Regional/National News:

October 29, 2009 - Sessions to Boost Efficiency, Sustainability of Contractor Projects Featured at AHR Expo

ATLANTA – Two sessions to assist contractors in construction management and high-performance building are being offered by ASHRAE at the AHR Expo.

“The bottom line is that we’re all striving to deliver excellent service for our clients and to do that more effectively,” Billy Austin, chair of ASHRAE’s task group on contractors and design build firms that is sponsoring the sessions, said. “These ASHRAE sessions will bring together all members of the building team to learn new skills and to explore ways to work more closely together. With contractors representing 25 percent of Expo attendees, ASHRAE seeks to bring their knowledge and expertise into these sessions as well as to help shape the Society’s future activities in contracting and design/build.”

The sessions, which require no conference badge or fee for AHR Expo attendees, are Construction Management, 2-3 p.m.,Monday, Jan. 25, and Cost/Benefit Analysis Methodology and Tools Needed by Owners, 2-3 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 26.

Both take place at the Orange County Convention Center, site of the 2010 AHR Expo, Jan. 25-27, Orlando. The ASHRAE 2010 Winter Conference takes place Jan. 23-27, Rosen Shingle Creek hotel, Orlando. For more information, visit www.ashrae.org/orlando.

Construction Management addresses two key contractor-related topics to help improve the quality of their work: whether systems commissioning will improve the contractors’ ability to perform well and preconstruction management basics for mechanical engineers and contractors on design-build/design-assist projects.

Cost/Benefit Analysis Methodology and Tools Needed by Owners providesan understanding of high-performance building cost-benefit analysis with a focus on the LEED rating system. Several topics are addressed, including cost/benefit project setup, fiscal metrics, constraints and length of analysis.

ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.

Winter Conference Technical Program to Focus on Humidity, Indoor Environments

ATLANTA— What better place to learn about the latest developments in humidity control than Florida? The 2010 ASHRAE Winter Conference, which takes place January 23-27, 2010 in Orlando, Fla. will focus on developments that contribute to making indoor environments sustainable in humid climates, while also addressing a myriad of other HVAC&R industry issues.

The technical program will be based on the theme Building Sustainability from the Inside Out. According to Dennis Wessel, the Orlando Conference chair, “the technical program presents state-of-the-art concepts and design techniques on a wide range of hot topics.”

“The technical program features a mix of presentations and papers concentrated in 11 tracks, including the impact of ASHRAE standards 90.1 and 62.1, sustainability, and a combined energy conservation and alternative energy solutions track, the largest track,” Wessel said.

The technical program focuses on humidity control and the industry’s ability to improve comfort for occupants and save energy. Sessions address Operating Cost Implications in Humid Environments, Enhanced Dehumidification Strategies with Energy Recovery in Hot and Humid Climates, Humidity Control Issues and Solutions for High Performing Buildings, Ensuring the Performance of Your UFAD System and Solving Moisture Problems Created by Energy Retrofits.

Current interest programs include building information modeling, design of healthcare facilities, wireless sensing and control networks, commissioning, data centers, LEED and ground source heat pumps. In addition, the professional skills track includes business management sessions on billing and collection practices.

The technical plenary will discuss H1N1 and look at the importance of building ventilation as compared to vaccination and quarantine in infection control. The technical plenary will take place Sunday, Jan. 24, 9:45 – 10:45 am.

Additionally, two free contractor-related sessions will be presented in conjunction with the AHR Expo held at the Orange County Convention Center. Construction Management will be held Monday, Jan. 25, 2-3 pm and Cost/Benefit Analysis Methodology and Tools Needed by Owners will be held Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2-3 pm.

In all, the technical program features more than 90 programs and 300 speakers. The 2010 ASHRAE Winter Conference and will take place at the Rosen Shingle Creek hotel, Orlando, Fla. For complete conference information, including abstracts on all technical program sessions, or to register, visit www.ashrae.org/orlando.

ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.

February 18, 2009 - Economic Stimulus Bill Reinforces Importance of Energy-Saving Standard 90.1

ATLANTA—In the economic stimulus package just signed into law by President Obama, ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007 and its energy-saving features are recognized through special funding measures.

For states to receive additional funding from the $16.8 billion allotted to the Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, governors would be required to work toward implementation of a building energy code at least as stringent as Standard 90.1-2007 and to develop a plan for achieving 90 percent compliance with the code, including provisions for training and enforcement programs.

