Before specifying efficient heating and cooling equipment, it’s important to do what we can to reduce heating and cooling loads. Insulation is one of the key products to consider here, but because there are so many insulation products on the market, we look for additional benefits. Examples include cellulose insulation with recycled content, mineral wool insulation with no flame retardants, and fiberglass insulation with no formaldehyde binders. Other products in this area are high-performance windows and glazings, products that contribute to building airtight envelopes, products that reduce thermal bridging, and window-retrofit products.
With products in this area under constant development, we are always refining our approach. For example, as we have learned about insulation products with hazardous flame retardants and blowing agents that have high global warming potential, we have removed those products from GreenSpec, pending manufacturing changes. We encourage building professionals to pressure manufacturers for those changes through specification language and purchasing decisions.
Chemical-Free Cooling Water Treatment
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All toilets and most showerheads today meet the federal water-efficiency standards, but not all of these products perform satisfactorily. With toilets and showerheads, we include products that meet or exceed WaterSense standards, which includes performance requirements—although we go beyond WaterSense where there are issues not adequately addressed by the program. We also look for other products that conserve potable water, such as rainwater catchment and graywater recovery and reuse systems.
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Alternative wastewater disposal systems reduce groundwater pollution by decomposing organic wastes or removing nutrients more effectively. Hand dryers reduce water and paper towel use, alternative treatments for cooling tower water reduce chemical use, and carpet tile allows modular replacement of worn areas. In screening products for this area, we focus on quantifiable environmental benefits and strong performance records.
VRTX is a non-chemical, side-stream water-treatment system for cooling towers and process water. It uses hydrodynamic cavitation to induce dissolved calcium and carbonate ions to agglomerate for removal by centrifugal separation. The inherent high pressures, temperatures, and shear also provide bacteria control, and typically maintain an 8.5 or higher pH. Blowdown can be reduced by 40%, and will generally be suitable for irrigation and other uses. Systems are sized and engineered for individual applications and conditions.
Cooling towers rely on the principle of evaporation to extract heat from water to aid in the cooling of conditioned spaces. This is typically achieved with large heat-transfer areas wetted by recirculating water. The combination of expansive moist areas and recirculating water create an almost ideal environment for bacteria and mold, which build up on the heat-transfer surfaces, reducing their effectiveness. Heat transfer effectiveness is also reduced by scale deposits that form as recirculating water evaporates, leaving behind minerals and other solids.
Environment-friendly cooling tower treatment systems based on ozonation or magnetic, electromagnetic, or electrostatic technology, have evolved considerably in recent years. Such systems can reduce and potentially obviate the need for dangerous chemicals, while providing decreased maintenance and reduced blow-down. Magnetic (and electromagnetic) systems are not fully understood, and have a checkered past and present. The systems listed here are from manufacturers with proven track records who have assuaged our concerns about effectiveness and provide the necessary engineering support for a successful system.
LEED Credits
EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance
EAc1.3: Optimize Energy Performance—HVAC
EAp2: Minimum Energy Performance
EAp2: Minimum Energy Efficiency Performance
WEc2: Innovative Wastewater Technologies
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