From 2011 through 2018, Cx Associates worked as the energy consultant with National Life in Montpelier, VT – the largest office building complex in the State of Vermont, measuring approximately 500,000 square feet. Our work began with a retrocommissioning study that identified building performance improvement opportunities to reduce annual electrical consumption by 18% and cut biomass fuel use by about 425 tons of wood chips per year.  In addition to the resulting 770,000 kWh of annual energy savings realized by these projects, the firm is also saving 69% of their chiller operating costs from the chiller plant control sequences that Cx Associates developed in 2014. Through continuous engagement in identifying, developing, supporting implementation, and commissioning energy efficiency projects, we have helped the already Energy Star Rated facility save over 5,580 MWh and 51 million BTUs of fuel.

Cx Associates commissioned Unilever’s 36,600 SF Seventh Generation headquarters facility in Burlington, VT, which contains offices and labs. Commissioned systems included the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC), domestic hot water, and lighting and lighting controls. The commissioning process included Owner’s Project Requirement (OPR) facilitation and two design reviews, along with full construction phase commissioning. The owner is pursuing LEED Gold certification (v4 ID+C Commercial Interiors) for this building.

Cx Associates commissioned energy efficiency improvements at Burlington International Airport including the upgraded central chilled water system, replacement of two inefficient constant volume dual duct air distribution systems with a VAV system, extensive controls system programming upgrades, and lighting efficiency upgrades. CxA conducted design review for the central cooling plant and air system and heating plant upgrades. Many of our design review comments had a positive impact on system performance, especially part load operational efficiency. We estimate that our design review of the chiller plant controls alone saved the airport 150,000 kWh/year (20% of full load), worth $19,000/year. In addition, CxA worked with BTV to implement Building Performance Metrics and Monitoring to enable the building operators to maintain system performance over time.

Cx Associates was retained by the Town of Shelburne, VT to provide design and construction phase commissioning for the town’s 16,000 SF new Pierson Library and renovated Historic Town Center project. Commissioned systems included the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC), domestic hot water, and lighting and lighting controls. Designed with sustainability and high-performance in mind, the building incorporates many energy efficiency features such as a roof rainwater collection, passive daylighting, and energy-efficient HVAC equipment. Designed for net-zero energy use, the new library and town center was awarded the 2020 Efficiency Vermont Best of the Best Honor Award – Large Commercial, as well as the 2020 People’s Choice Award at Efficiency Vermont’s Better Buildings by Design Conference.

Cx Associates provided engineering analysis for two projects as part of a census evaluation of the largest projects completed in the evaluation period for NYSERDA. The evaluation included on‐site M&V, delivery of engineering and attribution surveys by engineering staff and completion of rigorous verification of over 6,500 MWh of savings claimed on the two projects to determine the measure level and project specific gross and net savings realization rates with an enhanced degree of rigor.

From 2015-2017, Cx Associates was part of a team that provided consulting services to the Maine Public Utility Commission to conduct an evaluation of Efficiency Maine Trust programs. This included a thorough review of the Trust's programs, program design/ modification, efficiency measure cost-effectiveness screening, development of the Triennial Plan and a Best Practices memo, as well as an overview of the Trust in general.

In 2019, Cx Associates assisted VTARNG with an energy assessment of three facilities: Regional Training Institute, the Jericho Readiness Center, and the Green Mountain Armory. This work utilized Efficiency Vermont’s Retrocommissioning (RCx) program. Using ASHRAE Level I Energy Audits, we assessed the energy consumption, water consumption, and mechanical and electrical system infrastructure to identify low-cost operating and controls measures for inclusion in VTARNG’s developing Installation Energy and Water Plans (IEWP). We recommended a list of infrastructure investments and capital improvements vital to meeting the IEWP mission goals regarding effective operation, mitigation of risks, lowering operating costs, and reducing energy and water consumption. For example, the measures identified for the Jericho Readiness Center would save VTARNG approximately 45,713 kW/yr.

Cx Associates conducted an extensive retrocommissioning study for the Vermont Army National Guard’s Combined Services Maintenance Shop (CSMS) and Regional Technical Institute (RTI) located at Camp Johnson in Colchester, VT and at the Mountain Warfare School (MWS) in Jericho, Vermont. We identified energy savings opportunities that were estimated to generate $96,000 in energy savings per year.

Cx Associates provided lead commissioning services for a LEED Gold certified renovation and expansion of VTANG’s Fire-Crash-Rescue facility in South Burlington, VT. Our commissioning work with this high-performance building included mechanical and electrical systems, air and water source heat pumps, a geoexchange wellfield, and a 27.63kW PV array on the roof of the station. We developed and coordinated a Measurement and Verification Plan in compliance with LEED-NC 2.2 credit EA C5 to monitor all energy consuming systems through a DDC Base Meter Monitoring System (BMMS).

