net zero buildings - september 2014 (greenbuild companion)

NET ZER

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ING

S • The 2014 NZB

Product A

dvances An

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ww

w.nzbm

agazine.com

GREENBUILDCOMPANION ISSUE

PRODUCT ADVANCES ANNUAL

PAGE 12

building envelope • on-site power • lightingdaylighting • water management • hvac

THE ANATOMY OF NET ZERO

Premier Issue: Jan. 2013

NET ZERO BUILDINGSPremier Issue: Jan. 2013


NET ZERO BUILDINGS




NET ZERO BUILDINGS

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CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPESPart of the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh, the facility is a case study in water conservation, but it also embraces many other net zero energy concepts and products.

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DAYLIGHTSYSTEMS

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GREENSCREENROLLERSHADE

CLEANTEXTURE

HUMANHEALTH

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DAYLIGHTING

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STRUCTURESTABLE

PROTECTION

THERMAL& SOLAR

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DAYLIGHTSYSTEMS

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EVOLVEDESIGN

CLASSICSTYLETRANS

LUCENCE

PERFORMANCE

KOOLBLACK

GREENSCREEN

ROLLERSHADE

CLEANTEXTURE

HUMANHEALTH

HEATREFLECTION

ENERGYEFFICIENT

DAYLIGHTING

VERSATILITY

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DURABILITY

DREAM INCOLOR

STRUCTURESTABLE

PROTECTION

THERMAL& SOLAR

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Discover Mermet’s innovative high-performance fabrics during Greenbuild October 22-24 in the Draper booth #839.

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CIRCLE 23

SETTING THE STANDARD AGAIN

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DAIKIN VRV. Contact your local distributor or manufacturer’s representative.

COMMERCIAL RENOVATION NEW CONSTRUCTION

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Our continuing commitment to quality products may mean a change in specifications without notice. © 2014 · Houston, Texas · USA

Features: ■ Total comfort solution for heating, cooling, ventilation and controls

■ Redesigned and optimized for total Life Cycle Cost (LCC)

■ Reduced install cost and increased flexibility as compared to VRV III with larger capacity single modules up to 14 Tons and system capacity up to 34 Tons

■ Efficiency improved over VRV III by an average of 11% with IEER Values now up to 28

■ Improved seasonal efficiency as compared to VRV III with automatic and customizable Variable Refrigerant Temperature (VRT) climate tuning

■ Best-In-class warranty with 10 year compressor and parts limited warranty as standard

■ Reduced commissioning time vs. VRV III with VRV configurator software and Graphical User Interface (GUI)

■ Design flexibility with long piping lengths up to 3,280 ft. total and 100 ft. vertical separation between indoor units

■ Take advantage of Daikin’s unique zone and centralized controls that are optimized for the specific needs of North America

VRV IV Air-Cooled Heat Pump

Daikin’s VRV IV systems integrate advanced technology to provide comfort control with maximum energy efficiency and reliability. Currently available in heat pump configurations, VRV IV provides a solution for multi-family residential to large commercial applications desiring heating or cooling. The VRV IV is the first variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system to be assembled in North America.

CIRCLE 24

SETTING THE STANDARD AGAIN

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DAIKIN VRV. Contact your local distributor or manufacturer’s representative.

COMMERCIAL RENOVATION NEW CONSTRUCTION

· USA

Our continuing commitment to quality products may mean a change in specifications without notice. © 2014 · Houston, Texas · USA

Features: ■ Total comfort solution for heating, cooling, ventilation and controls

■ Redesigned and optimized for total Life Cycle Cost (LCC)

■ Reduced install cost and increased flexibility as compared to VRV III with larger capacity single modules up to 14 Tons and system capacity up to 34 Tons

■ Efficiency improved over VRV III by an average of 11% with IEER Values now up to 28

■ Improved seasonal efficiency as compared to VRV III with automatic and customizable Variable Refrigerant Temperature (VRT) climate tuning

■ Best-In-class warranty with 10 year compressor and parts limited warranty as standard

■ Reduced commissioning time vs. VRV III with VRV configurator software and Graphical User Interface (GUI)

■ Design flexibility with long piping lengths up to 3,280 ft. total and 100 ft. vertical separation between indoor units

■ Take advantage of Daikin’s unique zone and centralized controls that are optimized for the specific needs of North America

VRV IV Air-Cooled Heat Pump

Daikin’s VRV IV systems integrate advanced technology to provide comfort control with maximum energy efficiency and reliability. Currently available in heat pump configurations, VRV IV provides a solution for multi-family residential to large commercial applications desiring heating or cooling. The VRV IV is the first variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system to be assembled in North America.

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CIRCLE 25




NET ZERO BUILDINGS




NET ZERO BUILDINGS

A Publication ofConstruction Business Media

SEPT. 2014 VOL. 3, NO. 3

What differentiates a net zero building from any other building? Many things, of course—but from a purely visual perspec-tive the answer is right before our eyes: a prolif-eration of solar panels. We all know that’s not true of every net zero or near-net zero project, but it’s safe to say that most have some kind of PV component.

At issue, as we’ve been discovering now for the past two years, is that the desire to add photovoltaics as a significant means to drop one’s energy use to

zero is no simple feat. First, there are the architec-tural considerations—do you want PV panels to be a major feature? If yes, how much is too much—because it takes a whole heck of a lot of solar panels to make these projects work. For “techy” buildings, such as the Carbon-Neutral Energy Solutions Laboratory at Georgia Tech, which we wrote about back in June of last year, or Cornell’s new Roosevelt Island campus in New York, it’s a non-issue as the technol-ogy easily communicates the facility’s mission. Or, in the case Seattle’s super-green Bullitt Center its

owner wanted to make a statement even if it meant crowning the building with a significant solar “sombrero.” But is every-one comfortable with such an over-the-top solar chapeaux?

In fact, to do or not to do PV on one’s roof is not only an aesthetic issue, but one of design priorities. For example, PV on the roof can compete directly with daylighting/skylighting goals, as it did in the Phoe-nix offices of DPR, which we covered this past June. Then again, as the IBEW/

NECA Net Zero Energy Center in San Leadro, Calif., demonstrated, sometimes both goals can be achieved with clever design. At that facility, which we covered last fall, the issue was solved with the installation of dormer-style “roof monitors,” which let in northern light on one side, while their pitched backs were covered in PV. Walgreens, in its prototype store in Chicago’s north suburbs, also managed a clever solution—but you’ll have to wait until next issue to learn about that story.

Beyond all these matters, there’s the ultimate ques-

AUTOMOTIVE BOOST? Electric vehicle manufacturer

Tesla has announced it will construct a “Gigafactory” to

assemble lithium-ion batteries for its high-end cars. By 2020,

the company hopes to produce more batteries annually than

were produced world-wide in 2013, drastically reducing costs.

Tesla owns Solar City, and the PV integrator is bound to use the same energy storage devices in

its building installations.

Shedding Light on PV Priorities

Gary RedmondManaging Partner

Director Publishing Operations [email protected]

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Director, Art & Production [email protected]

Jim CrockettEditorial Director

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Megan MazzoccoAssociate Editor

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Jan BottiglieriCopy Editor

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ENVELOPE Alan Weis

Contributing Writer [email protected]

LIGHTING

Kevin WillmorthContributing Writer

[email protected]

DAYLIGHTING

Barbara Horwitz-BennettContributing Writer

[email protected]

WATER

John MesenbrinkContributing Editor

[email protected]

POWER

Chuck RossContributing Writer

[email protected]

HVAC

John MesenbrinkContributing Editor

[email protected]

EDITORIAL

Dave PapeArt Director

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Lauren LenkowskiAssociate Art Director

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ART + PRODUCTION

Gary Redmond847 359 6493

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Tim Shea847 359 6493

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Jim Führer503 227 1381

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Ted Rzempoluch609 361 1733

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Net Zero Buildings (NZB), Vol. 3, No. 3 (ISSN# 2329-065X) is published four times per year by Construction Business Media. Publication Office: Construction Business Media, 579 First Bank Drive, Suite 220, Palatine, IL 60067; 847 359 6493;www.nzbmagazine.com. (Copyright © 2013 by Construction Business Media)

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Net Zero Buildings Magazine, 519 East Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60440.

| TOWARD ZERØ |

JIM CROCKETT

06

www.nzbmagazine.com NET ZERO BUILDINGS | 09.14 | 05

AN IMPORTANT ISSUE TO ADDR E SS IN CONSIDER ING PHOTOVOLTAIC S IS

UTILIT Y; IN OTHER WOR DS, WHAT IS THE SOL AR-GENER ATED POWER AC TUALLY

GOING TO DO?

Jim Crockett,Editorial [email protected]

JIM CROCKETT

tion of utility—what is the solar-generated power actually going to do? If it’s going to actually power a building system—say lighting—how does one use such power at night or during cloudy condi-tions? Batteries? What’s involved with that? And what are the other critical components in a solar system beyond the pan-els—inverters or racking systems for instance.

The good news is that I hope to share some of these nuances in the com-ing issues, as I found out about a great solar project just five minutes from where I grew up. The PV installation involves a mix of ground and roof sources at the IBEW-NECA 134 Technical Institute in the southwest suburbs of Chi-cago. A former freshman high school, the facility is now an apprentice school that my dad, a retired electrician, even taught at for a while. I did not hear about the project from

my progenitor, but from one of his IBEW brethren I happened to interview last year when research-ing the aforementioned NZE Center near Oakland. That said, I must really credit PV rack manufac-turer Schletter for setting the table for me to get the scoop. The company, ear-lier this summer, stopped its road show at the train-ing center, and I moseyed inside after some great conversations with the company’s rep and attendees at the event.

For the record, the Chicago project—the Renewable Energy Training Field—will not be a complete net zero retrofit like its Cali-fornia cousin, but its solar component is impressive nonetheless. Designed by Legat Architects, not only will it be a teaching tool for electricians to get hands-on experience working with, and better understanding, solar systems, it will provide a “kick-the-tires” show-

room where engineers, architects, developers, owners—anyone—can get a look at this stuff up close and personal.

Furthermore, IBEW-NECA will be studying what’s really working. According to Harry Ohde, assistant director of the training center, this is not just a demonstration project—the goal is for the PV sys-tem to provide a net zero power solution for their welding lab, which oper-ates at night. This means the system will have to be connected to a battery storage system that can deliver the goods.

I believe energy stor-age is a crucial and often overlooked detail, and one the industry needs more data like this so better decisions can be made so that PV is not just window dressing on a building.

I mentioned the Schletter event, and I wish to share some insight I picked up

there: Nick Neitzel, a local engineer with Continental Energy Solutions, whose company has a couple of significant solar project in

the area, gave me a new reason why people should be looking into bat-tery storage—frequency deregulation for grid stability. He explained that while it’s great to pump a lot of power into the grid from PV instal-lations, what happens at night, when there’s suddenly a major drop off? It screws up the grid, he says, as other power sources, including nuclear plants, must ramp up, and do so quickly. Ohde says the school plans to try two different kinds of lithium-ion batteries to see what works best in supplying power for the welding operation. As far as the PV, he says there

will be installations on both asphalt roofs as well as systems integrated with metal roofing. On the ground, 45 kW worth

of PV will be put in place. Solar tracking units will also be installed in various spots. A 5kW wind turbine is also in the mix.

The principal workhorse will be a Sharp 250W Model ND-240QCJ PV panel. The IBEW facility will also feature 18 kW of PV car ports, an area that Schletter’s Jim Fay, their northeast technical sales representative, says is growing. “It’s mostly in the southwest, especially in places where they’re also looking for shade.”

Still, he says car ports are feasible in snowy climates as mounting systems can be pitched as much as 10

to 15 degrees to elimi-nate snow build up in the winter. Fay, however, adds there is also a cost/vol-ume consideration, where he notes the latter needs to be at least a 200kW installation to cost justify the technology.

The IBEW project started this summer and Ohde hopes to finish by Febru-ary. He’s excited to see the end product. “The biggest [technology] test will be the batteries, specifically the life of the batteries,” says Ohde.

SHEDDING LIGHT ON PV PRIORITIES (CONT.)

0508

52

Toward Zero

NZB Primer Achieving net zero is a combined effort from the entire design team at the get-go.

End Point

LIGHTING

Greenbuild Guide Wireless Controls Lighting and HVAC Biophilic Design

By Kevin Willmorth

18

ENVELOPE

Glazing EIFS Systems Insulation Air Barriers

By Alan Weis

12

POWER

Battery Storage Solar Wind Power Fuel Cells

By Chuck Ross

24

HVAC

Building Automation Geothermal Natural Ventilation Thermal Storage

By John Mesenbrink

30

WATER

Master Planning Rainwater Systems Legislation Metering

By John Mesenbrink

36

DAYLIGHTING

Solar Control Skylights Glazing Passive Daylighting

By Barbara Horwitz-Bennett

42

contents

06 | 09.14 | NET ZERO BUILDINGS www.nzbmagazine.com

CONTINUED FROM 05

“ THE BIGGE ST TECHNOLOGY TE ST WILL BE THE [LITHIUM-ION]

BAT TER IE S; SPECIFIC ALLY THE LIFE OF THE BAT TER IE S.”

