Page 233 - Green Building Through Integrated Design

ENERGY DESIGN QUESTIONS 209

Figure 11.2 According to ASHRAE studies, buildings with natural ventilation
have a wider range of acceptable temperatures for occupant comfort (from as low
as 68 to as high as 80°F). Data from University of California, Berkeley studies.

26 What can an airflow (CFD) model tell us about sizing the building’s windows and
interior openings? What about the response of the building to varying wind con-
ditions, both under existing conditions and in response to possible future location
of buildings around this facility?
27 If we can ventilate the building naturally for some months of the year, how much
energy would we potentially save? Do these savings justify the cost and potential
discomfort of such approaches?

BUILDING COMMISSIONING QUESTIONS
Probably the single most important energy-saving measure for any building is com-
missioning, testing, and verification of all energy-using systems. Design development
is a good time to hire a commissioning agent and incorporate that person or persons
into the building team.

1 Has the owner decided whether the commissioning agent will come from the
building team or will he or she be hired independently?
2 Has the commissioning agent or authority completed a focused review of design
intent during or near the end of the design development stage?
3 Has the commissioning agent documented the owner’s project requirements
(OPR) and the basis of design (BOD)? Is there anything unclear about either?