Demand for Energy to Rise 30% by 2040, Tempered by Efficiency Gains

Worldwide demand for energy will increase 30% over the next 30 years, as prosperity expands across the world and the population grows to nearly 9 billion people, according to Exxon Mobil Corp. In its The Outlook for Energy: A View to 2040 report, the energy company says that China, India, Africa and other emerging economies will lead the growth, while demand in the United States and other fully developed economies will remain relatively constant. Energy demand will shift toward less-carbon-intensive energy sources such as natural gas, and renewable energy sources will increase to account for 15% of world energy supply. The report adds that projected increase in demand would be four times higher without projected gains in efficiency.

For complete article, click here.

Source: Exxon Mobil

Tenants, Operation Key to Building Performance

Architects and engineers can only go so far in delivering on energy efficiency, according to a new study by New Buildings Institute (NBI). The study suggests that although the market generally assigns responsibility for building energy performance to the design team for aspects such as envelope, HVAC system and lighting system features, operational and tenant practices have a significant impact on building energy use. The study found that best practices in building operations can reduce energy use 10% to 20% across all climate zones. Poor operations practices can increase energy use 30% to 60% or more.


To read complete report, click here.


Source: New Buildings Institute

Sustainable Buildings Cost Less to Maintain

Sustainably designed federal buildings cost 19% less to maintain, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The report, prepared for the General Services Administration (GSA), also found that such buildings also use 25% less energy, consume 11% less water and emit more than one-third less carbon dioxide than conventionally designed buildings. The study also found occupant satisfaction to be significantly higher in sustainable buildings.


To read complete article, click here.


Source: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Photo: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

States to Use 90.1-2010 by Oct. 18, 2013

ASHRAE's Washington office is reporting that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has determed that ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2010, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, saves more energy than Standard 90.1-2007. Specifically, DOE found national source energy savings of approximately 18.2%, and site energy savings of approximately 18.5%, when comparing the 2010 and 2007 versions of Standard 90.1. As a result of this week's DOE final determination, states are required to certify by Oct. 18, 2013 that that have reviewed the provisions of their commercial building code regarding energy efficiency and updated their code to meet or exceed Standard 90.1-2010.

To read complete article, click here.

Source: ASHRAE

Improving IEQ in U.S. Office Buildings Could Bring Billions in Economic Benefits

Increasing ventilation rates in U.S. office buildings would reduce sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms and absences, improve work performance, and provide billions of dollars in annual economic benefits in the U.S., according to a recent study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. A second study found that four remedial measures in U.S. offices—increasing low ventilation rates, improving temperature controls so that offices don't get too hot in winter, performing dampness and mold remediation, and adding economizers—would reduce adverse health effects and health-care costs, decrease absence rates, improve thermal comfort, and improve work performance. The projected societal economic benefits of non-overlapping combinations of the remedial measures range from $17 billion to $26 billion per year.

To read complete article, click here.

Source: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Photo: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Architecture Billings Index Turns Positive after Four Straight Monthly Declines

Washington, D.C. – On the heels of a period of weakness in design activity, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) took a sudden upturn in August. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the August ABI score was 51.4, following a very weak score of 45.1 in July. This score reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 56.9, up sharply from a reading of 53.7 the previous month.

For complete article, click here.

Source: AIA

Empire State Building's green transformation earns LEED Gold

The iconic Empire State Building, whose green retrofit and refurbishing have become almost as celebrated as the landmark itself, earned LEED Gold certification today. The recognition from the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and its green building verification arm, the Green Building Certification Institute, is the latest laurel for the 102-story skyscraper that was completed 80 years ago. The environmental upgrade of the building was the largest retrofit of its kind to date in the United States. It is expected to reduce energy use by more than $4.4m annually, cut carbon emissions by 105,000 metric tonnes over a 15-year period, and provide a payback in slightly more than three years.

To read complete article, click here.

Source: businessgreen.com

Photo: NYC & Co.

