Discover how 55 Water Street in New York City achieved remarkable energy savings through strategic upgrades and innovative energy management. This case study reveals the power of targeted improvements in large commercial buildings.
Originally, steam contributed to 45% of 55 Water Street’s energy consumption. Recognizing this, the energy management team initiated a comprehensive steam audit as a primary step. This audit quickly identified and rectified steam leaks, leading to immediate energy savings. Further recommendations focused on optimizing pressure control and insulation. More advanced solutions, such as replacing separate heating and cooling systems with efficient heat pumps, were also considered to maximize long-term efficiency at 55 Water Street.
A unique feature of 55 Water Street was its on-site ice storage plant. This system produced ice during off-peak hours to reduce daytime electricity demand for cooling. To enhance this system, the energy manager proposed utilizing the ice storage for heating as well. This innovative approach to thermal storage allows for year-round use of the ice plant, significantly lessening the building’s reliance on steam for both heating and cooling at 55 Water Street New York.
To further reduce steam dependence and improve energy efficiency, 55 Water Street implemented several key electrical upgrades:
- Replacing outdated pneumatic controls with modern digital control systems.
- Upgrading induction units to enhance heating and cooling efficiency.
- Implementing advanced lighting and lighting control systems.
- Installing a water source heat pump for domestic hot water, a single measure that cut annual steam usage by 8,000 MMBTU.
These measures at 55 Water Street New York dramatically exceeded initial energy savings targets. Water Street Corp had aimed for a modest 2% annual reduction in both steam and electricity consumption. However, the implemented upgrades resulted in a remarkable 15% decrease in total energy use. This translated to a 733% energy savings when compared to the original target, showcasing the exceptional success of the energy efficiency initiatives at 55 Water Street.
Illustration of target vs installed savings.
| Energy Model Inputs | Baseline Energy Use | Target Energy Savings | Installed Energy Savings | % Installed Savings Against Target | % Installed Savings Over Baseline |
|—|—|—|—|—|—|
| Electric (kWh) | 65,503,166 | 1,310,063 | 1,671,330 | 128% | 2.6% |
| Fossil Fuel (MMBtu) | 100,790 | 2,016 | 41,839 | 2076% | 41.5% |
| Total (MMBtu) | 324,287 | 6,486 | 47,542 | 733% | 14.7% |
