The project employs what we believe is a first-of-its-kind approach that uses domestic water as both an HVAC alternative energy source and a thermal source for heat pumps. It allows the water we treat here at OWASA to serve as an energy source (or sink) to condition the air of our administration building.
The upgraded HVAC system uses potable water produced onsite with heat recovery chillers to provide heating and cooling water to a variable air volume system. Instead of ground wells, OWASA’s system uses readily available, sustainable domestic water.
In its first year of operation, OWASA saved $28,000 in operational costs and 375,000 kWh of energy with this new system, which reflects a 59 percent savings in energy usage and a 45 percent savings in energy costs.
“McKim & Creed helped us achieve our goals with an innovative and unique design.” – Mary Tiger, OWASA Sustainability Manager