U.S. Green Building Council Launches LEED v4

This past week, The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) launched LEED v4, the newest version of the LEED green building program.  This enhanced program offers flexibility for all green projects, with new market sectors and global best practices built-in.

Since its release in 1998, LEED has revolutionized the marketplace as the world's premier benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high -performance green buildings. Staying true to its original goals,  LEED v4 builds on the fundamentals of previous versions while offering a new system that prepares all LEED projects in a portfolio to perform at a higher level.

New Features of LEED v4

• New market sectors including data centers, mi-rise residential projects, hospitality, existing schools, warehouses and distribution centers. 
• A more user friendly LEED credit submittal process, with step-by-step reference guide materials with videos and tutorials and a more intuitive technology platform.  
• Focus on outcomes--building owners can understand how to manage their buildings to meet full performance potential. 
• New impact categories such as climate change, human health, water resources, biodiversity, green economy, community and natural resources. 

Several facilities have already achieved LEED v4 qualifications. The Haworth Beijing Organic Showroom in Beijing, China achieved LEED v4 Gold, while a building in Washington, DC achieved LEED v4 Silver. 

How to Cut on HVAC Energy Waste

Lighting and HVAC systems are the primary culprits of high energy bills.   According to the U.S. Department and Energy's Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) arm, lighting and conditioning indoor air makeup more than 50% of a building's total energy use.

For years, lighting has played a large role in cutting energy costs, with very little focus on HVAC. Now advancements in technology are making savings on HVAC systems more achievable.  Likewise, as the saving potential becomes more evident, facility decision makers such as managers and owners are starting to look for opportunities to reduce costs with current HVAC systems.

Three Ways to Cut on HVAC Energy Costs 

1. Fan Efficiency Ratings 

Fans are a large consumer of energy and account for 80% of the so-called parasitic load.   For this reason, the Air Movement Control Association International (AMCA), began developing an efficiency rating for fans.  By choosing a fan based on this rating system, you can reduce a significant amount on energy costs. 

2.Variable Refrigerant Flows 

VRF systems are common in Europe and Asia, but have only recently gained popularity in North America. Its ability to respond to fluctuations in space load conditions, enables energy savings during part-load system use. 

3. Energy Recovery 

Another option for saving on energy costs for facilities is the use of an airside or waterside direct exchange system.  For large facilities, energy recovery systems have the potential to cut energy conditioning energy use by half. 

Benefits of Green Building

The green building phenomenon is sweeping across the world, but many doubt the benefits of this movement.

Instead, they believe it is simply a political agenda or a means for more costly construction projects.

The reality is, a green building project can have environmental, economic and social benefits as described below: 

Environmental Benefits 

• Emission Reductions--Green building techniques such as solar powering and daylighting can increase energy efficiency and reduce harmful emissions.
• Water Conservation-Implementing water recycle programs for urinal flow and irrigation can significantly lower water consumption and increase savings.
• Temperature Moderation-Conscientious building designs and site selection can reduce the urban heat island effect caused the heat retention properties of tall buildings and urban materials.

Economic Benefits

• Energy & Water Saving- Green design and technology can drastically reduce operation costs. This can offset any additional project costs, while offering long-term savings. 
• Increased Property Advantages-Low operating costs that come with green facilities can lead to lower vacancy rates and higher property values.
• Increase Employee Productivity & Health-There is a positive correlation between indoor environmental conditions and improved employee health and productivity. 
• Sales Improvements-Studies show stores with more natural light have more sales. 

Social Benefit 

• Improved Health-Poor indoor environment quality can contribute to respiratory problems, allergies, and nausea headaches. Implementing green building features can provide for a healthier and more comfortable living and working environment.  
•  Improved schools-About 40% of the schools in the United States are subject to poor environmental conditions that can affect the health and learning of students.  Studies show that schools utilizing green building techniques often experience a reduction in student absentees and see an improvement in test scores. 
• Healthier Lifestyles & Recreation- Sustainable designs preserve natural environments and provide for more recreation and exercise opportunities. They also promote alternatives to driving such as bicycling and public transport. 

How to Reduce your Energy Costs this Summer

Air-conditioning is often a welcomed relief from the unremitting summer heat, but the high costs associated with energy consumption can leave homeowners and facility managers unsatisfied. 

Currently, HVAC systems are responsible for around 40% of total building energy consumption, which is why it is no surprise that according to a recent report by Navigant Research, the revenue of energy efficient HVAC systems will increase from 17.2 million in 2013 to $33.2 billion in 2020.  

If an energy efficient HVAC system isn't in your budget this year, there are several budget friendly ways for keeping your energy consumption down this summer. 

1. Change your Filters 

Clean air filters are key to getting the best air flow from your HVAC system. Not changing your filters could mean more maintenance because it forces your system to work harder and less efficiently. 

2. Add Insulation 

Check to make sure your facility is properly insulated. According to the United States Department of Energy (USDOE), insulation not only can reduce your carbon imprint and save you money on your energy bill, but it can help maintain a consistent temperature throughout your facility. 

3.  Programmable Thermostats 

A programmable thermostat can help control your system even when you aren't around. By setting different temperatures for different times of the day,  you are better able to monitor your energy consumption and cut on your costs. 

4. Invest in

Energy Efficient Shades 

Keeping your windows covered all day and installing energy efficient shades can help reduce the load on your AC unit. 

5. Annual HVAC Systems Maintenance 

Like your car, your HVAC system needs a yearly checkup. This can help ensure that your system is running efficiently and prevent costly problems later on. 

Getting a cooling load calculation completed by a certified engineer can also determine the efficiency of your HVAC system and can make sure your system meets required building codes.  

Want to find out if your HVAC system is running efficiently?  RGD Consulting Engineers can perform an on-site inspection of your facility to determine the proper remediation to help you save money on your energy consumption. Inquire today!