Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Plug Smart for the HVAC Controls Integration Project. The contract amount is $834,784.00, with a contingency of $165,216.00, for a total of $1,000,000.00 being authorized by this ordinance.
According to the Columbus Climate Action Plan, buildings are responsible for approximately one quarter of city greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operations. The Columbus Climate Action Plan commits to reducing emissions by at least 45% by 2030 and to achieve zero emissions by 2050. Reducing building emissions is a major component of reaching these goals. Additionally, reduced building energy use results in utility costs savings which can allow the City to redirect operational funding towards achieving other objectives.
The Recreation and Parks Department is responsible for the operation of 46 City of Columbus buildings which possess programmable Building Automation System (BAS) controllers for the mechanical HVAC systems. These buildings include community centers, athletic complexes, golf course clubhouses, and cultural arts centers. 32 of these facilities utilize advanced BACNet standard controllers which have the capability to be operated remotely from a common platform. This capability allows the Department to centrally manage building HVAC systems and schedule settings during unoccupied periods. It also allows the Department to receive consolidated alarming for trouble situations such as stuck dampers and concurrent heating or cooling. Furthermore, by providing a single web portal with defined credentials for HVAC system monitoring and operation by users of all levels, the Department can develop trend logs to adjust and optimize HVAC system operations and encourage responsible occupant behavior. This project is a first step towards eventual integration of all Columbus Recreation...
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