Energy Efficiency in Green Building Design

Phil Voss, Senior Project Leader, NREL August 6, 2008

Schools utilize significant resources addressing energy use and facility maintenance


 

K-12 spend $8 billion annually on energy, electricity (63%) and natural gas (29%), oil (7%), district heat (3%) costs rising Second largest cost after personnel 1,000 new schools built annually Average school is 42 years old renovations are becoming necessary and commonplace Estimated $60 billion over next 3 years for new construction, and retrofits In 2002, 47% of nations school districts renovated or retrofitted facilities In 2005, $21.6 billion spent on school construction $12.8 billion new, $5 billion additions, and $3.9 billion renovations

An enormous opportunity to reduce energy bills for the long term and to make schools a healthier place to learn by considering energy when building

How can we build schools smarter? What characteristics do schools that are models of smart energy use have?

    

 

Serve as safe havens Viewed as round-the-clock community centers Incorporate high-performance building design Include energy-efficient technologies and strategies Building would provide hands-on learning for energy education/curriculum Include alternative fuel transportation Generate energy on-site using renewable energy systems

U.S. DOE Energy Smart Schools Program

Vision for the Future of Schools


 

Increase energy efficiency in new school construction and major reconstruction by 50% Create more comfortable, productive, and healthier spaces for learning and working Provide opportunities for dynamic, interactive lessons on energy efficiency and renewable energy Supply off-grid power and back-up power Replace diesel- and gasoline-fueled buses with cleaner alternatives

Energy Efficiency Strategies

New Construction Major Renovations and Retrofits Energy Management Programs

Designing Energy Efficient Schools

Advanced Energy Design Guide


Provides guidelines for designing and building energy efficient schools Schools would have minimum 30% energy savings over current code Accounts for different climates (and gives climate-specific recommendations) No unproven technologies focuses on cost-effective solutions and off-theshelf technologies Minimal first cost increase if guide is used throughout design process Developed in partnership with ASHRAE, AIA, IESNA, USGBC

Advanced Energy Design Guide breaks down each aspect of the design process to help designers identify how to maximize energy savings Louisiana Climate Zones Recommendations


 

Provides criteria for insulating values for: walls, roofs, doors, windows, ducts Outlines minimum HVAC efficiencies Specifies Lighting Power Densities (i.e. max. 0.9 W/sq.ft.)

Hot/Humid Climate Energy Efficient Design

Process Recommendations  Select experienced and innovative design team
Include performance goals in SOW


Develop quantifiable goals

Document in Owners Project Requirements / Basis of Design

 

Hire a Commissioning Agent prior to design Use an integrated design approach

Owners, Cx Agents, all design disciplines, end-users involved in all phases of design Energy modeling to optimize energy efficiency

 

Plan for preventive maintenance (PM) Train facility operators and occupants

Consider Design/Planning Charrette

Cooperative environment for decision makers Intense effort to identify and address issues in a short time Listen and understand needs and limitations Envision realistic and creative solutions Record ideas as they are introduced Effectively express ideas in a plan to serve as a vehicle to move the process forward Owner well-defined goals (OPR)

Hot/Humid Climate Energy Efficiency Strategies



Optimize daylighting to full possible extent

Building orientation, photocell controls with dimmable ballasts Reduces lighting and cooling loads Daylight glass and view glass are not the same

Efficient lighting design

Lighting Power Density < 1 W/ft2 Pendant direct/indirect Occupancy sensors, auto night shut-off

Dedicated outdoor air treatment

Energy Recovery Ventilator or Demand-Controlled Ventilation Centralize exhaust zones for energy recovery

Hot/Humid Climate Energy Efficiency Strategies



Efficient, tight envelope

Appropriate, well-installed insulation Low-e, low-SHGC windows (esp. east/west facing) Shading for south facing windows Light colored roof

High efficiency HVAC with optimized control system

Balance with maintenance concerns Size properly, incorporate strategies for variable loads

Energy star appliances and office equipment Use energy modeling iteratively to identify and reduce loads, and optimize efficiency of design

Successful model energy schools exist today

Homewood Middle School, Homewood, AL
LEED-Certified Low cost - $121/sq-ft Optimized Energy Performance  High-Performance Windows  Daylighting/Energy Efficient Lighting  Efficient Heating and Air Conditioning Indoor Environmental Quality  Air quality Monitored Temp/Humidity/Ventilation  Daylight & Views 36% Energy Savings over ASHRAE 90.1-1999

Energy efficient schools give noticeable results

Caywood Elementary School in Edgewood, KY Features an extensive daylighting strategy that resulted in:
 

Annual Energy Savings of $50,000 An Energy Budget that is 50% lower than other schools in the district

Major Renovations and Retrofits

Major Renovations Present Opportunities  Utilize AEDG as much as possible
Integrated design approach, Commissioning, Energy modeling


Consider extent of renovation, and how layout/design changes may impact energy use Explore options beyond like-for-like
HVAC efficiency, sizing and system design Lighting redesign Daylight harvesting Room layout, etc.