Renewable Energy Training FieldDecember 20, 2013

Chicago’s Renewable Energy

Training Field at the IBEW-NECA 134 Training Center

Supplying the blueprint for smarter decisions

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CIRCLE 26

While not yet a full-fledged mass driver of building industry practices, net zero has the distinction of get-ting its momentum from bottom-up forces. To date, the impetus to plan net zero buildings in the United States is coming largely from the private sector, although there are also instances of public agencies collaborating with private organizations to attain net zero.

Benefits accrued by net zero buildings is a latter-day iter-ation on the classic theory that “Good design is good busi-ness.” According to a report by analyst Aditya Ranade of Lux Research’s Boston office, green development is continually evolving, bringing with it greater industry challenges as well as much greater industry potential. In a world-wide survey of nearly 400 net zero projects in 33 countries, the researchers, in a five-year projection, placed the global net zero and near-net zero floor space at 861 million sq. ft., creating a $16.5 billion materials market.

Some of this has been driven by the European Union, which in 2010, passed two measures that require all new buildings to be “nearly-zero” status by 2020. In 2007, the U.S. announced a target of transitioning all federal government buildings to net zero status by 2030.

Lux’ research indicates that venture capitalists are upping their green standards, seeking the great-est investment value in projects delivering net zero carbon buildings. “Zero net energy has unprecedented potential to transform the way buildings use energy,” the report states. “This ultra-efficiency goal is one that owners can define, design teams can reach for, and oc-cupants desire. An increasing number of buildings are meeting this standard, raising confidence that a ZNE goal is realistic given current building technologies and design approaches.”

Stacy Hobart of the New Buildings Institute concurs, “We are seeing commercial examples of larger and more complicated buildings, which is a positive sign. To date, most net zero buildings have been smaller structures, and most of them are early market adopters,” she ob-serves.”

Integrating Net ZeroNet zero is the new kid on the block and it differs from the traditional design, development and construction. According to architect Don Jones and engineer William Jarema from EwingCole, who are involved one such

project—the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center—agree that energy use is the driver behind the design process from a project’s inception. “It’s a joint effort by the design team from the get-go,” Jones says. “Energy use analysis is a first consideration. Tests not typically performed such as air leakage for windows and bench testing of other assemblies are ordered as a part of pre-specifying for a net zero building,” he says. Jarema points out that the engineering team members play a role in the initial conceptual stages rather than starting their work following acceptance by the client of the building program developed under the aegis of the architects. “Minimizing the energy needed to operate the tasks to be performed in the building is everyone’s concern from the project’s inception,” says Jarema. “Clients have to accept the fact that maximum efficiency in the building’s system means more of a financial investment and a longer payback period.”

VILMA BARR


ACHIEVING NET ZERO: a designer-user dedication Belfield Townhomes,

Philadelphia

“The cost savings realized in the modular construction enabled us to reinvest those dollars into higher quality appliances, finishes, and an extensive energy monitor-ing system for each home that tracks every circuit and displays minute-by-minute energy consumption, tem-perature, humidity and CO2 levels on a dedicated website,” says McDonald.

The award-winning project, occupied in 2012, has become the first Certified Passive House project in Pennsylvania. The Onion Flats team intends to employ the same modular “Sustainable Building System” (patent pending), for the 147-unit mixed-use apartment building Ridge project. “The scale and repetition for such a large project makes modular construction ideal,” McDonald stresses. “Our team hopes to demonstrate even more clearly the eco-nomic viability of developing Net Zero Energy-Capable buildings at a no-cost premium constructed within densely populated urban environments,” he believes.

Is the design replicable? Yes, says McDonald. “It is one of the most important dimensions of our work. If it wasn’t, then it would be, at best, a curiosity,” he says.

A Model Modular Net Zero Home

Thanks to radically reduced HVAC loads, all the energy required for the apartments can be gener-ated by the PV arrays, says Onion Flats’ Howard Steinberg. A critical factor in achieving ongoing suc-cess, he adds, is to integrate the residents’ lifestyle into the benefits offered by the building systems. Demonstrations and explanations of how they work will encourage people’s personal involvement in the potential energy savings.

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What these projects will actually cost is another differ-entiator. For example, the vertical design/finance/build integration business model adopted by the architectural firm Onion Flats for a low-income, a 129,000-sq.-ft., five story mixed-use, multi-family housing project in Phila-delphia—The Ridge—is an innovative example of reducing risk for a new low and moderate income rental project that otherwise wouldn’t become a reality. “When we decided to propose a development for The Ridge site, we knew that if we were to be successful we would not be able to rely on a conventional financing strategy,” says Tim McDonald, the firm’s principal.

A 70%/30% debt/equity ratio would be sought by the de-veloper, with 70% of the construction loan coming from a national or local bank and 30% coming from equity sources, he indicates. Onion Flats went into the competi-tion with a commitment from a local lending institution backed by a federally insured mortgage program for 83% of the construction loan—one of the proposal’s major selling points that gained them the contract. Construc-tion is expected to begin this fall, and it will be the city’s first Passive House Certified and Net Zero Energy project, and the largest in the country.

Keeping it RealOnion Flats was founded in 1997 by architect McDonald, his brother Pat, a mechanical contractor, and joined in 2005 by his brother Johnny, a realtor, and long-time friend, colleague and architect Howard Steinberg. The basis for the collaboration was their belief that net zero energy-capable modular homes produced off-site could be offered at an affordable price in an urban environ-ment. “We are committed to creating livable space in the city that low- and middle-income people can afford,” McDonald says. “One of our recent projects, Belfield Townhomes, a series 16 ft. × 40 ft., three-story, 1,900-sq.-ft., subsidized town homes, are designed with an airtight thermal envelope, triple glazed windows, an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) and a 5kW PV array on the roof,” McDonald relates.

Belfield, built in a modular construction factory in which the principals of Onion Flats were invested, were deliv-ered to the site and completed within three months from breaking ground for just under $130-sq.-ft. in total hard construction costs.


Honda Smart Home in the West Village of the Univ. of California-Davis

The net zero home, part of a planned net zero community, surpasses California’s 2020 net-zero energy residential target. Honda and the university will use to home to evaluate new technologies.

The home follows Passive House principles, including geothermal heating and cooling, and solar power. The latter delivers 2.6 MW of power per year and a 10-kW lithium ion battery for storage in off-peak hours.

The home uses Honda’s Home Energy Management system that includes a dashboard to help residents keep track, and in turn, regulate their energy usage.

CAL-Davis Honda Smart HomeOn the other side of the country, on the campus of the University of California at Davis, designers had similar goals in creating the Honda Smart Home, a 2,000-sq.-ft., two-bedroom, bi-level home, which opened this spring. It is within the school’s West Village community, the largest planned zero net energy community in the U.S.; a $280 million, public-private partnership project made possible by $7.5 million federal and state grants to study zero net energy systems. “Honda isn’t an architecture firm,” says Michael Koenig, a project engineer in the En-vironmental Business Development Office of the com-pany’s North American subsidiary. He also points out the company is not in the business of building houses. “But Honda wants to be involved in this future, and there are Honda energy management products where it might make sense for us to participate,” he notes.

The house, specifically, is fitted with Honda’s propri-etary Home Energy Management System (HEMS that appears as a dashboard to monitor the home’s energy usage. Included in its suite of sustainable features are: radiant and geothermal heating and cooling; a 9.5-kw roof-mounted solar array; FSC-certified lumber and low-carbon concrete; rain gardens and xeriscap-ing, as well as orientation that follows passive-house principles. PV is another key measure, and the home is expected to generate a surplus of 2.6 megawatt-hours of electricity per year, while a comparable home would consume about 13.3 megawatt-hours for the same pe-riod. A 10-kW-hr lithium-ion battery stores energy on site while a Honda Fit EV direct-current power source lets residents charge their electric vehicle in the garage without the typical conversion loss from alternating current source.

Honda worked with Lim Chang Rohling & Assocs. in Pasadena, Calif., to design the home. It surpasses California’s 2020 net-zero-energy residential target. Honda, along with U.C. Davis researchers and Pacific Gas and Electric Co., will use the house as a site to evaluate new technology.


Smithsonian Environmental Research CenterBack on the East Coast, nestled amid 2,600 acres of protected woods and fields of Chesapeake Bay near Edgewater, Md., resides the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC), a multi-structure complex that includes the 90,000-sq.-ft. Mathias Laboratory (pictured above), a LEED platinum candidate designed by the Philadelphia offices of architects-engineers EwingCole. SERC scientists specialize in a multitude of disciplines, including global change, terrestrial and marine ecology, invasive species and nutrient pollution. The new labora-tory is designed to promote cross-disciplinary col-laboration for SERC’s research teams. Ewing Cole is also designing the 5,000-sq.-ft. IT Commons, and the firm is coordinating with the client in an effort to go beyond LEED platinum and produce a net zero operating build-ing. “We’ve been designing energy efficient buildings for years that incorporate photovoltaics, rainwater harvesting, geothermal systems and sophisticated control systems,” says engineer Jarema. “This project, which is estimated to occupy 5,000 sq. ft., lends itself to a scale where we can combine these techniques for a net zero building.”

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, Md.

Philadelphia-based A/E Ewing Cole is completing the 90,000-sq.-ft. Mathias Laboratory on the SERC complex. The designers are also designing the 5000-sq.-ft., IT Commons, a project they hope to deliver as a net zero facility. It would be the first net zero facility for the Smithsonian, and SERC officials are excited about the prospect.


It would be one of the first for the Smithsonian, which operates facilities for scientific investigation worldwide. ”The client is very excited to see how the building can respond to their operational needs—research, meetings, and interactive areas—and achieve net zero status,” noted Jeffrey Hirsch, one of the team’s architects. “They are already on board—they have internalized the fea-tures of the expected building operation; it’s part of their individual lifestyle.”

It was agreed by the designers that the coastal site on Maryland’s eastern shore presents challenges: the mid-Atlantic’s hot and humid summers, and cold and dry winters. “The user group is atypical. They are not suit-wearing executives who need a 68-degree envi-ronment in the summer to carry out their tasks,” said Hirsch. “These are working environmentalists, out in the field a good part of the time, to collect their samples. It is a maritime environment; with wetlands on every side. The culture of people who inhabit this net zero building is going to be different from those who inhabit a more traditional building,” he has observed.

Jarema agrees, “It’s part of our job to get the client group members to voice their opinions about their expecta-tions for the new building. What is the reality for them to

experience in the new building? What are the parame-ters they can adjust to if need be for the levels of humid-ity, temperature, lighting? Would they be willing to use task lighting to compensate for a lower ambient level?”

The project’s lighting designer, Angela Matchica, noted that the fixture and lamp suppliers she has contacted to discuss future specs are excited about potential involvement. If necessary, she will mock up illuminated areas for examination by the users.

Members of the EwingCole team who have visited net zero buildings have been impressed with what they discern in the environment and the attitude of its users. “There is a sense of calm…the lower lighting levels, the quiet HVAC equipment. And the people working in those spaces, they seem, well, happier.”

Not too far away in Virginia Beach, Va., the SmithGroupJJR is involved in a project also shooting for net zero—the 10,000-sq.-ft. Brock Environmental Center. Onion Flats’ McDonald is heartened to hear that and hopes the move-ment is contagious. “Our work is driven by the growing need for net-zero-energy capable buildings to become standard, everyday practice in this country. I feel like we’re on our way.”

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center resides on 2,600 acres on Chesapeake Bay. The net zero IT Commons will be located adjacent to the Mathias Lab.

The LEED Platinum lab sits at area “4” on the map.

Mathias Laboratory


Elevating Envelope Expectations

Township 14, Del Mar Heights, Calif.

In order to pursue LEED Gold certification, the builders and developers of Township 14, a corporate office plaza in Del Mar Heights, Calif., designed by Gensler, called on Custom Building Products’ Emerald System of products. Exterior limestone walls were pre-pared with Custom’s RedGard Liquid Waterproofing and Crack Prevention Membrane, which was as applied as a moisture barrier to protect the buildings from water intrusion. All of the limestone was grouted with Prism SureColor High Performance Grout.

ENVELOPE

ALAN WEIS

0ne cannot insulate their way to net zero, warns Larry Carbary F.ASTM, an industry scientist with Dow Corning, as any tightening of the envelope means potentially loosening design restrictions in

other areas of the building. When considering a net-zero energy building project, he notes a key aspect for suc-cess is to maximize the passive features of the building. By maximizing the efficiency of a building’s envelope system, as well as the HVAC system, the proper amount of active energy generation can be designed. And some-times it’s a matter of tradeoffs. “The cost tradeoffs have to be evaluated as the upgrade in one section will reduce the need for extra solar panels or windmills [assuming that these elements are incorporated], he emphasized. “Upgrading to triple insulating glass over double glass, for example, will increase the envelope cost but will reduce the need for a portion of the solar or wind renew-able energy source. The same applies to insulation in the opaque sections. Extra-thick walls require additional

construction costs for fenestration transitions and roof transitions. High-performance insulation can keep opaque sections of common thickness while boosting thermal performance and keeping wall construction detailing the same.”

