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Lobby of the Santikos movie center illustrates the large area that is to be temperature controlled.

In Control: Moving Pictures, Steady Comfort

Aug. 2, 2023
Improvements to theater chain result in more closely controlled temperatures and better indoor environmental quality.

Trane® - by Trane Technologies  and Santikos Entertainment collaborated on comfort crusades to improve the movie-goer experience at six Santikos theaters in San Antonio, Texas. The result has been an annual energy savings of thirty percent, as a result of comprehensive energy and infrastructure upgrades.

The annual savings involve 3,800,000 kWh in electricity. Using the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator to convert to carbon metrics, this is equivalent to the annual energy consumption of approximately 340 households. The

impact of these improvements can be felt year round, even during the peak summer season of 100+ degree temperatures and extreme humidity. Santikos guests enjoy a comfortable indoor environment, with more closely controlled temperatures and better indoor environmental quality (IEQ) from well-ventilated air and consistent humidity, while keeping costs low.To meet Santikos’ needs and high standards across a range of IEQ measures, including thermal comfort, air quality and acoustics, the new Trane HVAC equipment features advanced ventilation and filtration, and a web-based building

management system that can be adjusted in real time from a central location to optimize efficiency and adapt to changing needs posed by the sub-tropical climate and the dramatic changes in theater occupancy throughout the day.“We are honored to collaborate with Santikos Entertainment to help make the San Antonio area a better place,” said

Jared Lambert, account manager, Trane. “Their commitment to the community is only equaled by their commitment to guest comfort. We are proud to support both with highly efficient solutions that help create a better indoor environment while reducing energy use, all of which will benefit the community for years to come.”

Trane presented Santikos Entertainment with an Indoor Environment Quality Award for implementing three of the essential elements of IEQ in its theaters, including indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and acoustics.

In addition to maintaining steady temperature and humidity levels, the Trane system features variable speed technology which eliminates the noise created when traditional equipment switches on and off to maintain temperature. This is especially beneficial in movie theaters where sound is as important as comfort in the overall guest experience.

Trane presented Santikos Entertainment with an Indoor Environment Quality Award for implementing three of the essential elements of IEQ in its theaters, including indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and acoustics.

“The Trane Indoor Environment Quality award seal symbolizes the importance we place on the customer experience and the spirit of collaboration, solutions, and responsiveness of our Trane team to help us deliver on that promise,” said Brooks.

Case Study provided by Trane