The 66-year-old U.S. Custom House became the first building in Pennsylvania to receive an Energy Star Buildings Label from the U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) for energy efficiency. “We are proud that the U.S. Custom House was the first building in Pennsylvania to earn the Energy Star Label,” says James A. Williams, Administrator of General Services Administration (GSA), Region 3. “Receiving the Energy Star Label clearly demonstrates that historic buildings can be operated in a fiscally and environmentally responsible manner.”
But winning that honor did not come without a facing and overcoming a few challenges, especially since the Custom House is listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. For instance, replacement of valves and wiring through the ceiling meant that historic canvas paintings in the ceiling could not be disturbed. The problems were overcome but perhaps not easily.
“The U.S. Custom House’s ongoing commitment to the environment and energy efficiency merits recognition by the Energy Star program,” says John Helling, VP and General Manager of Johnson Controls Integrated Facility Management’s Philadelphia office. “We are pleased to partner with the Custom House to achieve and maintain these high energy standards.” Upgrades introduced by Johnson Controls reduced energy usage by 14 percent and scored an annual savings of $390,000.
Johnson Controls also implemented several other improvements to raise the Custom House’s energy efficiency and performance. Among them: rewriting the Building Automation System Program and an extensive preventive maintenance system for all Custom House mechanical systems.
The Energy Start Buildings program is designed to help U.S. building owners achieve efficient facilities, including schools, hospitals, office complexes, and retail stores. A voluntary program, it puts emphasis on the profitable investment opportunities that result from instituting proven energy efficiency technologies.
