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Decarbonization Solutions for Hines

Overview

Hines, a global leader in real estate investment and management, partnered with Accacia to decarbonize Skyview Corporate Park, a 468,628 sq ft Grade A office complex in Gurugram. As part of their broader environmental commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, Hines sought to reduce the energy consumption and emissions of the property without incurring significant upfront costs.

Accacia, with its AI-powered decarbonization platform, offered a Zero CapEx, Shared Savings Model that allowed Hines to reduce its carbon footprint while realizing substantial energy savings.

Challenges

Skyview Corporate Park's energy consumption and emissions were significantly higher than industry benchmarks. The building’s emission intensity was measured at 1.09 KgCO2e/sqft, compared to the regional benchmark of 0.56 KgCO2e/sqft for commercial real estate offices in Asia. With 95% of total emissions coming from electricity usage, the need for energy efficiency was clear.

Hines needed a solution that could:

  • Achieve energy reductions without upfront capital expenditure.
  • Align the building's sustainability performance with their global targets for emission reduction.
  • Ensure significant and measurable energy savings, particularly from the energy-intensive HVAC system.

Solutions

Accacia worked closely with Hines to develop a strategic, phased approach to optimize the building’s HVAC system, which accounted for more than 33% of energy consumption and 35% of total emissions.

Accacia implemented two key solutions:

  1. Inlet Air Pre-Cooling for Fresh Air at the Treated Fresh Air (TFA) Units: This reduced the cooling load by 18-30%, significantly improving energy efficiency.
  2. Infrared-Emitting Nets: Installed on Air Handling Units, this technology reduced HVAC energy consumption by up to 21.2%, based on proven benchmarks.

Results

  • 20% Energy Savings: Accacia's solutions are projected to reduce the HVAC system’s energy bill by 20%.
  • Long-Term Savings: Over 9 years, Hines will save approximately 10% on overall HVAC energy costs while benefiting from a shared savings model.
  • Sustainability Impact: These interventions significantly contribute to Hines’ commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 and to reaching net zero emissions by 2040.

Why Hines Chose Accacia

  • Zero CapEx Model: Hines could implement energy-saving solutions without upfront costs, paying through shared savings over time.
  • Advanced AI Platform: Accacia’s AI-powered platform continuously monitors and optimizes energy performance, providing real-time data insights.
  • Proven Expertise: Accacia’s track record in energy optimization and real estate decarbonization made it the perfect partner for a long-term sustainability journey.

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