Genzyme
At a Glance
Industry
Health Care
Project Type
Commercial Energy Efficiency
Year
2009
Location
Cambridge, MA
Net Present Value:
$820,000
Annual CO2 Reductions:
1,500 metric tons
Summary
Anand Natarajan evaluated ECMs that would be technically and financially feasible for Genzyme.
Goals
Anand Natarajan, an MBA student at Case Western, spent his summer at Genzyme, one of the world's leading biotechnology companies since 1981. Genzyme is a partner in the EPA Climate Leaders program and established a goal to reduce corporate GHG emissions by 25 percent, normalized to revenue, from 2007 to 2012. Natarajan examined a number of Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) identified via energy audits and suggested by Facilities and Engineering staff that could have the best combination of environmental and financial return on investment.
Solutions
Natarajan analyzed a range of energy efficiency categories such as HVAC controls, Building Management Systems, Building Envelope/Insulation, IT, Kitchen/cafeteria and Renewable Energy Systems. He calculated that six ECMs would be technically and financially feasible. He discovered that significant savings could come from implementing software to automatically shut down desktop computers and monitors during off hours and from improvements in the building insulation. To arrive at these conclusions, Natarajan developed a process and decision tool template to evaluate ECMs. This tool could be rolled out to all Genzyme facilities in the future to evaluate ECM opportunities.
Potential Impact
In total, these opportunities could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,500 metric tons annually and generate significant energy cost savings of approximately $820,000 over the life of the projects.