Cost-Effective Upgrade Data
Below are the costs and savings for the chosen building size and climate zone. Click on a measure name for more information.
NOTE: The Cost-Effective Upgrades Tool is intended to guide conversations with building tenants, owners, and engineers. Costs and savings will vary and this list is not exhaustive. Please use the resources in the Sustainable Facilities Tool for additional measures and guidance on implementation.
Relevant Data
Measure | Simple Payback (years) | Approximate Capital Cost ($) | Annual Energy Savings (kBtu/sf) | Annual Energy Savings (kBtu/yr) | Annual Cost Savings ($/sf) | Annual Cost Savings ($/yr) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Implement a retro-commissioning (RCx) package | 1-2 | $1,500 | 13.4 | 67,200 | $0.18 | $910 |
Implement a standard retrofit package | 4-5 | $10,600 | 29.4 | 146,800 | $0.49 | $2,500 |
Install occupancy sensors to control interior lighting | 8-9 | $1,900 | 1.3 | 6,400 | $0.04 | $220 |
Install daylight harvesting sensors | 6-8 | $2,700 | 1.5 | 7,400 | $0.08 | $390 |
Widen zone temperature deadband (pneumatic zone controls) | 3-4 | $1,600 | 5.5 | 27,000 | $0.08 | $420 |
Lower variable air volume (VAV) box minimum flow setpoints (pneumatic zone controls) | 2-3 | $900 | 6.3 | 31,000 | $0.08 | $380 |
Widen zone temperature deadband and add conference room standby control (DDC zone controls) | 1-2 | $900 | 6.3 | 31,000 | $0.09 | $470 |
Lower variable air volume (VAV) box minimum flow setpoints and reset duct static pressure (digital zone controls) | 6-7 | $5,700 | 8.8 | 44,000 | $0.17 | $850 |
Replace supply fan motor and variable frequency drive (VFD) | 3-4 | $1,100 | 2.0 | 10,000 | $0.06 | $280 |
Upgrade to high efficiency lighting | 1-3 | $25,000 | --- | --- | --- | --- |
Use Energy Star certified appliances and equipment | 1-3 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
Install an energy management and information system (EMIS) | 2-4 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
Improve building envelope performance | 2-4 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
Use Advanced Timer-Controlled Power Strips to Control Plug Loads | 3 | $22 per power strip | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Install Wireless Thermostats for Pneumatic Systems | 4-8 | $350,000 | 7,700 | -- | 43% of heat | -- |
Replace Ventilation Fan Drive Belts with Cogged or Synchronous Belts | 1-4 | $1,280/belt | -- | 6,660/fan | -- | 9% of fan energy |
Replace Circulator Pumps with More Efficient, Variable-Speed Alternatives | 4 | $575/pump | -- | 2,600/pump | -- | $114/pump |
Install Catalyst-Base Scale Prevention in Hot Water Systems | 3 | $27/MBH | -- | -- | -- | -- |