The Ohio History Center
The Need
The Ohio History Connection, is a private nonprofit organization headquartered in Columbus, OH. Its mission is to “spark discovery of Ohio history as we embrace the present, share the past, and work to transform the future”. In 2010, the Ohio History Center, its flagship 280,000 ft2 museum was an energy intense building which spent around $430k annually on electricity and natural gas. Reliable and effective heating and cooling is critical for this facility to meet the tight temperature and humidity requirements of housing the state of Ohio’s most precious artifacts.
Our Approach
In 2011, we performed an ASHRAE Level III energy audit of the Ohio History Center where we identified 27 individual energy efficiency opportunities with a combined simple payback of about 5 years. Since, we have assisted each year with a variety of projects such as providing technical assistance during the implementation of low-to-no cost measures, commissioning the replacement of the facility’s boiler and chiller plants, and providing ongoing measurement and verification.
The Results
The persistence of OHC staff has allowed the Ohio History Center to reduce energy use and costs by 50%. The energy use intensity of this facility has been so reduced that it has become a promising candidate for the installation of on-site renewable energy to become a Zero Energy Building.
Summary Stats:
~ 50% reduction in energy and energy cost
> $1.3 million cumulative savings
> $200,000 annual projected savings
Our Role
Energy auditor, commissioning agent, trusted technical advisor, owner’s advocate, measurement & verification (M&V) consultant.
The Client
The Ohio History Connection
Duration
2010 - Present
Team
Charles Schreier, PE
Gregory Raffio, PE, LEED AP BD+C
Neil Wittberg, PE, CEM