Pennzoil Place, managed by Transwestern and located in the heart of downtown Houston, has undergone a $13 million building systems and infrastructure upgrade since 2011. In 2013, Transwestern completed a large central plant renovation project at the facility where they overhauled outdated HVAC equipment with new high efficiency solutions.
This central plant project included replacing existing boilers with six modular, energy efficient boilers provided by HTS Texas. The new boilers allowed for an easy installation without sacrificing the existing exhaust system and now give the facilities team the ability to start the boilers and deliver hot water throughout the building in less than 20 minutes when it previously took hours. The boilers were ultimately chosen by the design and construction team for their modularity, ability to meet a short delivery schedule and high efficiency ratings. The boilers were estimated to be 94% efficient and after installation their actual performance is 96%. This number is expected to rise to 97% with Houston climate and system optimization during the upcoming heating season.
In addition to the boilers, HTS also provided a ModSync boiler optimization control system to control the boilers, combustion air fans and air controls, flue exhaust fans and a flue duct system, plus Dynamic air filters. Dynamic V8 air filters maximize energy savings with a near zero air pressure drop and reduce maintenance with a seven year life, further increasing the sustainability of the facility.
Transwestern achieved a LEED Gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Green Building Rating System™.
