Avista Utilities’ renovation of its Spokane headquarters has achieved $1.1 million in energy savings. The milestone is the result of a $28 million, two-phase, five-year project, which included completely retrofitting Avista’s 150,000-sq-foot headquarters with energy efficient systems. Avista partnered with McKinstry to design, construct and manage all facets of the project.
Phase one, completed in late spring of 2014, consisted of an extensive internal remodel and update of five floors and the basement, including replacing the original 1950’s HVAC system and energy-inefficient windows. Floors two through five have already received LEED Gold certification, and the first floor and basement of the building are currently pursuing LEED Gold certification.
McKinstry’s project team spent about nine months per floor conducting energy efficiency upgrades, removing asbestos and remodeling.
Phase two is currently underway and by late summer of 2015, the 1970s-era addition is expected to be completely renovated. Both phases are being carried out while the building remains fully occupied.
Upon completion, the combined remodel is projected to save 1.4 million kWh per year.