Contra Costa County Reduces Annual Energy Costs by $500,000 through Energy Efficiency and Cogeneration Projects

Contra Costa County
Building/Project Summary
  • 2,200,000 square feet
Annual Energy Savings:
  • 14,500,000 kWh electricity
  • 100,000 therms natural gas
Project Economics:
  • 500,000 annual energy cost savings 
Greenhouse Gas Reductions:
  • 5,000,000 lbs/year of CO2
Since 2003, Cogent Energy has supported Contra Costa County with the development and implementation of a comprehensive, County-wide energy program. To commence this endeavor, Cogent Energy teamed with AEPC Group, prepared a Strategic Energy Plan which acts as a master planning tool for reducing energy costs at the County’s 400 buildings. The Strategic Energy Plan was presented to and officially adopted by the County Board of Supervisors in April 2004.
Cogent Energy subsequently performed investment grade energy audits, design and commissioning services at a several County buildings and facilities. To date, the County has realized savings of 4,500,000 kWh and 100,000 therms annually from these projects, reducing County energy costs by $500,000 per year.
Cogent Energy performed the investment grade energy audit for the West County Detention Center and performed the subsequent design of a cogeneration system. Other measures identified and implemented included:
  • Install variable frequency drives on air handlers and purge fans
  • Convert constant volume air handler to variable air volume
  • Install Alerton DDC and repair economizers
  • Install lighting controls
For another project, Cogent Energy provided retrocommissioning services at the Regional Medical Center and Laboratory, the County Data Center and eight County office buildings. During a preliminary investigation, Cogent Energy observed that several VAV boxes were not calibrated properly and were operating at their default settings. Cogent Energy developed VAV box calibration procedures and Cogent Energy engineers and technicians subsequently calibrated and commissioned over 700 VAV terminal boxes throughout the County, reducing energy costs by $150,000 annually while significantly improving occupant comfort.
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