Introduction
Energy efficiency is a critical goal for organizations aiming to reduce costs and carbon footprints. Merck’s R&D facility in South San Francisco implemented CopperTree Analytics’ Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) platform to achieve significant energy savings. Discover how their innovative approach not only supported sustainability but also drove financial benefits.
Merck’s Journey to Sustainability
As a leader in sustainability initiatives, Merck set an ambitious target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025. One of the critical steps in this journey was optimizing energy use at their research facilities, which host over 300 scientists. A key area of focus was managing energy-intensive equipment like fume hoods and biosafety cabinets.
Leveraging Smart Building Analytics for Energy Savings
Merck partnered with CopperTree Analytics to deploy the Kaizen FDD software. This platform provided insights that would have been hard to identify without advanced data-driven analysis:
- Key Opportunity: Identifying improper fume hood usage that led to unnecessary energy consumption during both operational and non-operational hours.
- The Solution: Implementing real-time monitoring and analytics to guide end-user behavior, supported by initiatives to promote mindful energy use.
Top Strategies for Maximizing Financial and Environmental Benefits
Drive Awareness Through Data-Driven Initiatives
- Insight: CopperTree Kaizen software revealed that fume hoods were responsible for excessive energy consumption, particularly due to users leaving sashes open when not in use.
- Action: Launching a “Shut the Sash” campaign, a 12-week challenge encouraging scientists to close fume hood sashes, reduced waste by over 25%.
- Tip: Engaging employees in sustainability goals can significantly reduce energy waste. Friendly competitions and data transparency are effective strategies.
Collaborate Across Teams for Greater Impact
- Insight: Collaboration between Merck’s facilities management, Mentor TG, and SBM highlighted a cultural shift towards sustainability.
- Action: The initiative involved multiple stakeholders, from scientists to sustainability champions, creating a unified approach to energy management.
- Tip: Effective energy management requires cross-functional collaboration. Engage different teams early to align goals and responsibilities.
Implement Fault Detection and Diagnostics for Continuous Improvement
- Insight: Real-time data helped Merck pinpoint inefficiencies that traditional methods would miss, such as open exhaust air valves linked to fume hoods.
- Action: Using continuous monitoring, Merck could adjust settings, reduce unnecessary airflows, and maintain optimal equipment performance.
- Tip: Invest in smart analytics solutions that can provide ongoing insights. Continuous monitoring helps catch inefficiencies before they escalate into bigger problems.
Results: Financial Savings and Sustainability Achievements
- Cost Savings: $22,000 in annual potential savings, with each fume hood saving $300 on average.
- Environmental Impact: 345,000 lbs of CO2 reduction annually, demonstrating a strong case for sustainability alongside cost efficiency.
- Key Outcome: Exceeding the initial target by reducing fume hood energy waste by 25% or more across multiple floors.
Conclusion
Merck’s success story showcases how smart building analytics and a culture of collaboration can drive significant financial and environmental benefits. As New Jersey businesses look to meet the state’s Climate Action Plan goals, they can take inspiration from Merck’s approach—leveraging data, engaging teams, and maintaining continuous improvement. Ready to optimize your building’s energy use? Explore how solutions like CopperTree Analytics can make a difference.