Department of Energy says savings of 18.5%

[KEVIN WOOD]

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/news_detail.html

news_id=17913

Savings of 18.5% for Buildings that Meet 2010 Energy Standard: DOE

November 30, 2011
NREL's Research Support Facility, which was among the top green buildings in 2011, showcases higher efficiency strategies.
Credit: Dennis Schroeder, NREL
DOE announced on November 21 that its analysis shows buildings meeting a 2010 energy efficiency standard will use 18.5% less energy than structures using the previous (2007) standard. The latest version of Standard 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings, Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, will save commercial building owners energy and money, according to DOE's analysis. It will also help them meet their sustainability goals and reduce carbon pollution. When DOE issues a final determination, states are expected to review the new code provisions and update their building code to meet or exceed the energy efficiency of the new standard within two years. Certification statements by the states are due October 18, 2013.
The DOE noted that the newer version of the standard contains 19 positive impacts on energy efficiency, including some changes resulting from public comments. Among the modifications are new requirements for daylighting controls under skylights and commissioning of daylighting controls; increased use of heat recovery; cool roofs in hot climates; skylights and daylighting in some building types; reduced ventilation energy; supply air temperature reset for non-peak conditions; efficiency requirements for data centers; lower lighting power densities; control of exterior lighting; and occupancy sensors for many specific applications.
DOE analyzed the energy codes published by the American National Standards Institute/American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America to determine the potential for energy efficiency improvements in buildings that adhere to the code. For its findings, DOE simulated 16 representative building types in 15 U.S. climate locations. The standard covers a wide spectrum of the energy-related components and systems in buildings ranging from simple storage units to complex hospitals and laboratories. Structures also ranged from those smaller than single-family homes to the largest buildings in the world. See the DOE Progress Alert, the final determination regarding Standard 90.1, the Building Energy Codes Program website, and the ASHRAE press release.

[Gary Farnsworth]

They may be saving energy, but not money. Utility rates are raising fast.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by gfarnsworth

They may be saving energy, but not money. Utility rates are raising fast.

Uh ... are you saying that people who reduce their energy usage are not paying less for their utility service than what they would be paying if they had not reduced their energy usage?

You seem to be applying the "logic" associated with one who feels that it is a waste of time to wipe their butt since they are just going to be crapping again, anyway.

It is precisely because of ever increasing utility rates that consumers should seek, immediately, the means to use the least amount of energy they can to operate their homes. Even if I reduce my energy use by 30% and my utility company doubles their rates --- my bills will be 30% less than they would have been otherwise.

[An HI]

Originally Posted by jbushart

Uh ... are you saying that people who reduce their energy usage are not paying less for their utility service than what they would be paying if they had not reduced their energy usage?

You seem to be applying the "logic" associated with one who feels that it is a waste of time to wipe their butt since they are just going to be crapping again, anyway.

It is precisely because of ever increasing utility rates that consumers should seek, immediately, the means to use the least amount of energy they can to operate their homes. Even if I reduce my use by 30% and my utility company doubles their rates --- my bills will be 30% less than they would have been otherwise.

SHEESH! What kind of logic is that?

[Gary Farnsworth]

Companies of any type, utility or other, are only in business to make money and keep shareholders happy. They will not lose money. So, when you save energy, utility companies have to raise rates. Look at gasoline. Even when cars use less gas, the price just seems to go up.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by gfarnsworth

Companies of any type, utility or other, are only in business to make money and keep shareholders happy. They will not lose money. So, when you save energy, utility companies have to raise rates. Look at gasoline. Even when cars use less gas, the price just seems to go up.

I know. I have published that analogy some time ago ... but not as a reason to avoid energy efficiency.

Do you actually believe that the power company plans to leave your rates the same if you choose to use energy at your current rate ... but will only increase your rate if you increase your efficiency?

[Gary Farnsworth]

Due to the new EPA emission requirements scheduled to go into effect in 2014, over 32 coal fired electricity plants will close in Jaunary 2012. Another 30 could close before 2014. Sure their old, and emit carbon. But, the EPA is wanting better, cleaner air emissions by all companies, cars, airplanes, etc.

This is also what Obama wants.

This is all for him, and the government, to control companies via these EPA tightened regulations.

Close power plants, lower tax reveune to the governement and cities, lose jobs, raise rates dramatically, government control. Scary.