U.S. Department Chooses Opus for an Energizing Partnership

Opus press release - 1/6/2009

In 2007, commercial buildings consumed about 19 percent of U.S. energy and accounted for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. For years, Opus has been working to change that. Through innovative green building practices, the company has been reducing Yes
In 2007, commercial buildings consumed about 19 percent of U.S. energy and accounted for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. For years, Opus has been working to change that. Through innovative green building practices, the company has been reducing energy and emissions one project at a time. Now, thanks to a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, Opus will be able to do even more.
The Department of Energy (DOE) selected the Opus Group to participate in the Net-Zero Energy Commercial Building Initiative (CBI). The program teams up private companies with two of the DOE's National Laboratories to speed market adoption of current energy-saving technologies and create new green design solutions for commercial buildings.
Opus is one of 21 companies (five in Minnesota) selected for the first phase of awards, valued at $15 million, which will go toward the cost of researching and developing green technology.
Currently, companies that include retailers, financial institutions and commercial real estate firms have five years to complete two projects—either new prototype buildings with energy savings of 50 percent above the standard set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, or retrofit buildings with 30 percent savings. However, due to the economy, discussions are underway with the DOE to extend timelines and the flexibility of the program. These building projects will provide unprecedented insight into private sector decision processes, business models and financial drivers for achieving low-energy buildings.
Dan Young Dixon, director of national design for Opus Architects & Engineers, Inc., said Opus would most likely construct two new buildings and possibly a retrofit. He said the energy savings requirements were definitely attainable for Opus. Young Dixon believes, in the near future, Opus will go beyond the 50 percent energy savings to design and construct net-zero buildings. "The most important component will be finding onsite energy and offsite renewable energy sources," he said. "We're close to doing that, but getting from 50 percent to net-zero is a huge leap. This is a step in the right direction."
Mark Rauenhorst, chairman and CEO of the Opus Group, said taking this step would allow Opus to go beyond what it is already doing in terms of sustainable building. "We look forward to expanding our leadership in sustainable energy through this important partnership with the Department of Energy," he said. "We are excited to work alongside the nation's best researchers to reduce energy use in commercial buildings and see the positive impact this effort will have on our nation, our communities, our environment and our clients."
John Mizroch, acting assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy for the DOE, said, through the partnership, Opus and the other 20 companies would set an example for commercial builders and building owners nationwide.
"The U.S. Department of Energy is pleased to be working with Opus, in concert with the Department's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory," he said. "Through this ambitious project, we can show that the nation's goals of reducing energy use and carbon emissions are not only important but attainable."