Climate Policy Initiative Analysis Finds U.S. Building Energy Codes Work

SAN FRANCISCO - In the first U.S. study to measure the real impact of building energy codes on total household energy consumption, Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) found that U.S. building energy codes have reduced household energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. The study also found that states adopting these codes, which encouraged the use of highly efficient natural gas heaters and electric heat pumps, shifted their energy use away from oil and wood fuels towards lower-emissions natural gas.

For the complete article, click here.

Source: PR Newswire
Photo: Climate Policy Initiative

LEED 2012: The USGBC Real-Time Reporting To Its Green Building Ratings

The latest version of the building-rating system, called LEED 2012 - which will launch in November and the go to USGBC members for a vote next summer - takes advantage of new technology and building practices that make real-time energy and water management commercially viable. Sharing this data so that other commercial real estate owners can compare their energy use is now going to be required. LEED 2012 will also require owners to recertify every five years. So if you invest in a LEED rating when you open, you'll have to prove over time that you're staying current with available energy-saving techniques.

For complete article, click here.

Source: Fast Company

Free Software Tool Compares Geothermal Options

An easy-to-use, but sophisticated method of analyzing hybrid geothermal configurations is now available for free download. The HyGCHP (Hybrid Ground-Coupled Heat Pumps) software module helps users investigate several configurations of geothermal systems, including conventional geothermal systems and hybrid options. The software helps determine how much money a building owner can save, helps select optimal sizes for the equipment, compares different hybrid geothermal approaches, and analyzes the effects of different control strategies. The software was developed by the Energy Center of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It is sponsored by ASHRAE and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

To read more and to download software, click here.

Source: Energy Center of Wisconsin

Standard 90.1-2007 Established as National Reference Standard for Federal, Commercial Buildings by DOE

ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, has been established by the DOE as the commercial building reference standard for state building energy codes under the federal Energy Conservation and Production Act.  As a result, states are required to certify by July 20, 2013, that they have reviewed and updated the provisions of their commercial building code regarding energy efficiency, including a demonstration that the provisions of their commercial building codes regarding energy efficiency meet or exceed 90.1-2007.

For complete article, click here.

Source: ASHRAE

Sustainable New Office Tower Set to Rise on Avenue of the Americas Overlooking Bryant Park

Hines, along with partner Pacolet Milliken Enterprises, Inc., today announced the development of an iconic new trophy-class office tower on Avenue of the Americas overlooking Bryant Park. Designed by renowned architects Henry N. Cobb and Yvonne Szeto of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, the planned 28-story, 450,000-rentable-square-foot tower will be built on property that Pacolet Milliken has owned since 1954, a key parcel on Avenue of the Americas with full-block frontage at the southwest corner of the popular Manhattan park.

For complete article, click here.

Source: Reuters
Photo: Pei Cobb Freed & Partners

AIA Launches New Initiative to Revive Stalled Construction Sites Across the Country

Over the last couple years, Americans have become increasingly familiar with the sight of stalled construction sites due to the recession. To help mitigate this ugly issue, the American Institute of Architects has launched a new initiative aimed at reviving these stalled sites and jump-starting their completion. Not only will this eliminate undesirable, empty spaces, but it will create thousands of construction jobs.

To read complete article, click here.

Source: Inhabitat (Jessica Dailey) / ArchDaily
Photo: Inhabitat

U.S. States, Cities Require Energy Use Disclosure

Many U.S. states and cities are beginning this year to require that commercial buildings measure and disclose their energy use. The new rules, which generally exempt small businesses, are expected to encourage building owners to make upgrades that will save energy and create jobs. Aug. 1 was the deadline for buildings in New York City larger than 50,000 ft2 (4600 m2), representing half of its interior space, to report how much energy they used in the past year or face $500 quarterly fines. The city will post the data on a public website next year. Similar requirements have already begun this year in Seattle and San Francisco.

To read complete article, click here.

