Comcast NBCUniversal Took 10 Universal City Plaza from LEED Silver to LEED Gold, Resulting in 9.3% Energy Use Reduction
LABBC CASE STUDY
PROPERTY OWNER
Comcast NBCUniversal
PROPERTY TYPE
Office
SQUARE FEET
822,203
9.3%
Reduction in 2018
87
Energy Star Score
2019 Innovation Awards: Energy Efficiency Project of the Year
“Along with our parent company, Comcast, we are committed to sustainable innovation. We strive to integrate energy efficient practices throughout the facilities on the Universal Studios Lot. Thank you to the Los Angeles Better Buildings Challenge for this award and the opportunity to showcase our advances.”
MICHAEL MOORE
President & General Manager, Universal Studios Operations
PROPERTY
DESCRIPTION
Built in 1984, 10 Universal City Plaza is a 35-story skyscraper and the tallest building in the San Fernando Valley. NBCUniversal has invested significant capital in the building since acquiring it in late 2013. These improvements have created a modern, state-of-the- art, energy efficient building in a very short period of time. It is LEED Gold certified with a score of 72.
SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
NBCUniversal’s Green is Universal initiative is focused on recycling and waste reduction, responsible sourcing, water conservation, and energy efficiency. The company believes in educating and engaging employees through the initiative.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
NBCUniversal purchased 10 Universal City Plaza in late 2013 and has invested in significant energy-saving capital improvements. The building was LEED Silver and, under NBCUniversal's ownership, achieved LEED Gold in 2018.
2018 PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Increased Energy Star Score from 83 to 87, while adding significant occupancy and use intensity
Comprehensive mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades throughout the facility
Retrofitted utility plant to high-efficiency boilers, chillers, pumps, and controls with optimization logic producing a 40% reduction in plant energy compared to the project baseline—a 40% reduction in energy use intensity
Upgraded to LED lighting throughout the building, and installed indoor air quality controls
PROJECTS COMPLETED
BEFORE 2018
Retrofitted air handler electric strip heat to a heating hot water solution
Completed renovation of 15 floors of office space with low-voltage smart lighting
Installed occupancy sensors for outlet receptacles
Sealed HVAC hot and cold decks to reduce air distribution losses
Upgraded communication backbone and field panels
Renovated 26 restrooms on 13 floors to low-flow toilets, urinals and faucets and LED lighting
Replaced fluorescent bulbs with LED bulbs in the parking structure and stairwells
PRO TIPS
“Approach your building holistically and optimize the technology used. At 10 UCP, we deployed a portfolio of solutions including an upgraded chiller plant, building automation, elevator modernization, and LED lighting retrofits. Additionally, the Smart Commissioning of the new chiller plant was key to this project realizing its energy efficiency potential. ”
BRYCE MASON
Senior Vice President Facilities & Administration Universal Studios Operations
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Critical broadcast operations take place at 10 Universal City Plaza, and studio operations executives review and approve all capital projects. During installation, facilities staff ensured building occupants and key stakeholders were kept apprised every step of the way.
INNOVATION
10 Universal City Plaza is one of the only buildings in the country to demonstrate the power of Smart Commissioning and integrated performance analytics. All testing was performed through Smart Commissioning automation and advanced algorithms to continuously optimize the system for efficiency.
