PROJECT.

GE Global Operations Center

Charting the optimal course

Navigating and selecting the optimal combination of incentive programs generated $2.4M in savings for GE’s 300,000 square foot Global Operations Center.

Problem

This project was an early catalyst for the sustainable redevelopment of Cincinnati’s waterfront district. The project’s developer pursued LEED Core & Shell certification to help attract top-tier anchor tenants like GE.

The challenge was to identify the most cost-effective path toward energy reduction targets and LEED certification. Sol also assessed tradeoffs and synergies between several incentive programs, including a local utility incentive and a city property tax abatement—all on a tight timeframe.

Solution

Evaluate district vs. local heating & cooling.

Our energy modeling revealed multiple benefits of a local system in terms of energy reductions, LEED points, operational cost, and overlap with available utility incentives.

Maximize available utility incentives.

We evaluated various energy conservation measures for Duke Energy’s Smart Saver Incentive Program and coordinated this analysis with our LEED certification analysis to provide a complete view of costs and benefits of various options.

Provide efficient certification.

Our early analysis helped plot a course toward LEED certification. Once identified, we coordinated closely with the design team and provided on-site testing and verification to ensure the credits were achieved.

The Impact

LEED BD+C Core and Shell Certified


$2.5M
saved via property tax abatements and utility incentives

40%
reduction in water use

85%
diversion of construction waste

79
Walk Score
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