An installation of sustainable modern electrical chillers for Boston Properties
Key Facts
Trade
Trade
- HVAC & Thermal Systems
Mobilized expertise
Mobilized expertise
- chiller modernization for improved sustainability and efficiency
Project figures
Project figures
- 59 stories tall
- 1.6M sq. ft. facility
- Emissions reduced by 28%
Introduction
Boston Properties is the largest publicly traded developer, owner and manager of Class A office properties in the United States. Across New York City, their portfolio of buildings includes 26 properties and over 11M SF. Committed to sustainable development and responsible growth, BPX was looking to execute their sustainability strategy across their 5 regions which included their property at 601 Lexington Avenue.
Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, 601 Lexington Ave is one of their premier office properties consisting of 1.6m SF and 59 stories. The building’s existing steam turbine chillers had served beyond its useful life and needed to be replaced.
Challenges
After consideration of all the factors, the BPX opted to replace their existing chillers from the 1970s with new variable frequency drive electric chiller drive-lines. Electric chillers offer several key benefits such as higher COP (Coefficient of Performance), lower equipment purchase cost, a 50% savings in required floorspace, shorter installation time, and overall reduced energy consumption for added cost savings.
Solution
Donnelly handled the project planning, 3D modelling, and management. The existing steam turbine chillers on the 13th floor were removed through the buildings’ curtain wall and two new eclectic chillers with a total cooling capacity of 3000 tons were hoisted via crane.
New critical electric equipment was installed to power the new chillers while (3) new Liebert split system units were installed to cool critical electrical equipment on the 61st and 63rd floors.
Having provided accurate estimates, Donnelly completed the project on-time and within budget. Donnelly’s Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities facilitated detailed 3D modelling to ensure successful project planning and logistics.
Donnelly’s expert project management and attention to safety kept workers and equipment safe throughout this challenging installation project.
Results
The reconstructed chiller plant dramatically improved building energy performance and carbon emissions intensity. The project raised the building’s ENERGY STAR score 16 points year-over-year and has reduced the building’s carbon emissions intensity by 28%.
