Building Environmental Impacts and Sustainability
ASHRAE Technical Committee 2.8

Past Programs

June 2017 - Long Beach

WORKSHOP 1: Are We Afraid of What We’ll Find? Using Real Buildings to Improve ASHRAE Standards and Publications 
Chair: Joy Altwies, Ph.D., P.E.
, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
This workshop explains the results of a recent ASHRAE research project, 1627-RP, that studied the actual performance of buildings built using the ASHRAE 30% AEDG for schools and offices. Can we replicate the study to investigate the performance of buildings built using Standard 90.1? What will we find? Can the results be used to improve our future standards and publications?
1. Potential New Research on the Actual Energy Performance of Buildings Designed to Comply with ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010
J. Kevin Cross, P.E., Member, Honeywell, Fort Collins, CO
2. Highlights of 1627-RP: Actual Energy Performance of Small Office and K-12 School Buildings Designed to Meet the 30% ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guides

Dennis Jones, P.E., Member, Group14 Engineering Inc., Denver, CO

SEMINAR 7: NZEB from Foundation to Financing: Nonresidential Buildings 
Chair: Janice Means, P.E.
, Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, MI
This seminar addresses commercial solar PV systems and discusses the steps to be followed during the design phase including system sizing. Also, it demonstrates the importance of demand savings that should be included in the economic analysis of PV systems. Other topics such as tax credits, third party financing and ownership and other methods are discussed to give project design professionals a full understanding of the options available to them to move toward Zero Net Energy Buildings. In addition, sustainability in historic buildings and the use of renewable energy systems is covered.
1. Introduction to Solar Electric Design and Installation 
Khalid Nagidi, BEAP, Member, Energy Management Consulting Group, Wantagh, NY
2. Photovoltaic (PV) Systems Impact on Electric Demand
Svein Olav Morner, Ph.D., P.E., CPMP, Member, Sustainable Engineering Group, Madison, WI
3. Financing and Ownership Alternatives for Large Scale Solar PV Projects
James Leidel, Member, Oakland University, Rochester, MI
4. Deep Energy Refurbishment of Historic and Heritage Buildings to Reach NZEB Status
Marija Todorovic, Ph.D., P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, University of Belgrade, VEA-INVI.Ltd Director, Belgrade, Serbia

SEMINAR 17: Those Who Cannot Remember the Past are Condemned to Repeat It: Modeling, Performance and Lessons Learned from Installation of Solar Energy Systems
Chair: Michael Case, Ph.D.
, US Army Corps of Engineers, Champaign, IL 
This session reviews modeled and actual performance and lessons learned from the installation of diverse renewable energy systems at Fort Huachuca and the Presidio of Monterey. It discusses the design, installation, operations and maintenance of these systems as well as work in progress on the installation of a Sterling solar thermal electric generator. The seminar presents the results of two models of geo-exchange heat pump system with solar thermal for a community located in Toronto. Simulation results show that by integrating a solar thermal system, heat pump performance in the heating mode improves by 26%.  
1. Learning from History: Lesson Learned over 35 Years of Solar Energy at Fort Huachuca, AZ
William Stein, US Army Corps of Engineers, Champaign, IL
2. Solar Thermal Sizing, Modeling and Verification for an Army Barracks
Jay Tulley, U.S. Army Garrison, Monterey, CA
3. Solar Community Heating and Cooling System with Central Heat Pump and Geo-Exchange System for Cold Climates
Farzin Masoumi, Member, Union Gas Limited, Toronto, ON, Canada

SEMINAR 22: Feedback: The Essential Ingredient for High Performance Green Homes
Chair: Audrey Dupuis, Pageau Morel, Montreal, QC, Canada
In high performance homes, comfort drives design, design drives energy use and careful design choices drive actual energy performance and occupant satisfaction. However, thermal comfort standards don’t include energy efficiency compliance requirements, leading to mismatches between comfort and energy efficient designs. This seminar explains why and how to use the vocabulary of thermal comfort as the first solution in solving residential energy problems. It also describes how feedback tools can be useful in calibrating modeling inputs to verify and ensure that actual performance outcome are achieved by design. The cost of poor design choices is also discussed. 
1. Feedback Tools for Designing and Implementing Comfortable Efficient Homes
Dan Perunko, Balance Point Home Performance, Nevada City, CA
2. Which Should Come First in Housing, Energy Efficiency or Thermal Comfort?
Robert Bean, Member, Indoor Climate Consultants Inc., Calgary, AB, Canada
3. The Energy and Environmental Benefits of Design Choices that Provide Excellent Comfort
Chris Mathis, Member, Mathis Consulting, Montreal, AL