Still, the envelope itself is the first thing to consider, says J.R. Babineau, building scientist and solar technology leader with Johns Manville, noting that heat flow, ther-mal bridging and air leakage must all be minimized in a net zero energy building. Minimizing heat flow and air leakage are achieved through a variety of high-perfor-mance, high R-value insulation systems, with effective air sealing throughout. Continuous insulation is critical for eliminating thermal bridging, which becomes a more important factor as envelope R-value increases. But the main area of concern and opportunity that accompanies these functional requirements, notes Babineau, is the need to manage moisture. “The more highly insulated

and air sealed a wall or roof is, the less able the system is to manage moisture,” he says. “Exterior moisture should ideally be kept out of the envelope with effective drainage and integrated flashing systems. Air leakage should be prevented at both the interior and exterior. Potential condensing surfaces should always be kept warm enough to prevent condensation and water vapor control should always allow drying in at least one direction. Overall performance of the system should be planned for at every step.”

Of course, all of the construction systems have to work together, and it’s a matter of them continuing to work together over time, and incorporating building commis-sioning—both at project completion and after a certain age—to expose discrepancies in original construction intent. “Designers should approach the process in this order: envelope first, HVAC equipment second,” declares Babineau.

CIRCLE 27

EXTREME RESISTANCEThe Silicone Air Barrier System features airtight perfor-mance that exceeds industry standards, plus long-term UV resistance. The only water-based 100% silicone air barrier system on the market today, according to the manufacturer, this suite of compatible high-performance silicone products is engineered to resist extreme environmental conditions and can be applied at temperatures as low as 20°F.

Dow Corningwww.dowcorning.comCIRCLE 309

TWO IN ONE A two-part hybrid insulation system, combining closed-cell spray foam and formalde-hyde-free fiberglass batts and rolls, provides air barrier and vapor retarder benefits of foam plus the economical benefits of fiberglass. The closed-cell spray foam insula-tion features smaller, more compact cell structures to fill hard-to-insulate areas with advanced air, moisture and sound control.

Johns Manvillewww.jm.comCIRCLE 308

IF THE ENVELOPE IS DOING ITS PART, THIS ALLOWS FOR THE HVAC SYSTEM TO NOT ONLY DO LESS WOR K , BUT

AL SO BECOME SM ALLER .

ENVELOPE


Coyne Science Center at Le Moyne College, Syracuse, N.Y.

The 48,000-sq.-ft. addition of the Coyne Science Center at Le Moyne College, Syracuse, N.Y., pushed the envelope in terms of sustainability. Design firm Ashley McGraw Architects chose to incorporate InSpire Wall on the south side of the addition with the dual objectives of substantially reducing the cost of heating fresh air and meeting stringent ventilation air requirements for laboratories. The team discovered that by keeping the perimeter (the N and W sides) orthogonal with the existing courtyard but angling the southern plane off the grid to face true south as closely as possible, the building could make best use of two key design strategies: active solar air heating and natural daylighting. ATAS’ Multi-Purpose panel was selected for its aesthetic appeal, giving the building a contemporary look and feel appropriate for a modern science lab.

ATAS International, Inc. www.atas.comCIRCLE 310

Study Says Sealing Essential

Building Science Corp. (BSC) has released a report detailing the results of a multi-year insulation research proj-ect. The most significant finding from the report is that sealed walls of the same R-value perform equally well regardless of the type of insulation used. The study entailed a baseline set of seven test walls using various insulation types, includ-ing fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam and extruded polystyrene.

The report, called “Ther-mal Metric Summary Report,” is available at www.buildingscience.com.

UNIVERSAL BARRIER WALL A universal barrier wall solution comprised of a KS series panel and integrated rail, the KarrierPanel

combines the superior thermal benefits of insulated metal panels with the aesthetics of multiple façades to complement any architectural scheme. Once installed, the system provides 100%

building envelope performance.

Kingspan www.kingspanpanels.us

CIRCLE 307417

1649701

1412

RESOURCES

GLAZING

Double or Triple?

When it comes to the choice between double and triple glazing, in terms of building performance, it might seem that triple glazing is the obvious way to go—unless you consider the embodied carbon. According to research done by Circular Ecology and Inspired Effi-ciency, despite the higher performance of triple glazed windows, it can take almost 20 years for triple glazing to pay back the additional embodied carbon on a like-for-like frame comparison (the study explored wooden, uPVC and aluminum win-dow frames and found similar results for each).

Find out more at www.circularecology.com.

www.nzbmagazine.com

INSULATED LINER SYSTEMThe Thermaliner is a state-of-the art insulated liner system that can be used with most Butler roof systems, including the MR-24, VSR II, and Butlerib II. It saves on heating and cooling costs through multiple layers of insulation—providing thermal-efficiency levels of up to R-39.

Butler Manufacturingwww.butlermfg.comCIRCLE 306

Ocean Village on the Shore, Averne, N.Y.

The winner of the EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems) Industry Members Assn.’s Quarterly Project Awards Program

for this quarter was presented to Sto Corp. and its Ocean Village on the Shore project located in Arverne, N.Y. The approximately

557,000-sq.-ft. development showcases several benefits of EIFS from continuous insulation to great flexibility in designing

a project. The StoTherm Lotusan NeXT EIFS system was used for the re-cladding, which offers a combination of a continuous

fluid-applied air barrier, exterior insulation properties and a textured finish with self-cleaning capabilities.

CIRCLE 28

MAKE AN ORIGINAL MODERN AGAIN. Creating a high-performance building from

an existing structure is both a business

opportunity and a social responsibility.

You can offer operational savings, meet

environmental benchmarks, and give a real

competitive advantage in the marketplace.

With the complete wall and roof panel

systems from Metl-Span® you can create a

suitable building and not have to start from

the ground up. To learn about our wide

array of insulated metal wall and roof

panels that can install value on any

building — new or classic, visit our website

or call 877-585-9969.

P I O N E E R I N G

I N S U L AT E D

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METLSPAN.COM

Opportunity + Responsibility.

502 Rigsbee Before

©2014 Metl-Span – A Division of NCI Group, Inc. All rights reserved. METL-13-007

MetlSpan_Opp+Resp_NetZeroBldgs_HPV.indd 1 6/9/14 6:18 PM

ENVELOPE

NUDURA OPTIMIZERThe Optimizer offers installers and design-ers the ability to meet 17 different stack scenarios without the need to cut or rip forms. Featuring Duralok Technology, the Optimizer securely locks into place with a triple-tooth interlock, eliminating the need to wire or glue forms and reducing installation costs. The unique folding web design is manufac-tured from 100% recycled polypropylene and steel and has been laboratory tested to prevent mold growth.

NUDURAwww.nudura.comCIRCLE 305

ADDRESSING AIR MOVEMENTDuro-Guard SOPRAVAP’R is a vapor retarder and air barrier membrane composed of a self-adhesive SBS modified bitumen with a polyethylene facer on the top surface and a silicone release film on bottom. The membrane addresses the movement of air in roof assemblies, as required in the 2012 Intl. Energy Code.

Duro-Last, Inc.www.duro-last.comCIRCLE 304

Jim Beam Stillhouse and Distillery, Clermont, Ky.

The LEED Gold certified Jim Beam American Stillhouse and Distillery in Clermont, Ky., showcases the company’s bourbon-making process by hosting tours in a sustainable and visually appealing facility. The Stillhouse exterior features 11,800 sq. ft. of Metal Sales’ 22 gauge, 7/8-in. corrugated wall panels in Old Zinc Grey with custom-painted Jim Beam branding on the front façade. The visual interest continues inside the building with 11,475 sq. ft. of 22-gauge, 7/8-in. corrugated perforated interior wall panels, also in Old Zinc Grey, acting as an interior liner. The Stillhouse is topped with more than 7,500 sq. ft. of 22-gauge, 16-in. striated Vertical Seam roof panels in Slate Grey and Matte Black. TL-17 soffit panels in Matte Black provide the finishing touch and seamlessly match the look of the structure. All panels feature a PVDF (Kynar 500) color finish. All of the panel colors from Metal Sales are listed with ENERGY STAR and reduce the amount of energy needed for cooling.

RESOURCES

TOOLS

Inner Shine

The International Window Film Assn. (IWFA) has released data from a national survey (con-ducted online by Harris Poll earlier this year) revealing that only 54% of Americans are aware of the cooling benefits of window film. In addition, 53% of Americans are unaware that window film allows natural light to enter a building’s interior. According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE), roughly 40% of unwanted heat that builds up in a building comes in through windows. Window film can regulate interior tem-peratures and cut heat transmission through windows in hot, sunny weather, reducing cooling costs by 30%.

11,475 sq. ft. of 22-gauge, 7/8-in. corrugated perforated interior wall panels, also in Old Zinc Grey, acts as an interior liner.

1312


Thermal Tool

Besides specifying cladding that is visually appealing, designers also have to consider heat management and air and moisture transfer, notes Dr. William Miller, a member of Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) building enve-lopes research group. And conducting thermal and hygrothermal analysis of the cladding system can go a long way in achieving a balance between aesthetics and performance. WUFI - ORNL/Fraunhofer IBP is a menu-driven PC program that allows realistic calculation of the transient coupled one-dimensional heat and moisture transport in multi-layer building components exposed to natural weather. Find out more at www.metalconstruction.org.

High Performance BuildingSolutions

Push the envelope. Seal in the savings.

Dow Corning® Silicone Air Barrier The only water-based silicone air barrier complemented by a fully compatible system. You know us. You trust us. You prefer our sealants. Now you can secure your entire envelope with a complete warranted system of unique silicone weatherproofi ng solutions that meet your needs for high performance designs.

So push the envelope. Go beyond the limits of other air barriers and wrap your building in a brand you know, backed by technology you can trust. Learn more. BuildaBetterBarrier.com

Dow Corning is a registered trademark of Dow Corning Corporation. ©2014 Dow Corning Corporation. All rights reserved.

SEE US AT

OCT. 22-24, 2014BOOTH

701

CIRCLE 29

Lighting Trends to Look for at Greenbuild

‘2226’ Office Building, Vorarlberg, Austria

Designed by renown architect Dietmar Eberle, the six-story tower, which contains Eberle’s studios and a pair of art galleries, gets its name for operating between 22 and 26°C (72°F to 78°F) even though it has no mechanical heating or ventilation systems. It does so by following precise building orientation and thermal mass principles. The lighting system, featuring Zumtobel LINARIA LED luminaires, had to be energy efficient, bright enough, and discreet enough to reflect the architectural scheme.

LIGHTING


KEVIN WILLMORTH

Anyone in the sustainable design business that is attending Greenbuild also should be interested in advanced lighting products. In its historic state of being, lighting consumes between 17% and 27%

of the energy flowing into a building’s electrical system. Advancing technologies that combine controls and high-efficiency light sources, such as LEDs, can cut that draw between 60% and 90%, while improving lighting quality as a whole, simultaneously. This means new products, which is what makes these shows so exciting to attend. While lighting is an important component in the pursuit of efficient design, its presence at Greenbuild has been somewhat small, but it has grown recently. Of course, Lightfair naturally commands the greatest attention for lighting specific products. However, for several companies, Greenbuild represents an opportunity to be seen outside the sea of competitors, in applied context to other products pursued within the grander scheme of sustainability and net zero principles. While the presence

of lighting at Greenbuild is modest compared to lighting industry venues, there is plenty to see, particularly a broader presence in the inter-relationship with building systems that impact the comfort, performance and health of the people who are ultimately going to live and work inside the resulting sustainable structures. On the integration front, take a moment to talk with the folks at the Emerge Alliance (Booth 2069) who represent a rapidly growing number of companies offering lighting products that operate directly from alternative energy friendly DC low-voltage power. For those interested in understanding how lighting professionals can be of service attaining goals of quality and efficiency, the IALD (Booth 2523) is a place to start. For those looking for solar, either active, passive or PV, or wind energy, visit the Net Zero Pavilion, Net Zero Lounge, and the outdoor display, where alternative energy will be showcased. Crossing the line between artificial and natural lighting are direct

daylight integration products. Piping daylight has been in use for lighting since the Romans incorporate the oculus in their structures. Today, integration of LED lighting into these devices bridges the gap between daylight and electric light. Further, mechanical baffling to dim daylight like one would a regular electric light source allows designers to integrate natural light into lighting systems designs cohesively. Regardless of who you see, there is enough of a sampling of the types of products being put to use using current light source technologies to get a feeling for where the market is heading. Also, keep an eye out for how lighting is naturally included in each of the glass, building envelope, and building automation presentations. On the following pages is a sampling of manufacturers making their presence known at this year’s show.

