Background

Reducing energy use is an important part of the TIAA-CREF Global Real Estate Sustainability Initiative, with the goals of increasing tenant’s profitability, increasing asset values and demonstrating environmental and corporate responsibility. Between 2007 and 2011, the TIAA-CREF’s office portfolio achieved a 15% percent reduction in energy use. Because TIAA-CREF is one of the largest institutional real estate investors in the nation, their commitment to sustainability has a substantial positive impact.

By adhering to a strategic management plan of continuous improvement, the property team ensures that the asset will maintain its value and competitiveness in the Austin market.

Solutions

The energy-efficiency measures below were completed between May 2011 and December 2012:

• No cost measures include a reduction in weekend and holiday operating hours.
• Low cost measures include retrofitting 32W T8 and 20W MR16 bulbs with 25W T8 and 2W LED bulbs respectively.
• Upgrading the energy management system to automate temperature set point changes. Eliminating the need for building engineering staff to make manual adjustments.
• Investment grade projects include converting pneumatic thermostats to direct digital controls, increasing the ability to control thermal comfort and have a greater ability to respond to tenant thermal requests.
• Chiller plant replacement to replace old inefficient R-11 equipment with new variable speed drive chillers utilizing 134A.
• Replaced outdated “reverse roof” with added insulation and a white reflective Derbigum roofing system. This also included roof anchors and tie backs for additional safety and functionality.
• Toilet and urinal replacement to ultra-low flow.

Other Benefits