Source: ASHRAE, USA Today

Geothermal Heat Pump Shipments to Double in Volume by 2017

Geothermal heat pumps and the direct utilization of geothermal resources represent a fast-growing alternative in the heating and cooling market.  As demand for electricity expands throughout the world and energy prices increase, the direct use of geothermal, led primarily by heat pumps, is on the rise.  An efficient and reliable option for residential, commercial, and institutional building owners, geothermal heat pumps exploit the nearly constant temperatures found just beneath the ground.  While cost and lack of consumer awareness remain primary obstacles to increased adoption, tax incentives and policies supporting building efficiency improvements are helping to drive dramatic growth in the heat pump market.

For complete article, click here.

Source: PikeSearch
Photo: Wikipedia

Solar Panels Still Rare, Despite Glow of $7 Power Bills

The New York Times published a story on the growing trend of solar panel installations throughout New York City in its weekly "Appraisal" column. "Despite Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's ample use of the bully pulpit to promote his environmental agenda — and a raft of policy changes, generous incentive programs and celebrity-studded public announcements urging New Yorkers to "go green" — only a few homeowners in the city have slapped those shiny blue panels on their roofs."

For the complete article, click here.

Source: New York Times
Photo: Inhabitat

Solar Panels Keep Buildings Cool

SAN DIEGO—Solar photovoltaic panels installed on rooftops act as "roof shades" to keep buildings cool, according to researchers at the University of California, San Diego engineering school. The researchers used data gathered from thermal imaging of a campus laboratory to determine that during the day, the building's ceiling was 5°F (2.8°C) cooler under solar panels than under an exposed roof. Also, at night, the panels provide thermal insulation to hold heat in. The research team calculated that the amount saved on cooling the building was equal to getting a 5% discount on the solar panels' price, over the panels' lifetime.

For the complete article, click here.

Source: UCSD School of Engineering, ASHRAE
Photo source: UCSD School of Engineering

Building Envelope NYCECC Compliance Exceptions

NYC Department of Buildings issued a bulletin which clarifies conditions under which an addition, alteration, renovation or repair to a building envelope may not be required to comply with the New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC).

To download the PDF, click here.

Source: Department of Buildings

How the Air Conditioner Made Modern America

We often think of air conditioners as just that, a machine that conditions (i.e., cools) the air around us. But the effects of air conditioners reach far beyond atmospherics to the ways we build our houses, where in the country we live, and how we spend our time. Air conditioners are the enablers of modern American life.

For the complete article, click here.

Source: The Atlantic
Picture source: The Atlantic

Global Investment in Renewable Energy Exceeds $240 Billion

NEW YORK—Global investment in renewable energy totalled $243 billion in 2010, according to an index developed by Bloomberg New Energy Finance. The "Corporate Renewable Energy Index" (CREX) is based on surveys of the world's 1,000 largest corporations based on market capitalization. Renewable energy investments in 2010 represent a significant increase over the $186 billion reported by the CREX for 2009. The CREX covers total energy consumption as well as renewable energy as a share of total energy consumption. The index also includes how corporations procure renewable energy, such as through renewable energy certificates (RECs), green pricing, carbon offsets, and direct investments.

To read complete article, click here.

Source: ASHRAE, Vestas
Photo source: Vestas

London’s Modern Tourist Information Centre Harvests Rainwater and Geothermal Energy

The City of London Information Centre situated right in front of the iconic St Paul's Cathedral was designed and built by international studio Make Architects. The striking modern structure harnesses an impressive list of green building strategies including rainwater recycling, geothermal energy, and locally sourced and recycled materials.

To read complete article, click here.

Source: Inhabitat
Photo: Ana Lisa Alperovich

Department of Energy Commits Support for Landmark Rooftop Solar Project

U.S. Department of Energy will provide a partial guarantee for a $1.4 billion loan to support Project Amp.  This project will support the installation of solar panels on industrial buildings across the country, with the electricity generated from those panels contributing directly to the electrical grid, as opposed to powering the buildings where they are installed.   Supported by funding from the 2009 stimulus bill, the solar generation project includes the installation of approximately 733 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, which is nearly equal to the total amount of PV installed in the U.S. in 2010.

For the complete article, click here.

