Abstract

This paper, written jointly by Bill Browning and Joseph Romm at RMI with the Department of Energy, describes the energy efficiency measures undertaken by eight organizations. In each of the cases presented, improved efficiency in lighting, heating, and cooling increased worker productivity, decreased absenteeism, and sometimes improved the quality of the work being performed. While increasing the worker experience was not the original goal in most of the cases, it was an unexpected benefit for the organizations. The case studies demonstrate that energy efficient retrofits for existing buildings and new buildings designed for energy efficient performance can have substantial economic returns.

* Work performed by Bill Browning while at the Rocky Mountain Institute

Inside This Report

Introduction

Retrofit Case Studies

• Reno Post Office
• Boeing
• Hyde Tools
• Pennsylvania Power & Light

New Building Case Studies

• Lockheed Building 157
• West Bend Mutual Insurance
• Wal-Mart
• ING Bank

Conclusion

Notes