Battle of the Buildings 2017

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EASY WAYS TO SAVE Warmer weather may make it hard for businesses to save money on their gas and electric bills while still keeping employees and customers cool. That’s why DTE Energy wants you to know what you can do to accomplish both goals.

Programming thermostats to automatically adjust the temperature during unoccupied periods and installing motion sensor lights in less used areas are easy ways to save without sacrificing comfort. Replacing water heaters with ENERGY STARÂŽ certified ones will result in even more energy savings. Together, we can reduce energy waste and help your business thrive.

For more tips and ways to save, visit dteenergy.com/savenow.

Approval Files: DTE/Approval Documents/Print > 2017-04-05-DTE0665-EnergySmart-battleofbuildings-10.25x16.125-V1-R0.pdf

APRIL 17, 2017 BATTLE OF THE BUILDINGS 3

BATTLE AGENDA Michigan Battle of the Buildings AWARD CEREMONY & ENERGY SUMMIT 8:30am - 9:00am

Registration & Breakfast

Exhibit Space Open

9:00am - 9:15am

Welcome Main Ballroom

Cheri Holman - Director USGBC West Michigan

9:15am - 9:45am

Opening Plenary Main Ballroom

Daniel Brudzynski - VP of Gas Sales & Supply Ted Ykimoff - Director of Energy Efficiency Cunsumers Energy

9:45am - 10:15am 10:15am - 10:30am

Break

Exhibit Space Open

10:30am - 11:45am

Breakout Session I Choose A or B

A - Rebates & Financing-What’s New? B - Strategies & Insights from Corporations Sponsored by Midwest Energy Group

11:45am - 12:30pm

Lunch

Exhibit Space Open

12:30pm - 1:00pm

Lunch Plenary Main Ballroom

Brett Moss - Director Net Zero Plus Electrical Training Institute

1:00pm - 1:15pm

Break

Exhibit Space Open

1:15pm - 2:30pm

Breakout Session II Choose A or B

A - Higher Ed Approach to Energy Projects B - Reducing Energy Makes Sense for Business Sponsored by Michigan Agency for Energy

2:30pm - 2:45pm

Break

Exhibit Space Open

2:45pm - 3:15pm

Awards Main Ballroom

Celebrate the 2016 Battle Competitors

3:15pm - 4:00pm

Closing Plenary Main Ballroom

Valerie Brader - Director Michigan Agency for Energy

4:00pm - 5:00pm

Cocktails & Networking

Prizes in Exhibitor Space

Official Media Partner

APRIL 17, 2017 BATTLE OF THE BUILDINGS 5

BIG OR SMALL

Every building is on an equal playing field in this “Biggest Loser” – styled competition.

LETTER FROM DIRECTOR ...

As we reflect on the third year of Michigan’s “Biggest Loser”- styled commercial building energy reduction competition, we are proud of the large number of companies that have found a home with the Michigan Battle of the Buildings. In 2016, we welcomed more than 64 million sq. ft. of competing building space, nearly triple the previous year and a staggering increase from the first year of 11.5 million sq. ft.

The competition provides a unique platform for participants to exchange ideas and consider various approaches for making their buildings more energy efficient. Buildings consume almost half of all the energy produced in the United States today, so the diversity of solutions highlighted in the competition, from deep energy retrofits to occupant education in more efficient

energy use, can have a significant influence in reducing unnecessary energy use on a broad scale.

We know that energy efficiency is the most direct and cost-effective way to address a wide range of energy-related issues including national security, rising energy costs and the impacts of climate change. Energy efficient measures can be tailored to buildings small and large, old and new, and greater energy efficiency often gives companies a competitive edge while simultaneously maintaining occupant comfort and increasing productivity.

The bottom line: The most affordable energy is the energy we don’t consume.

The Battle of the Buildings also highlights efficiency and savings opportunities available to everyone, notably incentive programs offered

by regional utility companies including competition partners, Consumers Energy and DTE Energy. As you read through the following pages, incentives are a common thread throughout, an obvious strategy for shortening the ROI period associated with initiating energy upgrades to buildings.

It is an honor to provide a showcase for this year’s Biggest Losers and share their success stories. The 2016 competitors saved more than $2.4 million in energy costs and avoided 22,141 metric tons of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) from entering the atmosphere. There are no losers here!

To date, Michigan alone hosts the country’s only statewide competition of this kind. We would love to see more states join us in this effort, but for now we’re

proud to carry the touch for inspiring greater energy efficiency in the built environment.

The 2017 competition kicked off on January 1st with 589 buildings representing over 93 million sq. ft. of Michigan real estate.

We extend a warm welcome to our new and returning

buildings and look forward to another year of friendly competition.

Bring on the 2017 Michigan Battle of the Buildings!

Cheri Holman, LEED AP Executive Director U.S. Green Building Council West Michigan

Official Media Partner

Cocktail/Networking Sponsor

Breakout Session Sponsor

Breakout Session Sponsor

Parking Sponsor

6 BATTLE OF THE BUILDINGS APRIL 17, 2017

Western Michigan University Health and Human Services 1ST PLACE • BIGGEST LOSER IN EDUCATION CATEGORY Western Michigan University’s Health and Human Services building is a very busy place. The 242,000 square-foot facility delivers programs such as nursing; physician assistants; speech, language and hearing sciences; and occupational therapy. Over the 2016 year, the College of Health and Human Services secured over 6.3 million dollars in research funding. More than any other college on campus according Joel Krauss, Marketing Specialist Sr. for WMU CHHS. The building originally earned

LEED Gold certification for Existing Buildings in 2009, WMU’s first LEED certification. It was also the first LEED-EB in Michigan and for a higher education institution in Michigan.

“Retro-commissioning in 2015 really kicked off the energy conversation process in this building,” says DeVon Caprice-Miller, Building Commissioning Specialist for WMU. “We identified the no cost/low cost enhancements that could be made and preceded with those.” For example, the building originally ran two heat exchangers simultaneously; now only one runs while the other remains on standby, a strategy considered significant in reducing energy use.

WMU also sought to inspire behavioral changes among building occupants. “We did a walk-through assessment, surveyed occupants, reviewed and implemented our policies around energy use in the building,” explains Christopher Caprara, Energy Administration Specialist for WMU. His team used the findings to create educational workshops for

tenants, along with informational signage placed throughout the facility.

These efforts likely contributed to the 17.24 percent reduction in energy use that secured the building’s leadership position in the Education category of the 2016 Michigan Battle of the Buildings competition. As healthcare industry workers, “the students and staff in this building get it, they understand the impacts of their indoor environment and climate change,” Caprara says, “so implementing behavior changes in this particular building may be easier than most.”

WMU also utilizes Consumer Energy’s Smart Building Program, available to the utility’s electric or natural gas customers. Eligible facilities must have at least 75,000 square feet of space with a building automation system, direct digital controls, and a dedicated maintenance staff. Building administrators must also be willing to commit to initial assessment costs and at least $5,000 worth of facility improvements with quick paybacks of less

than 1.5 years. The program then provides building owners with incentives to implement upgrades designed to reduce energy usage.

