engineers newsletter providing insights for today’s

hvac system designer

green, growing, here to stay

Energy and Environmental Initiatives
We know that clean air and soil, pure One result of industrialization is a energy efficiency. After all, better
water, food reserves, and energy significant increase in the emission of efficiency reduces GHG emissions; it
sources like fossil fuels and sunlight are greenhouse gases (GHG), particularly also lowers energy/operating costs,
fundamental to life on this planet. We carbon dioxide. Some experts fear that which ultimately improves competition
also know that our way of life—the the unnaturally high concentrations of in the global marketplace.
buildings we live in, the vehicles we GHG are “trapping excess heat in the
drive, the modern conveniences on Earth’s atmosphere in much the same
“Energy bills for existing U.S. commercial
which we rely—jeopardizes these finite way that a windshield traps solar space (about 78 billion square feet) total
resources. But it is only recently that energy that enters a car.” 1 The resulting $110 billion annually. EPA estimates
concerns about the environment have global warming—one estimate is 2.5°F that increasing the energy efficiency of
taken center stage in the political arena, to 10.4°F (1.4°C to 5.8°C) over the next this space could save more than $25
both nationally and internationally. century—may affect weather patterns, billion.” ~ENERGY STAR Building
sea levels, agricultural zones, and the Manual
This EN recaps the cause of these quality of life for future generations. 2
concerns and highlights several of the Although these outcomes are To date, the Kyoto Protocol is
most prominent North American uncertain, they are serious enough to the broadest initiative to address
initiatives to address them. It also garner the attention of governments climate change. Instituted in 1997,
offers a “shortlist” of resources for and politicians. the protocol sets a range of reductions
more information and offers
for greenhouse gas emissions that
suggestions to help you do your part. averages just over 5 percent for
industrialized nations. The terms
Target: Energy Use encourage participating nations to
Commercial buildings account for more devise domestic policies and fiscal
An Industrial Legacy than one-third of the electricity measures that discourage emissions
Mass production, widespread use of consumed in the United States. About and promote the best current and
power-driven machinery, and 70 percent of that supply is generated future technologies. Upon ratification
urbanization—with the accompanying by burning nonrenewable fossil fuels, a by a sufficient number of developed
construction of buildings, transportation process that releases billions of pounds countries, the Kyoto Protocol will
systems, and commercial agriculture— of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere become a legally binding treaty with
characterized the Industrial Revolution annually. That’s why many of the public enforcement commencing in 2012.
and laid the foundation for economic and private initiatives to preserve the
growth in developed countries. The environment focus on improvements in U.S. response. Rather than ratify the
resulting prosperity was “fueled” by Kyoto Protocol, the United States is
the consumption of significant amounts pursuing its own Clear Skies initiative
1 J. Weier, “Global Warming,” Earth Observatory,
of energy, most of it produced by 8 Apr 2002, NASA. [online; cited 18 Jul 2003]
and Global Climate Change strategy. If
burning coal and other fossil fuels. The <http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/ successful, the Clear Skies initiative
consequences, pollution and resource GlobalWarming/> will cut power plant emissions of
depletion, have been cumulative and 2
nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, and
Understanding Climate Change: A Beginner’s
far-reaching. Guide to the UN Framework Convention and Its mercury by 70 percent. The
Kyoto Protocol, July 2002, UN Environment complementary Global Climate
Program and Climate Change Secretariat. [online; Change strategy seeks to reduce the
cited 24 Sep 2003] <http://unfccc.int/resource/
beginner_02_en.pdf>
intensity of GHG emissions (the ratio of

