Los Alamos County initiates energy optimization pilot for Muni Building with BrainBox AI

Los Alamos County is taking significant steps towards enhancing energy efficiency in its municipal buildings, as discussed during the Environmental Sustainability Board meeting on May 15, 2025. A pilot project conducted at the Municipal Building revealed that energy consumption was approximately 25% higher than expected for a LEED-certified facility, indicating a clear opportunity for improvement.

The project involved a comprehensive analysis of utility records and building systems, identifying inefficiencies in heating and cooling operations. Key findings included unnecessary energy use due to equipment running continuously and outdated programming settings. For instance, the building's heating hot water loop was operating 24/7, and the economizer, which utilizes outside air for cooling, was disabled.

To address these issues, the team implemented several low-cost fixes, such as adjusting schedules and restoring economizer functionality. These changes are expected to bring the building's energy performance back to its intended design specifications. The goal is to prevent future degradation of efficiency, which typically occurs over time.

Looking ahead, the board discussed the potential for a broader energy management program, funded by the savings generated from these efficiency improvements. The introduction of BrainBox AI technology was also proposed. This system continuously monitors building operations, identifies inefficiencies, and makes real-time adjustments to optimize energy use.

The pilot project serves as a model for future energy audits across other county buildings, with the aim of achieving substantial energy savings and supporting climate action goals. By optimizing building performance, Los Alamos County hopes to enhance comfort for occupants while reducing operational costs and environmental impact. The next steps will involve monitoring the results of the implemented changes and evaluating the effectiveness of the BrainBox system in maintaining energy efficiency.