CAMPUS SOLUTIONS TO CLIMATE CHANGE: ENERGY AUDIT

Lakeview Hall

•Completed 2007•Capacity – 141 •Four Floors •Coed Dorm

Thomas Hall

• Completed 1914•Capacity- 109 • 6 Floors

Exterior Walls, Insulation, and Interior Leaks

Building Envelope

Composed of the outer parts of a building: Foundation, walls, roof, windows, doors and floors

Functions to provide: Security Solar and thermal control Moisture control Indoor air quality control Fire resistance Access to daylight and views

Group Task

To assess the following: A. Exterior walls B. Insulation

Attic Walls

C. Interior Leaks

A. Exterior Wall Materials

On the outside of the building, inspect all areas where building materials meet and note any concerns/problems

Areas inspected: Exterior corners Where siding materials meets Areas where foundation and the bottom of exterior

brick or siding meet Inspect holes or penetrations for faucets, pipes,

electric outlets, and wiring Look for cracks and holes in the mortar, foundation,

and siding

Exterior Wall Materials - Lakeview

• Exterior wall facing Moore Hall

•Problem: There is dirt where the foundation and the bottom of the exterior brick or siding meet

• Top right corner of entrance facing Moore Hall

•Problem: There is a crack between the ceiling and exterior brick wall; not a good seal

Exterior Wall Materials - Thomas

• Sprinkler system on side wall

• Problem: Penetrations

• Pipes on side wall

• Problem: Hole

• Front wall

• Problem: Cracks in mortar • Also observed

cracks in mortar on side walls

Problem with holes and penetrations: Air leakage (infiltration)

Can cause buildings to use excessive amounts of energy for heating and cooling

Can contribute to an air moisture problem which may lead to the formation of molt and health problems

Solution:Plug and Caulk holes or penetrations

B. Insulation

Heat loss through the ceiling and walls in a building can be significant if the insulation levels are less than the recommended minimum

When looking at an older building, it’s important to note that the builder likely installed the amount of insulation recommended at that time

Insulation in older buildings may be inadequate relative to current standards

How do you evaluate Insulation?

R-value = a number that represents the ability of a material to resist heat flow Higher the R-value of a specific insulation, the greater its

effectiveness Calculated by adding up the R-values for each layer of

insulation Minimum required but no maximum

Changes every other year and is usually always increased Example:

-In 2004, minimum R-value was 5.7-In 2007, R-value was up to 9.5

Lakeview was completed in 2007 and had to meet these standards whereas Thomas Hall was build early 20th century and did not

B. Insulation – Walls

Look at cross-sectional views of the buildings Type(s) Thickness R-value existing vs. R-Value recommended

Insulation- Walls: Thomas

Film (0.25), 4 layers of Brick (each has an R-Value of 0.65), Plaster wall (0.39), Film (0.68)

• Total R-value = 4.17

• Recommended R-value today = 9.5

•Does it meet today’s standards?

-No! However, it likely met the standards when it was built

Structure:[listed exterior to interior with R-values in parenthesis]

Insulation - Walls: Lakeview Structure:[listed exterior to interior with R-values in parenthesis]

Film (0.25), 4” Brick (0.65), 2” air gap (0.87), 2” Rigid Insulation (10), 8” CMU-Block (2.33), 4” Air Gap (0.87), 5/8” Sheetrock (0.56), film (0.68)

R-Value Analysis:

Total R-Value = 16.21

Recommended R-Value: 9.5

Does it meet recommended R-value standards?

