Automated Logic’s WebCTRL Helps HARBEC Achieve Carbon Neutrality
Upgrades to an existing Automated Logic Corp. (ALC) WebCTRL® building automation system helped New York plastic and metal components manufacturer HARBEC™ attain ISO 50001 Superior Energy Performance® (SEP™) certification and ultimately, carbon neutrality. ALC, a leading provider of innovative building automation systems, is a part of UTC Building & Industrial Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
Logical Control Solutions, Inc., an ALC dealer serving upstate and western New York since 1995, installed submetering systems on all electrical generation and major energy-consuming equipment for HARBEC, including microturbines in its combined heat and power plant, Carrier air handling units and absorption chillers, and on-site wind turbines. As part of the installation, reporting capabilities were integrated into the WebCTRL building automation system.
To attain the ISO 50001 SEP certification from the U.S. Department of Energy, HARBEC leveraged WebCTRL’s capabilities to collect the precise resource consumption and energy usage data required. That data was also used as HARBEC sought to achieve carbon neutrality, or a net zero carbon footprint.
“ALC gave us the tools we needed to establish clear targets for energy use reductions, which was an essential step to validate HARBEC’s carbon sources, emissions and reduction goals,” said Bob Bechtold, president, HARBEC.
The WebCTRL system now documents the plant’s use of compressed air, natural gas and hot and chilled water, as well as all water consumption points throughout the facility. HARBEC is using the system’s EnergyReports™ application, with its extensive trending capabilities, to track energy usage at the equipment level, allowing plant staff to monitor performance and maintain established benchmarks. The integration of the WebCTRL system’s reporting capabilities was a low-cost operational change.
In the year following the WebCTRL system upgrades, benefits proved to be dramatic. By increasing its operational efficiencies, primarily within the cogeneration plant, HARBEC was able to:
Increase the overall efficiency of its heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems
Reduce natural gas consumption by 20 percent
Reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent (calculated at 375 tons of carbon dioxide)
Reduce utility costs by 14 percent
By exceeding 15 percent energy savings over the entire reporting period (2009-13), HARBEC was designated a SEP Platinum Certified Partner.
“WebCTRL was created to control, improve and report building performance while maintaining occupant comfort levels. I am pleased that WebCTRL was able to assist HARBEC to obtain the SEP certification and eventually to achieve carbon neutrality,” said Mead Rusert, president, Automated Logic Corp.
HARBEC achieved carbon neutrality in late 2014 after securing an offset to its remaining emissions.
For more information on the WebCTRL system, visit www.automatedlogic.com or follow the company on Twitter @AutomatedLogic.
About Automated Logic Corporation
Automated Logic Corporation (ALC) provides innovative building-management solutions that maximize energy efficiency and sustainable building operation while ensuring comfort. Its intuitive products control and monitor building functions such as heating, air conditioning and lighting for commercial office, education, health care, government and data center markets through a global network of independent dealers and North American branch offices. ALC is a part of UTC Building & Industrial Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp., a leading provider to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. For more information, visit www.automatedlogic.com or follow @AutomatedLogic on Twitter.