Senator Paul Simon Federal Building - Carbondale, IL

Briefly describe 3 projects your organization has undertaken during the 2011 ENERGY STAR National Building Competition to improve your building’s energy efficiency.

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Property Management Team has implemented several energy conservation projects, one of which is the installation in April 2010 of a new Photovoltaic Power System (PV). The newly installed PV system is currently generating an average of 50 kw of energy per hour, and is estimated to save approximately 150 kwh annually, or roughly $13,575, at today's electric rate of $0.0905 per kwh for the coverage area.

To conserve on water, the team installed automatic faucets in the public restrooms and automatic flush valves on all stools and urinals.

GSA also installed an automatic sensor on the lawn irrigation system to limit the watering to an as needed basis. Installation of sensors and timed dimming lighting units in the stairwells also contributed to the building's efficiency.

How has the 2011 ENERGY STAR National Building Competition made a difference in your organization’s efforts to save energy?

The GSA’s Property Management Team is encouraged by the challenging "national" energy conservation atmosphere created by the 2011 ENERGY STAR National Building Competition. This year's competition is a fun way for all participants to make a huge difference in conserving energy in their respective buildings. In addition, all competitor efforts will hopefully serve to encourage and inspire those impacted or affected by the team’s efforts to be more vigilant in personal energy conservation. In December of 2010, the Senator Paul Simon Federal Building became ENERGY STAR certified, with a score of 98. The team hopes that by sharing this type of information, others will be encouraged by the building’s energy conservation successes and take action themselves to make a difference.

Briefly describe ways you have engaged your community in your efforts during the 2011 ENERGY STAR National Building Competition (e.g. events, posters, signs, contests, open houses, web forums, etc).

The GSA is proud to be a leader in energy conservation and appreciates the need to pass on the team’s knowledge. There is video display within the lobby of the building which provides tenants with a real-time report of the current energy being generated by the PV system. Another example of GSA's energy saving efforts is the replacement of 980 four foot fluorescent light bulbs with new high-efficiency fluorescents. GSA is committed to doing everything possible to conserve energy and share the team’s efforts with tenants. The GSA makes every effort to increase tenants’ knowledge and awareness of possible energy conservation resources available.

Learn more about all 245 buildings, by visiting the competitor flash wall!