Charting a Greener Path Forward
Our client, a major corporate campus managed by a savvy property management company, had already taken some steps toward energy efficiency. They’d gone through audits in the past, but they needed a partner to help them identify and prioritize the opportunities identified. That’s where we came in.
With help from their electric and gas utilities, they enrolled in the Commercial Efficiency program, which gave them access to deeper analysis and more comprehensive support. Michaels Energy was brought on board to deliver a robust decarbonization study for them that would drive real results.
Outcome
We rolled up our sleeves and got to work conducting a detailed decarbonization study of the campus, focusing on both near- and long-term strategies to reduce energy use and cut carbon emissions. Even though the campus was relatively new with a LEED Silver certification, we uncovered some powerful opportunities for improvement.
Our study went beyond surface-level suggestions. We looked at electrification options for heating and food service equipment and laid out a cost-effective roadmap that aligned with the client’s carbon reduction goals.
Key Findings
The results spoke for themselves:
- Nearly 35% savings in electricity
- 11% savings in natural gas
- A path to reduce total energy intensity by 50%
- Projected 75% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030
These weren’t just numbers—they represented a clear and actionable plan that the client could follow to reach their sustainability goals, step by step.
Additional Outcomes
One of the best parts of this project was the relationship we built with the property management team. They were so pleased with the outcome that they invited us to assess several other buildings—even those outside the original utility service territory. Because Michaels Energy operates in multiple utility regions, we were able to keep supporting their efforts elsewhere.
Unexpected Highlights
A standout success from this project was the development of a new visualization tool for decarbonization glide paths. It helped us
clearly show how emissions could decline over time if our recommendations were followed—making the future not only visible but attainable. It was a hit with the client and has since become a valuable part of our toolkit for other projects.
Bottom Line
Even buildings with a head start on efficiency—like this LEED-certified campus—can find big wins with the right team and the right approach. By partnering with Michaels Energy, the client took a major leap forward in their sustainability journey, with clear, cost-effective steps that deliver real impact.
