ENERGY STAR Labeled Building Profile

Eastman Building 471
200 South Wilcox Drive
Kingsport, TN 37660
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Eastman Chemical Company is a global specialty chemical company that manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of chemicals, fibers, and plastics. The company believes energy efficiency is a critical part of operating sustainably and was recognized as a 2012 and 2013 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year for continuing to build upon its sound energy management foundation.

Eastman Chemical Company’s building 471 contains Human Resources and Logistics offices. Building 471 is a single story building with offices and cubicles for 62 occupants, three conference rooms, and a 36 space parking lot. It is located in Kingsport, Tennessee. Eastman entered building 471 in ENERGY STAR’s Battle of the Buildings to rally employees to see how much energy could be saved and how high they could finish in the competition.

The competitive activities of measuring, tracking, and reporting unnecessary usage encouraged a personal commitment to promoting energy conservation that resulted in substantial energy savings. With a goal to obtain a 20 percent reduction in Energy Usage Intensity (EUI) from the previous year, employees had to control their own energy consumption. (EUI represents the energy consumed by a building relative to its size). The site energy team sent a monthly e-mail to building occupants informing them of their progress (from mid-year 2012 through year-end) and providing additional energy saving tips.

Building changes were made that included replacing lighting with more energy-efficient lights, relocating thermostats for better heating and cooling control, reducing intake air during night hours, and installing a building automation system. These changes not only improved building efficiency but also improved the work environment. Employees expressed appreciation for improved lighting and work environment comfort.

In addition to lighting and HVAC changes that were made, employee due diligence produced additional savings with the following actions:

Office lights, including task lights and personal lamps, were turned off at the end of the work day;
Break room lights and TVs were turned off when not in use;
Early arrivers used limited lighting versus lighting the entire building;
Conference room lighting was turned off when not in use;
Individual computers were set to “hibernate” versus “lock” mode at the end of the work day, which only uses 3 watts versus approximately 43 watts.

Using ENERGY STAR’s Battle of the Buildings competition as a rallying point to focus on office energy efficiency was a fun way to increase energy awareness, accountability, and sustainability. The competition and changes made resulted in an energy use intensity reduction of 9% and an ENERGY STAR rating of 76 in Portfolio Manager.

Communications:

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Testimonial:

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Please note: Narrative information in this profile has been provided by Eastman Chemical Company or a representative of this facility. Other building information was verified and submitted to EPA at the time of application. Building energy performance, operating characteristics, and ownership/management may be subject to change over time.

Building Owner:*
Eastman Chemical Company

Property Manager:*
N/A

Year(s) Labeled (Rating):
2013 (76)
2014 (89)
2015 (91)
2016 (91)

Facility Type: Office

Total Floorspace: 15270 sf

Year Constructed: 1992

Contract Type: None

Technologies Used:

   Stage 2-Lighting
   Stage 3-Load Reductions
   Stage 5-Heating and Cooling Plant
   Other Technologies/Strategies