MEMA_Bunker_20190702_143010
Municipalities and local authorities

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

    Outcomes
  • Improved resiliency
  • Carbon neutrality achieved
  • Energy cost savings
  • Improved comfort

Efficient operability in an underground bunker

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) facility was constructed in 1963 as an emergency outpost to ensure continuity of state government in a nuclear attack. Today, in this underground bunker, MEMA coordinates the Commonwealth’s response to major events and disasters as part of the Division of Capital Assets and Maintenance.

MEMA was searching for a partner that could deliver a project with guaranteed performance specifications and adapt to the bunker’s unique construction and 24/7 operability. Ecosystem’s holistic approach uncovered possibilities beyond the scope of the initial request. Instead of a new gas line requested in the RFP, Ecosystem installed an air-source heat pump to use the building’s internal heat load, which is otherwise wasted through ventilation requirements. This measure avoids the cost of bringing natural gas to the bunker and becomes greener by completely removing oil for heating.

MEMA also requested a solar canopy, which posed multiple building challenges. For instance, vibration isolators in the bunker can withstand shock waves from an earthquake or a nuclear attack by allowing the entire building to move several inches in any direction. Nevertheless, Ecosystem engineered a solution to install the solar canopy and also made charging stations possible. Combined with energy savings from other measures, this measure reduces emissions to the extent that the facility is carbon neutral.


Customized Performance Measures

Interior and exterior lighting upgrade and controls

Air handling units, VAV boxes, and demand control ventilation

BAS upgrade

Solar PV canopy

Fan motors and VFD

Chilled water pumps and VFD

Real time metering


Project Period
2018-2020
Incentives
$92,000 + $63,996/yr
Energy Use Reduction
67%
Investment
$5.1M
Annual Savings
$218,698
GHG Reduction
98%

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Municipalities and Local Authorities

Increase Energy Security, Generate Cost Savings, and Reduce Carbon Emissions. Providing a quality environment for citizens and/or residents is a must for municipalities and municipal organizations. As energy costs rise and infrastructure ages, it becomes a challenge to ensure services are delivered safely and continuously. Municipal managers are also responsible…
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