Engineered Systems - March 2008 - (Page 42)

Exemplary Success BUILDING ENERGY PERFORMANCE The now-widely accepted unit of measure for overall annual building energy usage is the kBtuh/sq ft/yr. Annual energy consumption for the building is projected to be approximately 38 kBtuh/sq ft/ yr — an improvement of approximately 10% from the first two prototype buildings, each equipped with mechanical refrigeration. Further improvements in envelope design and the addition of exhaust air heat reclaim are calculated to reduce the energy consumption to approximately 32 kBtuh/sq ft/yr. These values compare to conventional construction of existing area schools that operate at 70 to 90 kBtuh/sq ft/yr. PROGRESSION OF EFFICIENCY From PSD’s 1987 prototype to the 2007 prototype, energy consumption was reduced by approximately 50% within this one generation span. This can be accredited to the integrated design process undertaken by the entire design team. Where the hydronic HVAC equipment would normally consume most of the building energy, choices made by the architect for the selection of materials, envelope, and daylighting minimized this energy consumption. At the same time, PSD’s aggressive approach toward sustainable design affords the ability to downsize HVAC systems without sacrificing efficiency or functionality. The performance of these schools has become a benchmark for other school districts in the region trying to achieve highefficiency and sustainability. This drive toward sustainability led to the creation of the LEED for Schools Certification category in 2007. The USGBC recognized the increasing need for a separate category for K-12 education. By addressing the uniqueness of school spaces and children’s health issues, LEED for Schools provides a unique, comprehensive tool for schools that wish to build green, with measurable results. According to a 2006 article written by Greg Kats, a former director of finance for energy efficiency and renewable energy at the DOE, “A new national report finds that building ‘green’ would save an average school $100,000 each year — enough to hire two new additional full-time teachers.” Kats also cited another report sponsored by the American Federation of Teachers, the American Institute of Architects, the American Lung Association, the Federation of American Scientists, and the USGBC, that includes a detailed analysis of 30 green schools built in 10 states between 2001 and 2006. This analysis demonstrates that the total financial benefits of green schools are 20 times greater than the initial cost, and include energy and water savings, and improved student health and test scores. According to the report, if all new school construction and school renovations went green starting today, energy savings alone would total $20 billion over the next 10 years. From the original elementary prototype to Rice, the design has significantly progressed and with Bethke slated for completion in 2008, PSD continues to lead by example. Stu Reeve reflected, “We keep learning from each project. It’s been a collaboration and a team effort to keep learning, growing and improving.” From the use of chillers in Zach and Bacon to the ability to completely eliminate chillers in Rice and Bethke, our team at Shaffer • Baucom Engineering & Consulting continues to prove our commitment to sustainable design. We’ll have to wait and see what’s next. ES Demand Rema Boiler Feed Systems 3 to 500 Gallon Capacities • Reduce Costly Vapor Lock and Head Pressure Problems • Rugged Hot Rolled or Stainless Steel • • • • • Construction Space Saving Horizontal & Vertical Styles Operates Smoothly – up to 300 HP Boilers Sturdy Storage Tanks, 70 - 500 Gallons 1/3 to 45 HP Long-Life Burks Pumps Included Non-Syphon Air Gap and Non-Code Available Superior Quality and Performance Since 1948 Stamp is principal of Shaffer • Baucom Engineering & Consulting, and has more than twenty years of experience in the mechanical consulting engineering business. His combination of technical expertise with a working knowledge of client needs allows him to provide practical solutions to design challenges. He has extensive K-12 educational facility experience, integrated design process experience, and experience applying sustainable design concepts to both new and existing facilities. REMA DRI-VAC CORPORATION 45 Ruby Street Norwalk, CT O6852 Tel: 203-847-2464 Fax: 203-847-3609 www.remadrivac.com e-mail: info@boilerreturns.com FREE INFO: 135 * A special thanks to Tammie Simpson and Rice Elementary School for picture usage; Stu Reeve and the rest of the PSD staff for their commitment to sustainable design; RB+B for their commitment to the integrated design process. 42 ESM09071Rema.indd 1 En gi neer ed S y stem s March 2008 8/14/07 11:34:56 AM http://www.remadrivac.com http://www.remadrivac.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Engineered Systems - March 2008

Engineered Systems - March 2008 Contents Editor’s Note Back2Basics HVAC Challenge Case In Point Commissioning Building Automation Energy Wiz HVACR Designer Tips Application Checklist Exemplary Design = Elementary Success The Modern Unit Ventilator On A Mission VAV Systems And Green Design – Part II Issues & Events Products Glossary Classifieds Advertiser Index Tomorrow’s Engineer

Engineered Systems - March 2008

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