-Yes

Comparison of Insulation of Walls

Lakeview has a much higher R-value than Thomas Result: Lakeview is more tightly sealed; less air

infiltration Represents how technology and engineering

have come a long way over the last century Another good example of this is the holes that

are found in the exterior layers of brick:

Thomas Lakeview

Insulation: Attic-

Lakeview

Insulation: Attic-Thomas

• No insulation in attic • 2” concrete slab on top layer of ceiling (R = 1)• Although it may seem weird

that concrete was used, this was a common method of insulation when Thomas was built

C. Interior Leaks The potential energy savings from reducing drafts may range from

5% to 30% per year. Look for obvious air leaks (drafts) in the following areas:

Gaps along the baseboard or edge of the flooring Junctures of the walls and ceilings Electrical outlets Switch plates Window frames Baseboards Weather stripping around doors Fireplace dampers Attic hatch – is it weather stripped, and does it close tightly? In the attic, determine whether openings for items such as pipes,

ductwork, and chimneys are sealed Check seals around all electrical boxes in ceiling Look for gaps around pipes and wires, electrical outlets, and foundation

seals. Check to see if the caulking and weather-stripping are applied properly, leaving no gaps or cracks, and are in good condition.

Interior Leaks: ThomasWindow frames were in good condition, No leaks found

However, we found one door with a huge air gap letting in air from the exterior

Residents complained of how cold the side of the wall next to their bed got during the winter

Interior Leaks: Lakeview

vs.

vs.

Baseboards looked okay; no gaps

Found 1-2 electrical outlets that were loose from the wall but most were intact and in good condition

Water leak

Recommendations

Biggest problem = structure of insulation for Thomas Hall but unless you are going to tear down Thomas, you can’t really change this

Temporary solutions: Plug and Caulk holes and penetrations Fix the framing of the door to Thomas

Shouldn’t be too costly or too difficult to do Investigate origin of the water leak found in Lakeview

Is there a threat for the same type of water leakage to occur elsewhere?

Energy Audit of Windows and Doors

Significance of Windows and Doors

Efficiency can lower heating bills in the winter and cooling bills in the summer

An energy efficient window… needs to be two panes thick have a low-E (emitting) glass coating an airtight frame be rated as energy-efficient by the

Energy Star Program. Opting for a vinyl or fiberglass frame

to reduce heat transfer and maximize insulation ensures maximum efficiency.

Dual or multiple pane windows: the space between is filled with gases like argon or krypton for insulation.

U-Factor

U-Factor: Measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping a home or building

Measuring U-Factor: Ratings generally fall between .20 and 1.20, the lower the better the windows is at keeping heat in

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

Solar Heat Gain coefficient (SHGC): Measures how well a window blocks heat radiating from the sun.

Measure between 0 and 1. The lower the SGHC the better the window is at blocking unwanted heat.

Low-Emittance (Low-E)

Low-emittance (Low-E): Blocks significant amounts of heat transfer and reduces total heat flow through a window.

Rating a Door’s Energy Efficiency Unlike windows door’s insulation

capabilities are measured through and R-value, which indicates the material’s resistance to heat flow.

The higher the R-value the better the material is at insulating.

Both Thomas and Lakeview have Algoma Hardwood doors. R-value = 3-3.7

Lakeview U-Value of windows is 0.48 Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is 0.38 R-Value of doors is from 3-3.7 Based on desired values for the

region these energy efficiency statistics are good.

6700 Series    2¼" Frame Depth    Casement-Projected-Fixed

Problem Areas of Lakeview

Thomas

U-Value of windows 0.95 SHGC 0.95 Based on desired values for the region

these energy efficiency statistics are terrible.

Problem Areas of Thomas Hall

Recommendations

Improve sealants on windows Replace single paned windows in Thomas Hall

with the windows that are installed in Lakeview

Replace weather-stripping on doors and windows in Thomas

Place weather-stripping between double doors in Lakeview

HVAC and Lighting

Background Review

• Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

• U.S Department of Energy• Proper Maintenance of HVAC

• Better well-being• Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI)

• Reduce microbial growth• Study of Industrial Workplace

• Adequate lighting = saferHVAC

Thomas Hall

Few windows– rooms and common room: not hallways

Ceiling lights: square fluorescent Skinny fluorescent– bathroom and stairwells Unplugged lamps in basement Central unit on each floor Individual unit in each bedroom

Too hot or too cold “Fan Control” in study lounges

Lakeview Hall

CFL and fluorescent– ceiling: circular Lamps, fixtures and chandeliers Motion sensors Several windows—alcove Share thermostat in suites

Fight to control Preset thermostats in hallways

Comparison

vs. vs.

