Challenge

Ranked as one of the best pediatric medical centers in the nation, Children’s of Alabama holds a valuable position as the only medical center in Alabama dedicated solely to the care and treatment of children and is a Level 1 state designated trauma facility.

In 2008, the non-profit hospital sought a way to maximize energy savings in their new 14-story patient tower in the heart of Birmingham.

Emphasizing the need to be good stewards of financial donations, the hospital sought a partnership to find innovative solutions to drive maximum efficiency of operations, lower energy costs, reduce risk of failure, and provide guaranteed outcomes.

Solutions

OpenBlue Central Utility Plant Program: The hospital looked to Johnson Controls to design, build, operate and maintain its new central utility plant (CUP) through a 25-year contract where Johnson Controls operates and holds all the risk for building systems.

Children’s of Alabama is an early adopter of OpenBlue Enterprise Manager.

Results

• By meeting or exceeding yearly performance guarantees, Johnson Controls has provided nearly $250,000 in annual savings.
• Reduced the use of natural gas by 69%.
• When complete, Children’s of Alabama expects this portion of the project to save $450,000 a year.