Western Michigan University owns its power plant. The Robert M. Beam facility’s two 5-MW gas turbines provide energy to the university’s east and west campuses, as well as the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital. In the 1990s, the plant

underwent major renovations to switch from coal to natural gas, making it both energy-efficient and cost-effective, and resulting in savings of thousands of dollars each year.

This is the third year that WMU’s Health and Human Service Building has participated in the Michigan Battle of the Buildings, so the lesson is never give up!

Holland Public Schools – Holland High School 2ND PLACE • BIGGEST LOSER IN EDUCATION CATEGORY This is the second year the Holland Public Schools has participated in the Michigan Battle of the Buildings, and the district is no stranger to winning: Holland High School took second in the 2015 Michigan Battle of the Buildings.

The school system includes retro-commissioning among its energy improvement strategies.

“We have found it very beneficial to do retro-commissioning on our buildings,” says Jason MacKay, Director of Facilities. “The process pays for itself in no time.” Retrocommissioning can often identify and resolve problems that occurred

during a newer building’s design or construction phase; it can also address problems that have developed during the building’s lifetime as equipment has aged, or its usage has changed. Holland Public Schools works closely with Midwest Energy Group, a consulting firm that specializes in energy management and efficiency, to retro-commission its buildings and prioritize potential projects.

Holland Public West, a K-7 school, placed second this year in Battle of the Buildings’ education building category. MacKay attributed most of the building’s ener-

gy savings to resolving an issue with the air handler motors, which were old and running most of the time. The problem was fixed and controls were added for improved system management, resulting in energy savings of 16.81 percent and a second-place finish in Battle of the Buildings.

Lighting upgrades have been made throughout the district, notably the conversion to T8 fluorescent lamps from the obsolete T12 model, along with the addition of LED technology. K-12 school systems can take advantage of utility company incentives, something Holland Public does through working with its utility services, Holland BPW for electric power and SEMCO for natural gas. Once potential projects have been identified, the district engages the services of an outside contractor to complete the work.

“The hope is to build more expertise in the department so projects can be implemented by our team members,” says MacKay. The nine-building Holland Public School system is in the midst of several efficiency upgrades, including the replacement of chillers and lighting improvements. “We

are proud of the effort that everyone has made to become more energy efficient,” MacKay says. “It is a big deal to be named a winner of Michigan Battle of the Buildings, and something our students, staff and community can rally around and be motivated by to do more.”

Barfly Ventures – Grand Rapids Brewing Company 1ST PLACE • BIGGEST LOSER IN ENTERTAINMENT/HOTEL/RESTAURANT CATEGORY Major investments into energy efficient equipment or systems are not always necessary to reduce significant amounts of energy usage.

BarFly Ventures is a prime example of that. The Grand Rapids-based restaurant/bar company manages 4 locations, including HopCat, Grand Rapids Brewing Company, Stella’s and Waldron. Additionally, BarFly has opened eleven HopCat restaurants outside of the West Michigan area, with plans to open four more within the next year.

This is BarFly’s second year competing in Battle of the Buildings, and this year Grand Rapids Brewing

Company rose to the top in savings. Engaging the management team at each location to be cognizant of their restaurant’s energy and water usage, and find simple ways to reduce was key.

BarFly took a unique approach to reducing its energy usage by starting a conversation with its employees about being aware of the energy they use. Staff and management took actions to adjust temperature settings more efficiently, and to establish procedures for opening and closing the restaurants in order to ensure that lights and equipment were not used unnec-

essarily. These initiatives reduced Grand Rapids Brewing Company’s energy usage by 8.5 percent in the 2016 calendar year, with very little investment in energy-efficient equipment and systems.

The process, however, was not a cake walk. Restaurant lighting must be on most of the day, even for the cleaners at night. Furthermore, trying to efficiently monitor and adjust temperatures can be difficult, especially when considering the steady flow of restaurant guests in and out of each location.

Finding a system that works for Grand Rapids Brewing Company, its staff and its valued customers was a challenge, admits BarFly Sustainability Manager Autumn Sands. “Sustainability initiatives, as a whole, are rare in the restaurant industry,” she says.

BarFly is up for the challenge of breaking new ground when it comes to being green.

Reducing energy waste is as important as investing in more ener-

gy-efficient equipment, and much less costly.

BarFly is looking to invest in bigger projects, including installing LED lighting in all heart of house areas, and installing Energy Star equipment. “We are really excited

that our small changes have made an impact,” Sands acknowledges.

“This sets the tone for the future, as energy use becomes a fundamental consideration within our business.

There is still a lot of work to do.”

APRIL 17, 2017 BATTLE OF THE BUILDINGS 7

Odawa Casino Resort 2ND PLACE • BIGGEST LOSERS IN ENTERTAINMENT CATEGORY Petoskey’s Odawa Casino Resort is owned and operated by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. The resort website boasts of a nearly 300,000 sq. ft. facility that features slots and table games, hotel rooms, indoor pool, restaurants, retail and more.

Odawa Casino Resort’s dedication to energy conservation is reflected in the numerous awards it has won. This is the facility’s third year competing in the Battle of the Buildings Biggest Loser challenge, having previously won second place twice. The resort also was awarded the Governor’s Energy Excellence Award in 2015, which honors Michigan organizations and

individuals for outstanding achievements in reducing energy waste.

Additionally, the venue received Emmet County’s Recycler of the Year Award in 2016.

“The Tribe’s main goal is to protect Mother Earth by reducing our carbon footprint,” says Dave Heinz, lead electrician at Odawa Casino Resort. Heinz and his coworker, Ron Gatlin have been managing electrical services for eight years, and typically work with the resort’s vendors to set and achieve new energy efficiency goals.

While most of the big projects with lighting have been done, Heinz and his team keep up-to-date on new energy technologies that

might be suitable for Odawa Casino Resort. “The idea is to get everyone on board,” Heinz explains. Energysaving ideas have come from a variety of staff members including the plumber.

The Odawa team also shares energy strategies with other area casinos.

Heinz attributed this year’s Battle of the Buildings’ repeat secondplace victory to several energy-saving initiatives including temperature adjustments to the venue’s five 1 million BTU small boilers, as well as lamp conversions to LED technology. He also credits the resort’s IT department for reducing the heat load on and energy consumed by the organization’s core servers.

Collectively, these efforts resulted in a 3.38 percent reduction in energy consumed over the 2016 calendar year. According to Heinz, Odawa Casino Resort has reduced its cost of operations by over $540,000 a year. Specifically, KWh reductions totaled $396,600, and MMBTU reduction contributed $143,400. The resort has received rebates from Great Lakes Energy and DTE totaling about $190,000.

Noting that the facility’s return on investment with the rebates required only 4.44 months, Heinz poses a simple question: “Why isn’t everyone doing this?”

In Heinz’s eight years in energy management at Odawa Casino Resort, the venue has achieved savings of approximately $2 million. Heinz has plans for 2017 that include energy efficiency upgrades

to more lights on the property.

Odawa Casino Resort is honored to be part of the Battle of the Buildings Biggest Loser challenge.

In speaking of the facility’s repeated success, Heinz says “This gives us confirmation that what we are doing is working, and now we are sharing what we are doing with other companies.”