© 2003 American Standard Inc. All rights reserved Volume 32, No. 3 ■
emissions to economic output) by The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Under ENERGY STAR, the EPA and DOE
18 percent over the next 10 years. 3 To is working with ASHRAE and the ICC to provide building designers, facility
achieve these goals, the federal budget further strengthen the nation’s model managers, and business owners/
for fiscal year 2003 allocated more energy codes through the Building operators with various software tools,
money for global climate change- Energy Codes Program. Under this free of charge, to aid performance
related activities, including tax credits program, DOE provides the financial evaluations and goal-setting. For
for renewable energy sources. and technical assistance necessary to example, Portfolio Manager tracks and
help states adopt, implement, and benchmarks a building’s energy use
enforce building energy codes. DOE before and after upgrades, while Target
“HVAC and refrigeration systems
account for 35 to 65 percent of the energy also develops and distributes easy-to- Finder provides architects and building
used in U.S. buildings.” ~ASHRAE use tools and materials to clarify designers with an energy budget for
Energy Position Document commercial and high-rise residential new construction and major retrofits.
energy code compliance. There’s also a Financial Value Calculator
that estimates increased earnings from
Impact on the building industry. ENERGY STAR. Perhaps the best- energy reductions.
Government initiatives often become known national promotion for energy
policies or codes that affect how goods efficiency is the ENERGY STAR ®
and services are built and delivered, “Every dollar invested in an energy-
program. Administered by the efficient upgrade can produce between
and in the case of environmental Environmental Protection Agency and $2 and $3 in increased asset value.”
initiatives, how buildings are (since the mid-1990s) DOE, ENERGY ~ENERGY STAR Building Manual
constructed, used, operated, STAR relies on the voluntary partnership
maintained, and demolished. between government, business, and
consumers. The program initially Another invaluable resource is the
For example, the Energy Policy Act of recognized energy-efficient computers ENERGY STAR Building Manual
1992 requires states to certify that their but now rates more than 35 product (www.energystar.gov/ia/business/
energy codes meet or exceed the categories, as well as new homes and bum.pdf). Following the manual’s
requirements of ASHRAE Standard buildings. integrated, five-step approach to
90.1-1989, Energy Standard for building upgrades can produce energy
Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential What does ENERGY STAR mean for savings of 35 percent or more and yield
Buildings. In July 2001, the DOE made businesses and consumers? a return on investment of 20 percent
a determination requiring all states to Residential and commercial products with comparatively low risk. The
update their energy codes to be at least bearing the ENERGY STAR label are success of this approach hinges on the
as stringent as ASHRAE 90.1-1999 by 10 to 25 percent more efficient than sequence of the steps: First, reduce
July 15, 2004. Much of the 1999 required by federal standard, while the building’s heating, cooling, and
version of the standard is used by the providing top performance and electrical loads (recommission, upgrade
International Code Council (ICC) in its innovative features. lights, reduce supplemental loads).
International Energy Conservation Then upgrade the HVAC system so that
Code (IECC), which addresses the the equipment can be properly sized to
design of energy-efficient building “In 2002 alone, ENERGY STAR-qualifying handle the smaller loads.
buildings spent $130 million less in
envelopes and the installation of
energy bills and reduced carbon dioxide
energy-efficient mechanical, lighting, emissions by 2.6 billion pounds compared Rebuild America. The DOE
and power systems. As of July 2003, to average buildings.” ~EPA National administers the Rebuild America
37 states and the District of Columbia News, 09 May 2003 program, which was created in 1994 to
have adopted a version of the IECC or help communities accelerate energy-
its predecessor, the Model Energy efficiency improvements in five
Code. 4 The savings are even more dramatic for categories of existing buildings:
ENERGY STAR-labeled buildings, which commercial; state and local
3
typically are 20 to 40 percent more government; public and multifamily
“Executive Summary–The Clear Skies Initiative,”
14 Feb 2002, White House. [online; cited efficient than average buildings of
22 Sep 2003] <http://www.whitehouse.gov/ comparable size and use. To help put
news/releases/2002/02/20020214.html> this savings into perspective, it costs
4 “Commercial Energy Code Status,” Jul 2003,
$1.90 to $3.00 per square foot to 5 The Top Performing Buildings in America at a
Building Codes Assistance Project. [online; cited operate an average U.S. office building; Glance [online], US EPA. [online; cited
09 Oct 2003] <http://www.bcap-energy.org/ an ENERGY STAR office building costs 22 Sep 2003] <http://www.energystar.gov/ia/
commap_0703.pdf> business/bus_factsheet.pdf>
$0.86 less to operate. 5