SEMINAR 33: Flooding: Superstorm Sandy: Lessons Learned & Strategies Implemented
Chair: Scott Sherwood, Eco Care Corp., Bronx, NY
An in-depth discussion regarding the issues and decisions that NYC building engineers, architects, contractors and code officials faced during and in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. Understanding the criteria to designing buildings and infrastructure supporting facilities to withstand Climate Events, in this case; Flooding, i.e., sub-cellar electrical distribution equipment exposed to flooding). Understanding NYC code changes implemented and lessons learned to design more efficient, resilient, and environmental friendly buildings. Understanding what kind of climatic data and trending is available to the ASHRAE community, the terms used in discussion of climate change and extreme weather events.
1. Superstorm Sandy: Lessons Learned
Chris Colasanti, P.E., Member, Jaros Baum & Bolles, New York, NY
2. Superstorm Sandy: New Codes & Design Considerations
Scott Sherwood, Member, Eco Care Corp., Bronx, NY
3. Life Safety Issues That Occurred at NYU Medical during and in the Aftermath of Superstorm Sandy
Richard Cohen, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY
4. Climatic Information: History & Current Data & Trending
William McQuade, Member, Johnson Controls, Inc., York, PA

FORUM 6: Best Practices For Low Energy Residential Buildings Across the Globe
Chair: Ashish Rakheja, P.E., AEON Integrated Building Design Consultants LLP, Noida, India
ASHRAE Associate Society Alliance (AASA) has members from over 50 global HVAC&R societies. AASA also has a large representation from Developing Countries where due to rapid urbanization, the demand for homes is growing exponentially (India alone will add 50 billion sq. ft. of constructed space in next two decades). The Forum discusses the case studies and best practices followed in design of cost effective homes. This Forum has international flavor with representatives from more than 20 countries and provides an opportunity to the attendees to interact & learn from each other.

SEMINAR 41: Designs and Policies for Affordable Zero Net Energy Homes and Sustainable Communities
Chair: Larry Brand, Gas Technology Institute, Davis, CA
New homes and communities represent an opportunity for economical design options for zero net energy performance. This seminar explores the concept of design for affordability and for homes and communities and provides an overview of codes, standards and policies that influence affordability and market penetration. Home design incorporates integrated layout and system packages to maximize benefit-cost ratio. Community design incorporates building design and layout of the streets and community spaces for optimal solar orientation and building performance. Success stories are described along with a discussion of public policies intended to encourage zero net energy buildings.
1. Affordable Zero Net Energy Home Design Strategies
Mike Huber, Habitat for Humanity of San Joaquin County, Inc., Stockton, CA
2. Challenges and Opportunities in the Design of Sustainable Communities
Judi Schweitzer, Schweitzer and Associates, Lake Forest, CA
3. Zero Net Energy Policies: Opportunities and Challenges in California
Michelle Sim, SoCalGas, Los Angeles, CA

SEMINAR 47: Zero Energy Healthcare Buildings: Current Status and Future Efforts
Chair: David Eldridge Jr., P.E., Grumman/Butkus Associates, Evanston, IL
Hospitals have traditionally been high energy users. Recent research has shown that hospitals can be designed and operated as 'Net Zero Energy Buildings' or even positive energy, contributing to their local community's low carbon goals, in a cost effective and sustainable manner. This seminar collects reports from European research, UK energy targets and discussion of North American ambitions to reduce toward zero. Cost effective technologies exist but need to be adopted and applied in new and existing facilities to achieve NZEB in this challenging sector. Support such as a new ASHRAE design guide on NZE Hospitals is discussed.
1. Toward NZE Hospitals in North America
Heather Burpee, University of Washington Integrated Design Lab, Seattle, WA
2. Owner Perspective on Potential for NZE Healthcare Facilities
Travis English, P.E., Member, Kaiser Permanente, Anaheim, CA
3. European Research Study into NZE Hospitals
Hans Besselink, Member, HaskoningDHV Nederland B.V., Rotterdam, Netherlands
4. Strategies for NZE Hospitals in the UK
Francis Mills, CEng, Life Member, Frank Mills Consulting, Leyland, United Kingdom

