An HVAC solution was the headliner for an event on Feb. 19 at a 121-year-old building in the nation’s capital named after one of America’s greatest composer-musicians. The event at Duke Ellington School of the Arts demonstrated how stepping beyond traditional non-inverter HVAC systems can preserve a building’s historical architecture, enhance energy efficiencies, minimize noise, and earn design-award accolades.

The building, which opened in September, features energy-saving qualities that include insulated walls, occupancy sensors for lighting, and high-efficiency HVAC and boilers.

It is expected to reduce the district’s energy use by 20 percent over the next three years, and has already saved the district more than $130,000 dollars. 

University of Akron has more than 27,000 students and offers in excess of 300 undergraduate and graduate programs. Located in metropolitan Akron, the university has more than 80 buildings on 218 acres. Since 2000, it has added 22 buildings, completed 18 major additions, acquisitions and renovations, and created 34 acres of green space.

Situated on four acres in a wooded area, the Diamondhead Apartment complex consists of four buildings each with eight apartments. The buildings’ deteriorating heating system was installed when the complex was built in 1989.