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Lou Hartman, PE, a principal of Harley Ellis Devereaux and director of the firm’s Science & Research Studio and Ken Mohr, a principal of Health, Education + Research Associates who specializes in laboratory planning and design, offer this ‘energy checklist.’ Take a look and see if there are some simple things your facility can look at to improve in terms of energy consumption. Read the complete article, Energy Checklist: Does your facility need professional help?, offered exclusively on the ALN website.
This year's TurnKey Conference (www.turnkeyconference.com) is featuring ‘green.’ Green Design is Not a Myth is only one of the many sessions being offered by presenters who are LEED®-certified. During a building or renovating project, there are lots of opportunities to look at environmentally friendly alternatives, but even if you’re not in the midst of major changes, you can become more energy-efficient.
Infrastructure – Common Problems Checklist
How do you know when to develop and implement an energy improvement plan? The checklist below will help you determine your facility's current condition and outline the steps needed to reduce energy costs. Answer yes or no to each question.
Thermal
Is the building lacking external sun shading (e.g., large overhangs)?
Are windows lacking internal treatments (e.g., blinds)?
Does the exterior building envelope transfer heat or cold into the building (e.g., brick, stone, concrete block)?
Is the glass single-pane?
Is the building more than 30 years old?
Total Yes Answers ____
Ventilation
Do your fume hoods run 24 hours a day?
Do you have a constant volume air system (CV not VAV)? Not sure? Answer "Yes."
Are you using your fume hood work surface as a chemical storage area?
Do you have an auxiliary air supply at the face of the fume hood?
Total Yes Answers ____
Lighting
Are you currently using incandescent light fixtures as your main lights?
Are the fluorescent fixtures older than 10 years?
Are lights controlled manually?
Total Yes Answers ____
Technology and Process
Are you using an aspirator to create a vacuum?
Are you currently using city water to cool down instrumentation (old SEM)?
Do you still have equipment that is not Energy Star-compliant?
Is the building controlled by a Building Management System?
Total Yes Answers ____
Perception
Do you think your building is using too much energy?
Does anyone above you (the bosses) think that your building is using too much energy?
Should your agency be following any green practices (not currently followed)?
Should your agency be taking advantage of any utility credits (not currently followed)?
Total Yes Answers ____
How many times did you check "yes?" If your total is less than five, enjoy your facility environment! Great job! If your total is less than 11, think about the effect the next few years will have on your facility's energy consumption and determine how you can proactively fix some problem areas yourself before it is too late. If your total is 14 or more, an energy improvement plan is necessary and your facility needs professional help.
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