WORKSHOP 9: How to Design, Construct and Operate Net Zero Hospitals AND Save Money
Chair: Francis Mills, CEng, Life Member, Frank Mills Consulting, Leyland, United Kingdom
Hospitals are high energy users and produce a lot of carbon emissions. However recent research has shown that hospitals can be designed and operated as 'Nett Zero Energy' or even Positive energy and this can be done without diverting funds from Healthcare. This workshop invites ASHRAE members to take part in a brainstorming session to see what are the best methods toward Nett Zero and what differences apply between different locations, countries and climate regions. Issue such as local Standards, codes and traditions will be raised and any other potential obstacles to the ZERO target.
1. How to Achieve Net Zero Energy Hospitals
Wim Maassen, Royal Haskoning DHV, Rotterdam, Netherlands
2. Strategies to Net Zero Hospitals
Frank Mills, Member, Low Carbon Design Consultants, Liverpool, United Kingdom 

January 2018 - Chicago

 AHR Expo Session 3: Real-World Experience Providing Residential Energy Excellence
Chair:
Carrie Anne Crawford, Associate Member, Austin, TX
High performance residential buildings combine modeling skills, designs for sustainable performance, installation practices that implement the integrated designs and strategies that satisfy a diverse set of occupant needs without penalizing energy performance or indoor environmental quality over the life of the building. This seminar highlights the importance of a trained workforce in meeting expected design and performance targets, shows the benefits of modeling to achieve exceptional performance affordably, compares model predictions with monitored performance in multifamily applications and demonstrates the positive impact of awareness and actionable energy data on occupant behavior when the landlord is paying the energy bill.
1. Five New Multifamily Residential Buildings: Measured Vs. Modeled Energy Consumption
Katrin Klingenberg, Passive House Institute US | PHIUS, Urbana, IL
2. Prescriptive Doesn’t Work for Buildings so Why Would It Work for a Project Team?
Kimberly LLewellyn, Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating, Suwanee, GA
3. The U.S. Army Experience: Reducing Energy When Occupants Don’t Pay for Utilities
Katherine Hammack, Fellow Member, Ernst & Young, McLean, V

Seminar 32: The Art and Science of Delivering Healthy, Productive and Effective Buildings
Chair: Tim Dwyer, CEng, Fellow ASHRAE, UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering (IEDE), London, United Kingdom
This seminar draws on the experience of senior industry practitioners who will show how robust, but not extreme, engineering practice that is accessible to all building professionals delivers buildings that are not just 'fit for purpose,' but can excel in performance and be delivered in time. The speakers present both the high level picture as well as essential details that deliver success. The seminar identifies the essential characteristics required to deliver high performance buildings and then explores real-world examples of project techniques that have a proven record in new-build, retrofit and the critical commissioning process.
1. The Art of High Performance Buildings
Peter Wong, CEng, Member, Yook Tong Electric Co Ltd, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2. Creating Healthy Emergency Rooms for Staff and Patients
David Clark, CEng, Member, Stantec, Toronto, ON, Canada
3. Retrofitting to Net Zero Energy
Kevin Hydes, P.E., Integral Group, Oakland, CA
4. High Performance Buildings Require High Performance Commissioning
David Green, CEng, CPMP, Member, CDML, Edmonton, AB, Canada

Seminar 49: The Process for Zero Energy K-12 Schools: The Next Series of ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guides
Chair: Charles Eley, P.E., Member, Eley Consulting, San Francisco, CA
K-12 schools are leading the way for zero energy. As the next in the series of the popular Advanced Energy Design Guides, this zero energy guide focuses on what is needed to achieve zero energy in K-12 schools. The session focuses on the simulation models; EUI targets; lighting and HVAC design, on-site renewable energy needs; as well as looking at processes to ensure success in meeting the zero target. How-to tips and practical advice are presented as well as successful zero energy case studies.
1. The Process of Creating Zero Energy Design Guidance: The Next in the Series
Paul Torcellini, Ph.D., P.E., Member, NREL, Golden, CO
2. The Owners Perspective: Making Zero Energy Happen
John Chadwick, AIA, Arlington Public Schools, Arlington, VA
3. Lighting Design Parameters for Successful Zero Energy Schools
Shanna Olson, IMEG Corp., Chicago, IL
4. Making It All Work: Important Aspects of HVAC Zero Energy Design
Daniel Nall, P.E., HBDP, CPMP and BEMP, Fellow Life Member, Syska Hennessy, New York, NY

 

June 2018 - Houston

Forum 1 (Intermediate) Expanding Our Perceptions of Building Performance: Updating Standard 105
Chair: J. Patrick Carpenter, P.E., Facility Performance Engineers, Cinnaminson, NJ
Standard 105 which provides a method of building energy performance determination, expression and comparison was last revised in 2014. The expanding use of energy benchmarking in many parts of the country reflects the increasing awareness of the impacts of building performance on the environment. There is also growing concern about the impact of buildings on water consumption. Guidance with evaluating these impacts is important to many designs as well as potential legislation. Feedback from the industry on the current standard will help TC 7.6 begin the process of reviewing, updating or expanding this standard.

