Facility Managers Still Have Time to Cash in on Siemens Smartest Building in America Challenge

““The Smartest Building in America Challenge rewards building owners and managers who make innovative use of building technology,” says Rich Lattanzi, Vice President of Control Products and Systems (CPS) at Siemens.  According to Lattanzi, last year’s winners used automated technologies to achieve amazing results.  In 2010, the Smartest Building in America challenge awarded $80,000 in facility upgrades and similar contributions to four buildings.  “This year we’re expecting to see equally exciting applications of building systems and best practices.  I would encourage anyone who qualifies to enter,” says Lattanzi.

The Duke Energy Center, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, was one of two $25,000 Grand-Prize winners in 2010.  The $880-million-dollar building is one of the most energy efficient facilities in the country as recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council. Its LEED Core and Shell 2.0 Platinum certified office tower employs Siemens’ APOGEE® Building Automation system and other sophisticated control and HVAC system technology to reduce energy consumption by 22 percent.

 “The Smartest Building in America Challenge is a great way for schools win a chance to fund projects that otherwise would not have been funded,” says Steve Heun, president of Woodman Controls, a building automation contractor in Iowa.  Two of his customers, both in higher education, won a combined total of $40,000 in systems upgrades in 2010.  Iowa Central Community College was awarded a Grand Prize of $25,000, while Grandview University won $15,000 as First Runner-Up.

The Siemens challenge could not have come at a better time, explains Dan Kinney, president of Iowa Central Community College.  “All schools are feeling cuts now, from federal down to state levels,” Kinney says.  “Everyone is expected to do more with less. The building received a $100,000 rebate from MidAmerican Energy for its ability to reduce energy costs by 50 percent a year over normal buildings,” says Kinney.  “The 34,000-square-foot building houses the school’s science and medical technologies laboratories.  It integrates six separate mechanical systems and controls the building’s fire protection system and lighting using the TALON® building automation system.  Air quality is also monitored and controlled for the science and medical technologies labs.”

Grandview University’s Rasmussen Building was also a winner.  Designed to accommodate the needs of the faculty and students, as well as the school’s art department, the window shades are adjusted by Siemens’ building automation system to control natural light let into the building. This makes it possible to showcase student’s artwork and talents.

“The Challenge was amazing and really eye opening on how buildings can be more efficient and have major cost savings,” Kinney says. When asked what his school will be doing with the $25,000 Grand Prize, Kinney said the school will continue to look at future building opportunities and will be working closely with Siemens.

To learn more about these amazing buildings and how to enter for your chance to win thousands of dollars in upgrades, visit:  www.smartestbuildinginamerica.com

Siemens Industry Siemens Industry, Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Siemens’ global Industry Sector business—the world’s leading supplier of production, transportation and building technology solutions. The company’s integrated hardware and software technologies enable comprehensive industry-specific solutions for industrial and infrastructure providers to increase their productivity, sustainability and profitability. The Industry Sector includes six divisions: Building Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility, Drive Technologies and Osram Sylvania. With nearly 204,000 Siemens Industry Sector employees worldwide, the Industry Sector posted a worldwide profit of $4.7 billion on revenues of $47.3 billion in fiscal 2010.  www.usa.siemens.com/Industry

Building TechnologiesA division of Siemens Industry, Inc., Building Technologies is a leading provider of energy and environmental solutions, building controls, electrical distribution equipment, fire safety and security systems solutions. Building Technologies provides a full range of services and solutions from more than 100 locations coast-to-coast, enabling America’s buildings to be more comfortable, secure and environmentally friendly as well as less costly to operate. Worldwide, it has nearly 42,000 employees and operates from more than 500 locations in 51 countries. The Building Technologies Division posted worldwide revenues of $9.3 billion in fiscal 2010. www.usa.siemens.com/buildingtechnologies