Comerica Stadium Pauline Banking Center 1ST PLACE • BIGGEST LOSERS IN FINANCIAL INSTITUTION CATEGORY

Comerica Jackson Main Banking Center 2ND PLACE • BIGGEST LOSERS IN FINANCIAL INSTITUTION CATEGORY Comerica Incorporated is a financial services company strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, helping people and businesses achieve success.

Comerica has found a home with the Michigan Battle of the Buildings competition, building on its 2016 First Place finish in the office category by landing both the First and Second Place positions this year. Last year’s winner with a 21.3 percent reduction in energy usage, Comerica’s Stadium Pauline Banking Center in Ann Arbor again achieved the leading position, with additional reductions of 28.2 percent. Comerica’s Jackson Main Banking Center in Jackson secured second place, with a reduction of 22.3 percent.

“To win back-to-back awards with the same facility is a tremendous accomplishment,” admits Scott Beckerman, Senior Vice President and Comerica’s Director of Corporate Sustainability, “but to secure the second position in the face of a large and competitive field is even more rewarding.”

Comerica attributes its success with both locations to a combination of employee engagement and the implementation of building management systems. “These systems have really allowed us to reduce unnecessary energy use while maintaining comfortable conditions for our colleagues and customers,” Beckerman notes. “We’ve also used EPA’s Battle of the Buildings materials to engage our colleagues through webinars and our company intranet site.”

Last year’s win and the significant energy reduction achieved at its Stadium Pauline office confirmed the positive impacts of better managing the company’s energy use. This led Comerica to move forward with a national program to install enhanced building control systems at over 300 of its sites in 2017. “Additionally, we will be moving more colleagues into a new flexible working space at our Stadium Pauline site later in 2017,” Beckerman says. “The collaborative workspace will help improve business productivity and collaboration, while further leveraging the efficiency of this building.”

Comerica has established a

series of 2020 Environmental Sustainability Goals focused on reducing emissions, water, waste and paper usage. The company will publish updated data on its progress as part of its comprehensive corporate sustainability report later this year. Comerica believes that enhanced building controls and other initiatives should help it to meet and even exceed its 20 percent greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal.

“Participating in the Battle of the Buildings is a great way to engage everyone around energy efficiency, which isn’t always easy to see or appreciate,” says Beckerman, “Battle of the Buildings provides great motivation and validation to our team of facility managers, building engineers and colleagues.”

When it comes to learning and sharing best practices, Comerica likes to contribute to the energy efficiency conversation. “By sharing our story, we hope to help move energy efficiency and sustainability forward here in Michigan and across the country,” Beckerman says. “The events hosted by organizations like USGBC Chapters are great ways share and learn.” He says companies shouldn’t be afraid to start small, so long as they get started. “Focus on one thing at a time, and don’t be afraid to experiment. It’s okay to start with simple changes, but keep your long-term ambitions high.”

For Comerica, energy efficiency is just one of the ways the company is working to broadly address sustainability. “We recognize that to have thriving Michigan communi-

ties, we need to protect and preserve our environment,” Beckerman acknowledges. “When we reduce our energy use, everyone wins.”

THE TRIBE’S MAIN GOAL IS TO PROTECT MOTHER EARTH BY REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT. - DAVE HEINZ, LEAD ELECTRICIAN AT ODAWA CASINO RESORT

8 BATTLE OF THE BUILDINGS APRIL 17, 2017

University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center 1ST PLACE • BIGGEST LOSER IN HEALTH/HOSPITAL CATEGORY The University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center opened its doors in 1985, consolidating under one roof clinics, laboratories and offices that had been scattered among seven buildings throughout the medical campus. The facility has since experienced exponential growth, as annual patient visits have more than doubled to over 160,000 since the building’s opening, making it Michigan’s number one ranked eye center. In response, U of M opened Brehm Tower, an eight-story, a 230,000-sq.-ft. addition to the center, in 2010.

The Kellogg Eye Center’s journey to a First-Place finish began with a problem. The university had renovated several lab areas, including a whole floor, over several years’ time, converting them to office space. During the renova-

tions, exhaust fans were not appropriately adjusted, and they continued to draw air for the 10-12 hourly air changes needed for the previous lab space. “Air was being pulled from every crack and crevice, and it found a different path when the new entrance vestibule was constructed,” explains David Shaw, U of M Medical School Regional Energy Manager. As a result, cold air pulled through the building entrance was chilling the main lobby area.

To fix this problem, Shaw and the U of M Facilities Team worked to adjust the exhaust fans and rebalance the air flow throughout the building. By doing so, they reduced exhaust air by almost 10,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm). The adjustments also reduced the center’s energy consumption by 5.3 percent, for a cost savings of approximately

$15,000 in the 2016 calendar year.

A future exhaust fan replacement project will further reduce air flow at least another 3,600 cfm.

The Energy Management Team’s five managers are now tasked with pursuing energy conservation projects throughout the entire campus, to help U of M reach its goal of reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 25 percent by the year 2025. So far, the university has dropped its GHG emissions an average of 8 percent each year.

Shaw advises other facility managers attempting to reduce energy consumption to first recommission their current facilities, to “make sure your facilities and equipment are doing what they were designed to do.” Secondly, it’s also smart to evaluate whether the facility and its equipment are meeting current needs, or if they are oversized.

Thirdly, Shaw encourages facility managers to implement the latest technology and set up energy trends to monitor and control energy consumption.

Shaw says U of M was thrilled to be named “Biggest Loser” in the Health/Hospital category, viewing it as an acknowledgment of the university’s culture of leadership.

He credits the Energy Management Team, operations and maintenance engineers, design engineers, facili-

ties maintenance, skilled trade personnel, and various contractors, all working together as a team, for the Kellogg Eye Center’s success in reducing its energy consumption and achieving its First-Place finish in the Michigan Battle of the Buildings

Spectrum Health – Lemmen Holton Cancer Pavilion 2ND PLACE • BIGGEST LOSER IN HEALTH/HOSPITAL CATEGORY Spectrum Health’s Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion is located at 145 Michigan NE in downtown Grand Rapids. It opened in June 2008 as part of Spectrum Health’s Cancer Center – a collaboration of the Spectrum Health network of hos-

pitals, Spectrum Health Medical Group and affiliated providers.

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The facility is connected to Spectrum Health’s Butterworth Hospital just across Michigan Avenue through an underground tunnel system.

This is Spectrum Health’s second year competing in Michigan Battle of the Buildings. Through targeted energy conservation measures, Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion reduced its energy consumption 2.7 percent in 2016. These efforts included ongoing commissioning, parking garage lighting improvements, HVAC equipment scheduling, and chilled water flow optimization.

“Analyzing our HVAC equipment operation and scheduling has resulted in our largest energy reduction strategy,” explains Facilities Energy Project Manager Jim Karas. “Specifically, we removed our smaller IT and communication closets from our main air handling systems, and added dedicated single-zone split DX cooling systems to condition these spaces independently. This has allowed these specific room types to be controlled and scheduled independently without impacting our large air handling systems operation.”

