Energy


Benchmarking

Be sure to know your building's energy benchmark. This number will help you understand the range of energy use to expect and help to set a realistic energy reduction target.

 

Benchmarks are from CBECS 2012, and measured in kBtu/sf/yr used on site

 
 

Energy Conservation

Conservation v. Efficiency

“Conserving energy” and “increasing efficiency” are often used interchangeably, but are very different concepts that utilize very different strategies. Efficiency is about minimizing the waste a given system. Examples include swapping out fluorescent bulbs for LEDs or driving to work in a hybrid. Conserving energy is about using less energy overall, often by thinking beyond the boundaries a given system. Examples of conservation would be turning off the lights (regardless of the type of bulbs) or taking the bus. Both conservation and efficiency are important pursuits, but conservation strategies should take priority since they will actually decrease global energy consumption and carbon emissions. 

 

Strategies for Conservation

  • Smaller buildings

  • less space per person

  • Less time that systems are “on”

  • Fewer energy using systems / appliances

  • Passive strategies that replace mechanical systems

  • Fine tuned schedules

  • Occupant feedback and engagement


Strategies for Efficiency

  • Improved lighting systems

  • Improved mechanical systems

  • Passive strategies that reduce reliance on mechanical systems

  • Fine tuned equipment


Strategies for Human Health and Happiness (that also happen to conserve energy)

All of these strategies will contribute to energy conservation, but energy will not be their most significant impact.

  • Daylight - To create an enjoyable space and to benefit occupant health, happiness, and productivity

  • Limited WWR - To prevent glare, maintain thermal symmetry, and decrease first costs of the envelope and mechanical system

  • Create thermal breaks - To prevent condensation and mold growth, and increase the durability of the envelope

  • Continuous insulation- Increase the lifespan of a building

  • Shading and overhangs - To prevent glare and increase building life span.


Strategies for Designing Low Energy Buildings

All "low energy buildings" are sustainable, but not all "sustainable" buildings are low energy. "Low Energy Buildings" are a subset of sustainable buildings with a goal of minimizing energy consumption. Below are rules of thumb for designing low energy buildings.

 

Residential Projects - Focus on simplicity

  • Decrease conditioned square footage

  • Eliminate unnecessary / redundant / extravagant systems

    • Lighting / AV control systems

    • Pools

    • Landscape ponds / fountains

    • Redundant HVAC systems

    • Redundant appliances

    • Hotwater circulation systems

    • Ducts

  • Encourage a sustainable lifestyle 

    • Use of outdoor spaces, outdoor cooking, gardening, etc.

    • Encourage feedback and engagement


Commercial Projects  - Focus on intelligence

  • Integrate lighting and HVAC with easy to use controls

  • Ensure that a building manager understand the systems and want to optimize performance

  • Create lighting and HVAC zones than can be scheduled independently and easily adjusted

  • Use vacancy and daylight sensors in all spaces. 

  • Minimize energy during "off hours", including low energy security systems

  • Allow occupants to control their environment

  • Keep data storage offsite