Enica Engineering partnered with a major university campus through NYSERDA’s On-Site Energy Manager (OsEM) program to identify and implement energy-saving opportunities across multiple academic and laboratory buildings.
The engagement focused on improving HVAC system performance through building automation optimization, operational adjustments, and targeted system upgrades without relying on large-scale equipment replacement.
The Opportunity
Like many academic and lab facilities, the buildings were operating with:
- Equipment running in manual mode due to BMS issues
- Ineffective or missing occupancy schedules
- Fixed setpoints instead of dynamic reset strategies
- Faulty sensors, valves, and dampers impacting control
- Economizer sequences not functioning as intended
These issues led to unnecessary heating and cooling, increased energy spend, and reduced system reliability.
Our Approach
Through the OsEM program, Enica embedded directly with facility staff to deliver a hands-on, data-driven process:
- Field testing and functional performance verification
- BMS programming review and correction
- Utility data analysis and energy modeling
- Identification and prioritization of energy efficiency measures (EEMs)
- Coordination with contractors for implementation
- Staff training and continuous commissioning support
This approach ensured that improvements were not only identified, but successfully implemented and sustained.
Results
The project delivered measurable energy and cost savings through operational improvements:
- Ten (10) energy efficiency measures identified
- 523,699 kWh annual electricity savings
- 30,955 MMBtu annual steam savings
- 915,603 ton-hours annual chilled water savings
- $265,001 in avoided annual energy cost
- Six (6) out of 10 opportunities were implemented for a total of $142,224 in avoided annual energy cost
Implemented measures focused on:
- Equipment scheduling optimization
- Air temperature setpoint reset strategies
- BMS logic correction and optimization
- Targeted building automation system improvements
Why It Works
The majority of savings were achieved by correcting how systems operate and not replacing them.
By restoring proper control sequences and aligning system operation with real building demand, the campus reduced energy consumption while improving comfort, reliability, and operator visibility.
Program Advantage
Through NYSERDA’s OsEM program:
- Up to 75% of project costs are covered
- Enica manages the entire application and implementation process
- Facilities gain a dedicated on-site resource focused on energy performance