Tech Bulletin: Optimizing the Balance Between Energy Savings and Occupant Performance

Tech Bulletin: Optimizing the Balance Between Energy Savings and Occupant Performance
Ventilation energy savings

With the summer heat comes an important question: how do you determine if you are providing enough outdoor (dilution) air for the optimum performance, comfort and health of building occupants, without wasting energy by over-ventilating?

Building occupants generate an excellent tracer gas to analyze ventilation: Carbon Dioxide (CO2) at concentrations near 40,000ppm. CO2 levels indoors will build up to excessive levels during the workday if ventilation is inadequate. Conversely, if the zone is over-ventilated, the levels of CO2 found will be closer to levels measured outdoors (typically 250 to 550ppm, although they may be higher in urban areas).

Over ventilation results in wasted energy due to conditioning excess outdoor air. And the amount of energy used to heat and cool buildings is very substantial; in North America and Europe it is equivalent to the energy used by all forms of transportation combined. That makes reducing ventilation the target of new government regulations and voluntary “green” guidelines motivated by the need to decrease dependency on imported oil and reduce greenhouse emissions. However, occupants are typically the most expensive resource in a building and over-emphasis on energy reduction can easily lead to productivity loss that outweighs any energy cost savings (not to mention the ethical issues associated with resulting health problems).

Whether your primary goal is saving energy, improving occupant performance, or ensuring healthy workplace conditions, finding the right ventilation balance is key in reaching your energy and Health and Safety goals.

related blogs

Category

Blog title heading will go here

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros.
Full name
11 Jan 2022
5 min read
Category

Blog title heading will go here

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros.
Full name
11 Jan 2022
5 min read
Category

Blog title heading will go here

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros.
Full name
11 Jan 2022
5 min read

Why Indoor Air Quality Investigations is a Necessity in These Times?

It is crucial to look for contaminants as they may profoundly impact the overall health of the occupants. So, it becomes your responsibility to make sure that the interiors are free from any pollutants.
Prajyot Kadam
February 3, 2023

Few Important Tips to Help You Select Environmental Consulting Services!

If you are looking for a trusted environmental consulting firm, their experience andresources make them a good choice.Please feel free to reach out incaseyouneedanyhelpwithanyprojectofyours.
Prajyot Kadam
January 31, 2023

What is the Real Purpose of Environmental Testing and Consulting?

If you are looking for an environmental consultant in Omaha, the hiring process is more straightforward than it is made out to be. All you need to have is a good understanding of the actual process and requirements.
Prajyot Kadam
December 21, 2022