Major Renovations and Retrofits

Retrofit Strategies  An energy auditor can identify Energy Conservation Measures  Measures can be implemented individually, but may be best as a single project  Can be prioritized based on simple payback or lowest cost, but consider other benefits as well

Major Renovations and Retrofits

Some Common ECM Retrofits (in order of cost / benefit)  HVAC controls
Night setbacks, optimal start/stop, chilled/hot water temp. reset


Weatherization
Weather-stripping, repair broken windows

Lighting upgrades
T12 -> T8, HIDs -> T5, CFLs, occupancy sensors Harvest daylight when possible De-lamp vending machines

Solar water heating

Domestic HW or pre-heat for boiler / furnace

Major Renovations and Retrofits



HVAC equipment
Replace old equipment with high efficiency equipment Premium efficiency motors Variable speed drives for motors and pumps

Window replacement
Low-e, low SHGC, insulating glass Reflective films are a less expensive option if installed correctly

Plug loads
Energy Star office equipment and appliances Install Vending Misers on vending machines Replace CRTs with LCD monitors

Energy Audit Example

International School of Louisiana, New Orleans


Energy audit performed fall 2007

Opportunities
ECM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 Description of Recommendations Revise Setpoints Replace T8 lamps Occupancy sensors Photocell controlled ballasts Replace hallway fixtures Permanent window treatments Weathersealing Solar hot water Chiller replacement

Estimated Impact
Energy Savings (MMBtu) 304 112 158 71 105 56 41 11 414 Cost Savings ($) $11,337 $4,164 $5,876 $2,655 $3,293 $2,070 $1,227 $388 $14,190

Implementation
Cost to Complete ($) $0 $5,643 $8,500 $10,175 $13,200 $25,000 $5,089 $5,600 $168,000 Simple Payback (years) 0.0 1.4 1.4 3.8 3.4 12.1 4.1 10.1 11.8 Target Completion Date 4Q 2007 1Q 2008 1Q 2008 1Q 2008 1Q 2008 2Q 2008 1Q 2008 2Q 2008 3Q 2008

TOTALS

1,017

$36,160

$241,207

6.7

Energy Management Programs

Proactive O&M programs ensure buildings remain highperforming  Can substantially reduce annual energy cost
Gross generalization: 5% - 20%


Extends equipment life and minimizes unexpected failures Policy should be set at district or state level Implement strategies to support policy

 

Energy Management Program Options



Low/No Cost
Quick, simple fixes - minimal cost, low to moderate impact

Education and Awareness

Low cost, moderate impact with persistent efforts

Energy Tracking and Accounting

High cost (staff time required), high impact

Regular Preventive Maintenance

Low to moderate cost, moderate to high impact

Example - St. Tammany Parish Schools

Set a Goal of 10% Energy Savings  Focus on Low/no-cost measures
2-person energy team (teacher and maintenance person) Educate to change behavior - turn off lights when you walk out of the room Verify HVAC/lighting control settings Energy Star Portfolio Manager - Monthly reports to schools (vs. baseline) - managed by Admin. Asst.


Community is very Supportive

Use bond issue to install central HVAC/Lighting Controls

Example - St. Tammany Parish Schools (contd)



Contract with Schools for Energy Efficiency (SEE)

4-year program to develop low/no cost approach Provides: posters, manuals, webinars, etc.

14% Energy Savings in 2007-08 School Year

>$1 Million energy savings Offering incentives to schools with the greatest savings Will involve students in 2008-09 school year

Implementation Strategies for EE and RE Financing Options

New School Construction All Energy Efficiency upgrades can be cost neutral when an integrated design approach is used


LEED Silver can be achieved cost-effectively

School Renovations and Retrofits Energy Savings Performance Contracting Revolving Energy Efficiency Fund States and local districts have created a variety of funding programs

Implementation Strategies for EE and RE Financing Options for renovations/retrofits

Energy Savings Performance Contracting
Energy Service Company provides energy audit, design, installation, and financing; implementation and service costs are repaid over time from guaranteed energy savings LA has ESPC authority through state legislation LA DNR administered award winning ESPC program for schools; multiple parishes participated Johnson Controls performed ESPC for OPSD mid-90s basic lighting, some HVAC, some controls Oversight by LA Office of Contractual Review http://www.doa.state.la.us/ocr/ESPC.htm

Implementation Strategies for EE and RE Financing Options for renovations/retrofits

Creation of Energy Efficiency Revolving Fund How this could work:
Detailed energy/indoor environment audit for local district Audit would support funding request; local district provides 25% of capital funding, revolving fund provides remainder as a low- or nointerest loan 50% of the annual savings accrues to the district, the remaining 50% is reinvested in the fund to finance future EE upgrades Seed fund established with bond issue, state surplus, grant funding, etc.

Additional Resources
U.S. Dept. of Energy - Energy Smart Schools


http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energysmartschools

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Education



http://www1.eere.energy.gov/education

Energy Star


www.energystar.gov (Buildings & Plants)

Additional Resources
Collaboration for High Performance Schools


http://www.chps.net

National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities (NCEF)



http://www.edfacilities.org

ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guides



http://www.ashrae.org/publications/page/1604

Final Thoughts


Energy conservation and efficiency is affordable now, and more affordable over time Select A&E firms who demonstrate innovation and experience with energy efficient design Use an integrated design approach to optimize energy efficiency and LEED rating
Choose trade-offs between LEED categories wisely

A comprehensive O&M and Energy Management Plan ensures sustained savings and performance

Contact Information

Phil Voss National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Philip_Voss@nrel.gov; (504) 528-8428 Joe Ryan nola Energy Consulting (contractor to NREL) nolaec@cox.net; (504) 528-8425

QUESTIONS?