■ 2 Trane Engineers Newsletter — Vol. 32, No. 3

housing; colleges and universities; and and 20 to 30 percent on renovated the entire building rather than a single
K–12 schools. schools by applying high-performance component. For example, meeting the
design and construction concepts. 7 building goal for energy efficiency
With the help of state energy offices, requires more than the selection of
the program seeks to increase the energy-efficient equipment. It also
number of high-performance buildings, entails consideration of siting,
and to help partnerships implement The Bigger Picture envelope, window placement, glazing
community-wide improvements in methods, and shading.
“High-performance” building practices
energy efficiency and renewable
look beyond the energy costs of
energy by: The results of the whole-building
operating a building. Alternatively
design process are compelling.
dubbed as “green,” “whole building,” or
■ Establishing energy-saving goals and According to DOE, benefits include:
“sustainable,” high-performance
determining how much to invest
buildings attempt to optimize cradle-to-
■ Reductions in energy use of
■ Determining the number and type of grave performance of the entire
50 percent or more
buildings to retrofit building. Economic, environmental, and
sociocultural effects receive as much ■ Reduced maintenance and capital
■ Developing and implementing an weight as operating costs and initial costs
action plan investment. Performance goals for the
■ Reduced environmental impact
■ Arranging financing building address occupant productivity,
comfort, and well-being, along with the ■ Increased occupant comfort and
■ Managing building retrofits use of land, energy, and materials. health
■ Tracking building energy Waste production and transportation
are considered, as is the adaptability of ■ Increased employee productivity 8
performance
the building over time.
Several obstacles must be overcome
Renovating the nation’s K–12 schools is
“Buildings are long-lived, so built-in
before these benefits will be realized
a particular priority of Rebuild America.
energy efficiencies can remain for on a widespread basis. Stimulating
The average age of these buildings is
50 years or more. While it is often commercial demand requires a well-
42 years, and many of them are
economical to retrofit buildings for documented economic case, financial
equipped with inefficient systems that, greater energy efficiency, it is always incentives, and code changes that favor
according to the DOE, result in annual cheaper to make them more efficient at high-performance buildings. New
energy costs of $6 billion … about the time they are designed and
process models and tools that support
25 percent higher than necessary. 6 constructed.” ~New Buildings Institute
collaborative decision-making must be
Consequently, this sector also is the
developed, along with valid
target of the EnergySmart Schools
Realizing such ambitious goals requires performance metrics.
program, which works with school
a very different approach to the building
districts to introduce energy-saving
process—one that is collaborative, LEED. The U.S. Green Building
improvements to the physical
integrated, and comprehensive rather Council, a building industry coalition, is
environment and proactively promote
than fragmented and linear. The attempting to eliminate these hurdles
energy education in schools.
predesign phase for a high- through its LEED Green Building Rating
performance building brings together System™. LEED, which stands for
According to the nonprofit Sustainable
planners, architects, engineers, Leadership in Energy and
Buildings Industry Council, school
landscapers, hydrologists, builders, Environmental Design, is a voluntary
districts can save 30 to 40 percent on
facility managers, and building users. national standard for developing high-
utility costs each year for new schools
Working together, they set the performance, sustainable buildings. In
purpose, scope, and performance goals addition to defining common metrics
6 for the building. Subsequent design for “green building,” the LEED system
EnergySmart Schools, U.S. DOE. [online; cited
6 Jul 2003] <http://www.rebuild.org/sectors/ decisions are based on their effect on offers third-party project certification,
k12.asp>

