Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, the largest commercial building in the world, has signed the first project development agreement in the United States under the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI). Under the agreement, TAC will implement energy reduction initiatives as part of CCI’s global Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing facilities. TAC is a provider of building automation solutions.

“The businesses and building owners collaborating on energy-saving building retrofits are saving money, making money, creating new jobs, and fighting climate change, all at once,” said former President Bill Clinton. “I am very pleased that my foundation has been able to accelerate these projects that reduce carbon emissions and increase the use and market for energy efficient technologies around the world. Working together, we can save energy, reduce carbon emissions, strengthen the economy, and secure the future.”

At 4.2 million square feet, 25 stories tall, and spanning two city blocks in downtown Chicago, the Merchandise Mart is a historic, landmark building awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB) status from the U.S. Green Building Council in November 2007. The Energy Solutions division of TAC, a provider of energy services, building automation, and security, is currently working with Merchandise Mart in the analysis, design, and project development phase of a retrofit project that will implement a multitude of facility improvements and energy-saving measures through a performance contract. This turnkey method combines the design, construction, commissioning, and performance measurement into one guaranteed fixed price. As the single provider of all aspects of the project, TAC will ensure facility efficiency, comfort, financial management, and environmental protection.

“The changes we have implemented at the Merchandise Mart to achieve our LEED-EB status have not only led to cost savings, but also to a new culture and point of view that permeates throughout our organization,” said Christopher G. Kennedy, president of Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. “By working with the Clinton Climate Initiative and TAC to achieve our energy saving goals, we will ensure that conserving resources continues to define our company and our way of life today.”

“TAC is especially honored that the Merchandise Mart has chosen to partner with us for its ongoing efforts in sustainability to augment their LEED certification,” said Wes McDaniel, vice president of TAC Energy Solutions. “They are setting a tremendous example of environmental leadership for the city of Chicago.”

Publication date: 04/21/2008