A new analysis from RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute) e xamines the economic and environmental costs of f retrofitting office buildings to be all-electric. Recognizing commercial buildings generate about 16% of energy-related CO2 emissions in the U.S., the report Economics of Electrifying Buildings: Medium-Size Commercial Retrofits found that mid-size office buildings electrification retrofits can not only lower emissions, but also can be cost-effective when paired with a suite of other energy retrofit measures, such as heat pump water heaters, heat pump rooftop units, energy recovery ventilation, peak heating demand management, and on-site solar photovoltaics.
Although regional climate conditions and gas utility rates are the primary drivers of the economics of decarbonization retrofits in the commercial sector, it will increasingly become more economical with state and federal policy changes, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, says RMI.
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by Eileen McMorrow – Hybrid work is changing when and where people access the workplace, and many are choosing their own cars over public transit. What they drive is changing, too. A greater number of U.S. drivers are choosing an electric vehicle (EV), and that is creating a greater demand for EV charging in more public places. As a result, the availability of reliable EV charging at hospitals and healthcare facilities is an additional service in the competition for healthcare workers and patients.
EVs are predicted to be half of global car sales by 2035. By 2030, every vehicle will have a charging plug, and even Porsche has made a $9 billion investment. EV sales will soar to about 73 million units in 2040, up from around two million in 2020, according to Goldman Sachs Research. The percentage of EVs in worldwide car sales, meanwhile, is expected to rise to 61% from 2% during that span. The share of EV sales is anticipated to be well over 80% in many developed countries.1 (Electric vehicles are forecast to be half of global car sales by 2035, Goldman Sachs, 02102023)
Experts estimate that by 2030, 28 million EVs will enter the American auto market. To power them, the U.S. will need 700,000 Level-2 EV chargers and 70,000 Level-3 EV chargers. That’s an eight-fold increase in the country’s EV charging infrastructure in just seven years. The influx of EVs is greatest in the West to Lower Midwest and along the East Coast. California is in first place at three percent EV car adoption. 2 (ABM EV Charging Solutions. Expert answers to every EV question, page 2)
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As the world continues to grapple with a resurgence of Covid-19, along with the flu and RSV, the importance of clean air flow in buildings has never been more critical, says global building technology society ASHRAE, a leader in the development of guidance proven instrumental in safeguarding public health. Now, the Society’s pioneering resource, ASHRAE Standard 241, Control of Infectious Aerosols, is empowering building owners, operators and professionals to proactively protect indoor environments during this fall and winter virus season.
ASHRAE Standard 241 establishes minimum requirements to reduce the risk of airborne aerosol transmission, such as the SARS-COV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19; the flu virus; and other pathogens in buildings like single and multifamily homes, offices, schools, and healthcare facilities.
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Taco Comfort Solutions has expanded its family of easy-to-use, ECM (electronically commutated motor with permanent magnet technology) high-efficiency circulators with the addition of the 0034e and 0034ePlus models. With a maximum of 34 feet of head and 50 GPM, the new circulators offer up to 85 percent energy savings over a conventional circulator.
The 0034e and 0034ePlus circulators are available with cast iron or NSF/ANSI 61 & 372 certified stainless steel volutes, so they are ideal for closed-loop hydronic heating systems as well as domestic hot water recirculation systems. Both circulators also offer a convenient, rotatable control box cover for a professional look, no matter the orientation of the installed circulator.
The 0034e features an easy-to-use dial with five operating modes, including constant pressure, fixed speed, Taco’s exclusive TacoADAPT self-adjusting proportional pressure, and 0-10V capability. The 0034ePlus adds proportional pressure and more constant pressure settings as well as a digital display with real-time feedback, including watts, GPM, feet of head, and RPM. Both circulators are dual-voltage 115V/230V.
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By Jack French, CEM, CMVP, senior manager of Energy Analytics at GridPoint, and Scott Stewart, CEM, CMVP, senior energy data analyst at GridPoint — As the vibrant colors of autumn foliage signal the arrival of fall and soon winter, facility managers (FMs) find themselves facing a unique set of challenges and opportunities to enhance energy efficiency within their buildings. The shift in seasons brings fluctuating temperatures, shorter daylight hours and distinct operational needs that demand a fresh perspective on managing energy consumption.
To navigate this transitional period effectively, facilities managers must embrace innovative strategies and implement practical solutions. Here are seven energy efficiency tips tailored for the winter months to help FMs cut operational costs while contributing to greener processes and greater sustainability overall.
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By Ilan Rodzynek, Product Management, Marketing & Pricing vice president, Lawson Products — Employees and visitors of hospitals, schools, hotels, factories and warehouses depend on facility managers (FMs) to keep building environments safe, healthy and comfortable. To do so, facilities managers are busy extending the life of aging equipment, keeping accurate service and maintenance records, responding to building emergencies, staying on top of regulatory and compliance standards, and implementing the right technology. All while challenged with labor shortages, supply chain problems and pressure to reduce costs.
The labor shortage has disproportionately impacted trade/technical workers. New entrants into the trade/technical workforce have been steadily declining due to generational preferences toward working in other industries like information technology (IT) and healthcare. The result short-staffed departments and team members pulled from priority work to manage day-to-day concerns.
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Career growth in facility management is wide open, and there are a host of FM-related organizations that support professional development. The industry conferences usually offer a “Women in FM” discussion session and networking. But oftentimes that’s really not enough. Women in facility management, architecture, design and planning could benefit from a sustained peer-supported organization that supports critical career development for women. That’s where NextUp becomes an opportunity and an asset.
The NextUp network delivers inclusive programs and experiences that advance women at every stage of their career, accelerate workplace equity and drive business growth. They do this by developing leaders at every level of business, transforming norms by creating workplace equity and leading the DEI&B conversation by supporting women of color and their allies. NextUp envisions a world where women have equal opportunities at work and equal opportunity to build their lives and careers exactly the way they want them.
The 17,000-member-strong association, present in 21 regions across the U.S., provides critical career development for women who come to NextUp as individuals or members of a partner organization. Its leadership believes goals are unique to each person and tailors solutions that cater to its members’ career level.
For facility and design professionals who are ready to see what’s next:
NextUp Membership is open to individuals or members of a partner organization. When you join NextUp through The McMorrow Reports/FMLink, you are entitled to 20% off with the code NextUp23McMorrow.
For more information, contact Beth Fasching, strategic partnership director, NextUp.
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This week's Featured Book from FMLink's new Books section is from the Costbooks category. This collection of peer-reviewed books has been curated by the editorial team at FMLink to provide facilities, engineering and A&D professionals with access to publications relating to the Costbooks topic.
The 34th edition of the BNi Mechanical/Electrical Costbook doesn’t just give you the costs for major commodities. It presents you with precise details for over 15,000 individual items … from conveying systems to hydronic piping and pumps! For each item you get the unit of measure and the man-hours, along with the material cost, the labor cost and the equipment cost per unit all clearly broken out. Just multiply by the quantity from your takeoff, and you’re done! If you want your estimates to be accurate, you need to be using accurate data. Data you'll find right here in the 2024 BNi Mechanical/Electrical Costbook.
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