ESPN

For the latest news on everything from the Super Bowl to sports events all over the world, ESPN, Inc. goes far beyond the final scores to provide fascinating profiles and in-depth analysis, taking fans out of their living rooms and putting them smack in the middle of the action. Much of its broadcasting originates from ESPN Plaza, the company’s base campus in Bristol, CT. Always bustling with 3,900 employees, ESPN Plaza includes 900,000 square feet and 17 buildings on 116 acres, with additional office space nearby.

Recognizing the importance of energy efficiency, ESPN works closely with utility representatives to implement energy-efficient technologies on the Bristol campus. Partnering with Yankee Gas, ESPN recently installed four new condensing gas boilers in two buildings. Because these boilers extract heat from waste gasses, they are 94.6 percent efficient.

As part of its impressive growth, ESPN has added new buildings to its Bristol campus. In 2010, energy efficiency was incorporated into the design and construction of Building 13. Through the Energy Efficiency Fund’s new construction/new equipment program, ESPN received technical assistance and financial incentives to install high efficiency HVAC equipment and lighting in the new building. Through the existing buildings program, ESPN completed a lighting retrofit project in Building 12 and installed exterior LED lighting for a 350 space parking lot. The lighting projects save more than 436,000 kWh annually. HVAC projects—including variable frequency drives and three 375-ton energy efficient water-cooled chillers installed in Building 13—save approximately 671,000 kWh annually.

Future projects include energy efficient lighting systems, heating, ventilation and cooling for ESPN’s new digital center, scheduled to open in 2014.

Efficiency is also an integral part of ESPN’s culture in Bristol and around the world. Initiatives include LEED compliance for new construction and renovations, as well as conservation education at events such as the X Games. At the recent Games at Colorado’s Buttermilk Mountain, fans took part in composting and recycling. Anyone seen going above and beyond received Green Bucks to spend on ESPN wares.

For a company known everywhere for changing the face of sports coverage, its efficiency commitment can be summed up in one word: score!