High Performing Buildings - Fall 2008 - (Page 4)

Editor’s commEntary G Lessons Learned etting energy performance data should be easy. At least that’s what we thought when we started High Performing Buildings in Winter 2008. But what we’ve learned in our first year is that energy consumption can be a complex issue, and the data that is available needs some analysis. This is one of the many lessons we’ve learned from the case studies in our first year. Here are some other examples. Start with sustainability: If sustainability is considered early in the design, it can be integrated into all other facets of the design. Utility, aesthetics and sustainability can be mutually supportive. Commission early and often: Bringing the commissioning agent into the process at design prevents conflicts and problems. This is much better than correcting problems after the building is constructed. Commissioning should continue through the life of the building. Real-time monitoring: A measurement and verification plan helps confirm that a high performance building is operating as anticipated. Having a real-time display with dynamic graphs allows everyone to participate. For example, the professional engineer can identify problems and increase efficiency, the CEO can see how his investment is paying off, and occupants can participate by lowering energy use without affecting workloads. Let there be daylight: The objective should be superior lighting to prevent occupants from overriding the controls and turning on the lights. The most cost-effective, energy-efficient strategies will be integrated into the overall design. Educate, educate, educate: No matter what you do during design and construction, the end user needs to commit to the environmental functions of the system—even basic operations such as opening doors and windows. Passive first: Consider changes in thermal mass, shading, thermal zoning, siting and other architectural features to expand the comfort zone and lower the need for mechanical ventilation and cooling. The untapped resource: Rainwater harvesting systems in conjunction with environmentally sound water treatment systems not only lower water use, but also reduce energy consumption. Keep it flexible: Buildings that adapt to change reduce the need to build anew. This commentary could go on but you get the idea. Our case studies cover innovative buildings by some of the leading practitioners in the sustainability movement. Their lessons learned and experience makes the content more valuable, and hopefully will help move the building industry towards a more sustainable future. We’re already looking forward to our second year, and continuing to work on the energy performance enigma. The Editors 1791 Tullie Circle N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329-2305 Phone: 404-636-8400, Fax: 404-321-5478 www.HPBmagazine.org, E-mail: info@HPBmagazine.org Editorial advisory Board H igh P erforming b uildings Allan Daly, P.E., Taylor Engineering Roger Frechette, P.E., Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP David Grumman, P.E., Grumman/Butkus Associates Sheila Hayter, P.E., National Renewable Energy Lab Adam W. Hinge, P.E., Sustainable Energy Partnerships Donald Winston, P.E., The Durst Organization Editorial Fred Turner, fturner@ashrae.org Sarah Foster, sfoster@ashrae.org associate editors Jamie Graebner, jgraebner@ashrae.org Rebecca Matyasovski, rmatyasovski@ashrae.org Christopher Weems, cweems@ashrae.org copy editor Jeri Eader, jeader@ashrae.org editor managing editor dEsign Susan Carabetta, Carabetta Hayden Design PuBlishing sErvicEs publishing services manager production David Soltis Jayne Jackson, Tracy Becker Greg Martin, gmartin@ashrae.org Vanessa Johnson, advErtising advertising sales manager advertising production coordinator vjohnson@ashrae.org c i r c u l at i o n circulation specialist David Soltis, dsoltis@ashrae.org PuBlishEr W. Stephen Comstock m i s s i o n s tat E m E n t High Performing Buildings describes measured performance of practices and technologies to promote better buildings, presenting case studies that feature integrated building design practices and improved operations and maintenance techniques. issn 1940-3003 (print) and 1940-3054 (digital) Published Quarterly Copyright 2008 by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329-2305. Standard class postage paid at Atlanta, Georgia, and additional mailing offices. subscriptions High Performing Buildings is free to qualified subscribers. Nonqualified subscriptions cost $19 in the U.S. and Canada and $31 outside the U.S. and Canada. Single copies are $6 in the U.S. and Canada and $12 outside the U.S. and Canada. Subscriptions can be completed at www.HPBmagazine.org/subscribe. Postmaster Canadian Agreement Number 40031197. Canadian return address: Station A, P.O. Box 54, Windsor, ON N9A 6J5. E-mail: returnsIL@imex.pb.com. change of address Send current address to High Performing Buildings, P.O. Box 1254, Skokie, IL 60076 or visit www. HPBmagazine.org/addresschange. customer service Contact High Performing Buildings, P.O. Box 1254, Skokie, IL 60076 or HPBsubscriptionmanagement@ halldata.com. digital copies High Performing Buildings can be viewed digitally at no cost by visiting www.HPBmagazine.org. Environmental impact statement High Performing Buildings is printed on ST Generation II, surface treated opaque paper containing 30% recycled post-consumer fiber, EcoLogo certified and manufactured using Biogas Energy. Publication disclaimer ASHRAE does not necessarily agree with any statement or opinion in this publication. The appearance of any technical data, editorial material or advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement, warranty or guarantee by ASHRAE of any product, service, process, procedure, design or the like. aBc Application applied to Audit Bureau of Circulations. http://www.HPBmagazine.org http://www.HPBmagazine.org http://www.HPBmagazine.org/ http://www.HPBmagazine.org/ http://www.HPBmagazine.org/ http://www.HPBmagazine.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of High Performing Buildings - Fall 2008

High Performing Buildings - Fall 2008
Contents
Lessons Learned
Green on a Budget
ASHRAE Sets Example: ASHRAE Headquarters
The Lavin-Bernick Center for University Life
Spectral Services Consultants Corporate Office
Advertising Index

High Performing Buildings - Fall 2008