TOP TRENDING ARTICLES

 

The cost of heating a building is a major expense for most building owners, and it is also a cost to the health and well-being of the general population in carbon pollution. By incorporating renewable energy technologies into the design and construction of a building, both these costs can be substantially reduced. Building owners are seeking ways in which to reduce their energy consumption. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the country’s buildings account for 36 percent of total energy use, and 30 percent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Renewable energy technologies offer several methods in which to reduce both energy consumption and emissions. One example is a transpired solar collector—an air-preheating system that augments the building’s standard heating system.

 

 

When it comes to designing indoor swimming pool facilities, it is critical to ensure not only a healthy interior environment, but also energy efficiency. New technologies can both provide optimal natatorium environmental control and curtail utility consumption when specified. Commercial dehumidifiers and 100 percent outside air ventilation system (OAVS) technology for indoor pools have significantly changed in the last decade. Consequently, a new or retrofitted natatorium HVAC system can potentially save millions of dollars in energy costs over the equipment’s 15 to 25-year life cycle, depending on the sustainable options specified.

 

 

Over the last decade, exterior shading has become more popular in the U.S. construction market. However, many architects and building owners still have limited knowledge about these systems and why they should be considered part of the building design. This article explores 10 frequently asked questions about exterior shading, while providing insight into available systems and how they can be an important part of the building’s environmental control.