Project posts energy savings

Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council will feel warm and fuzzy.

Annual savings of $110,700 feel even better for SJS Commercial Real Estate, the developer of a 524,800-square-foot warehouse at Tahoe Reno Industrial Center.

The new warehouse, which is leased to Randa Logistics as a distribution center for Randa’s line of men’s accessories, aggressively uses energy-saving technology to reduce operating costs.

And that improves the building’s competitive position with potential tenants, says Marc Siegel, president of SJS Commercial Real Estate. The developer is headquartered at Deerfield, Ill.

A key energy-conservation technology at the building is the use of LED lights.

SJS initially planned to install fluorescent lights in the building that was completed this spring, and Siegel said LED lighting simply didn’t pencil out. A rebate from the NV Energy Sure Bet program, which provides technical assistance and financial incentives for companies that undertake conservation measures, helped bridge the gap.

Along with the LED technology, the warehouse includes abundant numbers of skylights to capture natural light and motion sensors that automatically switch off lights when they’re not needed.

The systems are expected to reduce Randa’s electricity use by nearly 1.4 million kilowatt hours a year, enough to power 150 homes in northern Nevada.

Pamela Hilts, an efficiency and conservation program manager at NV Energy, said early involvement in the design process proved critical in achieving large savings.

SJS Commercial Real Estate has applied for LEED Gold Certification from the Green Building Council for the building.

NNBW staff