Members of PDS’ Management Board will consider the recommendations of an energy audit of its building in the near future. The board’s Capital Management Committee is considering the contents of that audit, the cost of the recommended actions, and the payback that will be achieved through lowered utility bills.

“One of the nicest surprises to come out of the audit was the confirmation that our recent upgrades to the building have made a positive impact on its efficiency,” said Dennis Gordon, FAICP, executive director at PDS. “The feasibility of additional improvements is what the committee and board are reviewing now.”

PDS pursued installation of an insulated roof and insulated windows during the down years of the recent recession when construction activities were considerably less expensive. Costs were paid from reserve funds that had been set aside for building maintenance.

The noted audit recommends upgrades to the building’s lighting, from common fluorescent tubes to LED fixtures. It also recommends moving from the 56 individual electric HVAC units that heat and cool the building to a central heat pump system. The individual HVAC units are the same as are used in many hotel rooms.

Gordon suggests the PDS Management Board may make its decision on upgrades by the end of the calendar year.