In 2024, John W. Danforth Company, a contractor and energy services provider, engaged CPL to deliver engineering and design services in support of its 18-year energy performance contract with Erie County. Based on established energy savings goals and identified efficiency measures, Danforth conducted a comprehensive analysis of building energy consumption and then brought CPL’s Community and Culture Practice team on board to advance the project.
Client
John W Danforth Company
Location
Buffalo, New York
Key Contact
Gerry May
Completed
2024
Services
Architecture, Interior Design, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Plumbing Engineering.
Photographer
Asa Shutts
Our team evaluated existing mechanical systems across the facilities, identifying equipment requiring replacement or upgrades, and verifying proper system sizing through detailed calculations. We then prepared full design and construction documents to support implementation, enabling Danforth to proceed with construction.
The primary objective of the project was to significantly reduce energy consumption across multiple Erie County facilities.
At the Public Safety Campus, improvements included boiler upgrades, building automation system enhancements, a chiller replacement, and air handling unit coil replacements. The Convention Center received boiler upgrades and building automation system improvements.
The most extensive work occurred at the Board of Elections Building, where outdated steam heating equipment was removed and replaced with a new variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system, along with the addition of mechanical ventilation. Inoperable windows were also replaced with operable units, reducing air infiltration and improving indoor air quality by introducing fresh outside air. This resulted in substantial year-round energy savings and a healthier environment for occupants.
A key challenge of the project was maintaining continuous building operations throughout construction. All facilities remained occupied, requiring careful phasing and close coordination with existing systems and client stakeholders. Our team worked to minimize system downtime and ensure uninterrupted operations during each phase of implementation.
Beyond operational efficiency, the project delivers meaningful environmental benefits by reducing electricity and natural gas consumption, lowering emissions associated with fossil fuel–based energy production.
Financially, the achieved energy savings are designed to offset project costs over the 18-year contract term, covering both loan principal and interest. As a result, the project is structured to be net-zero in cost over its lifecycle, with long-term savings exceeding the initial investment.