Source: Energy.gov

Big Steps In Building: Stop Ignoring Orientation And Sun Control

There are some very simple moves one can make to reduce the amount of energy a house uses, that any builder in America could do without adding much to the cost of a house. Builders ignore orientation, window placement and cross ventilation, all of which can make a huge difference. Customers buy plans or houses and don't even think about which way they are facing.

For the complete post, click here.

Source: TreeHugger
Photo credit: Florida Solar Energy

Inquiries for new projects drop to slowest pace of growth since February 2010

AIA, Washington, D.C. – On the heels of a sizeable decrease in April, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) slowed even further in May. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the May ABI score was 47.2, a slight decrease from a reading of 47.6 the previous month. This score reflects a continued decrease in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 52.6, down from a mark of 55.0 in April, its lowest level in almost a year and a half.

For the complete article, click here.

Source: AIA

House Bill Would Cut Clean Energy and Efficiency Programs by 40 Percent

A 2012 energy and water appropriations bill would set renewable energy and efficiency funding about $1 billion below current levels, roughly equaling the amount allocated to such programs in 2005. The bill cuts $1.9 billion from the White House request for investments in research into energy efficiency and renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and geothermal, fuel-conserving vehicles, weatherization, biomass and other programs. That is more than 40% below current funding levels. The bill passed in committee by a 26-20 vote. The full House of Representatives will consider the measure after July 4.

For the complete article, click here.

Source: REUTERS

NYC Energy Code: Form + Process Changes

The PW1, TR1, TR8 and EN2 forms have been updated to reflect the 2011 New York City Energy Conservation Code and amendments to 1 RCNY §5000-01.

To see what was changed and how this will affect your project, click here.

Source: Department of Buildings

NYC Parks Administrative Building Installs Green Roof

Randall's Island is home to the NYC Parks Department's Five Borough Administrative Building, the central hub for our Citywide Operations division as well as our renowned Parks fleet. On Earth Day 2007, Mayor Bloomberg released a comprehensive sustainability plan for the City of New York titled PlaNYC. In response to this visionary initiative, the Five Borough Technical Services division adopted its own sustainability task force. After extensive research, Five Borough discovered that installing a green roof can contribute significantly to the city's sustainability effort.

In spring 2007, the Five Borough Technical Services Division began a program of installing green roofs of various designs atop the Five Borough Complex on Randall's Island where it is headquartered. To date, the division, together with Parks' Green Apple Corps, has installed 24 systems covering over 29,000 sf of roof on the west wing of the building. Taken together, the systems installed at Five Borough will, arguably, comprise the fifth largest green roof in New York City.

For the complete article, click here.

Source: Greenroofs.com
Photo: Greenroofs.com

Department of Energy: $70 Million to Advance Geothermal Energy Technology

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In support of President Obama's goal of generating 80% of the country's electricity from clean energy sources by 2035, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the availability of up to $70 million in new funding over three years for technology advancements in geothermal energy to accelerate development of this promising clean energy resource. Innovations in exploration technologies to locate geothermal energy resources and improvements in resource characterization, drilling, and reservoir engineering techniques will enable clean energy from geothermal sources to be a key contributor to the nation's renewable energy supply. By targeting funding to research and develop these innovative technologies, the Department aims to reduce the upfront cost of geothermal energy systems, expand their use, and enable the United States to tap the huge potential of this renewable energy resource.

To read complete article, click here.

Source: Department of Energy
Photo: NYSERDA

Sixty-Three Percent of Architects Surveyed Report Stalled Projects

Almost two-thirds of architects surveyed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) last month report that they have at least one project that is stalled due to lack of financing, despite record low interest rates. Of the 63% of firms surveyed with stalled projects, the average value of each project was almost $50 million per firm. Among the survey's major findings is that the availability of construction project financing remains a major issue for many architecture firms. In April, 57 percent of survey respondents rated the issue as very or extremely serious, and an additional 30 percent indicated that it is a somewhat serious issue. Nearly half of respondents (45 percent) think that the availability of credit has become more restrictive over the past year, with just 16 percent seeing an easement in credit availability.

