SmartBuilding Advantage Case Study
®
Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems at a glance
Research Triangle Park, NC
• Founded in 1984
Background
• Cisco is the worldwide leader in networking Cisco is an international leader in communications and technology with a very
active and award-winning sustainability effort. In keeping with its sustainability
mission, the company has aggressive environmental objectives for its own
facilities to reduce energy and carbon emissions through cost-effective
buildings and mechanical systems. Building upgrade projects need to
demonstrate significant near-term improvements and short payback periods
before Cisco chooses to implement or expand a project.
communicate and collaborate
The company’s corporate campus in Research Triangle Park in North Carolina,
consists of 12 buildings totaling 1.88 million square feet. The buildings were
populated over a 15-year period and are continually managed for energy
efficiency.
Over time, Cisco’s building operation staff has made efforts to improve the
buildings’ energy efficiency by making modifications to the lighting and HVAC
operations. They’ve installed scheduling equipment, as well as implemented
set-point adjustments through a centralized building automation system.
Additionally, lighting systems were upgraded and occupancy sensors installed.
Cisco and Duke Energy initiated a project using Duke Energy’s SmartBuilding
Advantage® pilot program. The company wanted to optimize two of their
research buildings to be even more energy efficient.
• Based in San Jose, CA
that transforms how people connect, Research Triangle Park facility
at a glance
• Built in 1995
• Employs more than 4,500 people
• Consists of 12 buildings
• Company’s largest U.S. presence outside of its California headquarters
• Customer payback period: Less than two years
• Energy conservation measures:
– Rooftop HVAC optimization
– Chilled water resets
– Humidity reduction
– Demand response interconnection
The Situation
Duke Energy engineers began their analysis by comparing the two Cisco
buildings to similar structures. The benchmarking data showed that the
buildings were very energy intensive due to the large amount of technology lab
space supporting Cisco’s focus on technology development and testing.
The Plan
After completing an energy review and an on-site assessment of the two
buildings’ mechanical and electrical systems, Duke Energy delivered a plan
that showed where the buildings could reduce energy consumption. The
proposed plan included upgrades to Cisco’s HVAC, chilled water supply and
humidity systems. It also recommended that Cisco adopt digital technologies
that would allow the company to easily participate in Duke Energy’s demand
response program. The plan included the projected upgrade costs, potential
savings and available financial incentives to accelerate the payback period.
Cisco personnel thoroughly reviewed the plan and discussed aspects with
Duke Energy. Once they felt confident in the scope of work, Cisco performed a
number of the proposed upgrades.
The Details
Rooftop HVAC Units
The existing rooftop HVAC unit controls were self-contained and generally in
good working order. The controls had been integrated into Cisco’s building
automation system. Duke Energy recommended calibration of the controls,
ensuring that the economizers, dampers and related equipment were
optimized for peak performance.
“ We continually strive to uncover
ways to cost-effectively lower our
carbon emissions and energy
consumption. Duke Energy has
taken the time to understand
our goals and unique operating
constraints. Working together,
we have been able to develop
a plan to maximize our savings
today and into the future.”
—Ali Ahmed
Sr. Manager­, Sustainable Building Technologies,
Cisco Systems
Test Lab Optimization
Large portions of the buildings are filled with networking equipment which is being tested as part of Cisco’s solution
development. These test labs are energy intensive and have specialized systems for cooling, similar to those used in
data centers. Duke Energy recommended a program to optimize the operation of these labs which included eliminating
electric humidifiers, and dynamically resetting the operating parameters of the chiller plants serving the labs. Digital
monitoring points were added to the test lab areas to monitor space conditions and to ensure adequate humidity levels.
Demand Management and Response
Duke Energy and Cisco worked together to install and test smart grid technologies to transmit building information, as
well as demand response and control signals. The effort included the use of Cisco’s Smart+Connected Communities
solution to integrate the campus’ building automation system into the Duke Energy-supplied digital meters and
technology. The anticipated result will be for Cisco to enroll in Duke Energy’s PowerShare® program, which offers
businesses financial incentives to reduce energy consumption during peak demand periods.
The Results
Cisco has seen a reduction in energy demand of approximately 390 kilowatts, which equates to savings of approximately
$51,000 a year. In addition, a decrease in energy consumption will save the company about $192,000 each year. Total annual
savings, including potential demand response opportunities, is projected to be $270,000. In addition to the energy savings,
Cisco has seen other benefits including water savings, as well as a reduction in operations and maintenance expenses.
Looking Ahead
Get Started Today
Interested in Duke Energy’s SmartBuilding Advantage program? Please contact your Duke Energy account manager or
visit www.SmartBuildingAdvantage.com for more information.
©Duke Energy Corporation 110531LU 4/13
www.SmartBuildingAdvantage.com
case study: c isco systems
Cisco is very satisfied with the SmartBuilding Advantage® program. The program fits with the company’s corporate
objectives to lower its carbon emissions and energy consumption, and their continuing goal to be a world leader in
minimizing its carbon and environmental footprint. Moving forward, Cisco has asked Duke Energy to provide a proposal
to incorporate the remaining buildings at the RTP site into the SmartBuilding Advantage program.