RALEIGH, N.C. — Representatives from Brady, a North Carolina building solutions provider, and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) honored the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) with the ASHRAE Technology award. The ASHRAE Technology award is given for outstanding achievements in applied, innovative building design that incorporates ASHRAE standards for effective energy management and indoor air quality.

The museum earned the award for enhancements made to its East Building. The four-year reconciliation of utility savings showed a 63 percent reduction in expenses equaling more than $2.6 million in savings.

“To us, the stuff behind the walls is just as beautiful as the artwork that hangs on the walls,” said J.D. Howard, president, Triangle ASHRAE Chapter and Brady associate.

Facility upgrades to NCMA’s East Building began in 2005 and were completed in January 2007. The performance contract guarantee is for 12 years, saving more than $6 million in utility and maintenance costs. An independently audited report at the end of the fourth year showed actual savings exceeded performance contract projections by more than $73,000. Without the improvements, the museum would have spent more than $3.6 million on electricity, gas, and water for the East Building during that time. With the improvements, the museum spent less than $1 million.

“The innovations from Brady have made our visitors more comfortable and provide better protection for the works of art in East Building,” said Larry Wheeler, executive director, NCMA. “Without the improvements, we could not have hosted the Monet, Egyptian, and Norman Rockwell exhibits.”

For more information, visit www.bradyservices.com.

Publication date: 04/16/2012