CHAPTER TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

Annually, ASHRAE tasks its members to submit projects for the annual Technology Awards. These awards serve to recognize the design engineer and client’s dedication to unique, energy efficient, and or sustainable design. Projects eligible for this award can fall under the following categories for new or existing buildings or retro-commissioning projects: Commercial Buildings, Institutional Buildings, Healthcare Facilities, Industrial & Process Facilities, Public Assembly, or Residential. Multiple winners in each category are possible.

There is a deadline every year, which is usually in February for the upcoming year. If you have any projects you think may qualify, or have more questions contact the NEOK CTT Chair, Michael Floyd for assistance in submitting at michael.floyd@leeandbrowne.com.

The Technology Awards are a great way to recognize both the client’s and design engineer's dedication to unique, energy efficient, and or sustainable design. Both the engineer of record and the client will receive plaques recognizing them for their role in the project when awards are announced. The plaques will be awarded at the Spring awards program where the engineer and client will also receive complimentary meals and the engineer will present his or her project.

More information regarding the Technology Awards can be found at www.ashrae.org/technologyawards.

How to: Five Ways to Make Your Office More Energy Efficient

posted by Andrew Sneed, 01/30/2019

Does your office building guzzle energy? Are your energy bills and operating costs higher than you’d like? Make a change! Creating an office environment that is more energy efficient is environmentally friendly, and it can lead to saving a few dollars in the office budget.

This can be done in many ways. If you’re able to make a large investment, working toward a third party certification (like LEED or Green Globes) could be an option for your building and create large savings over the years. But small changes can also be made to reduce energy use with less time (and money) required.

Many buildings in and around Tulsa have made the investment and renovated their offices to achieve LEED certification. This is usually accomplished by installing energy efficient light fixtures, low flow water fixtures, and energy efficient mechanical systems.

After renovation, it’s recommended to stay on top of your energy usage by making the small adjustments needed to take full advantage of your energy efficient systems. These actions can be performed in most office buildings and will help to reduce both energy use and energy cost:

  1. Use a Building Automation System to avoid commanding the equipment manually. This system both improves comfort and energy efficiency. 

  2. Adjust the HVAC systems to prevent simultaneous heating and cooling operation.  If economizer operation exists, prevent the mechanical cooling from starting whenever the ambient temperature is below 55 degrees and verify proper operation of the economizer controls.

  3. Lock out the boiler system in the summer to prevent the heating equipment from kicking on should temperatures drop overnight. 

  4. Adjust the occupied/unoccupied schedule based on the needs of staff. This is important to maintain both comfort and efficiency. A typical office can run the system when necessary but uses setbacks when possible. 

  5. Review gas, electric and water bills regularly to ensure there are no anomalies. This should allow the building operator to discover any problems early on and then address them faster.

All of these actions can help move your building towards being more sustainable, energy efficient, and cost effective. Talk to your facility staff to see which of these changes are feasible for your office.

Last updated: 10/04/2021