Westfield Memorial Library partners with PSE&G for critical infrastructure upgrades
The Westfield Memorial Library has partnered with PSE&G to upgrade the library’s heating, lighting and air conditioning systems through PSE&G’s Clean Energy Future – Energy Efficiency Program.
The Westfield Memorial Library, located at 550 E. Broad Street, was built in 1988, and much of the infrastructure is original to the building.
In 2020, the library solicited recommendations from engineering consultant Christopher P. Statile, P.A. who estimated the necessary HVAC improvements would cost approximately $1,300,000. This estimate included recommendations to replace the existing central chiller, upgrade heating and ventilating system controls, implement system zoning modifications, increase ventilation, and replace the two existing boilers.
Not only was the library’s aging heating and cooling infrastructure impacting the environment through general inefficiencies, greenhouse gas emissions, and ozone depleting refrigerant, but the library was shut down for several weeks in the winter of 2021 due to a lack of heat.
The library and its Board of Trustees began investigating PSE&G’s Direct Install program in early 2022 to offset the estimated costs associated with the critical heating and cooling upgrades.
“Under the Direct Install program, the replacement of the two boilers and chiller will cost around $470,000,” says Library Director Allen McGinley. “But thanks to a generous incentive from PSE&G, the library will only be responsible for $165,000, which represents a savings of more than $300,000.”
In addition to addressing some of the critical heating and cooling needs, the Direct Install program also included upgrading the building’s exterior sconces, and overhead lighting near the entrances and exits to LED lighting, providing significantly brighter walkways and reduced energy consumption.
The lighting installation was performed by Tri-State Light and Energy, and the boiler installation was performed by Ryan, Inc. The chiller and air conditioner replacement are anticipated to be completed later this year.
“I’m proud of the work we’ve done in collaboration with the utility companies to bring this project to fruition,” says Library Board President Michelle Habayeb. “These capital investments in the library’s infrastructure will help us to continue providing essential services to the community.”
“PSE&G’s Direct Install Program is designed to help businesses, including, local and state government and non-profits become energy efficient and save on energy costs,” said Craig Bartley, Director of Energy Services, PSE&G. “Our comprehensive energy-saving solutions and incentives for efficiency upgrades have helped many public service organizations … take advantage of efficiency opportunities that not only help save costs, but also help them to reduce energy usage while creating cleaner, healthier communities.”
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