The Towers at Laguna Woods Village unveils $2.2 million energy management project
In a world where energy efficiency is more important than ever, we are excited to share the incredible journey of modernization that took place at The Towers in Laguna Woods. With rising electricity and maintenance costs, we recognized the urgent need to overhaul the building’s infrastructure, which had remained largely unchanged since the late 1970s. Thanks to the efforts of our dedicated team and expert partners, this initiative has delivered significant financial and environmental benefits.
Our Vision for the Upgrade
Our primary goals were clear from the start: we aimed to reduce electricity consumption, lower maintenance expenses, modernize outdated equipment, and enhance occupant comfort and sustainability. By focusing on these objectives, we sought to create a more efficient and comfortable living environment for all residents while also ensuring long-term financial and ecological benefits. Ed Presley, Maintenance Engineer for The Towers, took the lead on this initiative with the unwavering support of the progressive Board members.
The People Who Made It Happen
This milestone would not have been possible without the contributions of several key individuals and organizations. Ed Presley recognized the pressing need for modernization and championed the project from the ground up, leveraging his extensive experience and dedication to the community. ADEC, Inc. provided invaluable engineering insights and played a pivotal role in securing crucial rebates from Southern California Edison (SCE), ensuring the project remained cost-effective. Our Board of Directors, under the leadership of President Ryna Rothberg, made critical financial and operational decisions that were instrumental in driving the project forward. Additionally, South County Bank provided the necessary financial support to make the $2.2 million upgrade a reality, demonstrating their commitment to our community’s sustainability goals.
The project is about bringing the building into the 21st century and having this building be state-of-the-art, in regards to what it takes to provide electricity for a building of this size in this day and age
What We’ve Achieved
We have successfully implemented several transformative upgrades across various aspects of the building. Our lighting improvements included the replacement of 10,800 incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED alternatives, a change made possible at no cost through SCE rebates. In addition to bulb replacements, we installed high-efficiency fixtures with better output and lower consumption, further enhancing energy savings. The introduction of a wireless lighting control system has optimized usage, reducing waste and improving overall efficiency.
In terms of HVAC enhancements, smart thermostats and a new energy management system have been installed to regulate indoor climate more effectively, ensuring optimal temperature control while minimizing energy use. The building envelope was also improved with the application of ceramic window film, which helps to reduce heat load from sunlight, enhancing indoor comfort and cutting cooling costs.
Furthermore, power distribution modernization was a critical component of the project. Outdated 42-year-old transformers were replaced to improve energy transmission and reduce losses, bringing our electrical infrastructure into the 21st century.
The Financial Impact
ADEC, Inc. estimated that the total project cost of $2.2 million would be recovered within 10 to 12 years through energy savings alone. By the end of 2018, 95% of the project was completed, and early results have been incredibly promising. Monthly savings of approximately $15,000 to $20,000 in electricity costs have been observed, demonstrating the tangible financial benefits of the upgrade. Additionally, the building’s carbon footprint has been significantly reduced by thousands of tons annually, reinforcing our commitment to environmental stewardship.
Beyond the Numbers
Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond financial savings. Lower energy consumption has resulted in a reduced carbon footprint, contributing to fewer greenhouse gas emissions and promoting environmental responsibility. Additionally, residents have experienced enhanced comfort through better indoor air quality and improved lighting conditions. We take pride in setting an example for other communities looking to embrace energy-efficient solutions and sustainable living practices.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate our progress, we are committed to continuing our efforts to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability. Our future goals include continuously monitoring our energy consumption data to identify further optimization opportunities. We also plan to explore renewable energy sources such as solar power to further reduce our environmental impact.