The Spectrum Health hospital network has set an annual $500,000 energy cost reduction goal that includes all major buildings. Facility improvements are constantly in pro-

gess to reduce energy consumption, and typically exceed this goal. A primary objective is to maintain or exceed the level of service provided to occupants.

Spectrum Health’s facility team is excited to receive second place accolades in the Health/Hospital category. The award supports the organization’s efforts to maintain a positive, healthy hospital image for patients, staff and the respective communities where its facilities are located.

Karas suggests that organizations looking to renovate lighting systems to reduce energy consumption hire a lighting designer to perform a photometric analysis for the proposed design. “You don’t

want to reduce light quality after a lighting retrofit,” he explains. “The goal should be to provide the same or improved space illumination. A lamp-for-lamp strategy sometimes can work, but generally someone should review the layout from a photometric perspective.”

Regarding other energy-saving strategies: “Consider variable speed drives for chillers, pumps, and fans, as most HVAC equipment is designed for peak loading. Our building systems spend significant time at conditions less than peak, so many energy dollars can be saved in large facilities when systems are allowed to ramp down.”

Finally, Karas advises those just beginning energy-saving initiatives start by tracking their facility’s energy consumption. “Calculate your cost per square foot. Understand where your energy costs are going, and then start making improvements.”

U OF M WAS THRILLED TO BE NAMED “BIGGEST LOSER” IN THE HEALTH/HOSPITAL CATEGORY, VIEWING IT AS AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY’S CULTURE OF LEADERSHIP. HE CREDITS THE ENERGY MANAGEMENT TEAM, OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE ENGINEERS, DESIGN ENGINEERS, FACILITIES MAINTENANCE, SKILLED TRADE PERSONNEL, AND VARIOUS CONTRACTORS, ALL WORKING TOGETHER AS A TEAM, FOR THE KELLOGG EYE CENTER’S SUCCESS IN REDUCING ITS ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND ACHIEVING ITS FIRST-PLACE FINISH IN THE MICHIGAN BATTLE OF THE BUILDINGS. - DAVID SHAW, U OF M MEDICAL SCHOOL REGIONAL ENERGY MANAGER

APRIL 17, 2017 BATTLE OF THE BUILDINGS 9

Coastal Container 1ST PLACE • BIGGEST LOSER IN MANUFACTURING/INDUSTRIAL CATEGORY It’s not always easy to break the mold and deviate from the standard practices of an industry. Created within the framework of a culture deeply rooted in relationshipbased service, honesty and respect, Coastal Container is striving to do just that.

Founded in 2007 and located in Holland, Coastal Container produces packaging solutions for the manufacturing industry. Its primary product is corrugated boxes; however, the company manufactures a variety of containers and packaging materials. Its facility spans 250,000 square feet and employs about 160 workers. Coastal Container has made sustainable and responsible

practices an integral part of its production process, and that includes the building they call home.

As this was its first year competing in Battle of the Buildings, Coastal Container set a primary goal of reducing its energy consumption and improving efficiency.

The company brought on Midwest Energy Group, a consulting firm specialized in energy management and efficiency, to provide professional guidance. The Midwest Energy team also coordinated with Coastal Container to help it earn energy efficiency rebates from its local utility company.

Over the course of the 2016 calendar year, Coastal Container reduced

its weather-normalized source building energy use by an impressive 19.3 percent. Contributing significantly to this reduction was an upgrade to the facility’s boiler system. The boiler heats the building by using post-consumer wood waste from Holland-area businesses.

Previously, the system’s inefficient operation required the added purchase of natural gas to meet winter heating demand. The boiler system improvements have eliminated that need. “Our drive for continuous improvement is finally paying off,” says Coastal Container superintendent Curt Shosten.

A smaller, yet significant project involved the installation of variable frequency drives (VFDs), which control motor speeds by gradually increasing voltage, rather than using 100 percent voltage when the motor is turned on. Midwest Energy Group introduced Coastal Container to VFDs, the use of which does not affect production. Machine operators and maintenance crews

responded positively to the training required for the new technology.

Coastal Container designs all its products with sustainability in mind, and recycles all plastic materials.

The company also collects all scrap corrugated material and returns it to the paper mill for reprocessing.

All Coastal Container corrugated materials are SFI Certified™, which signifies that these materials come

from legal and responsible sources.

The company is now considering retrofitting its conventional lighting system with more energy-efficient LED lights.

In an industry that is widely known as being one of the least energy-efficient and sustainable, Coastal Container is taking great strides to change that.

Autodie, LLC 2ND PLACE • BIGGEST LOSER IN MANUFACTURING/INDUSTRIAL CATEGORY Autodie, LLC has been producing large stamping dies in Grand Rapids for the automobile industry for over 30 years. With operations spanning 500,000 square feet in the North Monroe Business District, there is a lot of ground to cover in terms of energy inputs and the costs associated with them.

Setting energy-saving goals in the manufacturing industry is not easy. Decision-makers must ask themselves many questions: How can a large machine be more efficient without producing less? Do the cost savings outweigh the investment of becoming more energy efficient? More notably, how will employees respond to the changes?

In its second year competing in Michigan Battle of the Buildings, Autodie, LLC addressed these ques-

tions with enthusiasm, and set a goal of a 15 percent energy reduction for the 2016 calendar year. The company in fact surpassed its goal and saved nearly 17 percent in its energy input.

A lot of the credit goes to the hardworking employees of Autodie, LLC. As part of practicing world class manufacturing, the company established an “Energy Pillar Team” that works together to spread awareness and seek new opportunities to save energy. For example, employees went beyond simply turning off lights, by disconnecting 24 percent of existing lighting systems, with no appreciable effect on their work.

For hot summer days, Autodie, LLC installed a new building management system to monitor and

control its 20 roof-top air conditioning units. An air leak management program proactively identifies and repairs compressed air leaks in the plant-wide pneumatic machine and tool systems, to further reduce energy use.

Autodie, LLC has taken further steps by installing individual meters at the machine level. The information gathered by metering has enabled the company to identify the most energy-efficient machines and prioritize which ones are used for specific projects.

Although Autodie, LLC exceeded its efficiency goals, a new production stamping line will require added effort to continue reducing its energy inputs and maximize savings. The company has plans to replace outdated air conditioning units and boiler systems in the near future. It will also continue updating facility lighting systems to meet its ongoing energy reduction goals.

Autodie, LLC’s efforts have achieved other notable benefits.

Local utility Consumers Energy has provided rebates for reduced energy usage, and the company has earned ISO 50001 energy management system certification. Last but not least, Autodie, LLC has saved an

impressive $150,000 in energy costs since 2015.

To be crowned a 2016 Biggest Loser, says Mary Nicholson, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, “is definitely an inspiration to the employees for their effort and hard work.”

10 BATTLE OF THE BUILDINGS APRIL 17, 2017

Ford Field Stadium Home of Detroit Lions 1ST PLACE • BIGGEST LOSER IN MIXED USE CATEGORY Detroit’s Ford Field Stadium is in Year Three of a five-year energy reduction plan. Home to the Detroit Lions football team, the 1.8 million-square-foot stadium includes 420 thousand square feet of tenant office space and a 275 thousandsquare-foot parking deck.

