Case Study - Public Transport Authority

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PUBLIC TRANSPORT AUTHORITY

Synopsis
An upgrade of the 3rd floor of the Public Transport Authority provides an example of a project that incorporates energy efficiency design as part of a general refurbishment. Often an energy saving renovation in a building is not cost effective as a stand-alone project, but investment costs are reduced when it forms part of a larger refurbishment.

A major renovation of the air conditioning system was made possible when the Public Transport Authority decided to upgrade its 3rd floor offices. The project included the installation of Direct Digital Controls and Variable Speed Drives in the air conditioning units and the inclusion of a small Building Automation System. The purchase and installation costs were $59,000, with the projected fan operation and heating system energy savings expected to be $54,330 per annum. This figure translates to a payback period of just over 1.1 years. The upgrade has provided the additional benefits of a reduction in noise levels, flexibility for future fit-outs, increased after hours operating capabilities and future maintenance benefits.

The general refurbishment of the 3rd floor also included a lighting retrofit. The upgrade halved the energy consumption of the lighting system as the twin tube fittings were replaced with new, high efficiency, single tri-phosphor tube luminaires. Additional energy savings will be gained in terms of reduced pressure to the cooling system and cuts in maintenance and replacement costs.

Since this refurbishment was completed, additional funding has been awarded for further renovations to upgrade other areas of the building. Extensive energy efficiency design is also part of this subsequent work as the Public Transport Authority is committed to improving its energy systems and reducing its energy consumption rates.

Table showing the energy efficiency measures with the related costs and savings

Energy efficient measure	Cost ($)	Projected annual savings ($)	Payback period (years)
Installing Direct Digital Controls and Variable Speed Drives to two air conditioning fans	59,000	54,330	1.1

For further information view the Public Transport Authority case study. (PDF 9 KB)

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