While on the whole, energy consumption for lighting dominates the energy end-use pie, it is not uncommon for an average commercial building in Califronia to spend as much as 45% of its total energy use  on cooling during peak times on summer months. 

Here in Denver, Colorado, heating and cooling can add up to a significant portion of a building’s energy consumption.

Since the building envelope is the key factor that determines how well a building will perform from both an energy and comfort standpoint, it addressing building envelope improvements is a critical part of reducing overall building energy use.  After the envelope is sufficiently well insulated and air sealed, implementing energy efficient HVAC systems can bring energy use as low as possible.

STEP 1:
Envelope Diagnostics

We draw on a number of testing equipment and techniques to get a whole-systems perspective on how well parts of building are functioning.  Some of these diagnostics may include:

• Energy Modeling:
  
• Advanced energy modeling software models the existing building and predicts cost-savings of a variety of envelope improvements.


• Blower Door Testing:
• Depressurizing a building to calculate the leakage rate and identify key places for air sealing.


• Duct Blasting:
• Assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of ventilation, heating and cooling systems.  Improvements to these areas are typically in the form of duct sealing and insulating.


• Thermal Imaging:
• Using infrared cameras to target areas of highest heat loss that can benefit from added insulation.

• Air Sealing:
• Sealing and insulating the envelope is the most cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort.  Targeted points for sealing generally include windows, doors, electrical outlets, light fixtures, and gaps in corners


• Glazing:
• Glazing affects the look of a building and affects the comfort and productivity of the people who occupy the building.  Glazing also has a large influence on the size and form of other building systems including lighting and HVAC

• Insulating:
• Ecofutures might recommend a range of diverse insulation products that can be used to lower energy demand for heating and cooling and be installed in the easiest, least-cost manner.


• Cool roofs:
• The use of light-colored building surfaces is a time-honored means of keeping buildings cool, reducing energy demand for air conditioning during summer months


• Green roofs:
• Green roofs can help keep buildings cool, reduce heat island effects in urban centers and improve stormwater retention. Ecofutures staff are trained in green roof design and construction and ready to advise you with your green roof project
• View real-time data about a green roof at the University of Vermont here