Ford Field Facility Director Fred Reddig attributes the facility’s 5.87 percent energy reduction and strong Michigan Battle of the Buildings showing to his hard-working facility maintenance team and the support of senior management.

“We have a fantastic internal team that works very hard to implement these energy-saving projects,” he explains. “We typically consider a five-hear return on investment a viable project, and senior management has been great to work with.”

Reddig cites numerous projects completed in the past three years, including: •The replacement of 660 metal halide field lights with 260 LED fixtures that provide improved lighting; •The expansion of lighting schemes from 12 to 40, programmable at the individual breakers, to accommodate smaller events; •The conversion of concourse lighting from T5 lamps to LED hybrids; •The greater use of daylighting on the concourses; •The use of variable speed drivers on domestic water pumps, which reduced running them at 100 percent capacity down to 20 percent; •Replacement of the outside damper system over leased office to reduce unnecessary heating and

cooling costs.

It is anticipated that the eventual replacement of the remaining air dampers and controls will result in an added 10 percent energy savings in the facility’s chiller plant alone.

Ford Field takes advantage of utility company incentives and works very closely with DTE Energy, its electricity provider. To date, the venue has received several rebates to help fund its energy projects.

The initiatives have reduced the use of electricity, natural gas, steam and water/sewer costs, saving Ford Field approximately 15 percent in utility costs. And there is more to come: “We are about 75 percent finished with retrofitting our lighting over to LED,” Reddig says.

The year 2016 marked the second time that Ford Field competed in the Michigan Battle of the Buildings energy reduction competition. Reddig presented the Ford Field story at the 2016 Battle of the Buildings Energy Summit, and this year his organization is a summit sponsor. “It is a great event that highlights the sustainability efforts of all different types of venues and buildings,” he says, “and as an organization, the Detroit Lions is committed to supporting

sustainability.”

A Green Team meets monthly to work on Ford Field’s sustainability efforts. Among other projects the team is presently considering is the feasibility of capturing rainwater for irrigating green spaces, and possibly toilets.

When asked about recent notable energy efficiency projects, Reddig mentions the 2015 installation of water softeners used in the towers at the facility’s chiller plant.

The process enabled the total dissolved solids (TDS) to be increased from 1,000 to approximately 1,800, which resulted in less blowdown and less makeup water, for a savings of three million gallons of water in its first year of operation alone.

Based on the successes achieved in the first three years of its fiveyear plan, Ford Field is now looking ahead and planning future energyefficiency initiatives.

Huron County and the hosting of its own internal Battle of the Buildings.

The wind farm project, completed in 2016, includes 14 wind turbines that generate energy equal to approximately 33 percent of the company’s demand at all U.S. locations.

Gordon Food Service’s own 2017 Battle of the Buildings includes all 16 of its U.S. Distribution Centers, together totaling more than 6 mil-

lion sq. ft., and features the rollout of Midwest Energy’s Foresight Energy Management Dashboard.

First- and second-place winners in each region will receive a financial incentive and company-wide recognition.

“We are committed to continuous improvement and being great stewards in our communities,” Feenstra says.

Gordon Food Service – Clay Campus 2ND PLACE • BIGGEST LOSER IN MIXED USE CATEGORY Gordon Food Service is North America’s largest privately held and family-managed broadline foodservice distributor. The company operates in the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast and Southwestern United States, and coast-to-coast in Canada. There are currently 170 Gordon Food Service Store locations.

Gordon Food Service placed second in the “mixed-use” category of the 2016 Michigan Battle of the Buildings, with a 5.29 percent reduction in energy usage at its Clay Campus. The complex’s four buildings total 584,128 square feet and include the Distribution Center on Clay, the Distribution Center on 50th Street, the Grand Rapids Fleet Maintenance Garage and the Gordon Food Service Sotre on Clay, all very diverse operations served by one utility meter.

“Refrigeration is a very large portion of the energy load in all of our distribution centers,” says National Engineering Manager Mark Grimes. “Understanding operational needs and equipment deficiencies in refrigeration systems helps us make significant strides toward reductions in energy use.”

Gordon Food Service performs audits annually at all 16 of its U.S. distribution centers. The audits generate a list of potential projects, which are then prioritized. “In general, we look for a minimum threeyear return on investment, but we take a long view on energy conservation measures and are willing to make an investment for long term savings,” Grimes says.

In addition to the energy audits and refrigeration work, other projects that led the company to its Battle of the Buildings win

included a lighting upgrade, adding energy-efficient motors to its conveyor system, and conducting leak detection studies to identify sources of compressed air leaks, which place increased demand on air compressors. Grimes admits that lighting upgrades are his favorite project because the return on investment calculations are easy and the payback is typically quick when compared to more complicated projects like refrigeration. Gordon Food Service also takes advantage of incentives offered by utilities. Both the compressed air audit and the lighting upgrade were eligible for financial incentives from Consumers Energy, a consideration that helped move the projects forward.

“We look at this (Battle of the Buildings) recognition as an affirmation of our long-term commitment to energy conservation,” Grimes acknowledges. “We have been at this awhile, and it’s really satisfying to see the trend line go down over the years.”

Regarding other sustainability initiatives Gordon Food Service is committed to, Stewardship Specialist Jane Feenstra cites the construction of a wind farm in

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY’S ENERGY STAR PROGRAM HAS FOUND THAT A SPIRIT OF HEALTHY COMPETITION AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR RECOGNITION ARE AMONG THE BEST DRIVERS FOR PARTICIPATION IN ORGANIZATION- AND COMMUNITY-WIDE ENERGY MANAGEMENT. COMPETITIONS ARE A GREAT WAY TO INSPIRE AND MOTIVATE BUSINESSES TO SAVE MONEY WHILE REDUCING CARBON POLLUTION THAT CONTRIBUTES TO CLIMATE CHANGE. ENERGY STAR APPLAUDS USGBC-WEST MICHIGAN FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP IN PROMOTING COMMERCIAL BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY, AND WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT BUILDINGS COME OUT ON TOP!

- EPA ENERGYSTAR

APRIL 17, 2017 BATTLE OF THE BUILDINGS 11

Gateway Village of Sturgis 1ST PLACE • BIGGEST LOSER IN MULTI-FAMILY CATEGORY Hollander Development Corporation (HDC) is a leader in creating affordable, sustainable apartment communities for families and seniors throughout Michigan. Since its formation in 1979, HDC has developed more than 4,000 homes using innovative financing strategies including tax credits, specialty loans, government programs and private dollars.

This is Hollander Development Corporation’s second year competing in the Michigan Battle of the Buildings. In the 2015 competition, HDC’s Valley View III took first place in the “Multifamily” category, with a reduction of 8.44 percent.

This year, HDC’s Gateway Village of Sturgis won first place in this category, with a reduction of 12.98 percent.

Gateway Village was a multi-

million-dollar rehabilitation project of an existing, 1970s-era affordable housing complex. In addition to making many much-needed cosmetic and convenience updates, HDC teamed up with Inform Architecture and Wolverine Building Group taking a holistic approach to energy and water conservation. The project included a before-and-after Home Energy Rating System (HERS) analysis; full conversion to LED lighting; improvements to building envelope (insulation, windows, doors, etc.); upgrades to HVAC systems; new appliances; and resident education.