The Bilco Company has partnered with industry pioneer the Colt Group to bring dual purpose natural

and smoke ventilation products to North America.

To learn more about designing better, morecomfortable buildings, visit Bilco at

www.bilco-colt.com

DiscoverNatural Ventilation

• Lower Building Operating Costs

• Healthier Work Environments

• Decreased Environmental Impact

• Reduced Construction Costs

• Better Long-Term Investment

Coltlite ventilators install easily in the facade ofa building and will complement any architectural design. This natural louvered ventilator provides both day-to-day and smoke ventilation and is offered with glazed or insulated aluminum panels for design fl exibility. The electric or pneumatic control options allow you to easily provide automated climate control in any building.

Design with nature, not against it.

LIKE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

BLC908 COLT AD_NZB_rev.indd 1 9/8/14 2:26 PM

Visit us at Greenbuild, Booth 2564CIRCLE 30

SINKING SPRINGS

PRESENCE OF MINDControl Pro presence detectors come in a range of passive infrared, ultrasonic and multi-tech models, and can control HVAC as well as lighting in a range of commercial and institutional settings. Lighting and HVAC can be controlled independently by a single unit—so, for example, lights turn on when a room is entered, while air conditioning is delayed, in case a visitor is only in a room for a few minutes. High-definition lenses help ensure even the smallest motion is detected.

Steinelwww.steinel.netCIRCLE 303

LIGHTING

20 | 09.14 | NET ZERO BUILDINGS

Eisenhauer Nissan, Sinking Springs, Pa.

Eisenhauer Nissan wanted to properly merchandise their new car inventory and create an inviting space for their customers, which included the wall packs with an energy saving solution. To further enhance their energy savings, they desired automatic control of their lights including their signage. They decided upon a Hubbell solution with Spaulding Cimarron LED luminaries incorporating factory installed wireless wiHUBB In-Fixture Modules with full-range dimming. The dealership also utilized In-Fixture Modules to control the facility signs and wall packs. A wiHUBB Smart Pack and Preset Switch were included for manual override control.

TAKE YOUR PICKDesigned for new con-struction applications, a new line of LED architec-tural recessed downlights provide added efficiency over HID, fluorescent and incandescent fixtures and are available in a variety of aperture sizes, color temperatures and watt-ages. The fixtures install like traditional models and feature a unique optic enabling high lumen transmission and diffu-sion while still concealing the LED light source.

MaxLitewww.maxlite.comCIRCLE 302

RESOURCES

RESOURCES

SETTING A NEW BARThe Lumaris LED light bar, part of the Ivalo line, comes standard with the Hi-lume A-Series 1% dim-ming driver and provides a wide, 130-degree light distribution. The fixtures are available in lengths ranging from 6- to 48-in., enabling continuous instal-lation runs. Only one driver is required for every 8 ft. of linear lighting, and up to eight drivers can be oper-ated by a single dimmer.

Lutronwww.lutron.comCIRCLE 301

The number of Integrated products delivering unprecedented efficiency- is

growing rapidly. When combined with controls a grander picture of bringing energy

use for lighting to minimal levels emerges.

A Glance at Lighting on the Show Floor

For electric lighting needs, Sunlite (Booth 1962), Emergi-Lite (Booth 3165), RAB (Booth 1955), Eclipse (Booth 3254), LED Waves (Booth 1308), and West-pac (Booth 2361), all will be showing their latest LED solutions, as well as controls to operate them for even more efficiency. EverLast (Booth 3351) presents a different source in the form of induction lamp technol-ogy, another highly efficient, extended service life source for large area illumination. The number of new products integrating highly efficient technology, deliv-ering unprecedented efficiency, is staggering. When combined with controls offered by RAB, Emergi-Lite, B.E.G (Booth 1764), Autani Corp. (Booth 1760), Johnson Controls (Booth 1731), Kanepi Wireless Controls (Booth 718), KMC Controls (Booth 1317), and Reliable Controls Corp. (Booth 128), a grander picture of bringing energy use for lighting to minimal levels emerges.

LIGHTING

SHOWFLOOR TIPS

DOE Offers a Large Inventory of Information

The DOE Energy Effi-ciency and Renewable Energy website is a rich resource for evaluating current lighting tech-nologies and their role in attaining sustainable, efficient transformation of lighting to greater effi-ciency. While the DOE is chartered by congress to favor and promote SSL technology specifically, it has done an admirable job presenting objective comparative informa-tion with competing, often equally valuable technologies. For anyone involved in net zero or sustainable design, the resources offered here will be invaluable assets in decision making.

Looking for a Qualified List of Products to Start a Specification?

The Designlights Con-sortium offers resources and insight for anyone interested in advanced lighting technologies. Not the least of these is the Qualified Products List. This is a listing of products pre-qualified by utilities, the DLC, and Energy Star, compiled in a sortable spreadsheet format. What started as a qualification listing for the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partner-ship has grown into a comprehensive resource for anyone attempting to attain LEED, apply for utility rebates, or just seeking products already pre-qualified by a third party for use in sustainable design. The database is available at www.designlights.org.

THE FUTURE IS NOWIn 1964, Isaac Asimov predicted that, “by 2014, electroluminescent pan-els will be in common use, and ceilings and walls will glow softly…” It turns out Asimov was spot-on in his predictions, as Philips has just introduced what it’s calling the OneSpace luminous ceiling. The system integrates LEDs arrayed in a mesh-style pattern with textile to create a ceiling surface that also provides illu-mination. The company is now marketing the product in customized sizes up to 10m × 3m.

Philipswww.philips.comCIRCLE 300


HAWK-EYEDLightHAWK2 wall-switch vacancy and occupancy sensors are available in six models, includ-ing passive infrared, ultrasonic and dual-technology—along with 0-10V dimming, an added night light and a low-voltage design for use with a power pack or as part of a larger control system. All models include a built-in photocell that can be activated during commissioning to keep lights off when sufficient natural light is present.

Hubbell Lightingwww.hubbelllighting.comCIRCLE 298

Energy Bunker, Hamburg, Germany

A former WW II flak bunker, the structure is now a rewable power plant that is helping the city break away from the power and energy grid. Converted as part of the city’s International Building Exhibition, the bunker supplies about 800 residential units in the Wilhelmsburg district with an energy mix of photovoltaic and solar heat, bio gas, biomass and industrial waste heat. To light the historic structure, ERCO lighting solutions illuminated the 42-meter facade with its Grasshopper luminaires to help the building stand out at night as a reminder of its new role as a renewable energy provider for the district.

ERCOwww.erco.com CIRCLE 299

Think Biophilic

In making the connec-tion between lighting and sustainable design another green centric concept worth consider-ing is biophilic design. Simply put, biophilic design employs queues and elements found naturally into architec-ture and the treatment of light. Theoretically, this re-binding of natural forms and materials into architecture creates a more natural and com-fortable human environ-ment. Deconstruction of artificial stark walls and conceptual architecture that seeks success from contrasting with the natural surroundings reconnects occupants to both the occupied space and the natural surroundings. Examples of this approach are presented on the blog www.biophilicdesign.net. The approach presents a compelling argument that incorporation of natural elements has been a part of architectural design for thousands of years, for good reason–it works. Certainly, for anyone interested in applying sustainable design, net zero principles, or human centric concepts, biophilic design is already a natural extension, if not integral component, which makes it that much more intriguing. In lighting, new technologies offering more latitude in creating light patterns, color, and control variability to complement naturally occurring daylight, and supplement it where needed. Successful biophilic design considers the built environment as a whole, drawing air treat-ment, acoustics, forms, surfaces, materials use, and artificial supplemen-tary technologies into a more human-sensitive package.

CONCEPTS


LIGHTING

‘X’ MARKS THE SPOTThe ModuleX family of LED luminaires incorporates a collection of modular housings, LED sources, reflectors, gimbal mounts and accessories, allowing designers to customize fixtures to application needs. Both trimmed and trimless models are available, along with a range of color-temperature options. Plus, light distributions can be changed easily in the field by switching out reflectors, with-out the need for changing the entire light source.

Osram Sylvaniawww.sylvania.comCIRCLE 297

INTRODUCING GUARDIAN SUNGUARD SNX 51/23

SunGuard SNX 51/23 from Guardian is a glass industry � rst — the

� rst product on the market with visible light above

50% and a solar heat gain coef� cient below 0.25.

Along with low re� ectivity and a neutral blue

color, it represents a breakthrough combination

of light, appearance and solar control that meets

increasingly strict energy codes. For complete

performance data — and other ways to Build With Light — visit

SunGuardGlass.com. Or call 1-866-GuardSG (482-7374).

SNX 51/23 on #2

1 2 3 4

Ext

erio

r

Inte

rio

r

© 2014 Guardian Industries Corp. SunGuard® and Build With Light® are registered trademarks of Guardian Industries Corp.

SunGuard_NZB_Greenbuild_Special_Sep2014_SNX51_23_scenic.indd 1 8/1/14 9:10 AM

CIRCLE 31

POWER


For the last decade, battery-based energy storage has been the “holy grail” for renewable energy, with its ability to bank electricity generated by solar panels to keep a building running those

hours when the sun isn’t shining. Unfortunately, costs remain too high to make such applications practical. Now, though, batteries are beginning to make eco-nomic sense in some regions, thanks to some very smart software and innovators’ willingness to look past the all-or-nothing building-load approach to solve a different problem—demand charges. And they’re beginning to make traditional generation companies more than a little nervous in the process.

For commercial customers, the argument for PV-backed storage previously focused on reliability, in the ability to maintain critical operations even when the larger connected grid was down. Supporting this goal required sizing battery systems large enough to main-

tain these critical loads, which could be an expensive proposition. However, battery companies have begun marketing packages that combine sophisticated software that can react to facility demand and utility price signals and shift a portion of a facility’s load to the batteries for short periods of time. This kind of peak shaving can have a huge impact on an owner’s power bill, because commercial customers’ rates for an entire month can be based on their highest 15 minutes of demand. The storage capability also allows buildings to participate in utility-sponsored demand-side man-agement (DSM) programs without any impact on their operations. So, for example, a supermarket partici-pating in a DSM program that might have set back its lighting or let its thermostat drift upwards when called on by its local utility, now might not have to do either.

The batteries are basically a commodity for the mar-keters of these systems—they can work with lead-acid

or lithium-ion products. A number of startups have launched in just the last year, including Stem, Green Charge Networks, and JuiceBox Energy, in addition to a new offering from SolarCity. Several of these compa-nies also have established a side business in aggregat-ing the load-reduction capability offered by all their connected installations for resale in deregulated elec-tricity markets. The Federal Energy Regulatory Com-mission began allowing such DSM participation in 2011. But it’s since been challenged in the U.S. Appeals Court. Even if the aggregation case is lost, the combination of reduced demand charges and utility-based DSM incen-tives likely will help energy storage continue to grow. California’s utility commission is requiring that state’s three largest utilities to include distributed storage in their planning, Massachusetts is supporting storage in its new grid-modernization push and New York’s ConEdison has just announced incentives for onsite battery installation.

Storage Quickly Becoming Viable Resource

Block Fortuna Plant, Dusseldorf, Germany Germany is about to set another generation record—but not from PV. Instead, a new combined cycle gas turbine being installed in Dusseldorf’s harbor area is set to become the most efficient power plant of its kind in the world. Not only will the generating effi-ciency of the plant hit 61%, but its waste heat will be used to supply district heating for the surrounding city, which will push overall operating efficiency to 85%— a new world record, according to Siemens, the plant’s designer.

CHUCK ROSS

Introducing Kolbe’s Teutonic™ SeriesThe commercial-grade window and door designs within Kolbe’s Teutonic Series lead the industry in thermal performance, allowing you to create building envelopes with large window-to-wall ratios that minimize energy loss while reducing condensation, enhancing security and improving acoustic control. The energy performance of the Teutonic Series is simply outstanding, with glass options available to reach total U-values as low as 0.17 for a fixed window. See the savings for yourself with our Energy Estimator at www.kolbecommercial.com.

We’re for the visionaries.™

1.800.955.8177

It’s time for an energy upgrade.

CIRCLE 32

POWER


QUIET OPERATORKohler’s new 60RCL natural gas (or propane) generator is designed for light-commercial opera-tions, potentially in neighborhood settings, where noise control is especially important. The units feature a patent-pending, 3-fan, automotive-style cooling system that keeps sound down to 61 decibels – normal conversation levels.

Kohler Power Systemswww.kohlerpower.comCIRCLE 296

Solar Production Soaring in California

It’s probably not surprising that a state known for its abundant sunshine would lead in U.S. solar production, but California is outperforming expectations on an almost daily basis, lately. After setting a March 1-day production record of 4,100 mega-watts (MW)—the highest one-day figure for any U.S. state—solar producers in the Golden State topped 4700 MW on June 1.

