Energy Savings
Innovation in Energy Reductions – Ongoing Operating CostsThis project:
- Incorporates the latest in sustainable design features to promote energy savings and reduce dependence on non-renewable resources
- Will lead to a total fossil fuel impact (gallons saved) of nearly 100,000 gallons annually by year 10 and more than 230,000 gallons annually by year 20
- Will lead to regional CO2 emission reductions of up to 1.5 million lbs. annually by year 10 and more than 3.7 million lbs. annually by year 20
A building’s cost is often interpreted as the initial construction cost of the facility; however decisions made during the construction will directly affect the operational costs over the building’s life. Investing in more energy efficient equipment and designs prior to and during the construction of the building will generally result in a reduction in annual energy costs. It is recognized that decisions made during the design and construction of a project will impact the facility long after the project is complete. For this reason GBT is dedicated to implementing cost effective and innovative options that will conserve or create energy.
While the proposed facility will have a larger occupied space it is anticipated that the energy consumption per square foot will be reduced by incorporating energy conservation strategies into the facility design. These strategies could include several of the following measures:
Daylight Tracking Skylights - The use of daylight tracking skylights will provide more light throughout the day than a typical skylight. This system combined with day lighting controls and dimmable ballasts will produce an energy savings light system that can reduce its energy consumption based on ambient light levels.
Heat Recovery Ventilators - Bus storage areas can require a large amount of ventilation air. The heated air that is rejected by these ventilators presents an opportunity for energy savings during the heating season. Heat Recovery Ventilators use a heat exchanger that transfers heat from the exhaust air stream and uses it to preheat makeup air.
Building Envelope - The building envelope is an important factor in a building’s energy consumption. By insulating and reducing building infiltration beyond energy code, a facility will realize reduced energy consumption over the life of the facility.
Solar Thermal System - A solar thermal system produces hot water from the suns energy. This hot water can be used in domestic hot water operations such as showers. This project could utilize a solar thermal system to supplement the main heating system for sinks and showers. This will reduce the amount of energy the facility will need to purchase from its local utility.
Direct Fired Infrared Heaters - Infrared heaters heat objects through radiant heat transfer rather than air through convective heat transfer. In areas where garage doors often open and close these systems are a more energy efficient alternative to conventional unit heaters that just heat the air. For the GBT this system will be installed in the Paratransit garage.
Photovoltaic System - A photovoltaic system uses the Sun’s energy to produce electricity. In recent year these systems have become more popular and efficient. This has resulted in systems with reduced construction costs and more energy production. A photovoltaic system if implemented would reduce the amount of energy the facility purchases from its utility. These systems also can be seen as a hedge against future utility rate increases.