For the complete article, click here.

Source: AIA
Photo Source: Wikipedia

General Liability Insurance - UPDATED

New General Liability (GL) insurance requirements for construction or demolition projects go into effect on June 13, 2011. When pulling permits, contractors must provide proof that the new insurance requirements have been met. See RCNY §101-08 for complete information.

Source: NYC Department of Buildings (link)

International Energy Agency says gas in golden age

Increasing gas supply and demand for the fuel could set off a "golden age of gas", the International Energy Agency (IEA) has said.
An IEA report claimed that demand for gas could outstrip coal by 2030, and get close to demand for oil by 2035.
The agency pointed to the uncertain future of nuclear energy as one of the main reasons for gas becoming so popular.
Growth in the sector would be led by China and the US, the IEA said.

To read complete article, click here.

Source: BBC
Image source: Wikipedia (Natural gas extraction by countries in cubic meters per year)

IEA report shows how to achieve dramatic energy savings in the buildings sector by 2050

A new report from the International Energy Agency released today shows how heating and cooling technologies that are energy-efficient and that emit little or no carbon dioxide can dramatically reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions within residential, commercial and public buildings, a sector that currently accounts for around one-third of total final energy consumption.

The report focuses on four key technology options for heating and cooling in buildings:

• Active solar thermal systems, wherein water is heated by the sun for space, or, more commonly, for sanitary hot water use
• Combined heat and power systems, which simultaneously produce heat and electricity for use in the building or for sale to the grid (the heat produced can be used for space or water heating, and even cooling with a thermally driven chiller)
• Heat-pump systems (such as air conditioners), which have high end-use efficiencies and can be designed to produce heat and/or cold, and depending on system design, produce these simultaneously
• Thermal energy storage, which facilitates greater use of renewable energy, enables optimal operation of heating and cooling systems, and provides increased flexibility in balancing energy systems.

To read complete article, click here.

Source: International Energy Agency
Image Source: Treehugger.com

Olympic site prompts "greener" building in UK

The environmentally friendly credentials of London's 2012 Olympic venues are already fuelling "greener" building in Britain and will influence future global events, said the Olympic Development Authority. In a recent sustainability report, London's ODA said that it had met nearly all of the "green" targets, particularly around carbon emissions and water usage. The sustainability practices, such as innovation around waste management and water efficiency savings through treating sewage water, developed at the 2.5 square kilometer site in East London will also be the blueprint for future Olympic sites.

To read complete article, click here.

Source: Reuters/Lorraine Turner
Image credits: Reuters/Toby Melville

UC Davis West Village - largest planned zero net energy community in the U.S.

The largest planned net zero energy development in the U.S. is being prepared to open this fall. Under construction on the campus of the University of California, Davis, UC Davis West Village includes energy-efficient design features and a high-efficiency solar power system. When complete, the 200 acre (81 ha) project is expected to house about 4,500 people, including students, staff and faculty. Phase I of the project is under construction. It includes apartments for 2,000 people, as well as an education center, recreation and study facilities; a village square surrounded by neighborhood-serving retail; and 343 single-family homes for sale to faculty and staff. The solar system will generate the equivalent of 100% of the electricity needed for the rental apartments housing the first 2,000 tenants and the retail space.

For more information, see UC David News & Information web site.

Source: UC Davis News & Informations, ASHRAE

Research Panel Says Climate Change Doubts Slow Urgent Action

Public misconceptions of climate change have thwarted needed efforts to reduce emissions blamed for climate change, according to a report released last week by the National Research Council of the National Academies. Media reports sometimes present aspects of climate change that are well-established as if they were "matters of serious debate," according to the report. Also, groups opposed to policies limiting carbon dioxide emissions are influencing some reporting, according to the study, which was requested by Congress in 2008. It was prepared by a committee of scientists, engineers and economists.

Read full article here.

Source: Bloomberg News

AIA 2011 Top Ten Sustainable Architecture Winners

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has announced this year's COTE Award winners. The award is given to the best 10 examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. Projects on the list include a mixed-use housing development, a national historic landmark meeting house, a K–12 school, and a municipal water treatment facility.


