High Performing Buildings - Fall 2011 - (Page 62)

p v E L E c t R i c i t y g E n E R at i o n ( M W h ) BuiLding EnvELopE Roof Type Ballasted ethylene propylene diene monomer (ePdm) overall r-value r-20 reflectivity 0.3 Walls Type steel frame, metal skin, fiberglass batt insulation, gypsum board drywall overall r-value r-13 for three main buildings; r-19 for walls in atrium glazing percentage 31% Basement/Foundation Ceiling of parking garage below building r-value r-19 Parking garage wall insulation r-value The garage is an “open air” system Location latitude 39.75 orientation east/west to handle increasing loads over the years. As a result of the increased energy demand, Golden Hill’s average annual energy consumption has increased to 73 kBtu/ft2 per year. However, the average annual energy consumption for an office building with similar usage as Golden Hill is 194 kBtu/ft2 per year. Several factors explain Golden Hill’s ability to outpace other buildings on matters relating to energy efficiency. Heat-generating information technology systems The rooftop of each building includes a mechanical penthouse (left), cooling tower for the indirect evaporative cooling system, and 10 kW photovoltaic array. (Golden Hill also uses direct evaporative cooling.) In 2004, fanless cooling towers were replaced with conventional type cooling towers with a VFD on each cooling tower fan, reducing energy consumption. Plans are in the works to revise the cooling towers’ pumps and piping to decrease piping friction and eliminate the need for a secondary cooling tower pump. 62 HigH Performing have reduced the facility’s heating load during the winter months and increased its cooling load during the summer. Since Denver is located in a heating-dominant climate, the increased heat produced had a net positive effect on the facility’s yearly HVAC energy consumption. Golden Hill’s current owner has continued enhancing the building’s energy performance. For example, fanless cooling towers were Buildings fa l l 2 0 1 1

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of High Performing Buildings - Fall 2011

High Performing Buildings - Fall 2011
Commentary
Contents
Manitoba Hydro Place
Maplewood Police and Court Building
Omega Center for Sustainable Living
Dockside Synergy at Dockside Green
Golden Hill Office Center
Letters to the Editor
Products
Advertisers Index

High Performing Buildings - Fall 2011