Workshop 3 (Advanced) New ASHRAE Hot Climate Design Guide
Committee Chairs: Melvin G Glass, EMC Engineers, El Paso, TX and Frank Mills, CEng, Frank Mills Consulting, Leyland, United Kingdom
• Understand the alternative approaches to hot climate design which take account of local climate factors, passive solar design, thermal mass, evaporative cooling and occupancy factors
• Define climate issues which affect design approach in hot humid, hot dry (arid) and hot windy locations
• Identify the principle design factors toward successful low energy buildings in hot climates
• Be aware of the design tools which can be used to assist optimum design of buildings in hot climates, particlularly options for passive/air conditioned/hybrid/designs. This presentation is a working session which invites ASHRAE members to input into the new guide and to contribute ideas and requests.
1. The New ASHRAE Hot Climate Design Guide
Melvin G Glass, Member, EMC Engineers, El Paso, TX

Seminar 46 (Intermediate) Comparing the Energy, Emissions and Economic Impacts of Buildings in Energy Performance Calculations
Committee Chair: Larry Brand, Gas Technology Institute, Davis, CA
• Describe how the energy, emissions and economics impact calculation framework can be used in energy performance comparisons
• Explain how the EEE framework complements the ASHRAE Standard 90.1 and 189.1 performance calculation methods
• Understand how to apply the relative valuation of metrics in determining energy performance compared to a baseline
• Apply the EEE Impact methodology to a residential building energy performance comparison Measuring and comparing technology and building energy performance equitably with minimum unintended consequences has been challenging for decades. One reason is the use of a single metric such as energy cost to determine and compare performance of different options. With increased focus on environmental impacts, the energy cost metric may be incomplete or misleading.

This seminar describes a new way to evaluate performance based on relative valuation of metrics related to energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and cost (EEE) impacts. Application and benefits of the EEE impacts approach in ASHRAE standards and other initiatives are discussed.

Seminar 48 (Advanced) New ASHRAE Hot Climate Design Guide
Chair:
Frank Mills, CEng, Frank Mills Consulting, Leyland, United Kingdom
• Develop strategies for cooling in hot climates • Identify the scope for passive design and where mechanical systems will be needed
• Describe the energy usage patterns of buildings in hot climates and possible strategies for net zero
• Develop proposals for external cooling of areas around buildings in hot climates

This seminar provides information on the scope and content of the new guide and invites ASHRAE members and others to comment and contribute new ideas. This guide is proposing new low carbon design solutions and also ways to integrate traditional 'passive solar' concepts into modern buildings. The seminar covers building design and also external cooling of areas around buildings and semi external spaces such a Atriums, where members of the public may want to gather, meet sit, eat, drink, relax and in some cases even work. Hybrid and passive designs are explored to consider applications
1. The New ASHRAE Hot Climate Design Guide Frank Mills, CEng, Life Member, Frank Mills Consulting, Leyland, United Kingdom
2. Low Energy Cooling Techniques in Hot Climates Including External Melvin G Glass, Member, EMC Engineers, El Paso, TX

Seminar 59 (Intermediate) Beneficial Carbon Reduction Strategies: Cogeneration, Electrification and Consumer Options
Chair: Kevin Brown, P.E., The Linc Group, Atlanta, GA
• Explain the impacts that existing building energy policies have on the tradeoffs between incumbent fuel sources, new distributed energy resources and energy efficiency
• Understand how building energy policies can evolve to accommodate and encourage the market adoption of zero energy and zero carbon buildings
• Distinguish the role of electrification of previously fossil-fueled end uses from other approaches to carbon emission reduction
• Identify the role of CHP and other affordable options as alternatives to electrification in a balanced carbon emission reduction strategy

High performance building technologies such as combined heat and power, heat pumps, and photovoltaic panels can be an integral part of beneficial greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies. Rapid advancements in each of these areas, along with dynamic changes in the electric grid, are creating opportunities and challenges when trying to determine a balanced approach to achieving the ultimate goal of zero carbon emissions. Diverse viewpoints on technology improvements, polices that may inadvertently or intentionally favor one type of fuel over another and emission reduction options that provide consumer and societal benefits are shared.
1. Getting to Zero Carbon: Distributed Energy Source Strategies and Options
Jim Edelson, Member, New Building Institute, Vancouver, WA
2. Electrification, Cogeneration and Emissions Efficiency
David Farnsworth, Regulatory Assistance Project, Montpelier, VT
3. Retaining Worthy Consumer Options for Carbon Reduction
Neil Leslie, Member, Gas Technology Institute, Des Plaines, IL 

 

January 2019 - Atlanta

Seminar 66: How ASHRAE Standard 100 can be Applied to Atlanta's Building Energy and Water Efficiency Ordinance
Chair: Kevin Brown, P.E.