Center for Sustainable Landscapes

125 kW worth of the 250-watt Sunmodule PV panels from Solar World cover 3/4ths of the roof of the center, part of Pittsburgh’s Phipps Conservatory. Combined with overall efficien-cies, which include the use of solar hot water, geothermal, and aggres-sive use of daylight, the 24,350-sq-ft. facility is completely self-reliant from off-site energy.

The water independent facility, part of the Phipps Conservatory, sits on a 2.65-acre site. It is not only LEED Platinum, but it also meets Living Building Challenge requirements, and earned a 4-starratingfrom the Sustain-able Sites Initiative.

POWER


STANDING SEAM SOLUTION The PV Cube is available in

four profiles to offer photo-voltaic-panel attachment

options for a wide variety of standing-seam metal roof

designs. The device’s patent-pending WaveLock technol-

ogy creates three points of attachment and incorporates

rounded screw tips that maximize strength without

damaging a roof’s paint finish or piercing the seam.

Sno Gemwww.snogem.com

CIRCLE 294

Benicia City Hall, Benicia, Calif.

Benicia, Calif.’s city hall is now the site of a unique electric vehicle charging station, which includes power connections to building-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels and battery-based energy storage, along with ties to the local utility grid. The device was developed through a consortium that includes battery-maker CODA Energy Storage and software designer Growing Energy Labs. A sophisticated Energy Operating System determines when the charger should use solar energy from the PV panels or stored energy from the battery. The batteries also provide peak-shaving services for connected building loads.

ON-SITE POWER—AT THE DEVICE LEVELDon’t worry about electrical wiring when specifying LevNet RF sensors and switches, because the devices draw on ambient light, kinetic energy and temperature differentials to create their own power, so not even batteries are needed. The sensors and switches communicate wire-lessly to compatible lighting fixtures and thermostats.

Levitonwww.leviton.comCIRCLE 295

C ALIFOR NIA OPER ATES A C AR BON C AP-AND-TR ADE M AR KET, SO C AL-IRVINE’S FUEL CELL

PL ANT WILL CUT THE C A MPUS’ COMPLIANCE OBLIGATION AND ALLOW IT TO AVOID

POTENTIAL C AR BON-TA X PAYMENTS

These Days, Even Power Plants are Becoming Virtual

When utility intelli-gence can pull together demand-side manage-ment resources, along with customer-sited solar and storage, to meet the grid’s current needs, the result is called a “virtual power plant.” Illustrating just how important such CO2-free smartness is becom-ing, Navigant Research is predicting the global market for virtual plants to increase 500% by 2023, to $5.3 billion, from today’s $1.1 billion figure. The U.S.is expected to lead the world in reve-nues related to software networking products and services, according to the Navigant report. While today’s market is somewhat segregated between demand-response and supply-side options, the report’s authors see the end goal of market promoters as the aggregation of both kinds of resources, man-aged by cloud-based software.

Fuel Cell Just thePrescription for Calif. Med Center

The University of Califor-nia, Irvine Medical Center soon will be generating 30% of its power onsite, using a new 1.4-mega-watt fuel cell power plant, developed by Danbury, Conn.-based FuelCell Energy, Inc.

In addition to electric-ity, the plant also will generate waste heat that will be used in a direct-exhaust absorp-tion chiller to produce 200 tons of cooling for the campus.

SMART GRID

FUEL CELLS

POWER


THIS SUMMER , THE FR AUNHOFER INSTITUTE DOCUMENTED SOL AR-GENER ATED POWER

TOPPED 50.6% OF TOTAL ELEC TR ICIT Y DEM AND IN GER M ANY.

Hewlett-Packard, Palo Alto, Calif.

Tech giant Hewlett-Packard has signed a deal with Solar-City to install a 1-megawatt solar array on the roof of its Palo Alto, Calif., headquarters. The 4,000-plus panels are expected to offset more than 20% of the facility’s current onsite power usage, and the power-purchase agreement signed with SolarCity is expected to reduce power costs by approximately $1 million over 20 years.

A Green Commitment More Than Hot Air

Construction has begun on a new South Side Chicago factory for green cleaning-products manufacturer Method. The company com-missioned Cradle-to-Cradle founder William McDonough to consult on the project which, true to it’s environmental manifesto, will gen-erate energy (along with hand soap) to offset much of the facility’s demand. They’ll be topping carports and part of the roof with photo-voltaic panels and installing a 600-kW wind turbine to tap a resource for which Chicago is well known. Furthermore, the industrial-scale 230-ft. turbine will be refurbished, rather than built brand new.

SHUT IT DOWNSolar PV inverters from SolarEdge now feature the rapid shutdown capability required by the new 2014 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC). The NEC now requires all rooftop PV systems be equipped with the capability to de-energize all PV source circuits to less than 30 volts within 10 seconds. SolarEdge systems include power electronics at the module level now capable of meeting this requirement. In addition, existing installations can be upgraded to meet the 2014 NEC.

SolarEdgewww.solaredge.usCIRCLE 292

ARCHITECTURAL STATEMENTSTwo enormous LSX solar photovoltaic (PV) awnings from Lumos Solar overlook the entry to the new Health and Science Building on the campus of Lower Columbia College in Longview, Wash. The awnings, mounted on custom-designed frames, are designed as extensions of the building’s sloped standing-seam roof.

Lumos Solarwww.lumossolar.comCIRCLE 293

CIRCLE 33

Building Operating Efficiencies

West Chester University—Anderson Hall, West Chester, Pa.

The work at Anderson Hall consisted primarily of HVAC renovations and modifications to the existing building, including the removal of the existing heat pumps; installation of horizontal, vertical and console geothermal heat pumps from ClimateMaster. “There was a great potential cost savings in converting the existing mechanical sys-tems to a geothermal water-source heat pump system,” says Neil Babcock, Alderson Engineering.

HVAC

JOHN MESENBRINK

Atremendous amount of buzz exists for high efficiency equipment—and the integration of it—at large shows such as Greenbuild and AHR, for example. Attend these shows and it is evident that

most exhibitors are preaching the efficiency gospel.

In fact, according to a post-show survey of visitors that attended the 2014 AHR Expo, 41% of the more than 2,000 respondents said they came seeking products related to renewable energy resources. Projected out, that’s nearly 17,000 HVACR professionals attended AHR to find products and solutions with more sustainable options.

Earth’s Heating and CoolingSpeaking of renewables, making a switch to geothermal can have that kind of sustainable impact on new buildings or retrofits. Advantages cited that make a geothermal sourced building more sustainable are many, according to Jay Egg, geothermal consultant, writer, and owner, Egg-

Geothermal. “With a reduction of water consumption—which can be close to half of all the freshwater consumed by a building—your client is saving money, and doing a good thing for the environment,” says Egg.

By placing a chiller plant, or any cooling tower-sourced building using water source air-conditioners/heat pumps on a geothermal source, you have created an entirely geo-thermal sourced building, making the entire building’s HVAC system eligible for federal tax credits, says Egg.

BAS Sensors and ControlsInformation gleaned from that same AHR report, nearly 45% of the respondents were interested in building auto-mation systems (BAS). What to look for? According to Steve Tom, director of technical information, Automated Logic, wireless technology had a big impact on BAS sensors a few years ago, with both battery powered and energy harvesting sensors proliferating.

Occupancy sensors are becoming more common and are used to save energy in both lighting and HVAC applica-tions, says Tom. And, new low-cost VOC sensors directly measure contaminants given off by people, carpeting, furniture, cleaning fluids, etc.—the contaminants that drive the need for ventilation. Ironically, because CO2 sensors have been commonly used in the past, standard engineering practice is based upon CO2 sensing. Some VOC sensors now report “CO2 equivalent readings” to gain acceptance by engineers that are more comfortable using an indirect indicator of ventilation requirements.

Tom continues, zone controls are also in an evolutionary phase, although the increasing use of variable refriger-ant flow (VRF) systems is providing a challenge to BAS integrators. VRF systems typically include packaged controls, and some of these controls do not use separate heating and cooling setpoints as is traditionally used in other commercial building controls.


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Riverside Military Academy, Gainesville, Ga.

The Riverside Military Academy completed several energy-saving projects as a result of increased energy-consumption visibility provided by a Danfoss AK-SC 255 system controller. The first step for Riverside was identifying its largest load consumer—the barracks dormitory. Measures were taken to reduce energy consumption in the building, such as HVAC system “time of day settings” while cadets were in class and the addition of limit controls on the degree range in dormitories. Before the installation, room temperatures could be set as low as 60°F and as high as 80°F. Today, this range has been reduced by 10 degrees, limiting excessive energy use while maintaining comfort and supporting energy savings. Using the Danfoss system controller, Riverside detected another large consumer—its Olympic-sized swimming pool, which holds nearly one million gallons of water. The pool’s motor typically ran at 100%, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The campus installed a Danfoss AKD-102 drive that now allows the motor to slow down and speed up, as opposed to running constantly. The motor slows down during the day, even when the pool is in use, and increases the amount of flow. This sounds counter-productive, but lowering the head pressure increased the volume. Slowing the motor cut energy consumption of that motor, and at night, it was slowed down even more. Right now, the projected energy savings as a direct result of the variable speed drive installation is nearly $11,000 annually.”

Natural Louvered Ventilator

This dual-purpose, natural louvered ventilator installs easily in the façade of a building, and provides buildings with both day-to-day ventilation and smoke control to aid building evacuation in the event of a fire. Coltlite is offered with a number of louver and control options to complement any architectural design and to meet the ventilation requirements of any building. With a small initial investment, these systems can provide a highly energy-efficient solution to maintain a good internal climate, low humidity levels and extremely low running and maintenance costs. This innovative product is now available from The Bilco Company in all North American markets.

The Bilco Companywww.bilco.comCIRCLE 291

VENTILATION FANPanasonic’s Energy Star cer-tified WhisperGreen Select Ventilation Fan combines a highly efficient DC Motor with SmartFlow technology to ensure optimal CFM out-put. The fan also has built-in sensors and an LED light to create an ultra-efficient and quiet fan/light combo. An optional condensation sensor tells the fan to turn on once the relative humidity exceeds a threshold, and a motion sensor activates the fan when someone enters the room. These ventila-tion fans demonstrate the company’s commitment to creating products that contribute to healthy, clean indoor air quality. The fans boast overall efficiency and reduce users’ environmental impact.

Panasonic Corp. ofNorth Americaus.panasonic.com/ventfansCIRCLE 289

HVAC


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TECHNOLOGY

A S USER S GAIN E XPER IENCE WITH BA S, THEY C AN BET TER EVALUATE THE TR ADE-OFFS BET WEEN THE VAR IOUS

TECHNOLOGIES AVAIL ABLE, INCLUDING WIR ED SENSOR S, WHICH AR E FAR FROM OBSOLETE.

IMPROVED EFFICIENCY The Multi V IV brings a new level of energy efficiency to commercial office buildings, schools, hotels and other buildings. With industry-leading VRF technology, Multi V IV delivers outstand-ing energy savings and enables occupants to cool or heat only the zones in use. The advanced compressor design and optimized heat exchanger contribute to enhanced AHRI certified effi-ciency of up to 32.0 IEER.

LG Electronicswww.lghvac.comCIRCLE 290

Wireless for Smart Buildings

While building automa-tion and controls have been used for decades, wireless is becoming the catalyst for enabling more granular and imme-diate control over building systems, according to the Wireless Control Systems for Smart Buildings report from Navigant Research. Wireless controls offer economic benefits due to the savings in labor costs for installation and maintenance compared with wired systems. The ability to install sensors and devices in buildings that cannot easily be torn apart to put in wiring (such as historical build-ings) provides savings in costs, as well.

Wireless controls can be used to link devices found in a variety of building systems, includ-ing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, fire and life safety, and security and access. The use of wireless local networks in consumer and commer-cial environments has increased dramatically over the past decade. In particular, Wi-Fi technol-ogy has enabled users who found traditional networking too costly or complicated to quickly connect existing devices. Yet, although many proponents of wire-less technology cite the advantage of being able to easily position and reposition devices, build-ing owners and managers remain skeptical about reliability and security. Navigant Research fore-casts that global revenue from wireless nodes for building controls will grow from $84.8 million in 2013 to $434.0 million in 2023.

Towson City Center, Towson, Md.

The 170,000-sq.-ft., LEED Silver certified Towson City Center tower—which had been vacant for 10 years—is now fully leased and home to the Towson University Institute for Well Being and MileOne Automotive. A renovation included a new glass curtain wall façade and replacement of the mechanical and electrical systems. For the HVAC system, the design team ultimately selected a Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating variable refrigerant flow (VRF) zoning system, which helped the design team meet the many challenges posed by this building. The Mitsubishi Electric VRF zoning technology delivered 11 energy points needed for the certification process. LEED Silver was also granted for the dedicated outdoor air unit, individual zone controls, CO2 monitors on each floor, sound control ventilation, removal of the old, outdated system, truing the curtain wall, adding superb glazing to the windows and insulating the entire building envelope. In addition, the efficiency upgrades for Towson City Center resulted in a $421,999 rebate through Baltimore Gas & Electric’s Smart Energy Savers Program.

