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Peter Rumsey Quoted in Article on Friction A large percentage of the world's energy is used to push liquids and gases through pipes, ducts and tubing. The implications of simple things like properly sized pipes in many different kinds of systems are enormous. Systems are often engineered to be wasteful, and changing the relationships between fans or pumps and piping or ducts can deliver significant efficiency gains. Newsweek's article discusses how companies are fighting friction to save energy in the global economy.Learn More
Peter Rumsey and David Kaneda named "Green Dreamers" on Autodesk's Sustainability Center site If sustainability is about meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, what does it mean for today’s young people? They are the bridge between today’s paradigm, with all its problems and possibilities, and the one they will leave their offspring. So what are they doing about it? Peter Rumsey and David Kaneda were recently profiled on Autodesk's new Sustainability Center website. Learn More
ASHRAE Journal Features Article on Chilled Beams by Peter Rumsey and John Weale In laboratories, the use of active chilled beams, also called induction diffusers, allows designers to decouple ventilation requirements from sensible heating and cooling functions. If applied carefully and thoughtfully, this strategy can dramatically reduce both reheat energy and air-handling system size. In a recent laboratory project where active chilled beams were used, the size of outside air handlers and ductwork was reduced by 40%, and reheat was eliminated completely.
Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences Spotlighted in AIA Newsletter For most people, a mental image of Lake Tahoe, Nev., features water sports, casinos, and snow skiing. For a select group of students, researchers, and faculty, Lake Tahoe is the site of a sustainable, state-of-the-art laboratory and research facility for studying the importance of alpine lakes and preserving their environmental quality and clarity. Nestled among the evergreens, and mere meters from the largest alpine lake in North America, the recently completed Tahoe Center for Environmental Studies (TCES) was designed by Reno-based Lundahl and Associates and is the result of a unique partnership among many players. Built to Last: Global Ecology Building Showcases Sustainability On April 12, the Carnegie Institution dedicated a new, environmentally innovative building on campus to house its Global Ecology Department, established in 2002 for interdisciplinary study of Earth's ecosystems. Built to last a century, the $5.5 million facility maximizes energy efficiency, minimizes waste and uses recycled materials - including redwood siding from 100-year-old wine barrels and crumbled concrete from other buildings. Rumsey Engineers designed and modeled a heating and cooling system that uses 54 percent less energy than standard systems. Ten Tips for Cleanroom Energy Efficiency HVAC systems consume up to 50 percent of a microchip fab's electricity. Much of this wasted energy and excess capacity results from minimizing first cost instead of cost-of-ownership in fast-track design and construction. High-efficiency design and equipment can cost more up front. Penny-wise, pound-foolish shortcuts and cost-cutting degrade performance and increase energy bills for a facility's lifetime. This article describes 10 energy-efficiency tips for new and existing facilities, offering proven techniques with minimal risk, low or no cost, and attractive payback periods. Rumsey
Engineers and Davis Energy Group Announced Strategic Alliance Environmental Design + Construction Magazine, January 20, 2003 By Peter Rumsey, PE, Chris Lotspeich, and Sim Van der Ryn The architect and engineer work together on the same design, but that has not always suggested that they coordinate efforts to produce an optimal building. This can result in safe, interesting-looking structures, but not necessarily those that are sufficient for sustainable development, imposing unnecessary costs on society. All of the participants in this development process are often acting in rational self-interest. However, there are numerous remedies available for breaking down barriers and achieving efficient buildings. An
Examination of ACRs: An Opportunity to Reduce Energy and Construction
Costs Air change rates per hour (ACRs) are crucial for cleanroom designers because they have a significant impact on fan sizing and energy use. Today, designers and cleanroom operators have a variety of sources to choose from when looking for an ACR recommendation. There is no clear consensus on what is an optimum ACR, and many of the established guidelines are outdated. Using best-practice ACRs can result in clean-filtered air, lower construction costs and reduced energy costs - a win-win situation for cleanroom owners. Renovating
the Design and Construction Process for Sustainable Success, Part 1 How can those involved in the design-build process collaborate more effectively to make greener structures? In this article we will explore some common obstacles to creating more sustainable buildings, and suggest ways that architects and engineers can work together with colleagues and clients to achieve superior economical and environmental results. Engineers'
Designs Grow Green Buildings Laboratory
Low-Pressure Drop Design A typical laboratory building's ventilation system uses more than 50% of the building's total energy. The article discusses design considerations that are important for reducing air pressure drop (supply and exhaust system combined total air pressure differential), which can significantly reduce energy consumption and cost. Included are limitations of standard design methods, guidelines and design practices for reducing pressure drop, and successful case studies. Reinventing
HVAC Design for Green Buildings Sustainability principles and green building performance characteristics have pushed architects and engineers to reinvent the definition of a climate-responsive design. New strategies for providing comfort in buildings are progressing rapidly but still have much room for improvement. The palette of HVAC options is more expansive than the typical suite of measures now used most green buildings.
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