Cx Associates performed ASHRAE level 1 and level 2 energy audits, including metering, energy analysis, and Energy Star Portfolio benchmarking, of the Grand Way Commons building in in South Burlington, VT. Grand Way Commons is a four-story senior housing building that was built in two phases, with completion dates of 2005 and 2011. This 97,000 square foot building is primarily for senior housing with office space and a senior care facility.

Cx Associates collaborated with Mount Mansfield Company to meet Stowe Mountain’s goal of stabilizing and automating the Spruce Camp plant operation. During this project, we investigated the 10,600 MBH boiler and its associated equipment, including primary and secondary loops, loop pumps, and heat exchangers. We compiled data from field visits and trend data analysis to demonstrate the boiler's inefficiencies and generate solutions, and we identified and supported the implementation of changes that successfully met the project goals. 

Cx Associates performed an RCx study for Jay Peak Resort’s two-story Clubhouse which includes functional space types such as a kitchen, bar and dining area, pro shop, golf cart storage, and overnight suites. This is a year-round building with varying levels of occupancy. Our review included the mechanical, domestic hot water, controls, and lighting systems and resulted in recommendations that would focus on the building automation system and fan coil units.

Cx Associates completed construction and occupancy phase commissioning of a full renovation for the three-story, 60-plus-room Bread Loaf Inn. The renovation included winterizing the building with new mechanical equipment, an improved shell, and a commercial-grade kitchen. Our work uncovered a number of issues while the contractors were still onsite, resulting in minimized corrective costs and impact on the people and building systems.

After providing commissioning services for ECHO, Vermont’s first LEED certified building, in 2003, Cx Associates provided retrocommissioning (RCx) services for ECHO in 2014.  We provided services to help ECHO achieve their goals to improve the performance of their pumping and air systems. In addition  to reducing the operations staff-time required to maintain the building, the measures we identified included savings of 64,150 kWh annually across a couple of upgrades and improvements.

Cx Associates provided construction phase commissioning services for a Systems Building Renovation for Green Mountain Power (GMP), which included the HVAC and power systems. This project included relocation of the existing data center to the main office facility with extensive commissioning of the installation. In addition, we provided in-depth assistance with the rooftop controls unit and BAS integration. Our focused support helped GMP resolve building performance issues.

Cx Associates completed retrocommissioning studies at Browns River Middle, Jericho Elementary, Mount Mansfield High, and Smilie Elementary schools.  For these schools, we used historical energy data to benchmark each building in Energy Star Portfolio Manager and develop the sites’ Energy Usage Index (EUI). The implemented energy saving measures included adjustments to ventilation to match occupancy, modification of piping to segregate boilers and reduce losses through the standby boiler, hot water piping modifications to allow variable speed pump operation, and numerous mechanical modifications to ensure optimized operation and decreased maintenance costs.

Cx Associates calculated the EUI and Energy Star scores for this four-story building and identified that it is operating slightly better than the national average. Even so, we identified a number of opportunities to improve the building’s energy efficiency even further. While retrocommissioning was not an option due to operability issues, we were able to provide a report that provided guidance and direction concerning strategies to optimize control sequences to reduce energy use and improve comfort.

Cx Associates identified and quantified over 200 measures and identified annual energy savings opportunities of over $237,000 during the retrocommissioning study we performed for Vermont State College. The goal of the study was to identify low cost opportunities to reduce building HVAC energy use and identify measures that could be applicable across multiple buildings not included in the study. The savings we identified resulted in a payback period of only 1.2 years.

Cx Associates provided commissioning for the renovation of the historic building that is used as Middlebury College’s president’s residence. The building has been recognized for its energy efficiency, winning Efficiency Vermont’s top award for a major renovation of a commercial building. As a result of our early involvement in the project, we were able to identify an opportunity for the engineer to modify sequences and piping to ensure the heating boiler was not damaged by missing logic. Our follow up on the issue resolved a lack of communication that could have resulted in a voided boiler warranty.

Cx Associates was retained by Champlain College to commission the college’s renovation of Roger H. Perry Hall. Built in 1859 by lawyer and diplomat Edward Phelps, it is one of only 11 houses in the South Willard Street Historic District that predates the Civil War and is an Italianate-style brick home with elements of Greek revival. The college’s plan for the building included energy-efficient climate control systems, including a geothermal pump from Perry Hall's deep wells. The building was renovated to LEED standards which recognize performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.