ASHRAE Journal - August 2009 - 20

vides the overall guidance necessary for developing major retrofit programs. Standard 100 needs to establish the basics of energy auditing and then the process and procedures to move through any energy retrofit program. That (on larger buildings), in my mind, does entail full energy modeling of current building performance that can be reconciled with metered data, with the appropriate modeling rule sets following either 90.1 energy cost budget method or those of California’s Title 24. The standard then needs to identify energy conservation measures and the related procedures for evaluation, not only for performance, but also for life-cycle cost and return on investment. Energy conservation measures should be evaluated individually and collectively. A final preconstruction energy model should then be established. Commissioning should certainly be part of the process. The standard should identify the potential energy savings measures for existing buildings based on a number of renovation scenarios. It should also identify specific energy conservation measures and show how to determine the economic viability based on life-cycle cost analysis. So, our path forward on Standard 100 is clear: • ASHRAE SPC 100 should be reestablished to further develop the standard; • The revised standard should include requirements to do energy modeling and load simulation using EnergyPlus or eQUEST; and • The standard should include energy conservation measures (ECMs) for existing buildings and life-cycle cost analysis techniques. Commissioning and Retrocommissioning Operation and Maintenance We must continue to develop the technology, tools and educational programs to support the operation and maintenance of the buildings we design. That includes determining the right building performance metrics to help consumers understand and support these efforts and the training required for building operators. This is not a challenge that we can undertake on our own, and we need to work with owner’s organizations as well as with service organizations to develop educational and training programs. So our path forward for operation and maintenance is clear: • Complete the work of the TRGs; • Provide training through the chapters; • Provide educational programs; and • Provide certification programs. Other Initiatives While we can build the seemingly most efficient buildings, that means nothing if we cannot keep them operating efficiently. We need to learn why building performances typically deteriorate as much as 30% in the first three to four years of operation and the role that commissioning and retrocommissioning can play to reduce that performance decay. We do know that commissioning is a quality focused process that if implemented early in the design can save time and money and improve the quality of the end product: a healthy and productive building. According to studies, retrocommissioning of existing buildings can save 10% to 40% simply by improving operational strategies. Certainly, we know that the 20 to 50 cent per square foot cost can be returned in less than one year through energy savings of at least 15%, according to the Building Commissioning Association (www.bcxa.org). So, our path forward for commissioning is clear: • Promote the value of commissioning; • Provide training through the chapters; • Provide educational programs; • Provide certification programs; and • Continue the development of commissioning guidelines. But we also know that regardless of the quality of design and construction, even with commissioning, building performance cannot be sustained without proper operation and maintenance. 20 ASHRAE Journal While I have focused on six key elements, I would be remiss if I did not mention other important initiatives that ASHRAE is working on. Integrated Building Design (IBD). This is an essential tool if we are to achieve our goals, and ASHRAE is developing an IBD section for the Handbook. Building Information Modeling. This is another important tool that can significantly enhance the design and construction process. ASHRAE is developing a BIM guide and recommending the development of Smart Documents. Building Performance Metrics. We all recognize the need for consistent and understandable energy performance metrics and the tools to determine carbon equivalency. I have recommended that we further develop Standard 105, Standard Methods of Measuring, Expressing and Comparing Building Energy Performance, as a series, to address these. ASHRAE Building Energy Labeling Program. Key to any long-term success is an informed consumer. The ABEL program provides another exciting opportunity for ASHRAE to provide leadership in this area. Conclusions Just one small piece of caution as we move forward: We need to remind ourselves that today we are in a virtual world. We are in the era of iPhones and Yahoo, of Google Earth and Wikipedia, of Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. If we want to continue to be leaders in this industry, we must deliver the goods today. Tomorrow is not good enough. We have moved strongly into the development of relationships in Washington, not only with our governmental agencies but also our partner organizations, aimed at raising the awareness of the technology that only ASHRAE can bring to the table. Our timing was great, and the resourcefulness and initiative of our staff has been tremendous. We need to go beyond this and accept the fact that we have the responsibility to provide global leadership in the redevelopment of the built environment. ASHRAE is the acknowledged leader in HVAC&R design technology, but we must look beyond basic design. We serve ashrae.org August 2009

ASHRAE Journal - August 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ASHRAE Journal - August 2009