Code Classroom Continued from page 20


points system or not, reducing a building’s overall ener- gy consumption should be the ultimate goal. Reducing energy consumption usually has a minor


additional first cost associated with more efficient design, which will pay for itself many times over by low- ering energy and operating costs, saving energy and increasing the reliability of the system. Many standards and prescriptive- and performance-based programs set benchmarks to give building owners, facility managers and engineers’ energy reduction goals to prevent them from committing to developer-driven poor designs. A few examples of green and environmentally friend-


ly codes, standards and programs include: Energy Star, LEED-EBOM Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Building Operation and Maintenance; ASHRAE 189.1 Standard for the Design of High-Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings; the International Green Construction Code (IgCC); The IAPMO Green Plumbing & Mechanical Code Supplement for use with all con- struction codes and the most recent ISO 50001 Standard on Energy Management Systems. With energy one of the most critical challenges facing


the international community, the publication this year of ISO 50001 will affect design of energy efficient build- ings. It is estimated that the standard could have a posi- tive impact on some 60 % of the world’s energy use. ISO 50001 will provide public and private sector organiza- tions with management strategies to increase energy effi- ciency, reduce costs and improve energy performance. The standard is intended to provide organizations with a recognized framework for integrating energy perfor- mance into their management practices. Multinational organizations will have access to a single, harmonized standard for implementation across the organization with a logical and consistent methodology for identifying and implementing improvements. ISO 50001 is intended to accomplish the following: • Assist organizations in making better use of their


existing energy-consuming assets. • Create transparency and facilitate communication on


the management of energy resources. • Promote energy management best practices and rein-


force good energy management behavior. • Assist facilities in evaluating and prioritizing the implementation of new energy-efficient technologies. • Provide a framework for promoting energy efficien-


cy throughout the supply chain. • Facilitate energy management improvements for greenhouse gas emission reduction projects. • Allow integration with other organizational manage-


ment systems, such as environmental and health and safety.


Many of the codes and standards listed above have overlapping sections with other standards. Sometimes organizations have worked together to create a standard that overlaps with the original standard. Someone look- ing to design or build a building that will reduce energy consumption often asks, “Which is the right standard or code to use?” The answer is: They all can be.


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There are instances where only one choice exists (for example, in places where the IgCC has been adopted as code). Most often the decision as to which standard to follow is really a matter of which one works best for the building’s and the organization’s needs. Sometimes you are required to follow one standard or another by the local jurisdiction having authority over the project. There isn’t a single one-size-fits-all answer. The goal of a green building standard or guideline is to reduce a facility’s impact on the environment. There are often slight differ- ences as to how each standard or code goes about achiev- ing this goal. It’s up to the individual designer or organi- zation to research which one will work best. Many people have asked whether it is necessary to get


a building certified to a particular standard. While the programs, standards and codes offer a way of measuring buildings, they also give outsiders a simple method of judging how effective a building’s systems are at reduc- ing energy consumption. All an outsider has to do is to be familiar with the standard to know where the building rates. Being familiar with all the programs, codes and standards is difficult, since many of them are being developed at the same time. The standards are meant as a guide to achieve energy


efficiency. You can achieve the benchmarks set forth in a program or standard without actually getting certified. Keep in mind, though, that making claims about how your building rates compared to a certain standard with- out officially achieving said standard can backfire and cause criticism if your building doesn’t actually perform to the requirements in the standard. Are there energy efficiency police that will audit your


utility bills? That is not likely. One seminar I attended pointed out that one of the problems associated with many building rating systems is that there is no one to back up the claims except the person who sends in the paperwork. If you decide not to get certified, you should still get your building commissioned. You may think you’re doing everything right, but commissioning will give you proof that the systems are set and balanced to the point where they are operating efficiently. Whether or not a building owner chooses to abide by


an energy efficiency standard or by a private for-profit organization’s prescriptive measures, achieving as much energy efficiency as possible is a great way to help save money and limit natural resource consumption. There’s nothing wrong with trying to conserve energy. So go, save energy for future generations, and seek out a pro- fessional that can design you a “green” building without all the empty promises and empty corners. n


Ron George is president of Plumb-Tech Design and Consulting Services LLC. He has served as chairman of the International Residential Plumbing & Mechanical Code Committee. Visit www.Plumb-TechLLC.com, email Ron@Plumb-TechLLC.com or phone 734/755-1908.


The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not reflect those of Plumbing Engineer nor its publisher, TMB Publishing.


October 2011


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