Learn how cities with energy conservation goals can adopt Standard 100 to boost energy efficiency in existing buildings. Hear from the City of Atlanta and get an update on how their program is progressing. Additionally, this seminar discusses background information on ASHRAE Standard 100 and goes through the steps of the Standard 100 compliance flow chart.

1: How to Use ASHRAE Standard 100 and Seek Compliance
Curtis Fong, Taylor Engineering, Alameda, CA, USA
2: Atlanta's Building Energy and Water Efficiency Ordinance
Megan O'Neil, City of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA

Seminar 69: Climate Change Liability for Owners, Designers and Manufacturers
ASHRAE provides guidance on use of climatic data in designs and facility assessments. Currently, the vast majority of design firms use historic climate files. This practice aligns with professional standard of care. However, given the international consensus that climate is changing, use of historic weather data in designs could lead to underperforming systems or building failures. Projected weather files from regional climate models include their own uncertainty and risk. This puts architects, engineers, owners and manufacturers in a difficult situation. This session covers climate change science, risks associated with various weather file use and changing standards of care.

1: US National Climate Assessment
Kenneth Kunkel, Ph.D., NOAA, North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, Asheville, NC, USA
2: ASHRAE TC4.2 Climatic Information Uncertainties: Historic Vs Projected Data
Drury Crawley, Ph.D., Bentley Systems, Inc., Washington, DC, USA
3: Climate Change Liability
Kevin Haroff, Esq,, J.D., Marten Law, San Francisco, CA, USA
4: Safeguarding Assets for a Robust and Relevant Practice
Ann Kosmal, F.A.I.A., LEED AP BD +C, CPHC, PDC, U.S. General Services Administration, Washington, DC, USA 

 

June 2019 - Kansas City

Seminar 26: The Process for Zero Energy Office Buildings: The Next ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide
Chair: Tom Phoenix, P.E.

ASHRAE has just released the next Advanced Energy Design Guide. This zero energy guide focuses on what is needed to achieve zero energy in office buildings. The session will focus on the EUI targets focusing on the selection and design of the HVAC systems. It will also cover lighting, plug loads, and envelope design as it applies to the HVAC system to ensure that the office building can be built to the zero energy target. How-to tips and practical advice will be presented as well as successful zero energy case studies.

1: Overview of the AEDG Series and a Look Towards the Future
Tom Phoenix, P.E., CPL (Clark Patterson Lee), Greensboro, NC, USA
2: The Process of Creating the Zero Energy Office Guide
Paul Torcellini, Ph.D., P.E., National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, USA
3: Marriage of the Envelope and HVAC Selection and Design
Daniel Nall, P.E., Daniel Nall, Consultant, LLC, Princeton, NJ, USA
4: A Deep Dive into HVAC Systems for Zero Energy Buildings
Ronnie Moffitt, P.E., Trane, Inc., Lexington, KY, USA

Seminar 59: Energy Systems Integration and Smart Grid-Ready Buildings: All You Need to Know to Be a Good Grid Citizen
Chair:
Janice Means, P.E.

As the built environment is moving towards decarbonisation, the electric grid will require new design and operation considerations to integrate increasingly high levels of renewable energy. The grid also incorporates intelligent buildings capable of managing their own loads and storage capacity to 1) reduce their energy use and peak power demand, and 2) support grid flexibility and grid services that will have increasing value to grid operators. The objective of this seminar is discussing the technical challenges and available solutions regarding energy systems integration, distribution intelligence, the role of buildings, and steps required to operate in a smart-grid environment.

1: Smart Grid-Ready Buildings: Enabling Tools and Solutions
Glenn Remington, Consumers Energy, Jackson, MI, USA

2. Smart Grid Distribution Intelligence: Towards a Resilient, “Self-Healing” Grid
Andy Haun, Schneider Electric, Andover, MA, USA

3: Integration of Renewable Energy Systems: Opportunities and Challenges
Aaron Bloom, Energy Systems Integration Group, St. Paul, MN, USA

Seminar 64: Demystifying Cooling Tower Water Treatment
Chair: 
Mike Pascual, P.E.

