H2M performed for the United States Postal Service (USPS) an energy audit for the Long Island City Main Post Office including site visit, utility bill analysis, and building modeling simulation. Potential Energy Conservation Opportunities (ECO) and Equipment Repair/Replacements (EER) were investigated as part of this audit.
This post office sorts carrier mail and provide mail services to the public. The reported total interior area is approximately 57,214 square feet. This facility employs roughly 100 total staff and operates 16 hours per day, six days a week in two tours. The facility is approximately 82 years old, being constructed in 1928, and with a renovation was completed in 2007.
The mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and controls systems were analyzed to ascertain inefficiencies, savings potential, and project implementation costs. The combination of field surveys of the existing systems, engineering calculations using industry standard practices (i.e. ASHRAE Standard 90.1), application of energy efficient technologies and adherence to the current USPS Building Design Standards resulted in the development of a package of recommended opportunities.
Potential energy conservation projects for the post office were installation of a second hot water loop, a roof replacement, lighting retrofit to mail loading dock, and installation of occupancy lighting controls. A second hot water loop would allow the air handlers and radiators to each have a dedicated hot water supply. A new roof with insulation meeting the minimum requirement of the New York State Energy Code would reduce peak cooling demand. The existing mail loading dock lighting fixtures are high pressure sodium (HID) with magnetic ballasts. Upgrading the fixtures to fluorescent fixtures with electronic ballasts would result in a yearly energy savings. Manual control of lighting creates a large potential for excessive use. Installing wall or ceiling mounted occupancy sensors would reduce the potential of lights remaining on when no one is occupying a space.
One ERR was identified during the audit. The weather-stripping around the mail loading dock doors is damaged and in poor condition. H2M proposed new weather-stripping would be provided for all doors.
The USPS identifies six qualifying elements which must be evaluated and documented for energy impact and potential ECO. They are lighting, HVAC, compressed air, water/plumbing, building envelope, and behavioral. The post office met all six qualifying elements. No ECOs were identified for HVAC equipment because a chiller plant and air handler renovation was completed in 2007.
