United States Environmental Protection Agency Air and Radiation 6202J Energy Star Buildings EPA 430-F-94-026 November 1994 Introducing,,, The Energy Star Buildings Program . I - The energy to run buildings in the United States costs about $70 billion a year Besides being costly, producing the electricity to run these buildings contributes to a host of environmeiital problems: acid rain, smog, and global warming. EPA Energy Star programs promote the use of pro fitable, energy-efficient technologies as a way to increase profits and competitiveness, while at the same time preventing pollution. C Recyc able Pnn i wdh SoyC ola Ink ec paper that \JS ,J t lHarns at least 5(Y recycled hber Program? about the proper sizing of upgraded cooling equipment (chillers and direct-expansion units) are reduced, leading to potential equipment downsiz- ing and cost savings. Partners are expected to follow this staged implemen- tation strategy in upgrades of buildings they own. The Energy Star Buildings pro- gram will also seek to expand markets for emerging energy-efficient technologies with the goal of reducing prices to make investments even more profitable. EPA EPAs new Energy Star Buildings program is a volun- tary energy-efficiency pro- gram for U.S. commercial buildings. Expanding on the successful Green Lights pro- gram, this initiative focuses on profitable investment opportunities available in most buildings, using proven technologies. A central com- ponent of the program is a step-by-step implementation strategy that takes advan- tage of system interactions, enabling building owners to achieve additional energy What Is the Energy Star Buildings savings while lowering capi- tal expenditures. The five-stage Energy Star Buildings upgrade strategy is shown below. One key advan- tage of this approach is that it reduces equipment costs. By implementing Green Lights (Stage 1), tuning up building systems (Stage 2), and invest- ing in upgrades that reduce heating and cooling loads (Stage 3), building owners can significantly reduce the size and cost of equipment associated with Stages 4 and 5. Moreover, uncertainties Stage I This staged approach provides a broad strategic framework for making comprehen- sive efficiency upgrades in a range of commercial building types. Stage 2 Green Lights Stage 3 Building Tune-Up Stage 4 HVAC Load Reductions Stage 5 Improved Fans and Air-Han- dling Systems Improved Heating and Cooling Plant ONGOING PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE 1 ------- Energy Star Buildings: Maximizing Energy Efficiency (and Profit!) EPA asks Energy Star Buildings participants to perform upgrades only where profitable. The five stages of the Energy Star Buildings program are sequenced to maximize savings, pre vent oversi iing, and minimize equipment costs. Stage 1: Green Lights Install energy-efficient lighting technologies Stage 2: Building Tune-Up Check and adjust building systems Develop and implement an ongoing preventative maintenance plan Stage 3: HVAC Load Reductions Install window films, reflective roof cov- erings, and more effective roof insulation Buy energy-efficient computers, monitors, and printers that have the EPA Energy Star logo Stage 4: Fan System Upgrades Upgrade variable-air-volume (VAV) sys- tems with variable-speed drives (VSDs) Upgrade constant-air-volume systems with VAV systems Reduce fan system oversizing Replace existing motors with smaller, high-efficiency motors Stage 5: HVAC Plant Improvements Replace or upgrade chillers Plan for 1995 CFC phaseout Retrofit water pumps and compressors with VSDs Replace electric resistance heat where possible How Does EPA Help? In addition to publicly recognizing an organization for its participation in the program and the energy savings it achieves, EPA will provide a number of technical resources to help plan and implement building upgrades. These resources include: The Energy Star Buildings Manual, a step-by-step guide to a comprehen- sive building upgrade. Software to calculate savings from upgraded fan systems. A data base of financing programs for building-efficiency upgrades. When Can I Join? EPA plans to fully launch the Energy Star Buildings Program in the fall of 1995, upon completion of a demonstration phase currently in progress. During this demonstration phase, the Energy Star Building upgrade strategy is being imple- mented in 24 showcase buildings across the country. The owners of these 24 build- For more information about the Energy Star Buildings program and the Green Lights program, please contact: Manager Energy Star/Green Lights U.S. EPA (6202J) Washington, DC 20460 fax: 202 775-6680 Case studies documenting monitored savings for specific technologies such as VSDs, fan motors, and Showcase Building upgrades. Generic specifications for specific energy-efficient technologies. Information and guidance on indoor air quality issues. Guidance on how to use the CFC phaseout as an opportunity to increase building efficiency and reduce the cost of transitioning to alternative refrigerants. ings are working to complete the upgrades within a compressed schedule to demonstrate and verify that the strat- egy works to maximize energy savings at a profit. The Showcase Building projects are also providing the opportunity to field- test and refine EPAs technical support materials before expanding the program. your buildings and implement lighting upgrades where profitable. Existing Green Lights participants, now number- ing more than 1,600, have realized aver- age returns of 30-40 percent on their investments in energy-efficient lighting and are contributing to reductions in emissions of pollutants associated with global warming, acid rain, and smog. Suppose I Want to Start Now? Since Stage 1 of the Energy Star Build- ings upgrade strategy is EPAs Green Lights program, interested organizations can get a head start on becoming an Energy Star Buildings Partner by joining Green Lights now and accelerating imple- mentation of lighting-efficiency upgrades. As a Green Lights Partner, you will, with EPA support, conduct lighting surveys of Or call: 202 775-6650 For more information by fax (available 24 hours a day), call: 202 233-9659. WA PSUIIISU P II ------- |