Value Delivered
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) chose EMCOR Government Services (EGS) to conduct energy efficiency upgrades for its nine-story, 876,035-square-foot headquarters. The project lasted nineteen months total, including nine for installation.
EGS provided HHS with an energy-saving solution by installing additions to supplement the building’s existing steam heat system, resulting in:
- $245,000 projected yearly energy savings
- An estimated three-and-a-half year return on client investment
Client Objectives
HHS sought to reduce the steam heating costs for its nine-story headquarters without interrupting daily operations during installation.
Solutions
EGS expertly created a seamless steam heating system solution that would achieve cost savings. Its scope of services included:
- Conducting a scope-of-work study
- Determining design solution in the installation of heat pumps, including:
- The installation of 20 heat pump systems across ten air handler units (AHU) in the building’s lower penthouse
- Using AHU return air as heat source for heat pumps
- Recirculating cool air passing through heat pumps into AHU
- Sending hot water produced by heat pumps to building’s circulating water heating loop, reducing the need for steam
- Installing two air-to-water heat pumps on each AHU
- Integrating heat pump control system with existing building automation system
- Senses and regulates heat pump hot water temperatures
- Detects heating or cooling mode and redirects heat pump exhaust air accordingly via heat pump damper
Client Background
Located in southwest Washington, D.C., the nine-story, 876,035-square-foot Hubert H. Humphrey Building serves as HHS’ headquarters.
EGS currently holds the Operations and Maintenance contract for the building, which includes the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire systems equipment, along with snow removal, pest control, and janitorial services.