Recommendations

Thomas: Sensors in

bathroom, study lounge, laundry room

Geothermal pump

• Lakeview:– Ecosystem from Lutron

• Daylight sensors, IR sensors

Appliance Use & Behavior

Average energy consumption in Thomas and Lakeview

Thomas Lakeview

Total daily consumption (kWh)

261 – as much energy as driving from Richmond to New York City

511 – as much energy as driving from Richmond to Detroit, MI

Total consumption per student (kWh)

2.40 – enough energy to drive 3.0 miles

3.62 – enough energy to drive 4.5 miles

Where does all this energy come from?

Vampire energy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNcHUrg9EQY&feature=player_embedded

How much energy are we talking about?

Estimations show that vampire energy represents 20% of US energy consumption.

The actual quantities vary from brand to brand.

Generally older equipment consumes more standby energy.

By using a TV for 4 hours daily and leaving it on standby for the rest of the day, it consumes 50% additional energy.

Average standby energy consumption

Room Appliances

DVD Player

Stereo

TV Set

Lamps

Laptop

Printer

Fridge/microwave combo

Microwave

Refrigerator

0 5 10 15 20 25

ThomasLakeview

Electricity Consumption/Behavior

Smart Strips

Unplug chargers/appliances when unsed

Turn lights off when unused

School Breaks: unplug appliances/power chords

0 5 10 15 20 25

Lakeview

Thomas hall: Public Space

• 2 Lounges• 1 Laundry Room : 6 Washers, 6

Dryers• 3 Vending Machines• 1 Ice Machine

Lakeview hall: Public Space

1 Lounge per Floor 1 Computer Room 1 Multipurpose Room 1 Kitchen 2 Vending Machines 1 Ice Machine 1 Laundry Room Per Floor: 2 Washers, 2

Dryers

Case Study- Lakeview

Suite-style (Double/Single) Double- Two girls

Desk/room lights (4 ea.) Computer and phone charger** (1 ea.) iHome* TV Fridge and Microwave Coffee maker* Printer 4 power strips

Case Study- Lakeview

Leave entrance area lights on Lamps/overhead used 50/50 Don’t unplug over breaks Don’t know what Vampire Energy is Use natural light during day Usually leave coffee/iHome/computer

chargers out

Case Study- Thomas

Single, 1 male Phone and computer charger Microwave Refrigerator TV 1 power strip Doesn’t unplug, doesn’t use natural light Doesn’t know what Vampire Energy is Doesn’t unplug over break

Recommendations

Role of Students

Air Conditioning (heating + cooling) Lighting (if you're not already using

compact fluorescents) Computers Refrigerator (if it is not Energy Star) Other appliances

Air Conditioning

Turn thermostats up a few degrees in summer, and down a few degrees in winter – it also prevents the body temperature shock when going to and fro between your room and outside.

Turn it off when you leave the room and do not think you will come back immediately.

Lighting

Take full advantage of natural light. It is the healthiest and most energy-friendly lightning option.

Turn off the lights when you leave a room.

See a light on in an empty room? Turn it off.

Use task lighting (desk lamps) instead of overhead lights. If placed correctly, it is also more beneficial for your eyes.

Computers

Turn off your monitor if you will not use it during the next 20 minutes.

Fully turn off your computer if you do not plan to use it in the next 2 hours.

Configure your monitor to turn off after a few minutes of non-use, and your central processing unit after additional minutes of non-use.

Refrigerators and other appliances Follow the University Policy and only buy

Energy Star appliances. Unplug whatever is not in use at the

moment, like cell phone charger, laptop fully charged, TV not in use.

Unplug over break

Power strips

For any power strip, it would be best to switch it off when no appliance is needed.

A worthy investment: new, smart power strips stop peripherals automatically when you unplug the command unit (usually for computers).

CONCLUSION