HDC is engaged in new construction, rehabilitation and ongoing operation of a variety of building types. For new construction projects the baseline is to achieve a minimum performance threshold of

LEED Gold or equivalent, with the goal of adding LEED Platinum and Living Buildings to its portfolio.

HDC’s most recent rehabilitation projects have focused on aggressive energy conservation measures and onsite renewables, adhering to Enterprise Green Communities criteria.

The developer committed to certify Gateway Village to Enterprise Green Communities, targeting 30-plus additional points beyond the mandatory criteria. “Many of our “extra” points are focused on energy efficiency and we are conducting post-build HERS testing to validate our assumptions,” says HDC Principal Matthew Hollander.

The Energy Auditor General conducted Gateway’s pre-build HERS rating. HDC used the Green Home Institute as its Enterprise Green Communities consultant.

“Establishing a baseline HERS rating before we started construction was extremely important,” Hollander notes, “because it allowed us the opportunity to change our scope of work in response to new issues.”

HDC takes a holistic approach to all energy related projects, balancing building envelope improvements with advanced technologies such as LEDs and high efficiency HVAC equipment. “This was in full

effect at Gateway Village,” says Hollander.

Consulting engineers from Byce & Associates reduced the size of Gateway’s new boilers after considering improvements made to air sealing and insulation, enabling HDC to upgrade to much higher efficiency equipment at no additional cost.

HDC used Multifamily Green financing from Fannie Mae to borrow at better rates, based on its aggressive energy conservation measures. Cinnaire Corporation,

HDC’s financial partner, originated the loan and brought private Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity to the project.

“We’re proud of the work we’ve done and look forward to future competitions,” says Hollander. “The annual Energy Summit is a great time to reflect on past successes.

We have our sights set on another award for 2017 and hope to see some fierce competition. The Battle of the Buildings is a great example of a competition where everyone benefits just by participating.”

Clark Retirement Community 2ND PLACE • BIGGEST LOSER IN MULTI-FAMILY CATEGORY Clark Retirement Community was founded in 1906 as a Christianbased nonprofit retirement community offering a continuum of care for independent, assisted living and skilled nursing residents.

Clark began its environmental journey in 2012 by benchmarking its 262,682-sq. ft. facility using the EPA’s Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool. The building earned a score of 12 out of a possible 100 points, when compared to equivalent buildings in similar climate zones. After the initial shock passed, the Clark staff used this information as an opportunity, setting a goal of achieving 40 points within five years. Today, its EnergyStar score stands at 38 points.

Clark has participated yearly in the Michigan Battle of the Buildings since the competition launch in 2014. This year, it reached second

place in the multi-family category, with energy reductions of 10.16 percent.

“We did this by practicing our “Energy Awareness” philosophy,” says Craig Courts, Chief Financial Officer at Clark Retirement Community. He cites changes and improvements both large and small, including adjusting the 40-plus Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) installed in 2013; tweaking the programming on Clark’s building management system; replacing and upgrading the pipe insulation of 1,000 linear feet of chilled water lines; replacing fluorescent lighting fixtures with new LED lay-in fixtures; and installing motion sensors in 500 feet of corridor space.

Clark seeks to involve its residents, their families and staff in responsible use of its, and the world’s, limited resources. Clark’s

Green Team of residents and staff promote engagement in projects like Square-Foot Gardens, now entering its second season. Participants sign up for one-square-foot sections of raised garden beds, in which they grow their own herbs and vegetables. “It was a big hit last year, and folks are anxiously awaiting planting time this spring,” according to Amy Bromm, a member of the facility team. “It’s a great sustainability activity, as well as life-enriching for the residents who participate.

Those who are not able to are still interested in watching the growth progress.”

In 2014, Clark hosted one of the first Michigan Battle of the

Buildings program events, featuring Dr. Matthew Heun from Calvin College. Dr. Heun introduced the Green Revolving Fund concept, which involves using money saved on past projects’ utility costs to invest in more energy saving projects – essentially creating a revolving fund.

Clark Retirement Community has similarly leveraged financial incentives in sustainable ways by participating in rebate programs offered by Consumers Energy and DTE Energy. In 2013, Clark received rebates of approximately $150,000 for a chiller install. In 2014, the community participated in a multi-family program in which DTE Energy

installed new programmable thermostats, CFL lighting, low-flow shower heads and low-flow sink aerators in residential apartments and townhomes. In 2016, Clark’s maintenance supervisor used available rebates to attend a building operator certification course hosted by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council, which provides training and certification for building engineers and maintenance personnel.

“Since we began this journey in 2012, we estimate that we have saved about $110,000 per year,” Court says. “Clark Retirement Community is proof that financial returns and environmental sustainability are not mutually exclusive.”

WE’RE PROUD OF THE WORK WE’VE DONE AND LOOK FORWARD TO FUTURE COMPETITIONS. THE ANNUAL ENERGY SUMMIT IS A GREAT TIME TO REFLECT ON PAST SUCCESSES. WE HAVE OUR SIGHTS SET ON ANOTHER AWARD FOR 2017 AND HOPE TO SEE SOME FIERCE COMPETITION. THE BATTLE OF THE BUILDINGS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF A COMPETITION WHERE EVERYONE BENEFITS JUST BY PARTICIPATING.

- MATTHEW HOLLANDER, HOLLANDER DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION PRINCIPAL

12 BATTLE OF THE BUILDINGS APRIL 17, 2017

Meadowlark Builders 1ST PLACE • BIGGEST LOSER IN OFFICE BUILDINGS CATEGORY A first-time Battle of the Buildings contestant, Meadowlark Builders is a nationally-recognized residential design-build firm. Based in Ann Arbor, the company works throughout Southeastern Michigan.

Meadowlark creates living spaces designed for health, comfort and energy efficiency.

The company decreased energy consumption at its headquarters in 2016 in part by rebuilding its roof.

The process included adding insulation and creating a “ventilated hot roof” with the addition of nailbase panels to the roof, “where the roofline had an R-70 value but there was a second layer of ventilated sheathing over the whole roof intrinsic to the nail-base panel prod-

uct,” explains company President and CEO Doug Selby.

In addition to re-building the roofline, adding a lot of insulation and tightening up the building, Meadowlark also installed 18.1 kW of solar photovoltaics.

Selby explains “We installed Dow Powerhouse Solar Shingles on the pitched east face of the building because they were more productive than panels would have been, plus they look great. Our south facing roof has a lot of standard PV panels too”. Each of these actions contributed to Meadowlark Builders’ significant 39.26 percent energy reduction.

“Michigan Saves allowed us to acquire the capital to not only

fix some major problems with our building, but to do it in a way that made a lot of long-term sense,” Selby says. “Access to capital is one of the biggest reasons business owners can’t invest in their buildings.” Michigan Saves is a non-profit organization that offers affordable financing and incentives for energy improvements. Meadowlark Builders also received solar power credits from DTE Energy.

