High Performing Buildings - Fall 2013 - (Page 38)

rates). Two relate to air cleaning (filtration efficiency cited and gaseous air cleaning). Most other items may be considered either general claims related to the achievement of good IAQ (claim of good IAQ, anecdotal mention of IAQ improvements, and claim of healthy IAQ) or specific actions taken to verify achievement of acceptable IAQ after construction (post-occupancy IAQ survey, IAQ monitoring program, and indoor contaminant data provided). The general claims show a positive level of awareness of the importance of good IAQ, but data are typically not provided to support that acceptable IAQ was actually achieved. Some people automatically assume improving IAQ will cost The tight building envelope of the Heifer International headquarters in Little Rock, Ark., allows for an air change rate that exceeded the target. The building’s narrow arc gives every workstation outdoor views and daylight. HigH Performing Examples of such strategies include demand-controlled ventilation, dedicated outdoor air systems, displacement ventilation, natural/ hybrid ventilation, and construction practices that increase envelope tightness. Source control and air cleaning measures may indirectly be considered energy-related if they B u i l d i n g f e at u r e s During our review of 100 HPB case studies, we also came across many noteworthy building features and/or interesting observations. Inclusion of these statements does not imply we checked their veracity. Ventilation • In one of the few buildings in which an envelope airtightness measurement was made, the actual building air change rate (>0.5 h–1) significantly exceeded the target (0.1 h–1) (Passing on the Gift, Winter 2008). (Note that the reference pressure for the measurement and target were not provided.) • Composting toilet exhaust systems were designed to draw air down through the toilets instead of at the ceiling thereby removing odors. (Conservation Gateway, Winter 2008). Photo © Timothy Hursley 38 additional energy (e.g., by increasing ventilation rates). However, as discussed by Levin and Teichman4 and Persily and Emmerich,1 many of the Table 1 features can be part of strategies that can support both the energy efficiency and IAQ objectives of high-performance building design and operation. rinated to just 0.25 ppm (Rainwater: The Untapped Resource, Summer 2008). • One building used a self-contained biological filtration system that collected rainwater, used fish to fertilize the water, and then filtered the water through greenhouse plants (A Building That Teaches, Winter 2013). energy • A swimming pool was used for load shifting of excess heat (Rx for Platinum, Winter 2009). • In one building, biodiesel fuel was made from recycled fry oil, and a glycerin byproduct was used for shower gel (Golden Arches Green Performance, Fall 2009). • Laptop computers (25 kW to 50 kW) were used to replace computer stations (150 kW to 175 kW) (Small Steps, Big Savings, • Exhaust emissions were modeled to deterFall 2009). mine the optimal location of outdoor air intakes (Walking the Walk, Summer 2008). • Energy use intensity comparisons should be made on an energy/person/hour • Many buildings employing hybrid ventila× climate factor basis, as opposed to tion send a signal to building occupants energy/area/year (Resourceful By Nature, that natural ventilation has become optiSpring 2012). mal; others interlock the opening of windows with the shutting off of mechanical ventilation systems (Green Show-And-Tell, Building Operation • In one building, it was agreed that the Fall 2012). owner would pay for capital expenses • Lab-quality, central CO2 sensors were (e.g., a new boiler), the property manager determined to be better than room CO2 for operation and maintenance expenses sensors, only 27% of which were deter(e.g., a lighting retrofit), and the tenant mined to be accurate within ±20% (The for sustainability initiatives (e.g., photoRight Fit, Winter 2011). voltaics and storm water management) (Cooperative Solutions, Fall 2009). Water • Employees were allowed to wear shorts • Energy costs make up 80% of a typical in one building when the interior temperawater bill; 7% to 8% of U.S. energy is ture exceeded about 27°C (81°F) (Old used to move and treat water (Rainwater: Concepts, New Tools, Summer 2010). The Untapped Resource, Summer 2008). • Municipal water systems typically use 4 ppm of chlorine to treat water; rainwater systems for non-potable use can be chlo- Buildings fa l l 2 0 1 3 •The public display of building data led to suggestions from people who had never been in the building (Early Adopter, Winter 2011).

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of High Performing Buildings - Fall 2013

High Performing Buildings - Fall 2013
Commentary
Contents
Alliance Center
Malaysia Energy Commission HQ (Diamond Building)
IAQ in HPB Case Studies
EcoCommercial Building, Noida
25 York Street
Technology
Advertisers Index

High Performing Buildings - Fall 2013