The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) operates psychiatric centers across the state, serving more than 700,000 individuals a year. It is a vast system that encompasses 653 buildings covering 16 million gross square feet.
“Aramark Engineering Solutions has been a valued partner with OMH for more than 30 years,” said John Mikullitz, Executive Director of Engineering Solutions, Aramark Facilities Management. “It’s a relationship that continues to strengthen and evolve in response to expert guidance, societal trends, public concerns, and state regulations.”
Exceeding Energy Targets—and Expectations
In 1990, a state executive order directed state agencies to reduce energy consumption 20% by 2000. OMH hired Aramark to create and implement a comprehensive Energy Efficiency Program across their facilities portfolio.
The 20% energy reduction target was achieved within three years; a total energy reduction of 57% was achieved at the end of the order's 10-year term.
At the end of 2000, the New York State Governor issued a second order requiring state agencies to reduce energy use intensity by 35% by 2010. Energy use intensity is a metric that measures how much energy a building uses relative to its size. Leveraging its strategic partnership with Aramark, OMH exceeded this goal one year ahead of the Executive Order's deadline.
A third order in 2012 directed state agencies to save an additional 20% energy by 2020 compared to 2010 energy levels. An implementation strategy implemented by Aramark and OMH achieved a 22% reduction based on actual energy billing data and the estimated savings from energy projects.
After achieving success with three prior Executive Orders, Aramark continues to follow a playbook that drives efficiencies towards the state's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045.
In the partnership that includes leaders of various OMH departments and energy efficiency consultants led by Aramark, the program so far has realized over $509 million in energy savings, over $20 million in fuel procurement savings, and over $37 million in service contract cost avoidance.
Service Contract Management
In 2005, the program expanded to include the review of maintenance service contracts and identify and implement strategies that would manage costs and ensure quality service, balancing the needs of OMH clients and New York taxpayers.
The goal of the initiative is to reduce energy consumption, preserve building systems, increase operational and maintenance efficiency, and support a facility’s operation with their day-to-day needs.
Building Commissioning, LEED Certification, and More
In addition to its Energy Efficiency Program, Aramark has also become an important commissioning agent for its OMH Partner.
In engineering, commissioning is a process that ensures a building or system is designed, installed, tested, and operates as intended.
Aramark has been providing commissioning expertise for OMH for more than 30 years, successfully completing more than 300 commissioning projects covering more than 20 million square feet.
Building commissioning is also a necessary step in the path to attain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. LEED is a globally recognized rating system that encourages the design and construction of sustainable buildings.
The long-term Aramark/OHM partnership has received many awards and recognition for its impressive energy and sustainability accomplishments.
In 2000, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued one of its Governor’s Awards for Pollution Prevention. OHM received the 2014 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, along with a Super Saver Award issued by the New York Power Authority. In 2017 and 2019, the program was selected by the International Facility Management Association to present a Program Case Study at their Annual World Conferences.
Case Study: New York State Office of Mental Health
Find out how Aramark Engineering Solutions enables its client to reduce operating costs, save energy, attain LEED certification, optimize building management, and more in the case study.
