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Success Story: Three Rivers Resource and Conservation Development Council

Partner Information

Located in Milton, Florida
2400 s.f. facility
Annual Cash Savings: $1200
Annual Water Savings: 6,240 gallons

Service and Product Provider

University of West Florida
Small Business Development Center
1170 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
850-863-6543

The Three Rivers Resource and Conservation Development Council (Council), a non-profit organization set up to conserve the natural resources and to improve the overall economic condition of rural and urban citizens, decided to make its own contribution to preserving the environment by implementing an energy management program. The Council asked the Small Business Development Center of the University of West Florida (SBDC) for assistance in designing and completing an energy efficiency plan which incorporated all of the SBDC’s recommendations.

The Council had purchased a historical building that was over 100 years old. When it started the renovation, it found that although the windows were a beautiful asset to the history of the building, they were not energy efficient. They replaced all of the old windows and doors with insulated glass. 12 SEER HVAC were installed with programmable thermostats. Ceiling insulation was upgraded to R-38 and were equipped with ceiling fans. Lighting upgrades included installation of four foot T-8 fluorescent fixtures and compact fluorescent lamps, instead of incandescent lamps, in the hanging light fixtures. Infrared light control switches were installed as well as LED exit signs. An induction hot water unit was installed to heat water for the break room and restrooms - instead of a 4.5 kW hot water boiler. 2.5 gallon energy efficient water closets were installed. These changes were all decided upon to reduce energy costs and benefit the environment. The implementation of energy conservation devices were financed as part of renovation cost and were completed with along with the completion of the renovations.

The upgrades have resulted in improved air quality as well as a more pleasant working environment, while improving productivity. The utility cost savings is estimated at 50% and a reduction in replacement equipment cost was also anticipated. The only obstacles were locating the best pricing for the energy efficient materials. The Council states that its success came from the satisfaction of knowing that utility costs were going to be saved and the environment would be better protected.

The Council recommends that to begin a good energy management policy, small businesses should start by planning energy efficiency into the building plans at the design stage and find a competent energy firm that will identify definite energy saving considerations. The Council believes that any energy saving tips you may receive really do help in the long run, as all the tips they took to heart have saved them a great deal. In the future, the council hopes to collect data to be able to show other small businesses how to implement a good energy management policy.

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