Design
A balanced and thoughtful equation to achieving your energy goals
Design Process
Occupants want comfort and efficiency where they live, learn and earn.
The principal areas to achieve comfort are temperature, humidity, and CO2. All are important for healthy living.
Other factors of design are to do with; Style, form factor, orientation, #number of floors, location. Confirmation of design is based on calculations and energy modeling using an integrated design process. heat loss/heat gain calculations, duct design energy performance modeling window performance standards.
Audit
Design
Finance
Implement
Validate
It is critical that indoor environmental quality be measured at all times. The outdoor environment will have an influence so therefore the systems that are in place must be of the highest regard.
Three core components Three core components for indoor quality are temperature, CO2, and humidity.
For best results they should be looked and operate in unison to achieve an optimum environment with constant monitoring.
The above along with a constant flow of fresh air and the maintenance of systems will ensure that occupants are comfortable to the utmost level.
FLOOR-1 AIR QUALITY
FRESH AIR CHANGES
Maintaining a constant flow of fresh air is very important for indoor air quality.
Most important is the incorporation of heat or energy recovery systems.
Using this strategy allows mechanical systems to regulate your environment with infinite control based on occupancy or other parameters.
AVERAGE FLOOR CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)
The adverse health effects of increased CO2 levels can not be disputed.
This is especially so, such as in learning environments and locations where concentration is an important function of the work environment.
Therefore measuring and controlling CO2 within acceptable levels is important, maintaining levels below 1000ppm is best.
AHU-1 FILTER CHANGE
Monitoring and maintenance of operating systems is critical in achieving the pleasing indoor environmental quality that is sort after.
AVERAGE FLOOR TEMPERATURE
It is a known and proven fact that the human body works best when temperatures are maintained between 18c to 24c depending on the season.
Temperature control is not only important for the body but also on our environment around us, buildings, components etc.
Low temperatures have been attributed to issues such as mold growth and high temperature can lead to respiratory concerns.
AVERAGE FLOOR HUMIDITY
The effects of humidity are very well known for human comfort.
Ideal humidity should be maintained within a range of 40-60% and monitored constantly.
Humidity control is critical for a number of reasons, most importantly for occupant health and it has been highlighted that respiratory concerns can be magnified with elevatored or low levels of humidity.
Also high levels of humidity has been known to be a contributor of mold growth.
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