Autodesk
At a Glance
Industry
Internet, Software, Hardware and Technology Services
Project Type
Commercial Energy Efficiency
Year
2010
Location
San Rafael, CA
Summary
R.J. Crotser worked at the corporate headquarters evaluating energy-efficient measures that can be taken to reduce electricity use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Goals
R.J. Crotser, a second year MBA at Washington University in St. Louis, was enlisted as an EDF Climate Corps fellow at Autodesk, a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software. Autodesk software tools help accelerate the design process, enabling users to innovative and find cost-effective solutions for a more sustainable world.
Solutions
Crotser spent his summer using Autodesk tools to help Autodesk implement The Corporate Finance Approach to Climate-Stabilizing Targets (C-FACT). C-FACT is a novel corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) target-setting methodology developed by Autodesk that is business friendly, science driven and transparent. For the implementation of C-FACT, Crotser worked at the corporate headquarters evaluating energy efficient measures that can be taken to reduce KWh and GHGs.
Utilizing Autodesk Revit Architecture in conjunction with Autodesk Green Building Studio web-based service, he was able to simulate the effect of implementing different measures such as window film and a new BMS system, and determine the optimal mix of energy-efficient measures that should be taken. The simulation identified the San Rafael location as an ideal candidate for a Solar PV System.
Potential Impact
Ultimately, Crotser identified and started projects targeting a 20% offset of Autodesk's total energy consumption and equivalent GHG emissions. In addition, the simulation tools, combined with the energy efficient measures, augmented the solar financials in such a way that made the system a viable option. Autodesk is now discussing plans to implement a solar system for their headquarters.