Meadowlark’s long-term vision going forward is “to run our company completely off the sun by 2026 - from our headquarters to our vehicles to our job site power. We will also restore the forest and grassland around our facility with native species in a healthy balance, be completely waste-free, and collect 100 percent of the rainwater that falls on our site.”

Meadowlark’s plan to achieve net-zero energy involves thermal batteries and heat pumps to bring heating and cooling loads to very low levels without needing much

electricity, as well as large-scale solar production and battery systems. Selby and company envision mobile solar rigs that can be towed to job sites and returned to the main building for recharging, allowing them to never miss a day of solar production.

“Since we engage in profit sharing throughout the company, we hope it will be something that our

people can see a tangible benefit from over time, and something that will inspire them to make good decisions in their own homes,” says Selby. He acknowledges that Meadowlark Builders was surprised and gratified to be crowned a 2016 Biggest Loser and looks forward to competing for the title again in 2017.

Humantech 2ND PLACE • BIGGEST LOSER IN OFFICE BUILDINGS CATEGORY spectrum of industries including pharmaceutical, automotive, steel manufacturers, and food producers.

This is Humantech’s second time competing in Michigan Battle of the Buildings. This year the firm won for its 8.4 percent energy usage reduction.

“We primarily used NSF P391 General Sustainability Assessment Criteria for Services and Service Providers as our guiding tool, which contains a protocol used to evaluate and certify the sustainability of service providers,” says Humantech President James Good. Certification to NSF P391 is based on the achievement of points at Conformant, Silver, Gold or Platinum levels with specified monitoring and periodic evaluations to maintain certification. In its first year participating, Humantech achieved a Gold level and has since moved up to Platinum.

In addition to the NSF P391 initiative, Humantech worked with the Clean Air Coalition to conduct an ASHRAE Level I Energy Audit at their facility. The consulting firm also installed window film to reduce solar heat gain, and programmable digital thermostats to enhance HVAC system scheduling. In addition, Humantech made LED lighting conversions, reduced envelope infiltration by sealing and adding weather stripping, consolidated computer servers, and installed

2017 SUMMIT SPEAKERS

Humantech is the largest consulting team of board certified professional ergonomists in North America. It was founded in 1979 with the single focus of improving the lives of the working population. The Ann Arbor-based company supports clients worldwide and services a full

ENERGY STAR appliances.

In 2013, Humantech set a goal to be in the Energy Star Portfolio Manager top quartile. An initial score of 76 has now reached 89.

Winning an award for the Michigan Battle of the Buildings helps reinforce this goal and Humantech’s internal commitment, especially to its staff.

Humantech promotes an open workplace in which employees are encouraged to share in the com-

pany’s energy reduction vision, and are kept aware of company initiatives.

Staff can work wherever they like throughout the office, and no one has a fixed location.

All office furniture is adjustable to a height of 54 inches. This allows human comfort-related aspects of the building, including lighting and HVAC, to be scaled back to help save more energy dollars.

Good suggests that facility managers looking to reduce energy consumption in their facility start with a plan. “Doing the right thing in itself gains momentum,” he insists.

“It’s a game of inches, which soon becomes feet, and then later, yards.”

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APRIL 17, 2017 BATTLE OF THE BUILDINGS 13

University of Michigan – Medical Sciences Research Building 3 1ST PLACE • BIGGEST LOSER IN ‘OTHER’ CATEGORY This was the University of Michigan’s first year competing in the Michigan Battle of the Buildings. Its Medical Science Research Building 3 rose to the top, based on 21.5 percent energy-use reduction during the 2016 calendar year.

“It’s a part of our culture to be the ‘Leaders and the Best,’” says David Shaw, Regional Energy Manager for the Medical School. “We strive to use our energy resources as best we can to support all of U of M’s work.”

MSRB3’s significant reduction in energy use resulted from a series of conservation measures implemented by its facilities team, including

recommissioning the facility’s office and lab ventilation controls. The team discovered that most of the controls had drifted out of calibration and were delivering more outdoor air than needed, significantly increasing ventilation energy costs.

Another step involved the installation of occupancy sensors in offices. These instruments monitor movement in offices throughout the building and shut off lights and ventilation systems in unoccupied areas. The University earned several rebates from its local utility companies for installing the sensors.

Yet another strategy focused

on generating greater awareness among Building 3 staff of the university’s energy reduction efforts.

Building occupants were encouraged to play their part by turning off lights and closing fume hood sashes when not in use.

Perhaps the single most effective measure taken was eliminating two absorption chillers. The facilities team retired the equipment, and instead connected Building 3 directly to a regional chiller plant served by more efficient electric chillers.

U of M’s Energy Management Team pursues energy conservation projects across the Ann Arbor campus. The five-person team is currently working to achieve an all-campus goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 25 percent by 2025. To date, the university has been averaging reductions of

eight percent each year, even as the campus continues to grow.

U of M’s success in energy conservation is truly a team effort. The Energy Management Team, operation and maintenance engineers,

design engineers, facilities maintenance, skilled trade personnel, and various contractors all did their part to make Medical Sciences Research Building 3 a Battle of the Buildings winner.

meetings with district managers.

Maintaining consistent communications at this level has helped SHC to continue reducing energy use and increasing savings.

Higgins and the rest of the energy team at Sears Holding Corp. are enthusiastic proponents for energy competitions such as the Michigan Battle of the Buildings. “We feel this

type of competition is healthy for all participants, no matter where you finish,” Higgins says. “It offers the opportunity to gain knowledge from your competitors, discover smarter ways of operating your facility, and have a measuring stick to compare yourself to, and it allows all to gain from the winners’ successes.”

Sears Holding Corporation – Novi 2ND PLACE • BIGGEST LOSER IN ‘OTHER’ CATEGORY Sears Holding Corporation (SHC), the real estate entity for the combined Sears and Kmart retail group, entered its Sears-Novi store into Michigan’s Battle of the Buildings competition for the first time this year. The building achieved Second Place in the “Other” category.

Although this was its initial Battle of the Buildings entry in Michigan, several SHC locations have participated in the EPA’s Battle of Buildings competition since 2010. SHC’s Energy department is a part of the corporation’s Facilities Group, tasked with managing, maintaining and planning the company facilities. The Energy group has achieved several distinctions related to its energy efficiency efforts, notably SHC’s success in winning the Energy Star Partner of

the Year Award, 2012 through 2016.

The Novi location is one of Sears’ largest stores, measuring more than 235,000 sq. ft. It opened in 1977 and until last year, the building operated using its original temperature control systems. Over the years, the outdated equipment had lost considerable accuracy and efficiency.

Upgrades to the temperature control system improved its accuracy and eliminated wasteful practices, with no appreciable impact on occupant comfort. By using outside air to cool the building, eliminating the simultaneous heating and cooling of adjacent spaces, and matching chilled water set-points to internal cooling loads, Sears-Novi reduced its energy use by 18.92 percent.

Estimated savings from the system upgrades are projected to

approach $35,000 in the first 12 months, with an expected return on investment of less than two years.

Jack Higgins, an Energy Manager at SHC, attributes these impressive numbers to the utilization of SHC’s internal team in performing startup commissioning. Having success stories like this one further opens the door for Higgins and his team to expand efficiency initiatives among Sears and Kmart stores.

