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Jack Rosenthal, P.E., LEED^® AP, Irvine Electrical Engineer, Certified Energy Manager, and frequent speaker on energy issues

Volatility in energy markets is evident. Just look at gasoline prices. How does this volatility affect your design decisions in new buildings, hotels, condominiums and college campuses?

Current and Future Energy Usage & Prices 
 
Below is a table of current energy prices by area and utility. Look at the spread between natural gas and electricity prices. In Washington, use of electricity makes a lot more sense than in Southern California. What should the energy source be for HVAC, laundries and kitchen equipment?

After modeling, a quick estimate of the annual energy usage can be determined. By also looking at the available utility rates (electric and gas), a clear choice of which energy source to use will be evident.  Glumac can also evaluate use of alternate energy sources such as photovoltaics, biomass and waste heat from other processes.

It is possible to forecast energy costs. Generally a judgment must be made based on estimates supplied by energy providers and independent forecasters. Glumac can guide the client in evaluating their life cycle cost and risk analysis over the life of the building.

Equipment Efficiencies

Depending upon the energy source that is utilized, equipment efficiencies vary. An absorber may use hot water heated with natural gas or waste heat from another process. Should the central plan be a hybrid, i.e. gas and electric mix?

Rate design of the specific electric utility can also have an impact on equipment selection. Non-electric equipment should be considered where heavy or expensive time of use (TOU) rates could push up energy operating costs, particularly in California where cities have energy taxes that can be as high as 13.5% of the electric and gas utility bill.

Building Site Selection

There could be enormous differences in annual energy operating cost depending upon building site selection. It is best to study site selection early in the project design stages. For instance, a hotel was able to use waste gas from a neighboring site to run a cogeneration plant to heat hot water for the laundry, as well as produce their own electricity. District heating and cooling plants that provide hot water or chilled water as another alternative to buying from the utilities.

Energy Costs

When working with clients on site selection, architects should consider energy costs. Once a use and site is selected, it is possible to evaluate the most efficient choices for HVAC, water heating, laundry and kitchen equipment at a building and analyze, model and perform pre-design energy audits.

Since the energy business is in a new era, more value-engineering solutions are available.  Increased demand on utilities or new building load must be as energy efficient as possible.  Siting buildings near district heat or cooling plants or privately owned cogeneration facilities is a possibility. Also, because electric power plant siting is difficult, all available public utility and private utility heat and chilled water options should be considered, and different utility rate options and open market purchases of energy must be evaluated.