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Industrial SPPI Partner Teaming Profile
Service/Product Provider
Industrial Partner
The Dome-Tech Group
510 Thomas St., Ste. 170
Edison, NJ 08837
Merck
P.O. Box 2000
Rahway, NJ 07065
Business: Engineering Svcs., Energy Consultation
Keith Rinaldi, Vice President
Phone: 732-661-0144
Email: k_rinaldi@dome-tech.com
Business: Pharmaceuticals
Vince Gates, Energy Manager
Phone: 732-594-3170
Email: vincent_gates@merck.com
Dome-Tech's retro commissioning efforts lead to Merck's implementing an HVAC control
strategy resulting in annual savings of over $230,000.
Project Scope
Dome-Tech used a rigorous retro commissioning process to identify variances between the design
energy baseline and the actual performance of one of Merck's newly constructed laboratory facilities.
Dome-Tech recommended solutions for minimizing energy consumption.
Project Summary
The retro commissioning of the laboratory facility highlighted that once-through air exchange (that
ensures that all fumes are safely vented) was in effect at all times. Dome-Tech recommended
programming the existing Building Automation Systems (BAS) control technology to automatically lower
the temperature in 150 laboratory suites between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. from 72 °F to 64 °F.
Individual lab suites that wanted to revert to normal operating temperatures during these hours could
override the system by simply turning on the light switch in their lab.
•	Energy Savings
$230,000/year or 31,200MM BTU's
•	Investment
$135,000 initial - no recurring
•	Financial Return
Payback was achieved in 7 months
•	Other Benefits
This has been identified as a Best Practice and a site standard for all laboratories at the Rahway
Facility. Turning on a light switch overrides the system without Maintenance involvement during
off-peak hours.
Monitoring & Verifying Energy Savings
By reprogramming the BAS, Dome-Tech and Merck were able to see immediate results in reduced
energy consumption during the off hours. Lower utility bills confirmed the savings.
Distinguishing Value
Dome-Tech develops good customer relationships. Because of their good faith history, innovative
solutions are expected and welcomed, rather than challenged, during project discovery. In this way both
parties are benefited.
*»EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency

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