High Performing Buildings - Fall 2013 - (Page 2)

E d i t o r ’ s c o m m E n t a r y Why Buildings Exist B uildings are created for the people who use them, not to cover walls with energy performance plaques. When designing a building, losing sight of the human factor to achieve energy targets can come at a high cost to occupant health, comfort and productivity. But the interactions between indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy can be complex. Dry air in an office may reduce natural defenses in the upper respiratory tract and contribute to a higher rate of upper respiratory tract infections. What will that cost in terms of productivity? Well, we know from BOMA that tenants choose not to renew their leases in high-rise buildings because of thermal environment problems more often than any other reason. So, good IAQ can save money in terms of tenant turnover. We also know that simply choosing to raise the temperature to save cooling energy can increase concentrations of VOCs and SVOCs and that peoples’ response to these contaminants are stronger at higher temperatures. So, if the temperature needs to be reduced, what will that cost in terms of energy? The auTomaTic assumption often is that improving IAQ will cost additional energy. But, the authors of “Wealth of Intent, Dearth of Data” H igh P ErforMing b uildings 1791 Tullie Circle N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329-2305 Phone: 404-636-8400, Fax: 404-321-5478 www.HPBmagazine.org, E-mail: HPBmagazine@ashrae.org Editorial advisory Board (Page 34), assert that design, and operation and maintenance, strategies can support the yin-yang goals of energy efficiency and good IAQ. We have learned that to reach the best balance of these twin goals, data is needed. So, authors Kevin Y. Teichman, Ph.D., Andrew K. Persily, Ph.D., Fellow ASHRAE, and Steven J. Emmerich, Member ASHRAE, dissected past HPB magazine case studies to discover how much IAQ performance is discussed. Their answer? Minimally. Lindsay Audin, Energywiz David Grumman, P.E., Grumman/Butkus Associates Sheila Hayter, P.E., National Renewable Energy Lab Adam W. Hinge, P.E., Sustainable Energy Partnerships Vivian Loftness, FAIA, Carnegie Mellon University Kent Peterson, P.E., P2S Engineering Kenneth Seibert, P.E., CMTA Consulting Engineers Donald Winston, P.E., The Durst Organization Editorial Fred Turner, fturner@ashrae.org Sarah Foster, sfoster@ashrae.org associat E Editors Rebecca Matyasovski, rebecca@ashrae.org Charlotte Tubbs, ctubbs@ashrae.org Christopher Weems, cweems@ashrae.org Jeri Eader, jeader@ashrae.org Editorial assistant Tani Palefski, tpalefski@ashrae.org Editor Managing Editor d E s i g n Susan Carabetta, Carabetta Hayden Design P u B l i s h i n g s E r v i c E s a n d c i r c u l at i o n David Soltis Jayne Jackson, Tracy Becker Publishing sE rvic Es Manag Er Production advErtising associatE PublishEr, ashraE MEdia advErtising Greg Martin, gmartin@ashrae.org advErtising Production The auThors recognize the case studies are not necessarily fully reflective of the IAQ in real-world buildings. However, the articles do skew toward metrics that show resources used (energy use intensity, gallons per flush, etc.). The authors say the only way to verify IAQ goals are being reached is by actual performance measurements, which the case studies lack. Just two case studies included measurement data for common contaminants. Many shared creative strategies to provide good IAQ. But mostly, other aspects of building performance were more heavily emphasized. “In our push to reduce energy consumption and negative environmental impacts associated with buildings, it is critical that we remember why buildings exist,” says Persily. Sarah Foster 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. Vanessa Johnson, vjohnson@ashrae.org P u B l i s h E r W. Stephen Comstock issn 1940-3003 (print) and 1940-3054 (digital) Published Quarterly Copyright 2013 by ASHRAE, 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 40037127. 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. Environmental Benefits statement The pages of High Performing Buildings are printed on Somerset Matte Recycled paper manufactured by Sappi Paper and Escanaba Matte Recycled manufactured by NewPage. Environmental impact estimates were made using the Environmental Defense Fund Paper Calculator. High Performing Building saved the following resources by using Somerset Matte Recycled and Escanaba Matte Recycled papers. Greenhouse Wood Use Net Energy Gases Wastewater Solid Waste 13 tons (89 28 Million 8,443 lbs co2 40,665 2,469 trees saved) btus saved equiv. saved gallons saved pounds less 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. http://www.HPBmagazine.org http://www.HPBmagazine.org http://www.HPBmagazine.org/subscribe http://www.HPBmagazine.org/addresschange

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