Energy Efficiency Sector: The "Whole-Building" Approach
~ Utah
Energy Efficient Building Design
The new Utah Department of Natural Resources building was designed
using a "whole-building" approach that ensures that the entire building
works as a single system to reduce energy consumption. The building
is oriented to minimize solar heat gain but maximize natural light.
Special light shelves shade the building from glare and heat while
simultaneously reflecting light into the building. Strategically placed
windows with special glass admit sunlight while blocking harmful and
heat producing rays. High efficiency ceiling and task lighting supple-
ment natural lighting when and where necessary. LED signs, occu-
pancy sensors, and dimmers further reduce energy consumption.
Innovative, evaporative cooling technology reduces the need to use mechanical chillers. High efficiency motors
and variable speed drives are used to operate the cooling and air exchange systems in an energy saving manner.
Landscaping around the building was also designed to maximize energy efficiency. These and other resource
conservation and energy efficiency measures make the design of the building a comprehensive approach to
energy management. Such measures have quite an impact on the energy needs of the 105,000 square foot,
$11.9 million building.
Results:
The improved design of the Utah DNR building is estimated to reduce
energy use by 42% over similarly sized buildings. In the past year an
estimated 777,195 kWh of electricity were saved due to the design
features of the building.* This energy savings is slightly offset by
increased use of natural gas (1,470 therms), but an overall savings of
431 metric tons of C02 (117 MTCE**) per year is achieved. The re-
duction in energy use also reduces S02 emissions by 0.7 metric
tons*** and NOx emissions by 1.6 metric tons***. The reduced energy demand associated with the building is
estimated to save the Utah DNR $50,000 annually.
Principal Actors:
The Utah Department of Natural Resources was the prime actor in deciding to design their new building using a
"whole-building" approach to reduce energy consumption and emphasize resource conservation.
Additional Information:
Utah Department of Natural Resources, 801-538-7200, fax 801-521-0657, nrdomain.nris.help@state.ut.us.
This case study is based on information provided by Dave Lochtefeld of the Office of Energy and Resource Planning, Utah
Department of Natural Resources and from information contained in the draft report Carbon Dioxide Reduction Strategies in
Utah: An Economic and Policy Analysis prepared by the Office of Energy and Resource Planning of the Utah Department of
Natural Resources.
* Energy data are estimated because the building is metered with several other DNR buildings. However, the estimates are
believed to be an accurate measure of the energy savings associated with the building based on past energy use by the DNR
site and past average use by square footage.
** Original data have been converted from kWh to Metric Tons of Carbon Equivalent (MTCE) using the following emission
factor: 1.244 lbs C02 / kWh (The Cadmus Group, Inc. Regional Electricity Emissions Factors Final Report, The Cadmus Group,
Inc., 1998, Exhibit 6). Data were converted from therms (1 therm=Q.l mmBtu) to MTCE using a factor of 31.61 lbs
carbon/mmBtu. One metric ton=2205 lbs.
*** S02 and NOx savings were calculated using emission factors of 1.99 lbs S02/MWh and 4.57 lbs NOx/MWh {TheEmissions
& Generation Integrated Database(E-GRID), EPA/Acid Rain Program).
Greenhouse Gas
Cost
Reductions
Savings
117 MTCE**
$50,000
------- |