HVAC Improvements by Brady Help Land Norman Rockwell Exhibit
Up-fit Controls Museum Humidity and Saves $2.1 Million in Utilities and Maintenance
RALEIGH, N.C. (December 7, 2010) — Brady (www.bradyservices.com), a company that provides energy systems and comprehensive building solutions for commercial and industrial facilities across North Carolina, announces today mechanical system improvements to the North Carolina Museum of Art East Building have allowed the Norman Rockwell exhibition to be displayed in Raleigh.
The $5 million in upgrades were necessary to control humidity fluctuations to within five percent, which prevents deterioration of paintings and ancient artifacts. The up-fit has already produced $2.1 million in utility and maintenance savings during the past three years, exceeding performance contract projections.
“Without the upgrades to the East Building, many traveling exhibits, including the American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell, Monet, and the Egyptian exhibitions, could not come to the state capital,” says Larry Wheeler, director for the North Carolina Museum of Art.
In April, Brady reported the independently audited, annual energy savings to the State of North Carolina. For the third year, actual energy savings have exceeded performance contract projections. The $50,000 per month average savings reflects a 60 percent reduction in utility expenses for the museum.
“We are very pleased with the results,” says Randy Katz, Raleigh general manager of Brady. “Breathing new life into the East Building means that the museum is able to offer North Carolina residents the opportunity to see some of the greatest masterpieces locally.”
This is the state’s first capital improvement project funded by guaranteed energy savings. Facility upgrades to the East Building began in 2005 and were completed in January 2007. The performance contract guarantee is for twelve-year savings totaling more than $6 million in utility and maintenance costs. The project's success is receiving recognition in the HVAC industry. It has won a regional technology award and is nominated for national honors.
Brady is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina with offices in Raleigh, Fayetteville, Wilmington and Charlotte. Founded in 1962 by Chairman Don Brady, the company remains a family owned enterprise, today employing nearly 300 associates. The company works with building owners, facility managers, developers, architects, engineers and contractors providing sustainable, comprehensive building solutions for commercial and industrial facilities. Brady provides customers with a diverse range of solutions including building automation, energy conservation, green design, performance contracts, mechanical systems, parts and supplies, as well as responsible technical support. For more information, visit www.bradyservices.com or call (800) 849-1915.