High-Output UVC Emitters Reduce Energy Expenditures Even as an Airport Expands
Auckland, New Zealand
Download Case Study PDF- $272,000
- Annual cost savings
- 2,480 MWh
- Energy reduction per year
- 99%+
- Microbial reduction in 31 days
- 1.5 years
- ROI achieved
The Challenge
New Zealand's largest commercial building — handling 13 million passenger movements per year — had a goal to reduce its carbon footprint by 5% before 2012. This was a seemingly Herculean effort, because the terminal was also taking on more retail space while increasing passenger numbers by 4.9%. An energy audit revealed that 77% of all electrical energy use was related to air conditioning. Biofilm buildup on the cooling exchange plates was inhibiting heat transfer and reducing airflow across over 100 air handling units, and the efficiency of the HVAC units was critical to achieving any meaningful energy savings.
“This was a real win-win-win for Auckland Airport – reduced energy costs, reduced carbon footprint and improved air quality for our passengers and tenants.”
The Solution
High-output UVC Emitters were installed downstream of the coils in all 100+ air handling units. Operating continuously, the emitters destroy mold, bacteria, viruses and VOCs — eliminating the need for manual coil cleaning and chemical usage. Coils, drain pans and plenums stay free of mold and bacteria, restoring equipment to original performance levels without using harmful toxins or requiring expensive maintenance.
Results
Although the target was a 5% carbon footprint reduction by 2012, the airport achieved that goal two years ahead of schedule — and much of that success was directly linked to the decrease in energy expenditure of the HVAC systems. The overall cost savings are a verified $272,000 each year, with a 2,480 MWh reduction per year. Microbial testing at Auckland International Airport showed a greater than 99% reduction in mold and bacterial colonies forming in units just 31 days after installation. ROI was achieved in less than 18 months — well under the ambitious target — with no disruption of service and no passenger interruption. "This was a real win-win-win for Auckland Airport — reduced energy costs, reduced carbon footprint and improved air quality for our passengers and tenants," said Martin Fryer, the airport's Sustainability Advisor.
- $272,000
- Annual cost savings
- 2,480 MWh
- Energy reduction per year
- 99%+
- Microbial reduction in 31 days
- 1.5 years
- ROI achieved
- 2 yrs early
- Carbon target met
Your facility could be next.