The Trane office building located in Roanoke, VA, has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Energy Star certification. The certification signifies that the building performs in the top 25% of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency and meets strict energy efficiency performance levels set by the EPA.

Commercial buildings that earn the EPA’s Energy Star certification use an average of 35% less energy than typical buildings and also release 35% less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

"Trane is pleased to accept EPA’s Energy Star certification in recognition of our energy efficiency efforts,” said Dave Pierson, district manager for Trane in Virginia. "Through this achievement, we have demonstrated our commitment to environmental stewardship while also lowering our energy costs.”

Trane will host a media event on Monday, March 31, to celebrate the ENERGY STAR certification. U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte will be on hand to present Trane with a letter of recognition for the energy efficiency achievement. A tour of the building will follow.

“Improving the energy efficiency of our nation’s buildings is critical to protecting our environment, “ said Jean Lupinacci, chief of the Energy Star Commercial and Industrial Branch. “From the boiler room to the board room, organizations are leading the way by making their buildings more efficient and earning EPA’s Energy Star certification.”

To earn the Energy Star certification, Trane took the following actions:

• The new building is equipped with energy efficient T8 fluorescent and LED lighting along with sky panels for daylight harvesting.

• The HVAC system consists of a variable volume hot water reheat system with chilled water and an air side economizer at the air handler for cooling.

• All pumps and fans utilize variable frequency drives along with optimal control strategies in place.

• The new Trane control system optimizes all building functions including lighting and occupancy control.

• An instantaneous gas heater provides hot water to multiple low flow faucets.

• Eight solar panels installed on the outside of the building are capable of providing 1,920 watts of electricity and are tied directly to the grid.

• All energy and water consumption is sub metered and is displayed on an energy dashboard kiosk located in the main reception area.

The two-story, 17,000-sq-ft Trane building, which was built in 2012, houses more than 80 Trane employees. Trane has been serving southwestern Virginia for nearly 40 years, providing a complete line of HVAC products and services, controls, and energy solutions.