?????? ??????????????: IEQ & Net Zero Through HVAC - March 2024 News & Updates
?? Happy St. Patrick's Day, fellow engineering enthusiasts! As we celebrate the patron saint of engineers, St. Patrick, we're thrilled to share a pot of gold with you in our latest newsletter. From the DOE's endorsement of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2022 to the strides made in energy efficiency standards, there's plenty of treasure to uncover. Explore the journey towards net-zero buildings, learn about IAQ advancements, and discover the monumental Lily's Pad AZ project, safeguarding the health of immunocompromised children. So grab your lucky charms and join us on this exciting adventure through the world of engineering innovation! ??
Varitec; supporting our community for a better tomorrow.
Unveiling the Hidden Threat: Dyson's Alarming Report on Indoor Air Quality
Unveiling a startling truth, Dyson's latest report reveals that indoor air quality may be more harmful than outdoor pollution for the majority of the world. With findings showing that 85% of countries studied experienced worse indoor air quality, this eye-opening study sheds light on a pervasive global issue. From the UK to Milan, cities worldwide are grappling with elevated levels of pollutants like PM2.5 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Dive deeper into the report's implications and discover how we can address this invisible threat in our homes and workplaces.
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Breathing Easy: The Imperative for Enhanced Indoor Air Quality
In an era where indoor spaces dominate our lives, the quality of the air we breathe indoors is more vital than ever. Tanya Lewis discusses how upgrading ventilation, filtration, and other factors not only decreases COVID transmission but also enhances overall health and cognitive performance. Discover actionable steps to improve indoor air quality and why it's a critical investment for our well-being.
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ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2022: Propelling Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently issued a determination endorsing ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2022 for its significant contributions to enhancing energy efficiency in commercial buildings. This latest edition of the standard is projected to increase national average site energy savings from 9.8% to 14%, marking a substantial leap forward in energy conservation efforts. ASHRAE President Ginger Scoggins emphasizes the pivotal role of Standard 90.1 in shaping building regulations and advancing energy legislation, underscoring its importance in the global pursuit of building decarbonization. Discover the key features and implications of the updated standard, including its integration of renewable energy systems and provisions for achieving net-zero energy in future constructions. Learn more about DOE's model energy code determination and its impact on energy efficiency standards.
Navigating the Journey to Net Zero Buildings with ASHRAE 90.1-2022
In his comprehensive breakdown of ASHRAE's latest energy code, Mack Wallace illuminates the evolution of ASHRAE 90.1 and its pivotal role in steering buildings towards net-zero carbon emissions. Wallace delves into the historical context of the standard, tracing its origins from the oil crisis of the 1970s to its present-day ambition of achieving carbon neutrality by 2031. Highlighting key provisions and updates in the 2022 edition, Wallace provides invaluable insights into compliance strategies, including the incorporation of renewable energy systems and the introduction of innovative efficiency metrics like Total System Performance Ratio (TSPR). With a roadmap laid out for future editions, Wallace underscores the transformative potential of ASHRAE 90.1 in propelling the building industry towards a sustainable future.
?? March's Project Spotlight ??
LILY'S PAD AZ
The Lily's Pad AZ project, aimed at safeguarding immunocompromised children in a playground setting, involved major players like Architekton, Applied Engineering, and Varitec Solutions in modernizing IAQ through the introduction of Building4Health (B4H) monitors. This crucial upgrade in an existing building ensured a continuously monitored, safe environment for the children's health.
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Advancing Indoor Air Quality: Insights and Strategies for Building Health
In their insightful analysis originally featured in HPAC Engineering Magazine, the authors underscore the critical importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) in ensuring occupant health and productivity, particularly in light of the significant time spent indoors by Americans. They advocate for the implementation of state-of-the-art digital building technologies to detect, measure, and control diverse IAQ factors, ranging from carbon dioxide levels to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter. By emphasizing the integration of building automation systems (BAS) and the adoption of open communication standards, along with practical strategies endorsed by organizations like the CDC and ASHRAE, the authors provide a roadmap for creating safer indoor environments. The return to office spaces and classrooms amplified the significance of IAQ, stakeholders must prioritize total IAQ and leverage advanced sensor technology and automation systems to promote well-being and productivity. Read the full article here.?
This article underscores the critical role of integrating diverse data points and adopting open communication standards in ensuring optimal indoor air quality and building health. Aligning closely with the principles of Open+, these strategies emphasize simplicity, accessibility, and the utilization of advanced technologies to create safer and healthier indoor environments. To discover how Open+ can revolutionize your building management practices and enhance occupant well-being, take the next step and learn more about our innovative platform today.
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Upcoming Educational Opportunities & Events
Wednesday, April, 2024 (TBD)
12:00pm - 1:00pm PST
100% OSA Systems - The Importance of Ventilation
Wednesday, May, 2024 (TBD)
12:00pm - 1:00pm PST
The Fundamentals of Controls
Wednesday, June 5th, 2024
12:00pm - 1:00pm PST
How Can High Performing Buildings Continue to Perform at Optimal Levels?
Wednesday, July, 2024
12:00pm - 1:00pm PST
ASHRAE Standard 90.1