Significant reductions saves customer money, reduces carbon footprint

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is helping a south Natomas commercial office

building complex realize significantly improved energy efficiency, reduced energy costs and a smaller

carbon footprint on the environment. SMUD provided more than $30,000 in financial incentives to Hines

Properties to improve its energy management equipment. This check was part of $86,000 in incentives

Hines received in 2009 for energy-efficient upgrades.

Hines has completed the first of two controls upgrades to their energy management system at

four buildings located in the Natomas area. Hines and SMUD identified several energy-saving measures

including air-side economizer switchover controls, supply air reset for constant volume control and

resets for mixed-air temperature control.

As a result, the 117,000 square foot facility will save about $223,000 in energy costs over the

next five years. Environmental benefits are also impressive in terms of reducing greenhouse gas

emissions, which are believed to be responsible for global warming. The new equipment will help

Hines remove approximately two million pounds of carbon dioxide, nearly 9,000 pounds of sulfur

dioxide and more than 6,500 pounds of nitrogen oxides over the next five years. Those numbers

represent the equivalent of removing 192 average-sized passenger cars from the road.

As the nation’s sixth largest publicly owned utility, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable

electricity for more than 60 years to Sacramento County (and a small portion of Placer County). SMUD

is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs,

renewable power technologies, and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. The

utility is on track to become the first large California utility to receive 20 percent of its energy from

renewable resources. For more information, visit smud.org.

Hines is an international real estate firm that is working with its tenants to implement Hines’

“Green Office for Tenants” to reduce energy consumption in indoor spaces. Hines continues to

aggressively pursue energy-saving opportunities throughout its real estate portfolio.