In this column, I will describe the “issue” disclosed through analysis of the trend graph included in my January 2012 column. I will also introduce a new system and show its trend graph, leaving it up to the reader to discover the operational “issue” illustrated in the graph. The answer will be given at the start of next month’s column.
The building design and construction industry has been guided and encouraged by Federal legislation and private programs to reduce energy consumption in new buildings and major renovations with initiatives such as EPACT 2005 and USGBC’s LEED®. But what about existing buildings not slated for significant capital improvements?