Are we headed for a scenario reminiscent of big-budget disaster films? Maybe not. But when it comes to water usage, it’s time for engineers to put down the popcorn and embrace a new role: designer of more responsible data centers. Optimizing cooling towers, boosting the CoC, and considering your WUE are just three steps for maintaining the flow of information while minimizing the flow of H2O.
In the ever-evolving world of building information modeling, putting process before technology solves fundamental issues. Read on as the authors touch on Agile, common roles, and BIM’s fate over the course of a project.
Is there a standard default airflow rate for VAV fume hoods? The author works through the situation in pursuit of that answer and other effective alternatives.
Pressure independent control valves proved to be a key in wringing the benefits out of smartly managed chilled water temperature, but that wasn’t all. Airside energy recovery, desiccant dehumidification to eliminate reheat in operating room environments, and upgrading to ECM fan systems have all contributed to this hospital’s fiscal wellness.
For a building program to be successful and sustainable, it must include an operating budget as well as a construction budget. Fifteen to 20% of the total cost of a building is first cost, and that remaining 80% or more is in the operation of the building over its life.