“For more than 30 years, Standard 90.1 has been one of the building industry’s most important benchmarks for energy efficiency,” says ASHRAE President Bill Harrison. “Its inclusion in the economic stimulus package demonstrates not only its importance in the building industry, but the importance and economic potential of saving energy and promoting energy-efficient technologies.”

Standard 90.1 provides minimum requirements for the energy-efficient design of buildings in the United States, except low-rise residential buildings. Written during the 1970s energy crisis, ASHRAE Standard 90.1 first was published in 1975 as an effort to cut energy use in buildings. The 2004 version of the standard is referenced in the U.S. Energy Policy Act, which requires states to adopt commercial building codes that meet or exceed the standard’s requirements.

ASHRAE has set a goal of making the standard 30 percent more stringent over the 2004 version by the 2010 publication.

The stimulus package, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, focuses on economic stimulus through both tax credits and public-sector spending, with a heavy focus on infrastructure and energy. Several provisions are of interest to and could bring new opportunities to the building sector, including:

• Tax credits for the production of renewable energy are extended until at least 2012
• Research expenses associated with renewables, conservation, and carbon capture and sequestration could result in higher credits in 2009 and 2010
• The Department of Energy is authorized to provide grants up to 30% of the cost of installation of items such as fuel cells, solar, small wind, geothermal heat pumps, and combined heat and power systems
• Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy receiving $21.4 billion for research, weatherization assistance, grants and other programs
• Department of Labor receiving $750 million for job training, with significant focus on emerging industry sectors including energy efficiency and renewable energy
• Federal agencies are receiving considerable funds for retrofitting and upgrading existing facilities to meet federal energy and water use requirements and alleviate any maintenance backlogs

For more information on ASHRAE government affairs, please visit www.ashrae.org/advocacy.

November 11, 2008 - New Report Illustrates Challenges of Meeting Energy Targets for Federal Buildings

ATLANTA – Federal agencies may have to make significant process changes to meet the mandated 30 percent energy reduction in federal building by 2015, according to a new report. Produced by attendees of a workshop held by representatives of the Federal Facilities Council and private-sector organizations, the report details the challenges of meeting the requirements of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA).

One of the main changes recommended by attendees is alteration of funding mechanisms by Congress. Appropriators and oversight committees need to recognize that previous funding patterns may need to change, as additional upfront funds may be needed to implement energy savings, but long-term costs will fall with lower energy expenditures.

One suggested strategy for funding improvement is establishing a government-wide revolving fund for energy improvements and energy efficient equipment purchases, to be funded in part by the energy savings agencies would realize from long-term improved energy efficiency efforts. The report also mentions the hope that agencies be given greater flexibility in managing their portfolios by selling unneeded assets and retaining funds to improve existing buildings.

Technical feasibility is also a major consideration in meeting EISA’s requirements. An integrated design process for both construction and renovations is essential; bringing together appropriators, procurement officers, design and construction teams, facility managers, project managers, training teams, and building occupants from the first phases of a project can encourage the kinds of collaboration necessary to making energy-saving decisions.

Other key areas of interest include:

• Education and training. These areas must be addressed, with opportunities for all agency employees with a focus on their particular roles within the organization—whether as building occupants, facilities management personnel, or procurement officers. Also, as new technologies are implemented, training—particularly of operations and maintenance staff—is necessary to assure these technologies operate at their ideal state to achieve energy savings.

• Case study development to assist agencies and the private sector in developing best practices and learning from previous projects. Effective case studies of energy-efficient buildings will rely on measurement and verification of energy use and other data.

To download a copy of the report, please visit http://www.ashrae.org/docLib/20081103_FedBldgReport.pdf.

ASHRAE plans to hold a legislative briefing in February to discuss federal agencies’ progress in meeting the requirements and the needs identified in the report. For more information on ASHRAE Government Affairs, please visit www.ashrae.org/advocacy.

ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.

2008 October - 6^TH Congress Extends Energy Tax Incentives through Economic Recovery Package

ATLANTA – With the passage of the economic recovery package by Congress last week, banks aren’t the only ones relieved; proponents of energy efficiency efforts are as well.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) commends Congress on including in the package provisions for the extension of expired and expiring tax incentives for renewable energy, energy-efficient building upgrades, and appliance and equipment purchases.

“These energy provisions are essential to realizing ASHRAE’s goal of reaching net-zero-energy buildings,” says Bill Harrison, ASHRAE president. “But more importantly, they are essential for the energy independence of our nation. While the banking industry may be visibly suffering now due to these economic times, we will all suffer if we don’t find ways to take advantage of alternative energy sources and make our buildings more efficient.”
Though several attempts were made during the 110th Congress to extend these credits and incentives, those attempts failed due to disagreement over funding issues.

One key provision in the legislation is the extension of the Commercial Building Tax Deduction (CBTD) through 2013. This allows building owners to claim a deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot for HVAC, lighting or envelope upgrades resulting in 50% savings over ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2001. This five-year extension allows for the planning schedules often needed in design and construction, whereas the provision previously was only certain for shorter periods, affecting its usefulness.

The legislation additionally creates new credits for combined heat and power system property, small wind energy property, and geothermal heat pump systems through 2016.

Other energy provisions in the legislation include:

§ Extending the Renewable Energy Production Credit for wind to 2010, biomass, geothermal, solar and hydro to 2011, and adds a marine/tidal credit through 2012.

§ Extending credits for solar energy property, fuel cell property and microturbines through 2016.

§ Establishing provisions for Energy Conservation Bonds issued by states or localities to conduct energy conservation projects

§ Extending residential tax credits for energy saving appliances, energy efficient homes, and on-site renewables.

§ Adding accelerated depreciation period for smart meters and smart grid systems, encouraging investment in these systems.

§ Extending a program providing tax-exempt bond designation to designated green building and sustainable design projects on brownfields.

§ Extending the expired business research credit through 2009.

For more information on ASHRAE Government Affairs, please visit www.ashrae.org/advocacy

September 22, 2008 - Changes Proposed for ASHRAE Standards, Guidelines

ATLANTA – ASHRAE is currently accepting public input on more than 35 proposed addenda to standards as well as a proposal to withdraw Standard 52.1.

Addendum to various standards, including 15 (refrigerate safety), 34 (classification of refrigerants), 55 (thermal comfort), 90.1 (energy efficiency), 62.1 (ventilation), 62.2 (residential ventilation), and 135 (BACnet) are open for review, as are seven standards and one guideline.  Compete information can be found at  www.ashrae.org/publicreviews.

Among them is the proposed withdrawal of ASHRAE Standard 52.1-1992, Gravimetric and Dust-Spot Procedures for Testing Air-Cleaning Devices Used in General Ventilation for Removing Particulate Matter.

The most important features of this standard, dust-holding capacity and arrestance, have been incorporated into Standard 52.2-2008, Method of Testing General Ventilation Air Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size. The only unique features remaining in Standard 52.1 are the dust-spot efficiency tests – now replaced particle-size efficiency tests in 52.2 – and a renewable filter test not used by the industry for decades, according to Monroe Britt, committee chair.

Among the proposed addenda to Standard 90.1 is addenddum ap, which would modify the requirements for demand control ventilation; adding the demand controlled ventilation requirements to the simplified approach in order to keep the stringency of this path the same as the mandatory plus prescriptive path of compliance.  Also proposed is a change to addendum af to modify energy savings requirements to recognized varied piping material pressure drops.

Six proposed addenda to Standard 62.1 are open for comment, including a proposal regarding outdoor air cleaning. Addendum 62.1c adds significant air cleaning requirements in many locations within the United States. Regarding particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and smaller, for buildings in those U.S. locations established as non-attainment for PM2.5 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 62.1c would require that the ventilation system include particle filters rated at least MERV 11 (installed between the outdoor air intake and the occupied zone). Regarding ozone air cleaning, the proposed addendum would require that the ventilation system include ozone air cleaners rated for at least 40% ozone removal efficiency.

ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.

2008 September – 10^TH New Standard Provides Guidance on Testing Seismic Restraints for HVAC&R Equipment

ASHRAE Standard 171-2008 Published

ATLANTA – Forget what Jerry Lee Lewis said; there’s not going to be a whole lotta shakin’ going on with a new standard from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).  ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 171-2008, Method of Testing Seismic Restraint Devices for HVAC&R Equipment, provides manufacturers a standard way of testing such devices to prequalify products for earthquake-prone areas.

“This standard is a breakthrough for ASHRAE,” says James Tauby, chair of the committee that wrote the standard.  “This new national standard moves testing from the West Coast to the entire United States.

It is the first national standard for seismic restraint testing of non-structural components that does not require shaker table testing, which is the required testing form in many California projects. Standard 171 provides provide static-test procedures for determining the capacity of seismic restraints for HVAC&R equipment. These test procedures determine the maximum force a restraint can withstand without breakage or permanent deformation.

Manufacturers of vibration isolators, seismic restraint vendors and strut channels can use the standard to test their products’ suitability for standing up to earthquake conditions, and consulting engineers can use the standard as a reference in specifications.

The cost of Standard 171-2008 is $39 ($31, ASHRAE members).

To order, contact ASHRAE Customer Service at 1-800-527-4723 (United States and Canada) or 404-636-8400 (worldwide), by mail at 1791 Tullie Circle NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, or visit the ASHRAE.org Bookstore at www.ashrae.org.

ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.

2008 September – 5^TH Inspection, Maintenance Requirements Outlined in New ASHRAE/ACCA Standard

ATLANTA – Maintain to sustain is the name of the game when it comes to saving energy and money in today’s building stock.

A new standard from ASHRAE and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) will help ensure a consistent minimal level of HVAC&R maintenance and inspection to preserve a system’s ability to achieve acceptable thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality in commercial buildings.

ANSI/ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 180-2008, Standard Practice for Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Building HVAC Systems, is the first standard to address inspection and maintenance of HVAC systems. Robert Baker, chair of the committee that wrote the standard, noted that inconsistencies exist within the building industry when it comes to inspection and maintenance of HVAC systems, with some facilities following rigorous policies while others have adopted a run-to-failure approach.

“Consistent maintenance ensures that energy efficiency remains at design levels,” Baker said. “Where maintenance is neglected, energy costs rise significantly and equipment life drops dramatically. With HVAC&R systems responsible for about 60 percent of site electrical energy use, it’s imperative that we provide consistent maintenance and inspection to improve energy efficiency along with thermal comfort and indoor air quality. When systems are not maintained, indoor air quality, occupant comfort and energy efficiency all suffer.”

In addition, much of the information that will be required to prepare the maintenance program can be obtained from building commissioning documents, which provides a basis for identifying failures.

The cost of ANSI/ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 180-2008, Standard Practice for Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Building HVAC Systems, is $31 ($25, ASHRAE members).

To order, contact ASHRAE Customer Service at 1-800-527-4723 (United States and Canada) or 404-636-8400 (worldwide), fax 404-321-5478, or visit at www.ashrae.org/bookstore.

ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.

2008 JULY – 28^TH ASHRAE Publishes New Guidance on Commissioning Process

ATLANTA – Specific tasks to successfully implement the commissioning process for HVAC&R systems and assemblies are featured in a new guideline from ASHRAE.

ASHRAE Guideline 1.1, HVAC&R Technical Requirements for the Commissioning Process, describes the technical requirements for the application of the commissioning process described in ASHRAE Guideline 0-2005 that will verify that the HVAC&R systems achieve the owner’s project requirements.

“The quality-oriented process outlined in the guideline provides improved quality and greater cost effectiveness compared to commissioning as currently practiced by many commissioning providers,” Walter Grondzik, secretary of the committee that wrote the guideline, said. “One problem with the current practice is that 100 percent checking is performed during the construction phase of the project delivery process, and this checking usually focuses on limited or targeted systems. Quality-based sampling is not used, and so the current approach has limited quality-based random inspection procedures.”

The guideline contains more than 100 pages of annexes, providing concrete examples of forms and documents to assist the commissioning team and owners in their efforts to deliver quality buildings that meet the owner' s project requirements. Twenty-five sample checklists, covering pre-design, design and construction, are included along with a sample owner’s project requirements verification test procedure.

The cost of ASHRAE Guideline 1.1, HVAC&R Technical Requirements for the Commissioning Process, is $69 ($55, ASHRAE members).

To order, contact ASHRAE Customer Service at 1-800-527-4723 (United States and Canada) or 404-636-8400 (worldwide) or visit at www.ashrae.org/bookstore.

SIDEBAR

Why should you use the commissioning process? Commissioning a building (and systems within a building) helps ensure that:

· The owner’s project requirements are complete, feasible and well-documented;

· The design team’s solutions adequately address the owner’s requirements;

· Construction is complete and of appropriate quality;

· The owner receives the training and project documentation to successfully operate the project;

· The many players in the project acquisition process can cooperate for the common good.

This web site describes the activities of ASHRAE_® Chapter 127 of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE_®). It does not present official positions of the Society nor reflect Society policy. ASHRAE_® is not responsible for this site’s content. To learn more about ASHRAE activities on an international level, contact the ASHRAE_® home page at http://www.ashrae.org.

Revised: 11/9/09