Chiller Optimization Project: Energy Conservation Highlight

New York City’s Climate Mobilization Act and its centerpiece, Local Law 97 have established some of the nation's most stringent carbon emission standards for buildings. WCM's wet and dry labs and ambulatory care spaces use much more energy than other commercial buildings. In response, the Chiller Optimization Project implemented in 2022 by the Office of Energy & Sustainability aimed to reduce energy consumption in two major research and clinical care buildings, Belfer Research Building and Weill Greenberg Center.

This initiative involved optimizing the operational sequences and programming for pumps, cooling towers, valves, electric centrifugal chillers (Belfer), and steam-driven absorption chillers (Weill Greenberg Center). The new programming optimized the staging of equipment and allowed for more efficient part-load operation.  The central plant operators and facilities teams from both buildings were integral to the success of this project. Their input during the planning and design stages provided detailed operational feedback. The outcome was a notable annual savings:

• 700,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity
• 1.3 million pounds of steam consumption  

These improvements translate to a reduction of 270 tons in carbon emissions per year!  Additionally, the project received an $85,000 energy-efficiency grant, helping to offset its cost. 

Beyond these environmental benefits, the project has also enhanced the reliability of our chiller plants by freeing up capacity and reducing equipment runtime, ensuring consistent, high-quality service to building occupants throughout the year.  

In 2024, the project was selected for a poster presentation at the IDEA Annual Conference, a leading international gathering for district energy professionals. Congratulations to Akhil Soman, Energy Manager and project lead, who represented Weill Cornell Medicine at the conference!