Behrakis Retro-commissioning

 

Retro-commissioning is a re-optimization process of testing existing buildings systems and equipment to ensure they are functioning optimally to meet current facility requirements. In addition to verifying all equipment functional performance the university goes the extra step to define and ensure the new control sequences are optimized for energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

 

Behrakis Health Science Center is a cutting-edge facility featuring state-of-the-art lecture halls, amphitheater, classrooms, laboratories and simulation centers. Due to its large demand and high use of energy, Northeastern decided to retro-commission the building.  In 2018 Behrakis was retro-commissioned by testing, adjusting, and repairing air handling units, heating and cooling valves, and devices controlling airflow to occupied spaces. New control sequences were developed to allow individual rooms to reduce airflow when not occupied and therefore reduce total heating and cooling loads on the entire building. 

 

The retro-commissioning efforts the Facilities Management Energy Group provided to the Behrakis Center has achieved an annual savings of 500,000 kWh and 4,000 MMBTUs, resulting in a total reduction of 340 MTCE of greenhouse gas emissions.

Related Posts

Integrating Mills Campus Energy Data

From the East Coast to the West Coast, Northeastern is working to reduce their energy usage and carbon emissions. Mills College at Northeastern was recently integrated into the Boston campus’ EnergyCAP database, which will aid in the collection of the campus’ energy data and track the university’s emissions reduction progress.

Climate Committee Here to Stay

Northeastern's Faculty Senate Climate Justice Action Committee is now a standing committee, and will help push the university into a more sustainable and just future.

Automation and Analytics: Silent Sustainability Tools

Building automation and analytics are important tools used by those who maintain buildings and the systems within them. But what are they and how do they work to make buildings more sustainable?