February « 2010 « Noel's Green (make that SUSTAINABLE) Blog

Current Events: Cliches

Here I will get on my high horse again.

A list of words being used too often, and thereby lose their true meaning.
In my opinion, these fit the definition of CLICHE. These words are currently being used in the media and opinion places online frequently and, in my opinion, incorrectly. English language students, [...]

Global warming : just the facts, Ma’am

Some people in communications, and in the real estate and investment arena, have been making assertions that green buildings have economic benefits not worth the trouble and expense. This is to imply that improving energy efficiency and measuring the results is not worth the trouble. I say B.S.

I am not interested in casting [...]

Design firm uses a lot of technology (BIM and cloud computing)

BIM, IPD and “private” cloud computing at Little Diversified Architecture in Charlotte. This firm is on the top of the wave of change, being led by the author of the article, Chris France, CIO of the firm. This firm and its predecessors have always been very very good anyway. [...]

Steven Gary Susskind 1956-2010

My younger brother passed away Wednesday.

Steve, we will miss you. I know that the universal force will carry you to a place where pain and suffering don’t exist. God rest your [...]

Report Dispels doubts on Conservation Measures

This Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory report, Building Commissioning: A Golden Opportunity for Reducing Energy Costs and Greenhouse-Gas Emissions should inform the skeptics about the efficacy of this process for buildings. Regular tuneups for your car are the norm, so the same should be for your building.

I quote:

“This report responds [...]

Modularity and HVAC systems design

Simple is as simple does. It works. Its easier to understand. Easier to fix. The real world does not reward complexity.

An important aspect of good design is simplicity. HVAC can be complicated enough, given the need to maintain various spaces at set temperatures, relative humidity and cleanliness. HVAC systems are also expected to maintain certain pressurization and [code required] outside air exchange. All while keeping to the highest possible energy efficiency. We also need and expect them to respond precisely and correctly to changing variables.

Simplicity in controls are also key to this. The simplest controls are on-off. Simplicity is not obvious everywhere. But in reality, as software development theory teaches, you can find the simple by decomposing the complicated.

Consider these concepts before the initial Basis of Design is established. Decompose the various functions needed and decide how the system will be controlled. Many designers have their personal preferences and presumptions, but these must be put aside in favor of open-mindedness in the beginning of the decision making process. Yes, energy and size calculations may be useful, but not as important as what and how to control the various environmental parameters.

Diagrams of the systems, Continue reading Modularity and HVAC systems design

President Theodore Roosevelt had it right!

Let us go back to the tried and proven. The Bush sponsored tax cuts did not do what they were supposed to do. We forgot to take Teddys advice, as quoted below.

The tax cuts did not increase our national economic vitality one wit. They should be allowed to expire [...]

Better HVAC can save $48 billion/year in the USA

The latest numbers are that US buildings consume $320 billion/year in energy. 2/5 of all the energy used in the US. And about 40% of the energy (costing $120 billion/year) is used in buildings for HVAC.

Some of the 2009 stats HVAC designs that I have incorporated recently into my office [...]

Getting a View of Energy Consumption in your building

Trends: Read the chart on your buildings energy usage. Monthly charts can usually be found on the monthly utility bills. Your utility company can provide them upon request (usually). If and when you can acquire the hourly or daily usage charts, the pattern of usage can be very revealing about whether your building is running at its best. What does a trend chart look like?