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent by 2020. The Sustainability Committee at Shorenstein, along with the regional property management team identified seven potential projects, but had not yet evaluated their feasibility and return on investment.

Solutions

After analysis and field trials, Ryali identified potential savings in optimizing HVAC system performance by modifying operational parameters like chilled water temperature settings, valve operations, cleaning of free-cooling heat exchangers and by installing variable speed drive on chillers. He then evaluated the feasibility of implementing heating system modifications that could substantially reduce annual heating costs. Ryali analyzed the property’s compliance with Denver Building Energy Code and suggested measures to meet the requirements, along with a LEED certification maintenance strategy.

Potential Impact

Over the projects’ lifetime, Ryali’s recommendations have the potential to save Shorenstein $1.34 million in net operational costs. Annually, they could save 1.45 million kilowatt hours of electricity and 1,274 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Budget plans have been prepared to implement these projects, which will greatly contribute towards achieving the company’s organizational sustainability goals.