1. Executive Summary

Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) has a long and well-established position as a leader in airport sustainability. MDAD has solidified this leadership position by creating its environmental policy, receiving the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Certification, and executing multiple phases of large scale energy and water conservation efforts through Energy Performance Contracting at Miami International Airport (MIA). MDAD, along with the Internal Services Department (ISD) and FPL Services, LLC (FPLS), is now seeking to further increase the efficiency of its existing facilities, while simultaneously improving the employee and passenger experience.

Emerging trends in airport efficiency around the world place great focus on energy conservation and reduction of water consumption: FPLS commends Miami-Dade County (the County) for continuing to take bold steps as a global leader in green initiatives and for its efforts to lower overall operating costs. FPLS thanks MDAD Engineering/Maintenance and ISD staff for their valuable assistance and cooperation in the preparation of this report. FPLS’ comprehensive energy solutions proposed in this document provide the following key benefits:

  • Optimize energy management
  • Enhance public safety and thermal comfort for passengers and employees
  • Reduce the County’s greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint
  • Reduce overall costs by more than $2.2M annually
  • Standardize equipment and alleviate inventory
  • Guaranteed energy savings turnkey project

MDAD has commissioned FPLS to perform this study under the County’s RFQ-5 Energy Performance Contracting Program (EPCP) to evaluate potential Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), which are fully-funded from the projected savings in energy consumption and/or operating and maintenance costs. The capital funding otherwise required to replace the existing systems is therefore avoided and those funds can then become available for other operational needs. This addendum to the Investment Grade Audit (IGA) Report for the Miami-Dade Aviation Department dated January 23, 2014 provides updated information as a result of the County’s requests to adjust the scope to Miami International Airport Terminal.

The multi-step process used to analyze these ECMs began with gathering facility information, such as original construction documents, which was then supplemented by field observations of the as-installed conditions. This data was input into spreadsheets and computer analysis programs developed to accurately estimate energy consumption and demand. The spreadsheets/programs were modified to reflect each proposed ECM, with the change in energy consumption and demand quantified and applied to current electrical rates to determine the cost savings.

In conjunction with each ECM, a scope of work was defined. With the scope defined, the cost to implement each ECM was developed along with associated project development expenses, including such items as: labor, materials, warranty, savings guarantee, project management, overhead, and engineering fees. The implementation costs were then compared against the annual savings to determine which ECMs were viable.

The Appendices include all the relevant supporting documentation and detailed analysis for this addendum report.

Summary of Recommended ECMs

Proposed ECMs / Rebates ($) / Total Energy, Water, Material, Maintenance Savings ($) / Deferred Capital Savings ($) / Implementation Cost ($) / Payback (Yrs.)
Lighting Retrofits and Lighting Controls / $132,411 / $1,466,007 / $0 / $23,823,215 / 16.2
Water Conservation Retrofits / $0 / $369,420 / $726,257 / $2,254,372 / 4.2
HVAC Upgrades / $8,900 / $160,987 / $696,300 / $2,375,038 / 10.4
Kitchen and Laundry Equipment Upgrades / $0 / $1,739 / $0 / $8,190 / 4.7
Dip-Proofer BHS Power Quality Solution / $0 / $230,000 / $0 / $3,650,363 / 15.9
Total / $141,311 / $2,228,153 / $1,422,557 / $32,111,178 / 13.7

The scenario above, utilizing the escalated electric rates, results in a positive cash flow each year with a 14- year financed term. Avoided capital cost based on contractor’s cost of installation.

The environmental benefits of implementing this energy conservation project are substantial. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if implemented as proposed, this project will reduce annual electricity consumption by approximately 35,200,000 kWh and annual water consumption by more than 28 million gallons. The reduced energy consumption will avoid emissions equivalent to the annual emissions of more than 130 railcars worth of coal burned or 5,110 cars. The reduction in water consumption is enough to fill approximately 43 Olympic-size swimming pools.

Fulfilling the County’s energy consumption reduction goals is a challenge; however, the County understands that managing its facilities’ energy consumption is a vital component of sustainable practices. To date, the County has done an excellent job of utilizing Energy Performance Contracting to overcome challenges, improve occupant experience, and maximize energy and water resource conservation. FPLS will dedicate resources to work with MDAD to educate the passengers, employees, and the general public about the County’s environmental stewardship and its continued efforts to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint. FPLS has long supported the County’s operations and goals: we look forward to expanding our range of support with this project to increase efficiency and lower costs for the County.