Mitsubishi Electricwww.mehvac.comCIRCLE 287

CITY OF AUGUSTA, AUGUSTA, MAINEWith its unforgiving winters, New England makes high demands on any heat-ing system. For the city of Augusta, Maine, the chal-lenge was even more dif-ficult. In their three targeted facilities—Cony High School, Buker Community Center, and the Augusta City Cen-ter—the installed boilers had long passed their useful life. “We were looking at oil boil-ers about six to eight years old, and others that were more than 30 years old,” says Brent Dudley, owner and president of New Eng-land Energy Solutions, the energy consultant engaged by the city to develop an efficient heating solution.

The very reason for the conversion is efficiency itself—in which Viessmann units proved most impres-sive. The three CM2-620 (2245MBH) units at Cony run at 95% combustion and thermal efficiency; the CM2-246 (878MBH) and CM2-311 (1112MBH) units at Buker and the City Center run at 95% combustion and 97% thermal efficiency.

Together, they fulfilled an oil-to-natural gas conver-sion projected to save the city $237,710 in fuel costs and 834 tons in CO2 offsets each year.

“Viessmann boilers are unique because there’s very little pressure drop through them, less than one foot of head,” says Curt Bartram, vice president of solu-tions engineering for Viridis Engineering, the firm hired to spec out the project and supervise installation.

Viessmannwww.viessmann.comCIRCLE 286


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George Rogers Clark High School, Winchester, Ky.

The new $60 million George Rogers Clark High School’s (GRCHS) green design is helping record up to 35% less monthly utility costs while providing better IAQ and comfort than the 30% smaller conventional building it replaced. One reason for the increased efficiency is a hybrid HVAC design featuring a geothermal well field that supplies active chilled beams.

Originally specified as a conventional 200-ft., 80-well geothermal field with just GSHPs, Paul Christy, superin-tendent, Clark County Public Schools, opted for enhancing the design by replacing the proposed 350 heat pumps with 542 active SEMCO chilled beams and six SEMCO Pinnacle Series dedicated outdoor air (DOAS) heat-recovery systems.The project also includes dual-wheel outdoor air dehumidification systems .

SEMCOwww.semcohvac.comCIRCLE 288

Image: Courtesy of Michael Napier, Clark Country Schools, Winchester, Ky.

Wasserman Eye Research Center, Los Angeles, Calif.

The Wasserman Eye Research Center is a culmination of a 50-year vision to house a world-class research and care center on the UCLA campus to preserve and restore eyesight. The University of California system recently became the first American university to have 100 LEED-certified facilities—an impressive milestone and a testament to the university sys-tem’s dedication to responsible building practices.

The first three floors were specified to include radiant heating and cooling, and working closely with Circulating Air, a Los Angeles-based mechanical contractor, Uponor helped design the system in conjunction with engineers and architects.

According to Ford, the building’s southern facing is a wall of glass, and the radiant heating and cooling system takes a huge load off the forced air system. The four-man Circulating Air crew worked closely with Keyline Sales to ensure they installed the 16,000 ft. of Uponor’s Wirsbo hePEX tubing efficiently.

St. Lucie School District, Fort Pierce, Fla.

The results of St. Lucie School District’s energy cost reduction strategy using ice enhanced cooling are in. Over the past seven years, the district of 40,000 students and 5,000 employees has installed CALMAC’s IceBank energy storage tanks in 15 schools to cool students and employees. SLCSD energy management program has created a 30-40% reduction in annual energy costs. “The CALMAC IceBankenergy storage tanks are a main ingredient in our energy program. Without them we would not have obtained the energy savings,” says Marty Sanders, P.E, executive director of facilities. Before implementing CALMAC’s thermal energy storage solution and other efficiency upgrades, district was ranked 60th of the 67 county school districts in terms of energy costs per sq. ft. within the state. Now, the district ranks among the top 20 and received the “Energy Efficiency Leader Award” from Trane. “We chose CALMAC’s tank based on a superior design and operation of those tanks. Our board is thrilled with the energy cost savings, and now, we have other school districts, county governments, and colleges wanting to understand what we did here,” says Sean Murray, energy manager of the St. Lucie School District.

CALMACwww.calmac.comCIRCLE 283

Mass. Legislation OKs Renewable Heating & Cooling

The Massachusetts House of Representa-tives passed a com-prehensive renewable thermal energy bill that will promote the use of clean renewable fuels and technologies to heat and cool buildings. Passed unanimously by the Massachusetts Sen-ate on June 19, the bill is expected to be signed by Gov. Deval Patrick within the next 10 days. It will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2015.

SB 2214 provides financial incentives for several thermal renewable energy heating and cooling alternatives. These include geother-mal and air source heat pumps; solar heating; and bio-fuels such as wood pellets, wood chips, renewable bio-oils, or renewable natural gas. By awarding credits to renewable heating and cooling technologies, the bill provides a power-ful financial incentive to invest in and develop these technologies.

“This bill is good for the environment, and it’s good for ratepayers,” said Sen. Barry Finegold, the bill’s prime spon-sor. “Enactment of the renewable thermal legis-lation will help to reduce greenhouse gas emis-sions, expand our clean energy portfolio, and bring us one step closer to realizing the goals set forth as part of the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008.”

HVAC

NEWS

DUCT SEALANTRS-100 is a high-strength sprayable duct sealant that is specifically engineered to seal joints and seams from the inside of the HVAC ductwork. The superior physical proper-ties of this sealant meet and exceed all SMACNA pressure classes, while providing a true SMACNA Class A seal. RS-100’s smooth, non-tack surface provides resistance to mold and mildew growth. This innovative sealant is water-based, fiber-free and non-flammable. RS-100 is flexible, allowing for system vibration without cracking, supplying a permanent solution to leaking ductwork.

Carlisle Construction Materialswww.carlisleccm.comCIRCLE 284

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Uponorwww.uponor-usa.comCIRCLE 285

www.nzbmagazine.com

EPA Proposes Refrigerants Approval

In support of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to increase the options for refrigerants in the United States that offer better climate protection without harming the ozone layer. This is the agency’s first action that addresses refrigerants under the Climate Action Plan, which calls on EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program to identify and approve additional climate-friendly chemicals.

Under the authority of the Clean Air Act, EPA’s SNAP Program evaluates substitute chemicals and technologies that are safe for the ozone layer. This proposed action would expand the list of SNAP-approved substitutes to include more low-global warming potential (GWP) alternatives that can replace both the ozone-depleting substances and high-GWP hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

Source: EPA

Schneider Electric Releases LayoutFast

With the direction pointing toward increased integration, more reliance has been put on network storage and cloud-based services. Users should take note of the cloud’s ver-satility and security. Take, for instance, Schneider Electric’s LayoutFast, a first-to-market product selector plug-in app for Autodesk Revit, which increases efficiency for specifiers and designers early in the design process by accelerating reservation of product space.

According to Gene Candela, BIM Solutions manager, Schneider Electric, by shifting computing power from a local computer or mobile device to the Schneider Electric cloud, LayoutFast enables architects, engineers, and other design professionals, to quickly discover the broad full range of products and allows users to explore, preview, and down-load user defined configuration from the cloud. Because LayoutFast is part of the Revit environment, it will integrate into the engineer’s natural workflow process. Engineers can seamless ly integrate Schneider products into their design process with great efficiency by inserting a user defined configured model into their deigns without leaving the AutoDesk Revit environment.

NEWS

TECHNOLOGY

AIRIUS FAN SYSTEMBusinesses seeking the most versatile and energy-efficient destratification fan system now have the option to add an electronically commutated (EC) motor to any new fan manufactured by Airius. By adding the EC motor to smaller models of its free-hanging Air Pear and Suspended Ceiling Air Pear and Designer Series fans, businesses can order fans with EC motors pro-grammed at the Airius factory for two speeds best suited for a facility’s ceiling height;

and fans with EC motors and 0 to 10 volt DC signal control, allowing facility managers to tie in the fans to a building automation system to oper-ate fans at any speed for the most effective circulation. EC motors also are significantly more efficient compared to shaded-pole or permanent-split capacitor (PSC) motors (90% vs. 20-70%), improving energy savings.

Airius LLCwww.theairpear.comCIRCLE 282 306

ACCORDING TO INFOR M ATION FROM A POST-AHR SURVEY,

41% OF THE MORE THAN 2,000 RESPONDENTS SAID THEY CA ME

SEEKING PRODUCTS REL ATED TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.

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CIRCLE 35

Executing a Plan

Lady Bird Johnson Middle School, Irving, Texas

The Lady Bird Johnson Middle School in Irving, Texas, northwest of Dallas, utilizes a variety of sustainable technologies, including a geothermal system powered by Bosch FHP heat pumps, to achieve net zero energy performance. It is the first net zero public school in Texas, the first such middle school and the largest net zero school in the U.S. Other design features include a water cistern for graywater recycling and irrigation of the school’s grounds, and waste composting.

WATER

JOHN MESENBRINK

When reviewing a building’s sustainability goals, one of the first steps a facility man-ager should take to sustain long-term water savings is to develop a comprehensive water

management plan, which ensures water efficiency is a priority and is considered for all phases of a building management, including design, installation, mainte-nance, retrofit or new construction. “The plan docu-ments the facility’s water efficiency goals and provides specific action items to ensure those goals are achieved, including suggested operating and maintenance pro-cedures for existing equipment,” says Holly Cannon, environmental scientist, Eastern Research Group (ERG).

To develop a comprehensive plan, first conduct a water assessment of one’s facility. This assessment will help users understand where water is being used and can help identify and prioritize water savings projects and set water efficiency goals. In turb, using data to track

water use allows an operator to ensure that equipment is installed correctly and operating as designed; it also can quickly detect and repair any problems that may arise during the life of the system or product. Another tactic is to track/trend water billing information from a water utility and record water use from any specific equipment submeters on a monthly basis. This informa-tion is useful in understanding how a facility uses water, and helps establish a baseline with which to measure savings from any water efficiency initiatives, or to keep an eye out for unusually high water use that may indicate leaks. “The green codes, LEED, and ASHRAE SS189.1 all require a level of real-time metering of water use; these are accompanied by a requirement to tie the metering and measurement system into a central monitoring and control system. Without meters, it is nearly impossible to track water use and any anomalies that occur,” says John Koeller, P.E., principal, Koeller and Co.; MaP Testing.Reviewing water use data also can help identify seasonal

trends in building cooling or landscape watering, and can help one quickly identify leaks or equipment malfunc-tions as indicated by abnormal data points. Also consider installing submeters on high water end uses such as cooling tower/steam boiler make-up water and irriga-tion systems. “If budget allows, it’s ideal to incorporate all water meters and submeters into a building automation system so water use trends can be monitored over time,” says Cannon.

Given the drought that is affecting California and the West, it is prudent for the facility manager to consider the steps needed if the community experiences a water shortage. “Having a water management plan will put the facility manager in a better position to take additional actions that can help save water when drought occurs,” says Veronica Blette, Chief, WaterSense Branch, EPA Office of Wastewater Management.


The Lady Bird Johnson Middle School implements

a graywater recycling program for irrigation of

the school’s grounds.

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Trust MemBrain, the intelligent way to protect your projects — and your reputation. Visit us at Greenbuild in New Orleans, booth #1413, or certainteed.com/membrain.

CIRCLE 36

Ventus at Metrogate, Toronto

A condominium complex located in the greater Toronto area, developed by Tridel Corp., Ventus at Metrogate upgraded its HVAC system to reduce energy costs through proper implementation of parallel pumping technology with best-efficiency staging.

Armstrong’s Design Envelope technology with Parallel Sensorless capability allows up to four pumps in a parallel configuration to coordinate operating speed according to a centralized control curve. The Parallel Sensorless fea-ture adjusts operating speed and stages pumps on and off as needed to instantly match the exact flow requirements of the HVAC system minute by minute. The retrofit project involved removing one of the existing base-mounted 4030 pumps, and replacing it with the series 4302 dualArm pump.

Operating data, post retrofit, shows that the 4302 dual-Arm with a Parallel Sensor-less Pump Controller is 85% more energy-efficient than the previously installed base-mounted pumps.

Armstrong Fluid Technologyarmstrongfluidtechnology.comCIRCLE 279

AUTOMATIC CONTROL VALVESThe additions to the roster of Zurn Wilkins Automatic Control Valves (ACV) build on the excellent qual-ity, reliability, and ease of use provided by the popular ZW209 Pressure Reducing Valve. With this product line expan-sion, the Zurn Wilkins ACV offerings address multiple end connection options, pressure ratings, ANSI/AWWA standards, functionalities, and a wide range of applications and uses–including commer-cial, education, healthcare, industrial, irrigation, penal, retail, waterworks and fire protection.

