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Building Systems & Energy Use

Buildings consume 48% of all the energy that we use in the USA. A huge chunk of that is from fossil fuels, burned to generate electricity (coal in particular). Building electric use is a major   contributor to carbon emissions and global warming.

Proposal: ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010 will require a reduction in HVAC and lighting energy usage in new construction by 30% (and 20% in substantial renovations /reuse) compared to ASHRAE 90.1-2004 standards.

The challenge is in embracing and implementing the most energy efficient and cost effective measures that are available today.

Green building design, engineering and operation improves your bottom line as well as the environment. Re-commissioning an older building with a licensed professional engineer managing the process, will make a big difference. Maybe your service company can be relied upon for making sure your building is running efficiently, but you could still be spending too much money on energy and maintenance.

Knowledge is power. An energy audit  will help you see the entire picture, understand your HVAC, lighting and hot water use and how it relates to your energy consumption.  I will tell you if re-commissioning your older building will enable you to save money by lowering your energy consumption.

With better knowledge, it is common to find energy conservation opportunities with an annual, incremental return on investment above 50%!   See my design page for ideas learned from many years of practice in HVAC engineering.

Many of the solutions are simple. Some solutions come when its time to replace failing equipment. Selecting higher performing mechanical equipment or building options for a slightly larger investment will give a big return on your investment.  

Energy and Building

Global warming is still a dire threat, notwithstanding possible contradictions in the trends. In any event, it appears that carbon dioxide levels are climbing exponentially due to world-wide economic growth and industrialization. We should lower energy use to save money and reduce dependence on foreign oil anyway! In my family we do our part by reduce electricity use at home while driving the most fuel efficient cars to work.

How do we contribute to solving the problems of global warming, energy and economics? If you are interested, read and talk to others about it. Define the problem and see what you can do about it.