Completed Building Efficiency Projects

MICA continues to implement building efficiency upgrades based on industry standards. Current recommendations being implemented include installing higher efficiency and lower wattage lighting, installing low-flow shower heads, installing automatic light sensor switches, placing energy management systems in some buildings, replacing existing exit signs with LED exit signs, and upgrading building systems. These energy audit and the follow-up steps have allowed MICA to generate and put into action a fully informed plan for smart energy use.

2019 Major Completed Initiatives

Dolphin Building Green Roof 2019 Stewardship Report

A green roof was previously installed atop the Dolphin Building. Green roofs conserve water and reduce run off by using otherwise unused roof top space to cultivate drought tolerant species of plants. These roofs require ongoing maintenance to be effective. The above link documents the 2019 Stewardship of the roof.

Fox Window Installation

The new low emissivity (Low-E) windows keep heat out during the summer and keep heat in during the winter. MICA installed high quality frames that include thermal window breaks, which reduce the transfer of heat and cold, leading to more efficient heating and cooling of a space. Additionally, the windows have reduced the outside noise pollution from passing vehicles and trains that run along Howard Street.

Fox HVAC Installation

MICA installed VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) devices to the Fox building in the summer of 2019. VRF is an alternative to traditional Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) options due to the ability of the system to vary and control the refrigerant flow through multiple evaporator coils to provide individual temperature control in various mechanical comfort zones. Some key advantages of the VRF heating and cooling system are:

The system runs very quiet.
It has occupancy sensors in each area to only heat or cool when the area is occupied.
Eliminated the need for a cooling tower and chiller, thus reducing the demand for water and chemical treatment of that water.
Studies have shown the VRF system consumes 11% to 22% less energy that the conventional system due to the elimination of cooling towers and chillers.
A much more balanced distribution of conditioned air within the building, the entire building is now comfortable.

2018 Major Completed Initiatives

Boiler Upgrades

Two Fulton high efficiency gas boilers were installed to replace a low efficiency fuel oil boiler in late 2018. The efficiency rating of the new gas boilers are 94% compared to the previous fuel oil boiler which had an efficiency rating of 65%.

Shower Stall Upgrade

MICA upgraded the shower stalls in the Meyerhoff House in 2018. These upgrades included the installation of new shower diverters valves. The new diverters reduced previously leaky and dripping faucets, thus reducing the waste of water.

Building Efficiency Projects