Page 221 - Green Building Through Integrated Design

ENERGY-RELATED QUESTIONS 197

20 Is there a nearby source of cool water, such as a lake or ocean that could be used
for cooling the building in summer and heating it in winter, using heat pumps
(instead of “geothermal” can this be an example of “aquathermal” systems)?
21 Can our choice of structural and glazing systems influence the degree of infiltra-
tion from the outside and exfiltration of conditioned air from the inside, for example,
by being easier to seal and keep sealed?
22 Have we begun to assess energy conservation opportunities for this project, con-
sidering not only building energy use, but also embodied energy of materials and
transportation energy to and from the site?
23 Have we set energy savings goals versus state codes or versus ASHRAE 90.1-2004
(or later revised) standards?
24 Do we have the resources and ability in our consultant team to begin modeling
energy use and natural ventilation options? Can we perform some early computa-
tional fluid dynamic studies of air movement inside the structure to assess poten-
tial for natural ventilation?
25 Will the local electrical utility or a local or state government agency pay for
energy modeling or daylighting design efforts?
26 What envelope measures should we be considering for energy conservation? In
addition, can we establish, for example, minimum SEER or EER levels for air-
conditioning equipment?
27 Will our engineers specify variable frequency or variable speed drives (VFD or VSD)
for all fans and variable air volume (VAV) controls for all mechanical air distribution?

RENEWABLE ENERGY QUESTIONS
Ultimately we will want to make up a certain percentage of projected building energy
use with onsite renewables, especially solar electrics. How we go about thinking
through this opportunity can often determine whether it’s realized in the project.

1 Are we allowing for future solar installations on the building (in terms of design-
ing roof surfaces and roof pitch)? Can we integrate photovoltaics into the south-
facing shading of the building?
2 Are there ways we can assure of providing at least 5 to 10 percent (or more) of the
building’s energy use with onsite renewable (solar) energy?
3 Have we investigated local sources of “green power” for possible inclusion in the
project? Is it possible to make this project “zero net energy,” at considering site
energy use?
4 Are green power sources available from the local electric utility, or will we be able
to buy green power from a third-party provider? Are these programs “Green-E”
certified by the Center for Resource Solutions or another acceptable independent
third-party? Can we acquire Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) for this project?
5 What is the current and likely future premium for green power, and have we com-
municated this to the building owner or developer for consideration? Do we have
policy guidance to buy RECs, or otherwise aim at a “zero carbon” building or facility?