7 Return on Investment: High Performance 8 “Design Approach,” 29 May 2003, U.S. DOE
Buildings, Jan 2002, Minnesota Planning. [online; Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable
cited 18 Sep 2003] <http:// Energy. [online; cited 30 Sep 2003] <http://
www.mnplan.state.mn.us/pdf/2002/ www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/
buildingsreport.pdf> highperformance/design_approach.html>

“providing insights for today’s HVAC system designer” 3 ■

professional accreditation, training, and act, too: Portland (OR) and Seattle (WA)
resources. offer grants for energy modeling,
commissioning, and related costs. 9
The comprehensive, point-based
system encourages building Meanwhile, USGBC is attempting to
professionals to practice integrated, broaden the use of LEED by developing
whole-building design. Rating versions for commercial interiors, member of your local LEED chapter
categories assess the extent to which a existing buildings, new core-and-shell (www.usgbc.org/Chapters/
project meets the sustainability goals construction, and homes. chapters_main.asp).
for site development, water savings,
■ Contact your state energy office
energy efficiency, materials selection,
and local utilities to find out what
and indoor environmental quality.
incentives exist for energy-efficient and/
What Can You Do? or high-performance building designs.
“Commercial new construction can Making commercial buildings more
■ Critically review product data to
achieve 50 percent energy savings if an energy- and resource-efficient
integrated design approach and energy represents an enormous opportunity to assure that life-cycle performance
strategies are carefully implemented.” save money and reduce pollution. aligns with design goals.
~ESource
Capitalizing on this opportunity will ■ Help your clients focus on the long-
require public and private sector term effects of their design decisions—
Since the system was introduced in commitment, policy changes, and that means environmental as well as
2000, nearly 3 percent (91 million investments in research and financial. Consider the entire building
square feet) of all new commercial development. It will also require from a life-cycle perspective, and aim to
construction projects in the United members of the building industry to minimize overall environmental impacts
States have registered for LEED practice their professions while optimizing performance.
certification. (To date, fewer than 75 of collaboratively and holistically.
■ Stay informed about the green
these projects have completed the
The challenge is enormous but not building movement and its effect on
certification process.) Projects range
impossible … provided that all of us do standards and codes. The Internet
from manufacturing plants and
our part. makes it easy. (See the end of this EN
convention centers to firehouses and
for a shortlist of places to start.)
schools, and are scattered across
50 states and nine countries. ■ Become familiar with whole-building ■ Incorporate a few meaningful
design practices, and visit “10 Shades “green/sustainable” selections in every
States such as New York, Maryland, of Green” at www.archleague.org/ design. ■
and Oregon, now offer tax credits for tenshadesofgreen, for examples of
LEED-certified buildings to encourage what’s possible.
By Chris Hsieh, systems marketing
expansion of green building practices. ■ Take advantage of the training and engineer, and Brenda Bradley,
Local governments are getting into the resources that are available through information designer, Trane.
ENERGY STAR and LEED. If you haven’t
already done so, consider becoming a You can find this and other issues of the
Engineers Newsletter at http://
www.trane.com/commercial/library/
9 Building Momentum: National Trends and newsletters.asp. To comment, e-mail
Prospects for High-Performance Green Buildings,
Feb 2003, U.S. Green Building Council. [online; us at [email protected].
cited 24 Sep 2003] <http://www.rebuild.org/
attachments/pdf/buildingmomentum.pdf>

Trane
A business of American Standard Companies
www.trane.com
Trane believes the facts and suggestions presented here to be accurate. However,
For more information, contact your local district final design and application decisions are your responsibility. Trane disclaims
office or e-mail us at [email protected] any responsibility for actions taken on the material presented.

