Even Cooler: Rebates Boost Thermal Storage Retrofit
Two towers of office space were overdue for an efficiency overhaul. A creative and responsive project team cleared some placement and design hurdles for its new central plant, all while remaining qualified for nearly $1 million in utility rebates.
Back in 1983 — over three decades ago — a built-up DX cooling system was a good alternative to a chilled water-based system for the Molina Center (Long Beach, CA). The 460,000-sq-ft office complex is composed of twin 14-story towers connected by a glass atrium lobby. The DX system avoided the need for a fan room and AHU on every floor.
Fast forward to 2015, where incorporating the latest advancements in technology and the higher standards for Class A office space was made possible as the result of the completion of a major retrofit of the Molina Center central plant. The retrofit significantly increased the facility’s energy efficiency, reduced its operating costs, and improved the quality of the tenant experience.