Myths, Obstacles and Opportunities of Energy Efficiency in the Re-Use of Historic Buildings Sean Denniston New Buildings Institute Project Analyst

National non-profit & think-tank working to improve the energy efficiency of commercial buildings. Intro

The Goal We don’t have time to give you a comprehensive guide to energy efficiency in historic preservation, but we can give you a framework and point you in the right direction. Intro

Myths

Myth # 1: All old buildings are inherently inefficient. Myths

The Hidden Barn, Vancouver, WA The Home of NBI

Myths NBI Study of the measured performance of 100 LEED buildings.

Myth # 2: You have to replace those historic windows if you want to be energy efficient. Myths

Yearly energy saving (on one 3’ x 5’ window):625,922 Btu Annual savings per window ( $0.95/therm):$9.65/ year _____________________________________________________ Simple payback ($400 installed / $9.65 ): 41½ years!! “OLD” WOOD WINDOW/REPLACEMENT WINDOW ENERGY ANALYSIS. -- Keith Haberern

Obstacles

Ignorance Obstacles

Ignorance Obstacles

Ignorance Obstacles Minimum Bottom 35% Top 35% Maximum

Ignorance Mechanical Contractors are trained to minimize comfort complaints, not energy. Obstacles

Ignorance Mechanical Contractors are trained to minimize comfort complaints, not energy. Many contractors and mechanical engineers don’t understand the latest techniques and approaches. Obstacles

Ignorance Mechanical Contractors are trained to minimize comfort complaints, not energy. Many contractors and mechanical engineers don’t understand the latest techniques and approaches. Many consultants and mechanical engineers only understand how we build buildings now. Obstacles

The Code

A building that meets code is not an efficient building. Obstacles

The Code Obstacles

The Code A building that meets code is not an efficient building. Code compliance can result in minimally efficient in-efficiency. Obstacles

Opportunities

Passive Strategies Opportunities

Passive Strategies 1887: The cutting edge of Green Design. Opportunities

Passive Strategies 1887: The cutting edge of Green Design. Opportunities

Passive Strategies Minimized Glazing Area Thermal Mass Daylighting Natural Ventilation Opportunities

Commissioning Opportunities

Savings as % of Baseline These buildings appear to use more energy than the code baseline! Opportunities Commissioning

Embodied Energy Opportunities

Embodied Energy

Opportunities Embodied Energy

Opportunities Embodied Energy

Major Lessons

Many historic buildings were designed for energy efficiency, take advantage of it.

Major Lessons Many historic buildings were designed for energy efficiency, take advantage of it. Commissioning is vital.

Major Lessons Many historic buildings were designed for energy efficiency, take advantage of it. Commissioning is vital. Expertise! Expertise! Expertise!

Thank you New Buildings Institute Sean Denniston