■ 4 ADM-APN008-EN
Shortlist of North American energy and high-performance-building initiatives
Program/initiative and sponsoring agency Why it was created, what it does, who it targets
Advanced Buildings Technologies why Help building designers improve energy and resource efficiency of commercial, industrial, and
and Practices multi-unit residential buildings
www.advancedbuildings.org
what Guide to 90+ environmentally appropriate technologies and practices for indoor air quality, water
Consortium of Canadian government and conservation, waste management, electricity production, nontoxic and recycled materials, daylighting,
private organizations and energy efficiency
for Architects, engineers, building managers
Alliance to Save Energy why Promote energy efficiency worldwide to achieve a healthier economy, a cleaner environment, and
www.ase.org energy security
what Research; educational programs; policy advocacy; design and implementation of energy
efficiency projects; promotion of technology development and deployment; partnership-building
between public and private sectors in the U.S. and other countries
for Businesses, trade associations
American Council for an why Reduce reliance on imported energy, reduce exposure to volatile energy prices, improve the
Energy-Efficient Economy economy, help protect the environment
www.aceee.org
what In-depth technical and policy assessments; policy advocacy; educational programs for businesses
and consumers; publications
for Architects; builders; financial and insurance professionals; manufacturers; building owners and
operators; engineers; government agency personnel; energy researchers; consultants
Appliances and Commercial why Maintain consistent national energy efficiency requirements for residential appliances and
Equipment Standards commercial equipment
www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/
what Test procedures for measuring energy efficiency and energy use; product labeling (estimated
appliance_standards
annual operating cost); rules for energy efficiency standards
U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Product manufacturers, designers, utilities, government agencies, retailers, consumers

ASHRAE GreenGuide why Provide guidance on how to apply green design techniques
www.ashrae.org
what Reference document (product code 90320) containing practical information on the design and
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, operation of environmentally friendly buildings. Available by Dec 2003. Order from ASHRAE’s online
and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. bookstore, or by telephone: 800-527-4723 (U.S. and Canada) or 404-636-8400 (worldwide)
for HVAC&R designers
ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 why Serve the evolving needs of the public by advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation,
www.ashrae.org air conditioning, refrigeration, and related human factors
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, what National consensus standard that provides minimum requirements for the energy-conserving
and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., and design of commercial buildings and building systems
Illuminating Engineering Society of North
for Engineers, design professionals, government jurisdictions, code-writing bodies
America
Building Energy Codes why Improve energy efficiency of U.S. buildings through new technologies and better building practices
www.energycodes.gov
what Resource for: information on national model energy codes; financial and technical assistance to
U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of help states adopt, implement, and enforce those codes; tools and materials to assist with compliance
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
for Government agencies, state and local jurisdictions, national code organizations, industry
ENERGY STAR® why Help companies protect the environment while increasing profits and competitiveness by
www.energystar.gov reducing overhead costs, raising customer satisfaction, and negotiating better energy deals
Environmental Protection Agency, what Comprehensive energy management: planning guidance, diagnostic software, benchmarking
U.S. Department of Energy tools and performance ratings, project support; public relations opportunities; technical information
for Manufacturers, retailers, utilities, schools, businesses
Federal Energy Management Program why Reduce cost and environmental impact of federal government by advancing energy efficiency and
www.eere.energy.gov/femp water conservation, promoting use of distributed and renewable energy, and improving utility
U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of management decisions at federal sites
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy what Services (financing), technical assistance (including analytic software tools), outreach
(communication, recognition), policymaking (guidance and interagency management)
for Facility managers, energy managers, federal agencies
Federal Facilities Council why Improve the performance of facilities over their entire life cycle, from planning to disposal
www7.nationalacademies.org/ffc
what Source for information on federal facilities-related programs and standards; jointly sponsored
National Research Council’s Board on studies and research related to all aspects of facilities management
Infrastructure and the Constructed
for Federal agencies; building professionals involved in planning, designing, constructing, operating,
Environment
maintaining, managing, and/or disposing of buildings and other constructed facilities

(continued on next page)

