GreenClips.254 12.08.04 TIME FOR A BREAK... Look for GreenClips.255 after 01.05.05. Happy Holidays! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEMS KEY TO HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILDINGS Since the release of ASHRAE 90.1-1999, a LEED prerequisite, BAS and controls systems have become the major focus in achieving significant energy savings. And ASHRAE 90.1-2002 energy code features include: zone thermostatic controls; automatic shutdown; setback controls; optimum start/stop controls; zone isolation; demand controlled ventilation; air and water economizers; humidification; VAV fan-speed controls; and VAV static pressure reset from terminal box positions. None of these could be performed efficiently without networked digital BAS controllers. These BAS requirements and opportunities all apply to meeting the LEED Energy & Atmosphere Prerequisite 2, but BAS plays a larger role in achieving other LEED credits. For the Energy & Atmosphere Prerequisite Credit 3 - Additional Building Systems Commissioning, BAS has the tools necessary for collection, storage/retrieval, analysis and visualization of equipment and systems operating performance. BAS diagnostics and data visualization tools are available but must be specified to be able to support continuous commissioning plans. Next is the Energy & Atmosphere Credit 5 - Measurement & Verification Utilizing BAS. The M&V data gained by the LEED requirement provides much needed information on how systems are utilized and performing so that the BAS can be programmed to react to real-time operational histories. This data can be utilized by a BAS to know when to shed non-critical loads, diagnose system/equipment inefficiencies and improve overall system performance. Continuous advancement in microprocessor and distributed open network technologies, as well as the application of software concepts migrating from industrial environments, is allowing BAS to quickly move from simply controlling and monitoring a building's renewable and non-renewable energy and water resources to truly optimizing the allocation and consumption of these resources. Consulting Specifying Engineer, Nov 04, p 31, by Donald G. Posson and Alberto Rios. EXHIBIT EXPLORES LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS' ROLE IN MINE RECLAMATION In the U.S. alone, new mining will create more than 100,000 square miles of land needing reclamation by the year 2230 as well as 800,000 abandoned mines requiring reclamation. At an exhibition appearing through January 17, 2005, Harvard Design School explores current and future directions for landscape architects and designers to consider in engaging in reclamation. For exhibit information visit www.gsd.harvard.edu/news/exhibitions/current.htm. Architectural Record, Nov 04, p 54 SPECIFYING FOR LEED CERTIFICATION Some LEED prerequisites and credits, such as EA Credit 1 - Optimize Energy Performance, require no specific provisions in contract documentation. However, others either indirectly affect specifications or depend heavily on certain qualities of the products specified. This article presents an overview of how to specify for LEED. It explains why it makes sense to hire a commissioning agent at the start of the design process and involve the agent in writing the Division 1 commissioning section(s). Other highlights include: sample text for use in the submittals article, based on requirements in ARCOM's Masterspec(R) section on rough carpentry; as well as sample text for specifying certified wood in the interior finish carpentry section; specifying low emitting adhesive in the section on ceramic tile; and erosion and sedimentation control in the section on site clearing. Example for specifying UF-free particleboard: "Particleboard - American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A 208.1, Grade M-2, made with binder containing no urea-formaldehyde resin." The Construction Specifier, Nov 04, p 32, by Eugene "Buz" Groshong Jr NATIONAL COMMISSION ON ENERGY POLICY ISSUES RECOMMENDATIONS In an attempt to break a deadlock on energy policy, a diverse group of environmentalists, academics and former government officials have published a report presenting strategies for making the country cleaner, more competitive and less vulnerable to energy shocks. The $5 million, two-year private study, titled "Ending the Energy Stalemate," is intended to be a package-deal blueprint and a basis for action by Congress. The group, the National Commission on Energy Policy, was financed by the Hewlett Foundation and other private sources. The report suggests sharp increases in fuel economy requirements, and letting automakers buy and sell mileage credits. It calls for a similar cap-and-trade system for limiting greenhouse gas emissions, with a price limit on the value of a ton of emissions to avoid stunting economic growth. The group advocates spending $2 billion to build one or two sample nuclear reactors using advanced technology. It also supports building electricity plants that cook coal to produce combustible gases, which are then burned in turbines - leaving open the possibility that carbon dioxide can be captured. The study gives short shrift to several perennial ideas on energy, such as hydrogen technology and corn ethanol. The report also did not stress ordering electric companies to buy more power from solar, wind and other renewable sources. [To download report: http://www.energycommission.org/] The New York Times, 8 Dec 04, p C2, by Matthew L. Wald LESSER-KNOWN AND LOWER-GRADE WOODS In addition to requesting certified woods of well-known species, architects are encouraged by the Rainforest Alliance, Metafore, and other like-minded environmental groups to consider both lesser-known and lower-grade woods. In Wood for Building Green, a practical guide recently published by Metafore, the organization explains that by specifying a larger range of types and grades, design professionals will help increase the value of diverse forests, which in turn will provide greater economic incentives to maintain healthy forest ecosystems worldwide. Liza Murphy, forest products marketing associate at the Rainforest Alliance says that specifying certified woods - especially those from the tropics - requires a little more lead time but does not present a significant increase in cost. There are people in the industry, however, who disagree: "It's cumbersome, unrealistic, and requires a lot of money," Dan Meyerson, of Bacon Veneer Company, says of the of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification process. "FSC doesn't have a monopoly on proper forest management techniques." Large suppliers like Bacon are particularly frustrated that LEED(R), only recognizes FSC certification. David W. Hess, senior associate at Cesar Pelli & Associates in New York, thinks highly of FSC, but notes that FSC-certified woods are not always available, and may not be easily accessible in showrooms. His firm has sometimes used noncertified European wood. "Europe has incredibly good sustainable forestry practices. It made sense to us to use the wood, even though it was not FSC-certified, because it was handled in a way that was ecologically sound," says Hess. Architectural Record, Nov 04, by Nancy B. Solomon [Full text available with free registration: http://archrecord.construction.com/resources/conteduc/archives/0411edit-1.asp. To download Wood for Building Green: http://www.metafore.org/index.php?p=Wood+for+Building+Green&s=34] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GreenClips is free of charge thanks to individual members and these sponsors: ARMSTRONG CEILING SYSTEMS http://www.armstrong.com/commceilingsna/article10790.html Armstrong offers an expanding portfolio of sustainable ceiling products. Through the Ceiling Recycling Program, an industry first and only one of its kind, old tiles are shipped to an Armstrong plant, not a landfill; 20 million square feet recycled to date. BALL STATE UNIVERSITY http://www.bsu.edu/greening/ Call for papers! Abstracts for Greening of the Campus 6: Extending Connections are due February 11, 2005! 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