Energy Efficiency

 

What does a designer need to know when asked by an owner to design an energy-efficient building?

Engineers look to International Green Construction CodeASHRAE Standard 189.1: Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green BuildingsU.S. Green Building CouncilEnergy Star and ASHRAE Standard 90.1: Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings for guidance on how to design more energy-efficient buildings.

Some key trends have changed the focus of energy efficiency for commercial buildings:

  • Demand-side energy management programs.
  • Battery storage.
  • Energy quality and reliability.
  • Smart/intelligent buildings.

Learning objectives:

  • Define the codes, standards and guidelines that engineers must consider when working toward energy-efficiency goals in nonresidential buildings.
  • Understand what technologies, products and systems can help achieve energy-efficiency goals.
  • Learn about new trends and techniques to achieve the owner’s project requirements.
  • Review examples of energy-efficient buildings, with a close look at the specific techniques used to achieve higher efficiency.