How Bernalillo County Revitalized the Facilities Residents Rely On
Home to more than 675,000 people, Bernalillo County is a crossroads of cultures and communities with roots dating back centuries. Anchored by Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, the county provides essential services that residents rely on every day.
The public buildings that support those services are more than just infrastructure for residents and staff. From healthcare and recreation to public safety and justice, these facilities play an important role in the daily lives of the people who live and work throughout the county.
But like many large counties, Bernalillo was managing a growing backlog of deferred maintenance. Mechanical systems were at or approaching end-of-life, leading to occupant complaints. Outdated lighting systems, plumbing, and building controls also contributed to lower occupant satisfaction. And the expense of maintaining inefficient equipment diverted dollars from other high-priority needs.
Recognizing that its residents deserved better, county officials engaged Energy Systems Group (ESG) to start tracking energy and utility performance across the county’s portfolio. Using that data, ESG and county leaders identified the 10 lowest-performing buildings and developed a plan to make targeted infrastructure improvements. The project received unanimous support from the county commission, launching an ambitious undertaking to improve the efficiency and user experience of these assets.
Serving the Community Without Interruption
Out of all the county buildings, Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court presented the most pressing needs. Unlike the other facilities, where targeted improvements could be scheduled around day-to-day activities, the courthouse required a complete overhaul of its mechanical systems without interrupting daily court operations.
Working in partnership with the County, ESG placed its field office in the courthouse basement. This allowed the ESG team to be highly visible and accessible to county officials and residents. The scale of the project also required highly orchestrated planning with county officials to minimize the risk of disruption.
- Boiler work was scheduled during summer, when heating demand was lowest.
- Crane lifts took place on weekends to avoid interrupting active court sessions and impeding surrounding streets.
The team also sourced modular components that could be assembled in place, reducing the time the crane was needed on site.
Working in partnership with the County, ESG placed its field office in the courthouse basement. This allowed the ESG team to be highly visible and accessible to county officials and residents. The scale of the project also required highly orchestrated planning with county officials to minimize the risk of disruption.
- Boiler work was scheduled during summer, when heating demand was lowest.
- Crane lifts took place on weekends to avoid interrupting active court sessions and impeding surrounding streets.
The team also sourced modular components that could be assembled in place, reducing the time the crane was needed on site.
Small Improvements That Have a Lasting Impact
While the courthouse received the largest investment, it was the smaller enhancements that garnered the most notice.
Located just steps from the courthouse, the District Attorney’s office received new windows and exterior stucco. The building envelope upgrades not only improved how the building functions, but sparked renewed pride in the facility. County officials have reported positive feedback from employees and visitors alike.
Across multiple facilities, improvements have made offices and meeting rooms more comfortable, with better airflow, regulated temperatures, and energy-efficient LED lighting. Gymnasium fans in several community centers have enhanced the daily experience of residents. And solar carports now span parking areas at six sites. In a community that sees more than 300 days of sunshine each year, covered parking is a practical benefit for staff that also generates electricity for the county.
Water conservation measures, general building envelope improvements, and advanced building controls rounded out the work across the portfolio. As county officials have discovered, the upgrades people appreciate most do not always have the highest price tag. They are often simple improvements that make the buildings more comfortable, functional, and attractive.
Revitalize Your Buildings to Reinvest in Your Community
Within 14 months, ESG completed $14.3 million in improvements across Bernalillo County’s 10 sites. Early results have shown energy savings are exceeding projections, freeing up funding that can be reinvested in other public priorities.
But the numbers are only part of the story. Courthouse staff now work in a building that runs reliably and comfortably. Residents who visit county facilities notice brighter spaces, better air, and buildings that feel cared for. County employees return to shaded parking lots at the end of long days. These are tangible outcomes that matter to residents.
Every community has buildings that are overdue for investment and budgets that make it feel out of reach. Energy Systems Group starts by taking time to understand your goals, your constraints, and your priorities. From there, the team develops a tailored plan, identifying opportunities to generate savings, stack available funding sources, and make projects financially achievable without raising taxes or straining already-tight budgets.
