Published on 04/ 6/2009
Old buildings can be power hogs, but it doesn't mean that they have to stay that way. The Empire state building is undergoing a major retrofit that should result in a 40% energy savings. We are talking about a savings of $4.4 annually here. There is a lot of things to fix – here's the list: windows light, radiator insulation, lighting, air handlers, chiller plan, building control system, ventilation control, tenant energy management. A lot of it is actually the "logic" of energy management (figuring out which spaces need warmth/chill...). The planned renovations will cost about $500 and everything should be finished in 2013.