Cooling towers can be the largest water consumers in commercial buildings, but they also represent one of the best sources for water conservation. Proper cooling tower water management is the key, but it is often treated as an art with mixtures of unknown chemicals and significant blowdown (i.e. wasted) water. There are several alternative water treatment systems available today, but which work, and which are not worth the effort? This session will review cooling tower impacts, several of these technologies, and provide results of recent technology field tests showing promising results.

1. Current Challenges with Cooling Towers
Rafi Karim, P.E., Affiliated Engineers, Inc., Pasadena, CA, USA

2. Alternative Water Treatment Systems
Jesse Dean, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, USA

3. Chemical Free Water Treatment
Michael Deru, Ph.D., NREL, Golden, CO, USA

 

January 2020 - Orlando

Panel 1: What Makes Orlando and Central Florida a Front-Runner in Implementing Clean Energy and Sustainability Solutions?
Chair: Rafi Karim, P.E.

"Orlando ranked #15 in the new 2019 City Clean Energy Report by ACEEE." To help answer questions like, "What are some of the environmental and social challenges facing the Central Florida region, and what are some the solutions that are being implemented? What are some of the disruptive industry changes happening right now, and how will these affect the local region's urban fabric?" Local thought leaders from the mayor's office and architectural and engineering design community will engage with the audience to discuss how the local government is taking initiatives to reduce the region's overall carbon footprint and build resilience into the community while architects and engineers are working together to implement initiatives set forth by the local government.
1: City of Orlando
Chris Castro, Director of Sustainability & Resilience, City of Orlando, Orlando, FL, US
2: Architect
Lindsey Piant Perez, AIA, Southeast Sustainability Leader, DLR Group, Orlando, FL, USA
3: MEP Engineer
John Chyz, P.E., CPMP, Building Performance Project Consultant, Affiliated Engineers, Newberry, FL, USA

Seminar 16: Watch Out for the Unforeseen When Designing Green
Chair:
Janice Means, P.E.

When designing or retrofitting buildings for increased energy efficiency and high performance, take care to not cause unforeseen and unintentionally detrimental issues for occupants or the building. Occupants may be adversely affected by decreased indoor environmental quality and water quality if green design is not carefully thought out and executed. Interior materials, furnishings or the building envelope itself can be compromised if energy conservation measures are not fully analyzed for potential effects. Speakers address potentially adverse issues affecting IAQ, acoustics, water-quality and the building (with potential solutions) when designing/retrofitting for energy efficiency and high performance.

1: Breathe Deeply, or Don't: Energy Conservation, Indoor Air Quality, Health and Productivity...and Legal Liability
James Newman, BEAP, OPMP, Newman Consulting Group, Farmington Hills, MI, USA
2. Controlling Opportunistic Pathogen Growth While Achieving Energy and Water Conservation
Presenting Author: William J. Rhoads, Ph.D., Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
Author: Amy Pruden, Ph.D., Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
Author: Marc A. Edwards, Ph.D., Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
3: Impacts of Sustainable Design Choices on Noise Control
Mandy Kachur, P.E., Soundscape Engineering, Plymouth, MI, USA
4. Considerations When Going Green with a Historic Building
Janice K. Means, P.E., Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, MI, USA 

 

June 2020 - Virtual

Seminar 68: Battle of the Nexus: Water vs. Energy in HVAC
Chair: Adriana Brasoava Roath

Today’s built environment is working to reduce water and energy use in building energy systems. However, water and energy systems are interdependent. Water is often used to generate energy, and energy is utilized to collect, treat and distribute water. In this session we will explore opportunities to save both water and energy using heat recovery chillers, cooling towers, fluid coolers and VRF systems.

1. Does Simple Always Equate to More Energy Consumption: The Elegance of Selecting Air or Water Cooled VRF Systems Chris Miller, P.E., Associate Member, P2S Inc., Long Beach, CA
2. Exploring Cooling Towers and Fluid Coolers to Achieve Water and Energy Savings Adriana Brasoava Roath, P.E., Associate Member, HGA, Minneapolis, MN 
3. Potential Impact of Heat Recovery Chillers on Water and Energy Conservation Joseph Witchger, P.E., Member, HGA, Minneapolis, MN

Seminar 52: Zero Energy Buildings and Intelligent Controls
Chair: Alara Apcin 

This seminar will provide case studies in a variety of environments for net zero, electrification and decarbonization. Key terms and definitions of zero net energy, as well as upcoming state and federal requirements will be discussed.  Controls are central to the operation of a zero energy building. This program will introduce energy savings strategies that connect passive and active technologies, along with occupants, which are crucial to enabling a zero energy building to operate as designed.