Zurn Industrieswww.zurn.comCIRCLE 280

WATER


Rainwater Harvesting Creates Decentralized Water Supplies

The contamination of Toledo, Ohio’s water sup-ply by the algae-bloom-derived toxin microcystin reinforces the value of harvesting rainwater to provide distributed sources of safe water. The mission of the 501(c)3 ARCSA is to promote sustainable rainwater harvesting practices to help solve potable, non-potable, stormwater and energy challenges throughout the world.

A well designed, installed and maintained rainwater harvesting system can provide significant amounts of high-quality water for potable and non-potable, residential and commercial use. Given Toledo’s average 34 inches of annual pre-cipitation, a 1,500-sq.-ft. residential roof could collect over 30,000 gal-lons annually, delivering more than 84 gallons per day of high-quality water for potable and/or non-potable uses. A com-mercial roof of 100,000 square feet could collect more than two million gallons annually.

NEWS

WATER BRACELET The Banyan Water Bracelet attaches to water mains and pro-vides customers with real-time intelligence to control indoor water use and cost. Intuitive dashboards collect and display water data to show customers how water is being used and where opportunities for efficiency exist. The solution auto-matically detects and alerts users of leaks. Internet accessible, analytics allow users to set benchmarks and compare water efficiency measures to improve overall water portfolio.

Banyan Waterwww.banyanwater.comCIRCLE 281

631

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■ No sealants, gaskets or butyl tape in the panel joints, means no dirty streaks or a legacy of maintenance for the building owner.

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■ Sustainability – Dri-Design panels are made with recycled content, are 100% recyclable and can be repurposed. At Dri-Design we make panels the world can live with.

■ Fully tested to exceed ASTM standards and the latest AAMA 508-07 for pressure equalized rain-screens. Miami-Dade approved.

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CIRCLE 37

Thermal Insulation Legislation Gaining ‘Steam’

Pipe insulation initiatives for buildings have been gaining a head of “steam” through the legislative process. Bill H.R. 4801, which calls for the Dept. of Energy to report on the impact and savings potential of improved thermal insulation systems on both energy and water use for potable water in federal build-ings, passed through the House.

“This federal legislation, if adopted and signed into law, will provide sound, quantifiable data to the true and very real energy savings that thermal insulation can achieve within our potable water systems,” says Dain Hansen, IAPMO’s vice president of Government Relations.

Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, Los Angeles.

The Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City is utilizing Los Angeles County PACE financing to fund an astounding $7 million worth of sustainable upgrades, making it the largest commercial PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) project to date in the U.S. Showing a commitment to sustainable living, the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City’s extensive energy efficiency project will lead to an annual energy savings of $800,000 and water savings of 2.8 million gallons annually.

The comprehensive Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City project includes energy efficiency glass installations and new LED lighting that will reduce energy consumption by 50%. The installation of 500 low-flow showerheads and the replacement of 250 bathtubs with showers are part of the comprehensive water conservation project that will save 2.8 million gallons of water annually, equivalent to one month of the property’s existing water usage.

Stone34, Seattle, Wash.

Stone34 is the first project built to the standards of Seattle’s Deep Green Pilot Program. Per the program, Stone34 is designed to reduce water and energy use by 75% of other comparable build-ings, and captures and use at least 50% of stormwater on site. Chilled beams cool the building and an efficient heat-recovery system heats it. Ventilation comes from filtered outdoor air, and every bit of heat in the air is reused. New tenant Brooks Sports will actively monitor its energy and water use with devices located on each floor. To further underscore the importance of conserving energy, the company commissioned a 7 ft. × 8-ft. kinetic sculpture for the lobby. The sculpture, which is tied to the building’s energy grid, features brass flowers that gradually change position. When the build-ing is running efficiently, the flowers bloom; when energy use is too high, they wilt.

SUCTION PUMPSIdeally suited for new commercial HVAC/R applications and retrofits, the LCSE split-coupled end suction pumps offer one sole supplier for pump, motor and drive, resulting in reduced planning, purchasing, installation, wiring and commissioning costs. The LCSE offers a systems approach, which, through intelligent technology, adapts precisely to cur-rent demand to deliver performance, energy efficiency and reliability. The integrated, energy-optimized MLE system consists of a system controller, variable frequency drive (VFD) and standard asynchro-nous motor all in one, and can be fitted with loose sensors. In addition, the LCSE features a footprint 35% smaller than that of a frame-mounted design. The LCSE also features Grundfos GO technology, which allows building managers to remotely control and monitor the pump from a smart phone or tablet. The GO also facilitates instal-lation and commissioning.

Grundfoswww.us.grundfos.comCIRCLE 278

WATER


NEWS

NEWS

IT IS ADVISABLE TO INTEGR ATE WATER M ANAGEMENT PL ANNING WITH GOAL TR ACKING INTO PER FOR M ANCE R EPORTING

TO EMPHA SIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCOUNTABILIT Y THROUGHOUT THE FACILIT Y.

Site captures and uses at least 50% of stormwater on site.

Photo Credit: Lisa Picard, EVP for Skanska USA in Seattle

House says ‘no’ to water efficient toilets

In a stunning move, the U.S. House of Repre-sentatives has passed a House amendment that would prohibit any federal spending for the retrofit of efficient toilets. The amendment, sponsored by Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona, was passed on a voice vote to the 2015 Energy and Water Appro-priations Act, and is on its way to the Senate.

This would prevent the use of any federal funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Environmental Protec-tion Agency, or the U.S. Dept. of Energy to finance toilet retrofit programs that save water.

Moseley Architects Headquarters, Richmond, Va.

Renovating a 47,300-sq.-ft., 1930s-built warehouse (listed on the National Register of Historic Places), while preserv-ing the historical requirements and sustainability objectives for LEED certification, produced challenges for meeting ASHRAE 90.1 energy performances. A Daikin RoofPak system contributed to building performance at 36.6% better than the ASHRAE 90.1 baseline, contributing to LEED Plati-num. Design strategies included low-flow plumbing fixtures, waterless urinals and stormwater management.

Daikin Appliedwww.daikinapplied.comCIRCLE 276

CHILLER ACCESSIBILITY Available in 10- to 50-ton capacities, the Envi-sion2 NXW chiller will fit through most doors and features external fork truck lifting points for easy installation. Designed to perform to the highest standards in the industry, the NXW is used for pools, commer-cial aquariums, radiant floor heating, ice melt, chilled water applications, industrial process water, or to provide precisely heated or cooled water for fan coils or other applications. The NXW is equipped with a new and improved control box providing clean wiring and easy accessibility. The control box includes an emergency shut-down button and a user interface to aid in setup and diagnostics. The refrigeration circuit has also been updated with suction and discharge line vibration absorbers and larger, more efficient heat exchangers.

WaterFurnace International, Inc.www.waterfurnace.comCIRCLE 275

ADVOCATE LAV SYSTEMHaving soap, water and hand dryer all within immediate reach, the Advocate Lavatory System raises the bar for convenience, efficiency and safety in commercial washrooms. Equipped with a touchless hygienic hands-free infrared 0.38 gpm faucet that reduces water usage by 24%, the Advocate also includes an infrared, high-speed dual-sided hand dryer, which dries hands in 15 seconds or less. In addition, it features a large capacity, top-fill infrared soap dispenser with intelligent electronics controlling a low-level indictor and unique over-fill protection.

Bradley Corporationwww.bradleycorp.comCIRCLE 277

WATER


2662

IT IS IMPORTANT TO INCOR POR ATE WATER EFFICIENCY INTO LONG -

TER M FACILIT Y OPER ATION OBJEC TIVES. M ANAGER S WILL

HAVE THE INFOR M ATION TO RUN A FACILIT Y A S EFFICIENTLY A S POSSIBLE, SAVING ON WATER , ENERGY AND UTILIT Y COSTS.

Moseley Architects Headquarters features an integrated design strategy, which includes low-flow plumbing fixtures and an aggressive

stormwater management plan.

The headquarters also includes a Daikin RoofPak rooftop system specified with an air-side economizer and a water-cooled evaporative condenser, which produces higher efficiencies on the cooling cycle.

Daylighting Essentials

Pittsburgh’s Center for Sustainable Landscapes at Phipps Conservatory

Not only is Pittsburgh’s Center for Sustainable Landscapes at Phipps Conservatory the first project to earn a four-star rating through the Sustainable Site Initiative program, but its façade is filled out with PPG Solarban 60, Sungate 500 and Starphire ultra-clear glass. Combining low-E, triple-pane insulating glass units with Starphire, the glass on the lower part of the façade delivers an exceptional light-to-solar-gain ratio of 1.90 while sunshades and light shelves help maximize daylighting and minimize solar heat gain.

DAYLIGHTING

with conventional buildings consuming 40% of total fossil energy, and lighting energy accounting for an average of 16.9% of total building consumption, according to the U.S.

Dept. of Energy, cutting lighting use is a major focus in today’s building designs.

While energy-efficient fixtures and an integrated, well-designed control system are important, the most effec-tive way to trim lighting consumption is through day-lighting design. In fact, some sustainable design experts classify daylighting as the most important component of net zero buildings.

“Daylighting is more than free energy; it is a fundamen-tal building block for energy use reduction in net-zero energy buildings,” states Thomas Hootman, AIA, LEED AP, director of sustainability, RNL Design, Denver in his book, Net Zero Energy Design: A Guide for Commercial Architec-

ture. “This is an important distinguishing point about net-zero energy buildings: They must be designed to leverage daylighting as a key energy reduction strategy.”

Fortunately, a host of technologies and products are readily available to help make this happen, such as advanced low-E glazings, triple glazed fenestration, high-performance curtainwall systems, electro-chromic glazing, light shelves, sun shading devices, daylighting modeling programs, tubular daylighting devices, sky-lights and clearstory windows.

Putting things into perspective, Hootman explains, “a net-zero energy building hums to life as the first morning ray of sunlight strikes the building. The sun’s energy pro-vides more than light; it also can generate electricity and useful heat.” For example, strides are being made in the realm of building integrated photovoltaics as PV panels are migrating from the roof into window units. Along

these lines, New Energy Technologies is progressing in its development of its SolarWindow, an electricity-generating glazing technology, and Pythagoras Solar delivers power generation and daylighting all in one photovoltaic glass unit.

Meanwhile, organizations such as the Rensselaer Poly-technic Institute’s Lighting Research Center and the Energy Center of Wisconsin (ECW) continue to provide resources to help architects optimize their daylighting designs. In fact, one of the center’s latest reports, “Com-missioning for Optimal Savings from Daylight Controls,” makes the case for commissioning as the best way to ensure a daylighting control system’s ability to function properly and reach its full energy savings potential. The report, specifically focuses on calibration and functional testing as a means to measure and analyze a lighting system’s performance.

BARBARA HORWITZ-BENNETT


Find us on the web: newbuildings.orgFollow us on Twitter: @ZeroEnergyBldgs

Save the Date

February 1–3, 2015 Washington D.C. • Location

Building on the success of our first- ever Getting to Zero National Forum in 2013, NBI and NASEO (National A ssociation of State Energy Officials) are planning a second event February 1-3, 2015 in Washington, DC. This next Getting to Zero National Forum promises to build on what we’re learning about zero net energy and the momentum being created toward exemplary energy performance in the built environment.

GETTING TO

NATIONAL FORUMzeroHighlights from the 2013 Getting to Zero National Forum

Visit newbuildings.org/gettingtozero for more information and to register.

Brenden Owens, NBI Board member, net-works with Forum guests at the reception

Denis Hayes talks about his ZNE Verified Bullit Center

Headquarters in the Open-ing Keynote

NBI Executive Director, Ralph DiNola, takes some time to talk to

attendees at the reception

Edward Mazria aligns the ZNE

movement with his Architecture 2030 goals in the Closing Keynote

NBI Board President, David Goldstein of NRDC talks with Peter Turnbull from

California’s PG&E

New York Times Headquarters, New York

The installation of the Mecho-Systems SolarTrac Window-Management System, which functions in conjunction with an automated lighting control system in the headquarters of 52-story The New York Times headquarters and newsroom, was designed by Renzo Piano Building workshop and FXFOWLE Architects, with interior designs by Gensler. The sophisticated system automatically adjusts the positions of the shade bands incrementally throughout the building while maximiz-ing views to the outside, minimizing solar heat gain, reducing glare, and contribut-ing to net zero goals. Benefits include a system that fosters energy savings in buildings by maximizing the amount of daylight and views to the outside; protects occupants from brightness, glare, and the uncomfortable effects of solar-heat gain.

MechoSystemswww.mechosystems.comCIRCLE 272

University Science Center, Philadelphia

Tracking LEED Silver, the new University City Science Center mixed-use tower will be covered in 130,000 sq. ft. of Wausau’s aluminum-framed curtainwall, most notably the INvision 7250i-UW thermal unitized system and vertical sunshade blades. The four-side silicone structural-glazed system features Viracon glass, 3-in. mullion sightlines and 6.25-in. frame depths with polyamide thermal barriers.

