KQED Decreases Energy Demand with Sunbelt Controls

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KQED Public Media recently completed a significant step towards its green business initiatives by retrofitting its building environmental controls. By installing remotely controlled wireless thermostats to the building’s existing pneumatic system, KQED is now able to respond to high utility demands by immediately decreasing its overall system load, and thereby reduce costs substantially.

“The convenience of identifying problem areas on my computer or tablet, combined with the ability to make adjustments at the tap of my finger, translates to improved occupant comfort with fewer complaints and lower utility costs.”

On the heels of a successful solar power installation, KQED partnered with Sunbelt Controls, a leading building automation systems integrator, to audit overall energy usage and inefficiencies with regard to heating and cooling its studios and office space at its San Francisco headquarters. With that information, Sunbelt Controls was able to replace the aging, inaccurate, and localized controls with an integrated program that features more than 120 wireless pneumatic thermostats connected through Automated Logic Corporation’s web-based building automation system, WebCTRL®, which allows for remote monitoring and adjustments through an internet connection.

“The new program has reduced our energy consumption noticeably,” said Chuck Charlton, KQED Facilities Director. “The convenience of identifying problem areas on my computer or tablet, combined with the ability to make adjustments at the tap of my finger, translates to improved occupant comfort with fewer complaints and lower utility costs.”

The media industry continues to evolve and as it does, organizations have had to make adjustments in hours of operation and staffing. The Sunbelt Controls system allows KQED to only heat or cool the areas that are in use, at the time that they are being used.

“With HVAC systems accounting for as much as 55% of energy usage in office buildings, there is ample opportunity to identify areas where efficiencies can be increased,” said Mike Ridout, Vice President, Sunbelt Controls. “KQED has demonstrated a substantial commitment to reducing its energy demand with this new system. As was the case here, once the audit is complete and the programming is done, the actual installation and activation of these measures can take as little as a few weeks.”

As one of the most respected public broadcasting entities in the country, KQED has taken a leadership position with regard to energy usage and efficiency. As evidenced in its solar efforts, its carbon neutrality and its public transportation programs, KQED is taking all possible steps towards reducing its impact on the environment.

About KQED

KQED (kqed.org) has served Northern California for more than 50 years and is affiliated with NPR and PBS. KQED owns and operates public television stations KQED 9 (San Francisco/Bay Area), KTEH 54 (San Jose/Bay Area), and KQET 25 (Watsonville/Monterey); KQED Public Radio (88.5FM San Francisco and 89.3FM Sacramento); the interactive platforms kqed.org, kteh.org, and KQEDnews.org; and KQED Education. KQED Public Television, one of the nation's most-watched public television stations, is the producer of local and national series such as QUEST; Check, Please! Bay Area; This Week in Northern California; Truly CA; and Essential Pépin. KQED's digital television channels include 9HD, Life, World, Kids, and V-me, and are available 24/7 on Comcast. KQED Public Radio, home of Forum with Michael Krasny and The California Report, is one of the most-listened-to public radio stations in the nation with an award-winning news and public affairs program service delivering more than eighteen local newscasts daily. KQED Interactive hosts KQED’s cross-platform news service, KQED News, as well as offers video and audio podcasts and a live radio stream at kqed.org. KQED Education brings the impact of KQED to thousands of teachers, students, parents, and the general public through workshops, community screenings, and multimedia resources.

About Sunbelt Controls

Sunbelt Controls is a leading full-service building automation systems integrator for new construction and retrofit projects in the Western United States. Sunbelt Controls entered the building controls market more than 30 years ago and has expanded its service by providing complete, fully integrated, single source solutions ranging from engineering applications and automated control systems to design assistance, sustainable maintenance service and retro-commissioning. Sunbelt Controls is a wholly owned subsidiary of ACCO Engineered Systems and can be found online at www.sunbeltcontrols.com.