1. Zero Energy Buildings in a Campus Setting James Del Monaco, P.E., Member, P2S Engineering, San Diego, CA
2. Zero Energy Buildings and Intelligent Controls Justin Mezzadri, Carrier, Charlotte, NC
3. Achieving Net Zero Energy in a Laboratory Brett Friedman, P.E., Affiliated Engineers, Inc., Madison, WI

Seminar 29: Timing is Everything in the Modern Grid: Which Measures Do You Apply and When Do You Operate Them?
Chair: Scott Hackel

The modern electric grid and renewable energy growth demand that we no longer simply save electricity when it's convenient, but instead focus attention on when that kWh is being saved. There are ever-increasing economic and emissions benefits to reducing building energy demand -- or simply shifting it -- at certain times of day and season. This seminar presents the impacts of timing a building’s energy usage, savings, and load shifting. A variety of scenarios will be explored and specific examples given. Building designers and operators, especially HVAC and controls engineers, will learn about these benefits to their future building projects.

1. Applying Building Load Shifting Measures Scott Hackel, P.E., Member, Slipstream, Madison, WI
2. Would You Like Some Free Electricity for Your Building? Shanti Pless, Associate Member, NREL, Golden, CO
3. Better Together: Interactions Between Energy Efficiency and Demand Response and Driving Co-Benefits Andrew Satchwell, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA

Seminar 58: Could Electric Energy Storage Systems Be The Answer For Zero Energy Buildings?
Chair: Janice K. Means

Zero energy performance targets are only attainable if renewable energy sources (RES), like photovoltaic (PV) solar or wind are used. However, sunlight and wind are intermittent, sometimes not available when needed or provide energy in excess of the immediate need. An enabling technology to achieve zero performance targets and to provide energy resiliency for buildings is electric storage. This seminar is an introduction to electric storage options, explains the current 'best' economic solutions, and then cites details on the design of a system scheduled to be constructed soon. It offers guidance for the novice as well as the seasoned professional.

1. Renewable Electric Energy Storage for Zero Energy Buildings, Introduction and Technology OverviewGaylen Atkinson, Life Member, Atkinson Electronics, Inc, Retired, Salt Lake, UT
2. Introduction to Lithium Ion BatteriesKhalid Nagidi, BEAP, Member, Energy Management Consulting Group, Wantagh, NY
3. Case Study of Integrating Electric Storage with Alternative Energy in a SchoolSvein Morner, Member, HGA, Middleton, WI

Seminar 54: The Process for Zero Energy Multifamily Buildings: The Next ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide
Chair: Tom Phoenix

Multifamily is one of the largest growing commercial building sectors.  For the past year, ASHRAE, with AIA, USGBC, and IES, have been working on an Advanced Energy Design Guide for multifamily buildings.  The session will focus on the EUI targets focusing on the selection and design of the HVAC systems.  It will also cover lighting, plug loads, and envelope design as it applies to the HVAC system to ensure that the multifamily can be built to the zero energy target.  How-to tips and practical advice will be presented as well as successful zero energy case studies.

1. Overview of the Advanced Energy Design Guide Series and a Look Towards the Future Tom Phoenix, P.E., BEMP and BEAP, Presidential Fellow Life Member, CPL (Clark Patterson Lee), Greensboro, NC
2. The Process of Creating the Zero Energy Multifamily Guide Paul Torcellini, Ph.D., P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO
3. Intense Interactions from Plug Loads to Envelope to Occupant Behavior Stet Sanborn, AIA, Member, Smith Group, San Francisco, CA
4. Marriage of the Envelope, Plug Loads and HVAC Selection and Design Dan Nall, P.E., BEAP and BEMP, Fellow Life Member, Daniel Nall Consulting, LLC, Princeton, NJ

 Seminar 45: ASHRAE’s Latest Guides to Zero Energy Design
Chair: Fred Betz

This session will present introductions and insights into three ASHRAE zero energy design guides. ASHRAE, in partnership with the USGBC, AIA and IES, created two Advanced Energy Design Guides, one for K-12 schools and one for Office Buildings.  Strategies for achieving the AEDG energy targets will be presented as well as strategies for achieving success without increases in construction costs.  The Net Zero Hospitals guide informs healthcare leaders about the environmental impacts of hospitals and sets out cost effective strategies to zero energy and zero energy cost. Furthermore, the guide assists in establishing zero energy road maps for hospitals.

