Technology Primers
Overview
These Technology Primers are intended to introduce an array of audiences to high-performance technology in buildings. These solutions can help cut energy costs and improve comfort in your building.
The Tech Primers are meant to serve as building blocks to understand how different high performance technology works and its path to implementation.
The Tech Primers were developed in partnership with the Building Energy Exchange.
Air to Water Heat Pumps
Air to water heat pumps (AWHPs) are a deep energy retrofit option to electrify a building’s domestic hot water system.
By either replacing or supplementing a traditional gas, oil, or steam system, AWHPs can significantly reduce carbon emissions and save energy.
Chilled Water Plant Optimization
Cooling with chilled water is a centralized air conditioning method common in large buildings.
Chilled water plant optimization can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, extends equipment life, reduces utility costs, and provides high turn down and heat recovery.
Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs)
An enhanced mechanical ventilation system with an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) provides controlled and conditioned ventilation that improves indoor air quality and occupant health, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving energy.
Learn more about how enhanced ventilation and ERVs can improve your air quality while optimizing energy performance.
Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems
Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) provide controlled and conditioned ventilation that improves indoor air quality and occupant health, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving energy.
High Performance Windows
As part of a building’s envelope, windows play an important role in moderating indoor temperature.
Upgrading to high performance windows improves comfort and lowers operating costs by reducing demand on the building’s heating and cooling systems.
LED Lighting Retrofits
LED lighting upgrades are a low-cost, high impact opportunity to improve the performance of a building's lighting system, reduce energy use, enhance occupant comfort, and save money.
One-Pipe Steam Optimization
Although one-pipe steam is commonly associated with overheating and energy waste, optimizing these systems with a few high-efficiency upgrades can reduce energy bills and improve resident comfort.
Plug Loads and Tenant Energy Use Reduction
Energy use in tenant spaces can be significantly reduced by adopting simple user engagement strategies, upgrading to efficient appliances and equipment, sub-metering tenant spaces, and installing smart lighting controls.
Two-Pipe Steam Optimization
Although two-pipe steam is commonly associated with overheating and energy waste, optimizing these systems with a few high-efficiency upgrades can reduce energy bills and improve resident comfort.
Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) is an efficient heating and cooling technology that saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions while greatly improving resident comfort.
VRF systems offer multifamily buildings a path to electrification.
Wall Insulation