In addition to participating in competitions with other organizations ala Michigan Battle of Buildings, SHC also organizes intercompany efficiency contests; locations across the country compete against each other for recognition and pizza parties.

To keep the spirit alive and conversation going around energy efficiency, SHC never allows more than four months to pass without a participatory program. Employees are also reminded of the importance and reasoning behind corporate efficiency initiatives during monthly

BIGGEST LOSERS PROPERTY NAME

CATEGORY

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES HOLLAND PUBLIC SCHOOL - HOLLAND PUBLIC WEST BARFLY VENTURES GRAND RAPIDS BREWING COMPANY ODAWA CASINO RESORT COMERICA STADIUM PAULINE BANKING CENTER COMERICA JACKSON MAIN BANKING CENTER UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN KELLOGG EYE CENTER SPECTRUM HEALTH LEMMEN HOLTON CANCER PAVILION COASTAL CONTAINER AUTODIE, LLC FORD FIELD STADIUM HOME OF DETROIT LIONS GORDON FOOD SERVICE CLAY CAMPUS GATEWAY VILLAGE OF STURGIS CLARK RETIREMENT COMMUNITY MEADOWLARK BUILDERS HUMANTECH UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MEDICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH BUILDING 3 SEARS HOLDING COMPANY PRIMERA PLASTICS, INC YACHT BASIN MARINA BUILDING 2

EDUCATION EDUCATION ENTERTAINMENT/HOTEL/RESTAURANT ENTERTAINMENT/HOTEL/RESTAURANT FINANCIAL INSTITUTION FINANCIAL INSTITUTION HEALTH/HOSPITAL HEALTH/HOSPITAL MANUFACTURING/INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING/INDUSTRIAL MIXED USE MIXED USE MULTIFAMILY MULTIFAMILY OFFICE OFFICE OTHER OTHER WAREHOUSE/DISTRIBUTION WAREHOUSE/DISTRIBUTION

% REDUCED -17.24% -16.81% -8.53% -3.38% -28.23% -22.29% -5.30% -2.67% -19.30% -16.96% -5.87% -5.29% -12.98% -10.16% -39.26% -8.41% -21.5% -18.92% -23.67% -9.15%

14 BATTLE OF THE BUILDINGS APRIL 17, 2017

Primera Plastics Inc. 1ST PLACE • BIGGEST LOSER IN WAREHOUSE/DISTRIBUTION CATEGORY Primera Plastics, Inc. produces precision plastic injection moldings.

Founded in Zeeland in 1994 by Noel Cuellar, the company’s primary clients are in the automotive industry, but it also produces moldings for furniture and medical furniture manufacturers.

Primera Plastics ships most of its products across the U.S. and to Mexico, although it also maintains relationships around the globe. The company’s 40,000 sq. ft. distribution center and 68,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility house more than 130 employees. Both facilities were constructed in the early 2000s. Plans call for the expansion of the manufacturing plant within the next year.

This was Primera Plastics’ first year competing in the Michigan

Battle of the Buildings. Both the manufacturing facility and distribution center were entered, the latter earning the accolades in this year’s competition.

The company has taken deliberate steps to reduce its energy usage and become more environmentally friendly. Midwest Energy Group, which specializes in energy management and efficiency, came onboard as a consultant. This partnership, along with participation in several Battle of the Buildings webinars and educational events, enabled Primera Plastics to discover several innovative ways to save energy.

During the 2016 calendar year, the company reduced its distribution center’s energy usage by 23.67

percent. It achieved this notable distinction not by investing significant capital in large projects, but instead by taking several small steps.

One project focused on retrofitting its distribution center’s lighting fixtures with LED systems. Another involved cycling off unused machines and equipment.

With Midwest Energy Group’s help, the company systemized which

machines and equipment could be powered on and off at specific times to avoid wasting energy while still maintaining productive operations.

Other projects included repairing air compressor leaks and unplugging unused equipment.

Primera Plastics’ LED retrofit earned a $2,200 rebate from the Zeeland Board of Public Works’ Commercial & Industrial Energy Efficiency Program, an incentive

tied to Energy Smart, a Michigan energy efficiency rebate program.

“Just knowing we are doing our part to be green is rewarding to Primera and our employees,” says Bambi Hollingsworth, Director of Operations. Plans for 2017 include the installation of LED lighting in the manufacturing facility and corporate offices, as well as continuing to explore new ways to maximize energy savings.

Yacht Basin Marina Building 2 2ND PLACE • BIGGEST LOSER IN WAREHOUSE/DISTRIBUTION CATEGORY Yacht Basin Marina in Holland originally was developed as Bay Haven Marina in the 1950s. It assumed its present name in 1990, when the marina passed to new ownership.

Yacht Basin is a full-service

marina with 371 boat slips, 140 In/ Out racks, a ship store, and winter outdoor and indoor heated boat storage. Winter storage is a particularly important part of the business, given the region’s relatively short

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL 2016 WINNERS! WE LOOK FORWARD TO COMPETING AGAIN IN 2017. /nicholssupply /nicholspaper /company/nichols-paper

summer season; heated buildings enable owners and staff to work on boats during the colder months.

2016 marks Yacht Basin’s first year competing in the Michigan Battle of the Buildings energy reduction competition.

The marinas’ building 2 earned second place in the Warehouse & Distribution category, with a weather-normalized energy reduction of 9.15 percent.

Much of Yacht Basin’s decrease in energy use can be attributed to a series of small but important procedural changes, including scheduling regular heating equipment maintenance, as well as making sure large doors are opened less frequently and entry doors are not left propped open.

“We completed a lighting project thanks to an energy rebate offered by the Holland Board of Public Works,” says Yacht Basin General Manager Matt DenHerder. He estimates the marina will see a savings of approximately $1,200 from implementing its energy reduction projects.

Yacht Basin Marina’s single most important energy reduction

measure involved the addition of a Building Management System (BMS), which enables staff to monitor and control the facility’s furnaces remotely. The new system makes it possible to manage energy usage more precisely than using simple thermostats.

Yacht Basin’s furnaces previously were set to one temperature 24 hours per day. The new BMS makes it possible to manage temperatures in relation to the weather outside, the calendar and varying

daily needs. “Building temperatures might need to be higher when boats are being painted,” DenHerder explains, “and lower during holiday periods when no owners are present.

Yacht Basin is recognized as a Michigan Clean Marina, a voluntary state program that helps marina owners and customers reduce their impact on the environment. “We maintain as much green space as possible, and equipment purchases are always made with energy consumption in mind, DenHerder adds.

DenHerder and his staff continue to explore all possible forms of energy reduction. “Our business depends on an environment with clean water and air, so it makes sense for us to help in every way possible,” he acknowledges.

Yacht Basin Marina is already registered for, and looking forward to competing in, the 2017 Michigan Battle of the Buildings.

JUST KNOWING WE ARE DOING OUR PART TO BE GREEN IS REWARDING TO PRIMERA AND OUR EMPLOYEES. - BAMBI HOLLINGSWORTH, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS.

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