1. Advanced Energy Design Guides and Zero Energy Targets for K-12 Schools and Office Buildings Paul Torcellini, Ph.D., P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO
2. The New Ashrae/REHVA Guide Toward Net Zero Hospitals Francis Mills, CEng, Member, Frank Mills Consulting, Leyland, United Kingdom

Debate 1: Technical Consultants aren’t “Designers of Record”, so No E&O Insurance is Needed
Chair: E. Mitchell Swann

Today’s buildings are more complex than ever. Demands for higher performance, faster delivery and lower costs have spawned the growth of Energy Modeling, BIM development, in-field photogrammetry, Commissioning and Green consultants. These early-on consultants can have a big impact on final design decisions.  Do they have professional liability similar to licensed design professionals? Should they carry PLI? If you've contracted out to consultants, have you verified their capacity to ‘handle’ the risks associated with the direction they provide?  This debate will dig into the potentially dirty details and shifting terrain covered by tech consultants and the “responsible party.”  

January 2021 - Virtual

Seminar 17: Hotter Cities, Hotter Climates: Modelling and Measuring Urban Heat Island Effects Around the World WITH LIVE Q & A

Chair: Ralph Muehleisen, Ph.D., P.E.

Mitigating Urban Heat Island (UHI) or urbanisation-related weather issues is of critical importance for millions of urban dwellers worldwide. It affects building energy consumption and outdoor comfort, and has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality and worsening air quality. This makes quantifying these effects a priority for researchers and practitioners alike. In this seminar, we present (1) a review of the numerical modelling of urban heat island mitigation, and (2) a case study of blue and green mitigation of urban canyons based on measurements. The speakers discuss possible mitigation approaches to the problems highlighted.

1. Cooling Hot Cities: A Systematic and Critical Review of the Numerical Modelling Literature
Author: Evyatar Erell, Ph.D., Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel

Infrastructure-based heat reduction strategies can help cities adapt to high temperatures, but simulations of their cooling potential yield widely varying predictions. To address this problem, a systematic review of published research was performed. First, studies were evaluated based on 25 criteria to assess contextualization and reliability, based on metadata reporting and methodological quality. High-quality studies were used to develop two new metrics: the Albedo Cooling Effectiveness (ACE) and the Vegetation Cooling Effectiveness (VCE). Albedo and vegetation strategies offer broadly similar magnitudes of cooling, but trees and ground-level vegetation offer somewhat more pedestrian-level cooling per area application compared with green roofs.

2. Case Studies of Blue and Green Mitigation of Urban Canyons
Author: Eric Peterson, Ph.D., P.E., University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom

Reviewing case studies around the world compared with my observations and assessment of microclimates associated with water features and green infrastructure in Leeds, United Kingdom. These parks and ponds are set among “Brutalist” concrete canyons developed in late 20th century. Such case studies are important to assess the efficacy of measures that have been promoted to mitigate the impact of urban heat islands. A network of shaded temperature and humidity sensors can assess which urban precincts are safe operating environments. Are blue-green infrastructure sufficient to prevent pedestrians seeking shelter indoors in air-conditioned premises? 

Seminar 58: How Will Climate Change Affect Standards, Guidelines, and the Way We Design? Part 1: Why Climate Change May Affect the Design of Buildings and Their Systems
Chair: Daniel Villa, P.E.

This is Part 1 of a 3-seminar series. Part 1 will introduce the new ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook Chapter on Climate Change with a discussion of climate change issues which are anticipated to effect changes in some standards, guidelines and, eventually, codes. It will include a review of the newest climate zone maps with zone creepage, additional climate change related information and an exploration of questions of whether it is good practice to continue using  30-year historic weather data for load calculations in view of rapid climate change.

Seminar 59: How Will Climate Change Affect Standards, Guidelines, and the Way We Design? Part 2: Application to Loads Calculations and Design Conditions
Chair: Drury Crawley, Ph.D.

This seminar is Part 2 of a 3-seminar series. It will cover specific climate effects on the built environment and on loads calculations. The sessions seeks to show what areas are expected to need modification due to the changing climate and what areas do not need change. The session starts with issues specific to 90.1, looks at the effects of climate change on loads calculations, and then turns to the subject of appraising actual changes in design conditions due to climate through statistical analysis.

Seminar 60: How Will Climate Change Affect Standards, Guidelines, and the Way We Design? Part 3 Decarbonization by Smart Grid and Adaptation to Northern Warming
Chair: Parag Rastogi, Ph.D.

This is Part 3 of a 3-part seminar series. Part 3  looks at specific solutions and problems related to climate change. International standards concerning new building guidelines for the smart grid and their relationship to decarbonization is explored in the first presentation. The second presentation similarly explores how carbon emissions are changing with time in Minnesota and explores how the ASHRAE Smart Grid Guide can be used. The third presentation looks at warming in the Canadian north and associated adaptations that are needed.