The Community Center in Finlayson, Minn. is a landmark for local residents. The facility, located on Finlayson’s main street, is used for Lion’s Club meetings, wedding receptions, business meetings and civic events. But the well-used facility was in need of some serious upgrades – if for no other reason to simply make it more comfortable for its users.
Allan Brigan, the Finlayson City Clerk, and Rich Mensing, a civic leader with the local Lion’s Club, saw a golden opportunity to implement retrofits with an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Brigan and Mensing partnered with Chad Katzenberg of SEH Engineering for a thorough energy audit of the Community Center and the team estimated savings for each retrofit.
Noting the potential for significant energy savings, the team decided to focus on three primary areas:
- Upgrading the HVAC system
- Install a new high-efficiency furnace (over 90% efficient)
- Modify ducts and controls for air conditioning loop and HVAC system
- Improving the building envelope
- Replace 6 windows and 5 doors
- Insulate almost 2,600 square feet of walls and over 4,700 square feet of attic space
- Implementing more efficient lighting and controls
- Replace 18 T12 lighting fixtures with T8s
- Install controls
While energy savings have yet to be determined, the team estimates that the improved building efficiency could save 10% of their electric demand with the energy efficient T8 lighting and the installation of controls. They will also save over 10% in natural gas usage thanks to a more economical furnace and improved insulation of the building. Mensing claims that he can no longer “kick cats under the door.” The building is tight.
Impressed with the results thus far, Brigan and Mensing have begun searching out other grant opportunities to improve the efficiency of additional municipal buildings in Finlayson.
Other Local Government Energy Action Heating & Cooling Stories:
- Local Government HVAC & boiler updates: 50+ projects for energy efficiency
- Energy savings, safety, and comfort: Paynesville City Hall receives new HVAC system
- Discomfort and inefficiency remedied with Breckenridge City Hall boiler replacement
- Hopkins heats up their city’s savings with an energy efficient boiler
- Boilers, controls, and lighting renew Chisholm city buildings
- City of Carlton adopts tried and true energy retrofits
- Building consolidation and upgrades save energy and money in the City of Spicer
About the Local Government Energy Action Series:
This year-long effort tells the stories of nearly 50 Minnesota municipalities, counties, and schools and the tangible results of their energy-saving efforts to inspire others to take their own actions.
Local Government Energy Action is brought to you by the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources.
