2013 Technology Award Case Studies New to San Francisco County, the implementation of the Balboa Reservoir geothermal exchange system (designed by others) helps improve building aesthetics (no cooling towers means no plume); reduces maintenance on cooling towers, pump cleaning, water treatment, fin/coil cleaning; reduces chemical treatment cost; increases building space from cooling towers; decreases overall building water usage; eliminates makeup water to cooling tower, cooling tower noise and fan energy; and eliminates the need for gas service to the buildings. The system did not need many outdoor systems, mitigating increased maintenance associated with outdoor equipment in a salty, foggy environment. Atrium Skylight Prevailing Wind Fresh Air Intake Fresh Air Intake Radiant Floor Heating and Cooling Figure 4: Lecture hall with natural ventilation and radiant heated and cooled slabs. www.info.hotims.com/44632-8 58 Building Air Exhaust Vegetated Roof © Pfau Long Architecture Operation & Maintenance ASHRAE Journal www.info.hotims.com/44632-60 May 2013