36% savings of total annual energy, $54,200 savings per year realized by retro-commissioning, and less than 2-year payback on commissioning fee resulted from John Deere’s partnership with TUNE.
Moline, IL
533,640 SF
Retro-Commissioning, Energy Benchmarking, LEED Certified Existing Building
The John Deere World Headquarters is a prominent corporate campus recognized for its commitment to innovation. The project team enhanced the performance of this 533,640-square-foot LEED Certified facility through mechanical and electrical commissioning, retro-commissioning, and energy benchmarking.
The process began by benchmarking the building’s energy use to establish a clear baseline and identify opportunities to improve HVAC, lighting, and building envelope efficiency. Data from system monitoring and performance checks informed targeted recommendations designed to enhance building operations without disrupting occupants.
The implemented measures yielded significant results. Retro-commissioning generated annual savings of $54,200, while HVAC, lighting, and building envelope upgrades contributed an additional $69,800 in yearly savings. Overall, the project reduced annual energy use by 36%, substantially improving operational efficiency.
Collaboration with the utility company was essential to maximize project value. The initiative secured a $1.1 million rebate for demand savings and additional incentives through lighting and energy-efficiency programs. Notably, the commissioning fee was recouped in less than two years, demonstrating a clear financial benefit from system optimization.
Importantly, the building’s ENERGY STAR® score increased from 28 to 64, indicating a substantial improvement in energy performance.
The structured approach to commissioning and benchmarking at the John Deere World Headquarters demonstrates that older buildings can achieve significant energy and cost savings while maintaining operational reliability. Ongoing monitoring and incremental improvements will support continued enhancement and leadership in long-term sustainability.
