The Rush Limbaugh Sr. Courthouse is a four story building that houses an 85 foot atrium, three federal courtrooms, a U.S. Marshals service office and holding cells, General Services Administration offices, and the Department of Homeland Security offices. The courthouse had been experiencing higher than expected energy use, which increased after a recent building automation system (BAS) upgrade.
Retro commissioning was implemented to improve energy efficiency and environmental conditions, and included an in depth review of the upgraded Niagara AX system. HVAC, lighting controls, domestic plumbing, building envelope, and the CRAC system were all investigated to identify architectural, design, and programming issues impacting operations.
GSA Region 6 and Limbaugh Courthouse staff helped implement corrective actions, which included reprogramming of the existing JACE controllers with Niagara AX certified staff. This effort included participation by the on site operations and maintenance (O&M) contractor to ensure corrective actions were understood by the onsite staff and the improvements could be maintained for the continued benefit of building occupants.