POWERGRAMS

4 ENERGY EFFICIENCY A New Day for BJCC COMPANY HAS MAJOR ROLE IN UPGRADING COMPLEX Five years ago, administrators of the Birmingham- Jefferson Convention Complex put out a call for help in upgrading the state's preeminent, but aging, concert and sports venue. In open competition, Alabama Power submitted the winning proposal that would play a major role in making the BJCC complex of auditoriums, convention halls and other facilities into the showplace that opened in time for The World Games. Energy Services Manager Ricky Olive directed the final two years of Alabama Power's efforts in the $40 million project, which will save the BJCC a guaranteed $2 million annually over the next two decades. Added to the financial payback are the environmental benefits brought about by energy efficiency improvements throughout the massive complex. After identifying needed improvements for electricity, as well as natural gas and water, in 2017 Alabama Power employees began a two-year effort to develop a comprehensive upgrade plan for the BJCC. They faced "a very complex project" involving 220,000 square feet in the Exhibition Hall, 100,000 square feet in 74 meeting rooms, the 19,000-seat Legacy Arena, 3,000-seat Concert Hall, 1,000-seat Theatre, 274-seat Forum Theatre and the yet-to-be-built Protective Stadium. In May 2019, construction began as Olive, along with Director of Energy Services Elizabeth Kuhn, Project Manager Joey Beck, Director of Business Transformation and Administration John Smola, Balch & Bingham attorneys, two engineering firms, four contractors, many subcontractors and scores of workers began the process of removing original elements of the complex that opened nearly 50 years earlier. The various crews brought in energy-efficient parts and equipment to improve heating, cooling and lighting, to conserve water in bathrooms and faucets, PHOTO BY JAY PARKER New equipment at the BJCC includes water boilers.

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