Sustainable Building Technical Manual - Etn-presco.net

❑ Maximize use of daylight.❑ Install dimming controls for use with windows and skylights.(See Chapter 9, “Daylighting,” and Chapter 12, “HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems.”)Plumbing❑ Reduce hot-water consumption by restricting flow rate with restrictors and lowflowfaucets, showers, and other fixtures.❑ Lower hot-water temperatures by setting thermostats at the lowest temperaturethat meets occupant needs.For special needs that require additional heating, install a booster heater.❑ Preheat feed water with reclaimed waste heat, such as boiler-flue heat and chillercondenserheat, from other building equipment processes.❑ Reduce hot-water heating system losses by insulating hot-water pipes and waterstorage tanks.❑ Use energy-efficient water-heating systems, such as decentralized water heaters thatoperate only when needed and provide water only at the required temperature.❑ If possible, use smaller water heaters for seasonal requirements.❑ Replace old electric resistance water heaters with heat-pump models.❑ Install automatic flush systems on toilets and urinals.❑ Install automatic shut-offs on sinks.(See Chapter 12, “HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems.”)Plug Loads❑ Consider the energy usage of electrical appliances and building equipment in procurementspecifications.❑ Select office equipment based on EPA’s Energy Star energy-efficiency ratings.❑ Retrofit older equipment with EPA Energy Star-approved controls.Such controls can optimize the energy efficiency of older computer monitors, centralprocessing units, printers, and fax machines.(See Chapter 12, “HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems.”)Resource Efficiency★ S I G N I F I CA N C E .Operation and maintenance of commercial buildings generate substantial amounts ofsolid waste, much of which can be mitigated by an integrated waste management program.A successful program should first reduce “upstream” waste, such as unnecessarypackaging associated with deliveries to a building. Next, it should reduce the waste associatedwith building operation; that is, paper, glass, newspaper, and other items. Finally, itshould minimize the “downstream” to the landfill by reusing or recycling waste materials.Water conservation is another important issue in building O&M. Reducing water consumption,through retrofitting individual fixtures during regular maintenance or replacingsystems during major building renovation, can cut operating budgets and conservewater resources (see Chapter 6, “Water Issues”).