| November 2010 ♦ Vol. 8 Issue 11 |
Tomorrow's Green Buildings: Merging Design and Operations
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The modern green building movement first targeted new construction and asked developers, building owners, architects, engineers, and contractors to think differently about resource extraction, put systems in place to use less energy and water, and reduce the building's environmental footprint. But once we went back into these structures, we found that many buildings designed to be high performance aren't operating efficiently. The sustainable design industry then turned an eye to existing buildings, and facility managers, building engineers, staff, employees, and vendors took on major roles. Upgrades and retrofits helped set the stage for success, but again, a disconnect between the design intent and the day-to-day operations of a facility often remained. Until the disconnect is resolved, many of the best laid plans for green buildings will continue to fall through the proverbial cracks. An architect's contractual obligations typically end one year after construction. In most cases, the entire design team has moved on to other projects shortly after building occupancy. These professionals rarely get to see how well their design is performing and help strategize corrections when necessary, so building owners typically do not benefit from the design teams' expertise post-occupancy. Conversely, the people who operate the building usually don't have a chance to be involved in the design process, yet they possess invaluable information about their facility's requirements, staff routines and employee concerns. Building owners can forge a more dynamic, integrated process by restructuring their approach in several key areas. Read more about merging design and operations in your building …» |
Daikin McQuay
Daikin McQuay 150 to 530-ton Pathfinder™ chillers offer three levels of efficiency—Standard, High and Premium—to exactly meet performance requirements. The Standard efficiency model meets ASHRAE 90.1-2010 requirements; the premium model has best-in-class efficiency. Optional VFDs optimize part-load efficiency even more – up to 19.4 EER for the Premium efficiency model with VFD. Patented condenser fans move a maximum amount of air with minimum sound, making the Pathfinder chiller as quiet as it is efficient.
For more information, click here.
Today's building owners and managers operate in a tremendously fast-changing environment. Emerging requirements, escalating utility prices, and shifting tenant preferences have inspired building owners to adopt sustainable operations and maintenance practices. For facility managers, that means a shift in operations and maintenance processes, new systems and technology, and getting employees quickly up to speed. Training becomes a critical – but often overlooked – component to ensure that a facility achieves its sustainable goals.
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As we tread through economic uncertainty, re-evaluate our underwriting standards and investment criteria, and scrutinize every line-item expense, going green is making the business case to enhance the economic bottom line, increase marketability, and mitigate risk. This is the final article in a series of three on how to incorporate sustainability into real estate decisions in three primary categories: location, physical attributes, and operational practices.
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The latest in cutting-edge technology often creeps into the discussion when the subjects of green building design and operation arise. While systems and processes have seen remarkable progress in the past 10 years, going green doesn't demand state-of-the-art advances or sophisticated features. In fact, some of the more successful sustainable concepts are grounded in tried-and-true practices and cost very little (if properly planned).
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These scrubbers by Advance meet the requirements for sustainable cleaning equipment specified by the LEED-EBOM Rating System.
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AirRenew uses two technologies to actively improve IAQ.
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Track and monitor Energy Efficiency Evaluation Measurement and Verification (as defined by the State of California) in lighting applications, in real-time.
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Green Lease Strategies
Prepare Your Building for LEED for Commercial Interiors
Sustainability in Owner-Occupied Buildings
Let in the Light
Get Passive, Go Green
Using the Three Cs to Market Your Green Building
Volume Certification Takes a Different LEED Tact
Finding Your Best Renewable Energy Strategy
LEED on a Budget
Tried and True – The Art of Simple Solutions and Integrated Design
@ the Moment | Updates you weekly on the latest news, products and events happening in the commercial buildings marketplace.
Security News | Keep up-to-date with the latest statistics and trends on security management in commercial facilities. Issued once per month.
Roofing News | Takes you to the top of the building with tips on which style of roofing product will fit your specific needs . Issued once per month.
Energy News | In-depth energy information for facilities professionals.
Greener Facilities | Confused about green? Each month you gain more understanding about the explosive growth and direction of the green building movement and what it means for you.
