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 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 provided commissioning services for this new waterfront boutique hotel which holds 126 guest rooms. Our early involvement in the project allowed us to identify design improvements that resulted in improved building performance and energy cost savings such as $10,000 first cost savings from a lower cost roof top air handling unit, 63,000 kWh and $8,000/year from variable speed pump installations, and 1,750 CCF and $2,500/year from separating the domestic hot water from the heat pump loop heating.

Cx Associates continued working with Hotel Vermont after occupancy to develop and test a new sequence of operations for the existing energy recovery unit (ERU) to reduce energy use and improve occupant comfort; this work was a direct result of observations made during the commissioning process.

Cx Associates was brought in to assist with identifying opportunities to improve thermal and humidity control in key manufacturing areas and to help VPT reduce energy use. Cx undertook testing, including measurement and verification, of existing systems and conditions, identified design solutions and oversaw their implementation.

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 was retained by Maine Medical Center to provide an engineering assessment for optimizing the replacement of AHU-44, which is at the end of its expected service life. We recommended an advantageous solution and provided a design narrative for use in pricing. We provided services throughout the replacement, by evaluating hospital spaces and programs, space conditioning and ventilation requirements, performing submittal reviews, and developing the final sequence of operation. To round out the project, we will conduct site work to review the installation and operation.