Shortlist of North American energy and high-performance-building initiatives (continued)
Program/initiative and sponsoring agency Why it was created, what it does, who it targets
Green Seal why Encourage purchase and production of environmentally responsible products and services
www.greenseal.org
what Product and property certification; purchasing guidance (including product/purchasing evaluations
and recommendations); policy advocacy; environmental standards development
for Manufacturers; institutional, governmental, and corporate purchasers
High Performance Buildings why Reduce energy consumption of commercial buildings while improving quality, comfort, and cost-
www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ effectiveness
highperformance
what Design approach; toolbox (software, technical data, charrette process); technologies (energy
U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of efficiency and solar); research (technical evaluation, building performance, communication/project
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy documentation, process change, performance metrics)
for Design professionals, architects, builders, contractors, owners
International Energy Conservation Code why Promote consistent code enforcement and higher quality construction by developing a single set
www.iccsafe.org of comprehensive, coordinated national model construction codes
International Code Council what Energy efficiency provisions for residential and commercial buildings; prescriptive- and
performance-based approaches to energy-efficient design; building envelope requirements for thermal
performance and air leakage
for Code enforcement officials, architects, engineers, designers, contractors, manufacturers
International Initiative for a why Facilitate and promote adoption of policies, methods, and tools to accelerate the movement
Sustainable Built Environment towards a global, sustainable built environment
http://iisbe.org
what Research and development of environmental performance assessment systems for buildings
for Researchers, policymakers, building professionals
LEED Green Building Rating System™ why Establish a common standard of measurement; promote integrated, whole-building design
www.usgbc.org practices; recognize environmental leadership in the building industry; stimulate green competition;
U.S. Green Building Council raise consumer awareness of green building benefits; transform the building market
what Voluntary, consensus-based national standards for developing high-performance, sustainable
buildings (new construction and major renovation projects, existing building operations, commercial
interiors projects); project certification; professional accreditation; training; practical resources
for Architects, engineers, project managers, building owners
Natural Resources Canada’s why Promote energy efficiency and use of alternative fuels in the residential, commercial, industrial,
Office of Energy Efficiency and transportation sectors of the Canadian economy
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca
what Management of 17 programs that provide financial incentives, rating/labeling systems, minimum
efficiency performance, consulting services, information publications
for Consumers, businesses, governments, institutions
New Building Institute why Promote energy efficiency in buildings through policy development, research, guidelines, codes
www.newbuildings.org
what Publications; energy-related research; policy advocacy; codes and standards development
for Government policy analysts, utility program managers, architects, mechanical and lighting
designers, engineers, facility managers, building owners and financiers
Rebuild America why Improve quality of life in communities through energy solutions for K–12 schools (EnergySmart
www.rebuild.org Schools), local and statement governments, colleges and universities, public and multifamily housing,
www.energysmartschools.gov and commercial buildings
U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of what Business, financing, and technical tools (guides, handbooks, software, workshops, referrals to
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy state and local resources); guidance for building retrofit projects; publicity
for Architects, engineers, design professionals, contractors, facility planners/managers, municipal
authorities, financing experts, energy service providers, technology developers, manufacturers
Smart Communities Network why Assure ample supplies of clean, affordable energy and promote cutting-edge technologies that aid
www.sustainable.doe.gov sustainable development efforts
U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy what Menu of information and services to help communities adopt sustainable development
Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network
for Community leaders; state and local governments
Sustainable Building Industry Council why Promote energy-conscious, solar-enhanced, integrated buildings (residential, institutional,
www.sbicouncil.org commercial) that, along with the products and services that go into them, are affordable and
environmentally sound
what Professional training, consumer education, energy analysis tools, consulting services
for Architects, engineers, contractors, manufacturers, utilities
Whole Building Design Guide why Help building professionals improve the performance and quality of their buildings
www.wbdg.org what Web-based portal that provides one-stop access to up-to-date guidance, criteria, and information
National Institute of Building Sciences, et al. related to whole-building design and project management
for Architects, engineers, project managers

from the Trane Engineers Newsletter — Vol. 32, No. 3