Case Study: Macerich achieves 56% HVAC energy savings and 21% IRR with Turntide Technologies' Smart Motor System

HVAC retrofits increase profitability and prove pivotal to Macerich’s ESG strategy

Macerich, a leading owner, operator, and developer of retail real estate, set an aggressive ESG goal to be carbon neutral by 2030 and needed scalable HVAC energy savings across a diverse portfolio without compromising shopper comfort. To address this, Macerich evaluated motor retrofit technology from Turntide Technologies—specifically the Turntide Smart Motor System—as a potential energy conservation measure that could be rolled out across varied rooftop HVAC units.

Turntide Technologies’ Smart Motor System was piloted (installed by Motus Power) at Los Cerritos Center, where four rooftop unit supply fan motors were retrofitted and subjected to rigorous measurement and verification. The pilot delivered a 56% average power reduction, 17,100 kWh estimated annual savings, 12.1 metric tons CO2 avoided per year, and a 21.2% internal rate of return—exceeding Macerich’s 18% IRR threshold. With Turntide Technologies and Motus Power planning a national rollout (350+ motors), Macerich expects up to 1.5 million kWh saved annually and over 1,000 metric tons of CO2 reduced portfolio-wide.

Macerich