Wausau Window and Wall Systemswww.wausauwindows.comCIRCLE 274

Throwing a Curve

The FlexWave light shelf provides glare protection for people sitting near windows, while its curved shape and reflective surface bounces sunlight further into a building’s space than traditional flat shelves.

Draperwww.draperinc.comCIRCLE 273


DAYLIGHTING

BOOKS

The New Net Zero

Long before sustainable architecture was in vogue, William Maclay, AIA, was prioritizing net zero in his commercial and institu-tional projects. Now this veteran architect is sharing his roadmap to net-zero buildings in his book, The New Net Zero. Honing in on daylighting, along with building envelope design, embodied energy and monitoring and commis-sioning, Maclay makes the case for net zero, explains net-zero building metrics, integrated design practices, net-zero team building and renewable energy options. For more information, visit: www.media.chelseagreen.com/the-new-net-zero.

BETTER DESIGN, HIGHER OCCUPANT SATISFACTIONGood daylighting design enhances the quality and aesthetics of buildings. In fact, a study of major retail stores in California showed 40% higher sales in well-daylit stores, plus higher employee satisfaction. Source: The New Net Zero

NEWS

Glazing Installa-tions on the Rise

Following 9% growth in 2013, the nonresiden-tial openings market is anticipated to con-tinue growing through 2017, according to the American Architectural Manufacturers Assn.’s 2013/2014 Study of the U.S. Market for Windows, Doors and Skylights.After several years of decline, the market for commercial curtainwall and storefront systems is finally rebounding, albeit at a relatively slow rate. The study also reveals thermally broken alumi-num frames growing in popularity for nonresi-dential applications.

WHILE PROJEC T TE A MS AR E R E ALIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMISSIONING, PARTICUL AR LY WHEN IT COMES TO HVAC

SYSTEMS, DAYLIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEMS COMMISSIONING IS OF TEN NOT CONSIDER ED.

Korean Register of Shipping, South Korea

South Korea’s Register of Shipping building relies on SOLARBAN z75 glass, a solar control, low-E glass from PPG Industries. The glass features a neutral, cool-gray tint and offers an attractive combination of visible light transmittance (VLT), solar control and glare control characteristics.

PPGwww.ppg.com CIRCLE 271

Aim for the Fences

Daylight plays a major role in the new Yankee Stadium, specifically in the 70-ft.-high Great Hall which is topped with a Structures Unlimited/Kalwall Translucent Clearspan Skyroof System. The flat panels are 4 in. thick with U values from 0.08 to 0.15 BTU/hr./sq. ft., and R values from R-13 to R-6. The panels can also be infilled with Lumira aerogel for an R-20 value and U-value of 0.05 BTU/hr./sq. ft., and a 20% light transmission.

Kalwallwww.kallwall.com CIRCLE 270


DAYLIGHTING

SKY VAULTThe Solatube SkyVault Series M74 DS with Collector is the first commercial daylighting system to employ a vertical lens that boosts light output under marginal conditions. Featuring patented Raybender Technology, the SkyVault Collector intercepts light as it passes through the dome and drives it down into the tubing. Built-in LightTracker with Cool Tube Technology also minimizes solar heat gain by keeping infrared rays from entering the building.

Solatubewww.solatube.comCIRCLE 268

UNIVERSITY OF IOWA HEALTH CARE–IOWA RIVER LANDING, CORALVILLE, IOWA Natural light fills the hallways, offices and reception areas throughout the new University of Iowa Health Care—Iowa River Landing in Coralville, shining a light, literally, on the sustainability efforts incorporated throughout the clinic. Aiming for LEED Silver certification, Neumann Monson Architects anticipates a 30% reduction in energy use com-pared to similar buildings. Guardian SunGuard SuperNeutral 62 brings that natural light in to the UI Health Care facility while keeping the solar heat transmission low. SunGuard SuperNeutral 62 has a high visible light transmission (62%) and a low solar heat gain coefficient. The right high performance, low-E glass can have a significant impact on a building’s energy efficiency. Additionally, numerous stud-ies illustrate that abundant daylight has a positive effect on both patients and providers in the healthcare setting. Guardian SunGuard SuperNeutral 62 is part of the Guardian SunGuard product line for commercial applications offering excellent solar control and a wide variety of colors and per-formance levels. The glass for this project was fabricated by Guardian Select Fabricator Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope and installed by InterClad.

Guardian Industries Corp.www.sunguardglass.comCIRCLE 269

8171847

Image: Wayne Johnson, Main Street Studio

KEEP IT DARKSuper wide and motor-ized, MagnaShade does the work of multiple shade bands, with shad-ing or blackout options at widths of up to 40 ft. It can potentially cover an area of up to 800 sq. ft. without light gaps—all with a narrow, curved profile of only 15 cm, as its modular design includes a cradle element that adds rigid support to the shade tube without increasing the diameter.

MechoSystemswww.mechosystems.com CIRCLE 267


DAYLIGHTING

Univ. of Texas at Dallas Student Services

Passive daylighting at its most creative—Boston Valley Terra Cotta took a mandate from Perkins + Will to fabricate a terra cotta louver that would mimic Texas limestone and that could be coupled to a post-tension cable and cantilever system. The angle and density of the “floating” louver pattern provides a shading system from the harsh Lone Star sun.

Nearly 10,000 lin. ft.of louvers and custom-end caps populate the post-

tensioned cable application.

SUPERIOR THERMAL PERFORMANCEBringing a pair of new products to its window line, EFCO intro-

duces the CH32 single-hung tilt window and accompanying CF32 fixed mating window. The CH32 combines high thermal U-factors with commercial grade performance to help meet

building envelope requirements in mid-rise buildings.

EFCO Corp.www.efcocorp.com

CIRCLE 266

RESOURCES

Guide for Daylight Commissioning

The Energy Center of Wisconsin has pro-duced a tip sheet on the calibration and com-missioning for energy savings from daylighting. In fact, a recent ECW study reports that an impressive 20% to 60% in additional electrical savings can be achieved with controls commis-sioning. The complimen-tary document can be accessed at: www.ecw.org/mndaylighting.

AT THE SHOW

Capitalizing on Daylighting

For projects with mul-tiple stories, SunCentral, (Booth 3322) will be showing several options for bringing daylight into spaces on every floor. Solatube (Booth 817)too, offers light tubes to bring daylight deeper into a space. Now with integrated self-dimming hybrid LED lighting, the blend of electric and natural light is effec-tively seamless. If your needs include larger area skylight products, CPI Daylighting, (Booth 3144) and Major Industries, (Booth 1006) deliver more conventional sky-light and atrium systems. While the inclusion of daylight is the over-riding theme, the range of prod-ucts represented, design options, and resulting potential effectiveness of using the sun as a light source is just scratching the potential for integrat-ing zero grid-connected energy light sources.

1839

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Center for a Sustainable Future, Adrian, Mich.

Michigan’s first net zero school building, the 8,600-sq.-ft. classroom building, part of the Lenawee Intermediate School District, was completed last summer and incorpo-rates 21 of Solatube’s 750DS-C units and five of its 750DS-O units as part of its daylighting efforts. Designed by SHW Group, The Collaborative and CMTA Engineers, the tubular daylighting devices were an integral part of the project’s energy management system, according to Jim Philp, the district’s superintendent. The district is currently looking into retrofitting some of their other buildings as well.

PASSIVE BUILDINGMeeting Passive Building criteria for insulation and energy conservation in both warm and cold climates, Marvin Windows and Doors offers a number of window options lever-aging the warmth of wood interiors and performance.

Marvin Windows and Doorswww.marvin.com CIRCLE 265

DAYLIGHTING

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• 25 year limited paint warranty against chalking, fading and loss of adhesion

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NZB_Mar14_AWIP.indd 1 2/13/2014 12:01:39 PMCIRCLE 39

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• Network with your peers – thousands of architects all in one place, and all ready to share ideas and solutions.

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| AD INDEX |

In November, Net Zero Buildings returns to its traditional format. Featured will be the new net zero Walgreens store in suburban Chicago which took an interesting approach in combining PV and daylight opportunities that work in combination with its LED lighting scheme. Elsewhere, we’ll take look at high-performance lighting strategies for retail environments as a whole; revisit wind power and grey water on the re-newable power and water conservation fronts; Regarding the envelope, roofing is our focus, as well as fenestration to promote natural ventilation.

NEXT ISSUE

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Our R-GUARD Cat 5 fluid-applied air and water barrier system is one of many that complies with the Living Building Challenge Red List. That means the Cat 5 system contains no materials deemed to be harmful to people or the environment.

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Learn how the Cat 5® system was used on the Bullitt Center, “The World’s Greenest Commercial Building” at

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| END POINT |

John MesenbrinkContributing [email protected]


JOHN MESENBRINK

Investing in Renewable Energy, LiterallyBy investing in “green” bonds, a company can decrease its carbon footprint and increase its energy sustainability.

Gary Keir, founderCarbon Xprint Bonds

A former environmental biologist, Keir has visited the front line of climate change in Alaska’s Arctic numerous times as a leader for back-packing and rafting trips.

out to energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. These projects reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that go into the air. The institu-tion will make money on that loan. At the end of the term the Carbon Xprint CD holder will get their money back plus interest,” says Keir.

From the buyer’s perspec-tive, the criteria would be a desire to reduce one’s carbon footprint or a need caused by government regulations, supply chain sustainability require-ments or a third-party certification requirement. Projects financed with Carbon Xprint funds will use standardized loan criteria such as TruSolar for solar projects and Investor Confidence Proj-ect for energy efficiency projects, says Keir. These standards will ensure that the projects are meet-ing sustainability goals. Carbon Xprint could help a company in the supply chain of large retailers and manufacturers meet stronger sustainability requirements and thus remain competitive.

“Carbon Xprint has ben-efits over cap and trade in that the price of carbon is stable, it does not require a complex trading struc-ture, and money spent is used to create new renew-able energy and energy efficiency and not existing renewable energy and

While there are some organizations and utilities that reward a building for its sustainability—in terms of status and pay-back—what about a con-cept that would encour-age building owners to invest in green building, literally.

Well, there is Carbon Xprint (CXP) Bonds, certi-fied by the FDIC, which are designed to conquer the financial drain that replacing old technolo-gies for new ones can have on businesses. Because of SEC rules, CXP Bonds must be issued by finan-cial institutions. The goal is for the process to be as simple as buying a certifi-cate of deposit at a bank.

According to environ-mental capitalist Gary Keir, green investing with CXP Bonds allows indi-viduals and organizations to attack two of climate change’s biggest chal-lenges: the need to take action for one’s carbon footprint, and the need for investment. “Many of the technologies to change our energy infrastruc-ture already exist,” says Keir. “What’s needed is investment, the will to change, and a mechanism to become engaged.”

CXP Bonds allow com-panies and individuals a profitable method to cer-tify their commitment to sustainability. An imme-diate benefit of investing in CXP Bonds is knowing

that funds are dedicated to making changes to positively impact climate change today. In addi-tion, investors make interest on their invest-ment. Recipients of loans, financed by CXP Bonds, are able to borrow the capital to make the nec-essary changes to reduce their carbon footprint.

Although Carbon Xprint bonds and CDs are not currently available, according to Keir, the idea behind Carbon Xprint is simple: this patent-pending process works exactly like a traditional savings bond or a CD but it has the added qualitative benefit of being a socially responsible investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Here’s how it works: a company, building owner, or individual calculates their carbon footprint in tons of greenhouse gases. When they know what it is, they then go to a finan-cial institution, in person or online, and purchase a Carbon Xprint CD. The CD is based on the price of one ton of greenhouse gas. “Let’s say the price of one ton of greenhouse gas is $25. A business or person that has a carbon footprint of 10 tons would purchase a Carbon Xprint CD for $250. The business or person is then certified that they took action for their carbon footprint. The financial institution takes that money and lends it

efficiency,” says Keir. In addition, companies get their money back plus some interest.

Carbon Xprint CDs can allow options. If a com-pany plans to make a major efficiency or renew-able energy improvement some years in the future but wants to take envi-ronmental responsibility in the current year, they could purchase Carbon Xprint CDs now, and then use the capital and inter-est earned to finance the project sometime down the road, “like a Christmas Club for energy efficiency,” says Keir.

An entity could offset CO2E emissions with Carbon Xprint Bonds, then donate those bonds as part of that entity’s chari-table giving, thus fulfilling two missions with the same dollar.

“M ANY OF THE TECHNOLOGIE S TO CHANGE OUR ENERGY INFR A STRUC TUR E

ALR E ADY E XIST. WHAT’S NEEDED IS INVE STMENT, THE WILL TO CHANGE, AND

A MECHANISM TO BECOME ENGAGED.”

CIRCLE 38

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CIRCLE 42

net zero buildings - september 2014 (greenbuild companion)

Documents

buildingspremier issue

net zero energy concepts

daikin vrv

comsunscreen fabrics

vrv configurator software

tons efficiency

draper booth

total comfort solution