Check the winners here.

A Grander View - Case Study

An excellent article about a sustainable office building in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, with some very original design ideas. Check the article in the High Performing Buildings Magazine.

Sprinkler Reports – Deadline Approaching

The deadline for the seven-year sprinkler compliance report is July 1, 2011. Owners of commercial buildings 100 feet and higher must submit a report indicating that the property is completely sprinklered.

Sprinkler compliance reports must include a certification by a New York State licensed professional engineer or registered architect. This certification must state the percentage of the building that has sprinklers installed. If less than the entire building is in compliance, the design professional must include an implementation plan outlining when and how the remaining part of the building will be compliant.

For more information or to access the Local Law 26/04 Seven Year Sprinkler Report form, visit the Local Law area of the Form section of the NYC Building Department's website at nyc.gov/buildings.

Source: New York City Department of Buildings

Residential Programmable Thermostats' Usability Impacts Effectiveness

Interesting article about residential programmable thermostats not saving as much energy as expected.

"BERKELEY, Calif.—Homes with programmable thermostats are not saving as much energy as expected and might even be using more compared to homes without them, according to research by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Tests and surveys conducted for the study found that users frequently had difficulty performing various tasks on programmable thermostats. One survey found that half of residential programmable thermostats are set to long-term hold, and 20% had the wrong time of day set on the units' internal clocks. Also, 89% of the respondents rarely or never used their thermostat to set a weekday or weekend program. One intention of the study is to develop a usability "score" for programmable thermostats.


Click here to read the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory report, How People Actually Use Thermostats."


Source: ASHRAE

Green Roof + Solar Tax Abatement Appointments

Effective April 2011, applicants participating in the Green Roof and Solar Tax Abatement program must report to the NYC Building Department's Sustainability Unit for all appointments. This team is located on the third floor at 280 Broadway in Manhattan.

The filing process remains unchanged; applicants should continue to follow the current filing process, outlined in the Green Roofs and Solar Panels sections of the Department's website at nyc.gov/buildings.

Source: nyc.gov/buildings

DOB Form Changes for the 2011 Energy Code

The Department of Buildings is updating and adding new forms for compliance with the 2011 New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC). The new versions must be used starting on February 7, 2011.

The updated forms are:

• PW1
• PW1C
• ED16A
• TR1
• PC1
• EN1 (formerly EC1)

The new forms are:

• TR8
• EN2

For more info see these links: Timeline for New Forms (PDF); Description of Form Changes (PDF)

For all global warming sceptics - 2010 hits global temperature high

"2010 was the warmest year since global temperature records began in 1850 - although margins of uncertainty make it a statistical tie with 1998 and 2005.

The World Meteorological Organization notes a number of extreme weather events ocurring during 2010, including:

• the summer heatwave in Russia
• severe monsoon-related floods in Pakistan
• the worst Amazon drought in recent memory.
  Agencies including the UK Met Office suggest 2011 is likely to be cooler on average than 2010, as La Nina conditions dominate.
  The variation between El Nino and La Nina can alter the global temperature by half a degree or so.
  But the variations it produces sit on top of a slow, steady warming trend dating back half a century, ascribed to the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere from industry, agriculture, deforestation and other human activities."
  
  Source: BBC (link)

'Green' School Has Faulty Underfloor System (one more reason for integrated design)

"GUILFORD, N.C.—Pressure loss in the ductless underfloor heating and cooling system at an award-winning North Carolina middle school appears to be the primary reason the school has not achieved the level of energy efficiency that school district officials expected. The district learned last year that the middle school, which has won national awards for its energy-efficient and environment-friendly design, used more energy per square foot in 2008 than another local school built in 2009 for substantially less money. The district's chief operations officer said it is looking at ways to preserve the integrity of the plenum space in order to get the system to operate efficiently."

Source: ASHRAE, News & Records (link)
Picture source: School web site
Case study link (Source: North Carolina Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance)