Investment Tips

• Retrofit lighting. Convert T12 lights and magnetic ballast to T8 lights and electronic ballast. Install occupancy sensors, which can reduce lighting costs by up to 40%. Convert hallway and non-public security lighting to energy-saving 25-watt T12 bulbs. Convert TV surveillance cameras to newer equipment, which may not require floodlighting.
• Weatherize buildings. Install awnings, solar shade screens or sun-control film for windows, and apply a heat-blocking coating to your roof.
• Install an Energy Management System. An EMS will control heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment and lighting systems automatically to maximize efficiency and savings.
• Buy ENERGY STAR products. ENERGY STAR certified equipment and products use less energy than other products, save money on utility bills, and help protect the environment. Establish a business policy of only buying ENERGY STAR certified equipment such as computers, monitors and printers.
  

Building and Design Tips

• General cooling measures. Think about using "green" design features. Use evaporative cooling wherever possible. Attempt to use natural ventilation and light surfaces. Encourage daylighting of interior spaces in the design. Surround all buildings and cover parking lots with trees to reduce local environmental temperatures. Specify light-colored aggregates for local access road and sidewalk pavements.
• Landscaping and use of shade. Combine architectural features and shading so that a minimum of the building envelope is exposed to the sun. Design landscaping around the building and over parking areas so that no parking area is exposed to the sun. This will not only reduce the heat build-up in parked vehicles, but will reduce the temperature of air blowing against the building by 6 to 8 degrees.
• Combined heat and power systems. Often there is a balance between the heat requirements of an institution and its electrical needs. This energy match means that the waste heat from a small electrical generator can be used to generate electricity.
• Solar power on rooftops. Consider installing solar electric collectors and/or solar hot water collectors on the roof. Ensure that the building design includes adequate support for the dead weight load and the wind stress, and all conduits for pipes or wires.
• Water, gas and ventilation. Design a gray water collection system for irrigating landscaping. If natural gas is unavailable, consider ground source heat pumps. Design public space ventilation to respond to occupancy needs with such features as carbon dioxide detectors. Avoid air curtains that allow air leakage from conditioned spaces. Pressurize and test all ducts for leakage before dropped ceilings are installed.
• Engineering requirements. Be sure that Performance Assurance or building commissioning is included in the engineering services provided by the engineer.

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