Sustainable Chicago Summer 2009 : Page 23
SUSTAINABLE CHICAGO Summer 2009 a well-planned mechanical in- sulation system. In any large or small com- mercial structure, the perfor- mance of heating and cooling systems are a vital indicator of a building’s overall efficiency. When working appropriately, these systems can maximize effectiveness and minimize waste. However, if they underper- form, they can serve as the culprit for energy loss, green- house gas emissions and wasted money. The Heat & Frost Insulators of Local 17 view themselves as the X-fac- tor between success and fail- ure, and are quick to point out that mechanical insulation is a fundamental—if often overlooked—aspect of green building. Ensuring that mechanical systems have sufficient and properly installed insulation dramatically reduces a building’s overall energy con- sumption. For example, insu- lating a single six-inch steam valve with two inches of insu- lation can save 49 million BTUs of heat loss and 7,600 lbs. of CO2 emissions. The proper insulation of this one valve translates into $600 in total energy saving in just one year. A basic enhancement with far-reaching benefits, mechan- ical insulation is one of the most cost-effective building improvements and is one of the only items in a building that starts to pay for itself the moment it is installed. On the other hand, insufficient and poorly installed insulation is, by far, the leading cause of lost energy in commercial con- struction. This lost energy must be made up for by in- creased output from power plants, which can effectively unravel all the benefits of an otherwise green building. The National Insulation As- sociation, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Ener- gy, has developed a software program that easily assesses the amount of insulation a facility requires to maximize efficiency. In just a few days, an appraiser can evaluate the energy and money a facility can save through mechanical insulation upgrades. In partnership with apprais- ers from the Illinois Regional Insulation Contractors associ- ation, Local 17 professionals take the time to understand a building’s energy priorities, personally inspect heating and cooling systems and offer vari- ous options based on a facility’s needs. Given the fact that buildings consume 70 percent of the nation’s electric- ity, while producing nearly 40 percent of total CO2 emissions, this simple process has the potential to be a game changer in green building practices. www.ChicagoCodes.com 23
