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Staples - Orlando - Fulfillment Center #4895

  • Outside view of the Fulfillment Center 

Staples Orlando Fulfillment Center #4895

Showcase Project: Staples

Location

Orlando, FL

Project Size

550,000 Square Feet

Financial Overview

Project Cost $265,000

Annual Energy Use (Source EUI)

Baseline
(2011)
89 kBtu/sq. ft.
Expected
(2012-13)
69 kBtu/sq. ft.
Actual
COMING SOON

Expected
Energy Savings:

22%

Annual Energy Cost

Baseline
(2011)
$458,000
Expected
(2012-13)
$357,000
Actual
COMING SOON

Expected
Savings:

$101,000



Background

By undertaking a comprehensive approach for identifying and implementing a host of energy efficiency measures, Staples was able to markedly improve the performance of its Orlando, FL Fulfillment Center through the GE eco-Treasure Hunt program. Annual savings are expected to result in a 22% energy cost reduction. Based on this success, Staples is implementing the program across its remaining fulfillment centers.

Solutions

A team of GE representatives, members of the Staples energy reduction team, and the on-site facilities team at the Orlando Fulfillment Center participated in the identification of energy reduction opportunities. Together, they focused on energy efficiency in the areas of lighting, battery chargers, conveyors, HVAC and the energy management system. The GE eco-Treasure Hunt program was educational and an inspiring experience for all participants.

Other Benefits

The Staples energy management team will continue to support the Orlando energy reduction team in implementing capital projects and finding new and continued ways of saving energy. In addition, the energy management team has supplied Orlando staff with associate communications to help engage the associates in energy efficiency efforts. Finally, Staples expects the Orlando Fulfillment Center’s ENERGY STAR performance rating will move from 41 to 61.

Inside view of the Fulfillment Center

Background

The GE eco-Treasure Hunt program was designed to help Staples identify ways of saving energy, improve business processes, and seek ways of applying new technologies. It afforded Staples the opportunity to identify areas for energy efficiency improvement and be creative in its approach to conducting business. This particular project was initiated in May 2011 and was completed in June 2012. The Orlando Fulfillment Center is a 550,000 square foot warehouse building that is fully air-conditioned. It was built in 1990, employs 266 Staples associates and operates 120 hours each week; it is Staples’ major fulfillment center in Florida.

Solutions

Staples incorporated the following energy efficiency measures:

  • The lighting team identified upgrades in the warehouse ceiling, office area and exterior parking lot areas. Work included new high bay T5 lamps, new office lighting and LED lighting in dock areas at a cost of $132,000.
  • The HVAC team identified upgrades to include a new energy management system, variable frequency drives on roof top units and occupancy sensors on warehouse fans at a cost of $80,000.
  • The material handling team identified a need for a new battery management system and vending machine sensors at a cost of $53,000.

Other Benefits

Additional benefits from this showcase project include:

  • New HVAC equipment has eliminated the safety risk for city employees who are no longer required to scale 40-foot high ladders to change the temperature in the exhibit hall and some office spaces.
  • With the growth of the film industry in Georgia, the Civic Center’s exhibit hall has been utilized as a sound stage for several movies and TV series. The energy efficiency improvements are allowing the city to book additional projects without concerns of equipment outages.
  • As a part of its sustainability plan, Power to Change, the city will now use the 45-year old Civic Center as a demonstration project showcasing its commitment to energy efficiency and for public sustainability education.

Finally, the City of Atlanta is considering LEED Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance certification in the future.