Xcel Energy presents Kraus-Anderson with 2018 High Performance Building Award
Kraus-Anderson honored for its new energy efficient,
100,000-square-foot downtown Minneapolis headquarters
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (July 2018) – Xcel Energy’s High Performance Building Award has been presented to Kraus-Anderson (KA), recognizing the company’s new five-story, 100,000-square-foot downtown Minneapolis headquarters. The award honors KA for its exemplified leadership and ongoing commitment to energy efficiency.
KA’s new headquarters building is part of a block-wide development that includes high-rise housing, a boutique hotel, a non-profit micro-brewery and two levels of underground parking. The entire block was designed to create a unique urban experience within the heart of downtown that taken as a whole represents a sustainable addition to the City of Minneapolis.
KA worked with Xcel Energy’s Energy Design Assistance (EDA) program to maximize energy saving opportunities that complemented the style and design of the space. The program provides computerized energy modeling to identify various efficiency measures available, potential costs, payback terms and rebates.
“Our company’s leadership determined the guiding principle used throughout the project would be cost-effective sustainability. This principle influenced all decisions, including space planning for customers and employees, building components, systems and technology,” said Matt Stringfellow, KA’s mechanical and electrical systems manager. “Months of planning and construction has resulted in a beautiful, spacious and energy efficient building that we’re proud to call home.”
Attracting and retaining talent to the market was another goal.
“It’s a very competitive market for talent right now,” said Michael Hille, executive vice president of Kraus-Anderson Realty and Development. “We want to be the employer of choice. This office reflects the principles of our company, employees and our clients, and it provides a competitive edge.”
Hille also says “the entire design and construction has been very thoughtful, from the building configuration to the air quality, making this an inviting and invigorating environment.”
A top priority was a collaborative, open space environment, and using as much daylight as possible including energy efficient LED light fixtures. Indoor air quality featuring low, off-gas emitting characteristics, was also a big priority.
The biggest energy savers KA installed include:
• High efficiency heating and cooling system (Two identical package rooftop variable air volume air handling units with direct expansion cooling and natural gas fired preheating)
• Windows/glazing
• Dimming and daylighting controls
• LED lighting system that is 30 percent more efficient than code
• Occupancy sensor control of office equipment
Finally, the new building includes amenities that previous offices never had: an employee café with large windows to capture ample daylight, a multi-purpose training/conference room, a pre-function break-out space containing a service bar, a catering kitchen, and an employee fitness center with locker rooms. A large outdoor patio located on the 5th floor complete with gas grille — the perfect spot for staff to enjoy fantastic views of downtown Minneapolis.
And speaking directly to the company’s care about sustainability, KA has several remarkable colonies of urban honey bees on the rooftop that are able to live, thrive and pollinate in a bustling downtown urban environment.
Xcel Energy rewarded Kraus-Anderson with rebates and bonuses of more than $146,000 and will save the company $80,000 per year in energy costs.
“Saving energy is not the whole answer,” Stringfellow says. “Working with Xcel Energy is helping us save energy in a smart way, and new, stricter energy codes are helping achieve that across the industry. Now, instead of asking whether we’ll incorporate energy efficiency in our projects, we’re taking it upon ourselves to introduce various options and make smart choices.”
Project Highlights
Project Build new 100,000 square-foot headquarters to consolidate three locations
Estimated annual energy savings 715,000 kWh – electric savings
1,200 Dth – gas savings
$80,000 – annual savings amount
Energy Rebates $141,772 from Xcel Energy
$4,240 from gas company
$146,012 total rebate dollars
Payback term 3.8 years
The building is on track to achieve LEED Silver status for sustainability.
About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (www.xcelenergy.com/BusinessNewConstruction ) is an industry leader in delivering renewable energy and in reducing carbon and other emissions, efforts to provide a path to a more sustainable energy future. Through a growing range of innovative solutions, Xcel Energy continues to empower its customers with industry-leading options and energy alternatives to support their goals and objectives.
About Kraus-Anderson Companies
Established in 1897, Kraus-Anderson (www.krausanderson.com) is an integrated construction management and real estate development enterprise working independently and in collaboration with a family of companies, including insurance, mortgage and realty operations. Kraus-Anderson, an EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability employer, is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. and has regional offices in Madison, Wis., Bismarck, N.D., and Duluth, Bemidji and Rochester Minn.