Kearny County, Kansas

In 2021, Kearny County, Kansas, faced a growing issue with its aging mechanical systems, decreased building comfort, and escalating energy costs. In response to these challenges, they entrusted Millig Design Build, renowned for innovative and integrated design and construction solutions.

Challenges

At the time of engagement, Kearny County's maintenance personnel were spending a significant amount of time servicing the antiquated 2-pipe fan coil units and two hydronic plants that served the courthouse and senior center. The buildings were also inadequately ventilated, negatively impacting the indoor air quality and comfort for occupants.

Solutions

To address these challenges, our team utilized advanced building energy modeling to understand the existing systems and energy usage. From these insights, we proposed an innovative solution: replacing the outdated fan coil units and hydronic plants with a single, centralized water-source Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system.

What sets this solution apart is its shared nature, designed to serve not only the courthouse and senior center but also to extend its capacity to condition the sheriff's office and the county library in the near future. This unified approach was a significant innovation, providing the county with substantial savings on both initial cost and future energy and operating expenses.

Additional Enhancements

Further building on the central heating and ventilation solutions, we embarked on additional projects to enhance the functionality and efficiency of the county's facilities:

• A new building automation system was installed, offering centralized control and efficient energy management.

• Historically accurate LED lighting and energy-efficient windows were installed, serving to reduce energy consumption.

• New lay-in ceilings were implemented, improving the interior spaces' aesthetic appeal and acoustic performance.

• The existing roofing was replaced with a more durable modified bitumen roof, ensuring enhanced weather resistance and longevity.

• Extensive electrical wiring upgrades were performed, and new distribution panels were installed, improving electrical safety and ensuring sufficient power distribution across the facilities.

With these comprehensive and innovative upgrades, Kearny County can now enjoy reduced energy costs, improved building comfort, and streamlined maintenance processes, thereby paving the way for a more sustainable and cost-effective future.