As a television news director and producer for decades, Michael Ruchti made sure everything ran smoothly on the air, guiding nearly 40,000 live newscasts to broadcast while juggling constantly evolving technology. In 2021, he continued focusing on keeping complex systems running without a hitch, but shifted behind the scenes, stepping into a new role as facilities manager at KGW studios in Portland, Oregon.
KGW Studios operates out of an architecturally significant 63,000-square-foot broadcast facility built in 1963. Inside the building, complex systems ranging from HVAC equipment and lighting controls to the mechanical rooms quietly power everything viewers see while keeping employees comfortable throughout the workday.
While Ruchti knew television production inside and out, managing these systems was a whole different story.
“The first day was overwhelming,” Ruchti said. “I never had a job where I dealt with a chiller or heat pumps or an HVAC system. We’re talking about going from writing shows to suddenly trying to figure out chillers, heat pumps and all that kinds of stuff.”
Enter Strategic Energy Management
Just a few weeks into the job, Ruchti learned that KGW was already participating in Energy Trust’s Strategic Energy Management (SEM) offering. At the time, he had the option to step away or continue to participate, but after reaching out to Energy Trust, the decision to stay, he said, was easy. “Within the first phone call I had with Energy Trust, I was like, ‘I’m doing this.’”
“This” meant partnering with Energy Trust energy coaches who provided the structure, tools and ongoing support — at no cost to Ruchti and KGW. Rather than a one-time audit or checklist, SEM offered a process (a process still going today) to help Ruchti understand how energy was being used throughout the building and which changes would make the biggest impact.
That support made all the difference. As a solo facilities manager, “a one-man band,” as he puts it, Ruchti needed a system that fit into his day-to-day work rather than adding another job on top of it.
On the hunt for energy savings
One way the SEM offering provides hands-on support is through “treasure hunts,” guided walkthroughs of KGW’s facilities that help identify new opportunities to save energy.
“It really is a treasure hunt,” Ruchti said. “You’re literally going through the building with a fine-tooth comb. It’s a different set of eyes coming in and saying, ‘Oh, you can do this to save energy.’ By the time the coaches left, I had a long list of potential projects.”
One treasure hunt included an HVAC specialist that examined the HVAC system and building automation controls, leading to updated schedules and zone adjustments. “We could do all this really fine tuning that I didn’t even know you could do,” said Ruchti.
In addition to the larger upgrades, smaller but effective strategies included installing occupancy sensors and lighting controls, along with adding solar and security film to windows to reduce heat gain and improve comfort.
Altogether, since joining the offering, SEM treasure hunts have helped identify nearly 90 potential energy-saving projects at the station.
Turning insight into savings with the right tools
With SEM coaching and tools in place, energy management quickly became part of how Ruchti and KGW planned projects and prioritized work.
One key tool is the Energy Performance Platform (EPP), which gives Ruchti an easy way to track projects from completed, to in progress, to long-term planning. Instead of juggling notes, emails and spreadsheets, everything lives in one shared place.
“I use it as my big picture page,” he said. “It’s got an overview of all my projects, including the ones I’ve completed and ones coming up. Everyone has access and can see exactly what I’m working on in real time.”
Participating in the SEM offering has also put KGW ahead of the curve to meet Building Performance Standards (BPS), a state law that requires commercial buildings to track, report, and reduce energy use over time.
While the Oregon Department of Energy oversees compliance and enforcement, Energy Trust provides technical support and cash incentives to help building owners and managers like Ruchti meet BPS energy reduction requirements.
“We’re not scrambling to meet BPS requirements because we already have the systems, data, and team engagement in place. SEM gave us a clear roadmap and the confidence that we are moving in the right direction,” said Ruchti.
Comfort, savings and recognition
Cash incentives from Energy Trust not only helped reduce energy use; they also helped build support from KGW leadership by providing tangible results to share.
“I’ve had people come up to me and say they’ve been in this building for 40 years, and it’s never felt this good,” Ruchti said.
With cash incentives of over $21,000, KGW Studios has saved $18,600 in annual energy costs as a result of their SEM participation. These savings come on top of Energy Trust’s expert guidance, treasure hunts, and EPP support they received through SEM—all at no cost.
The work also positioned KGW for a national energy milestone. With encouragement from his SEM energy coaches, Ruchti pursued the U.S. Department of Energy’s 50001 Ready recognition, a rigorous designation that demonstrates an organization has implemented a structured energy management system.
“The 50001 recognition was a tough challenge,” he said. “I would’ve never gotten that recognition having not been in the SEM offering.”
Today, KGW is the only television station in the country to earn that recognition.
For Ruchti, the biggest takeaway from SEM goes beyond savings or accolades. It’s the support that comes from having an energy coach.
“Energy Trust has made it very easy. There’s no way I could ever have done any of this without them. Just try one phone call. That’s all it took for me. Once you see how guided it is, it’s a no-brainer.” – Michael Ruchti, facilities manager