With energy-consuming equipment, such as water heaters and refrigerators, we have good data on energy consumption and can set clear standards accordingly. In some product categories—clothes washers, for example—Energy Star standards were adopted because those standards provide a high enough threshold to represent just the very top segment of the product market (less than 10%). In other product categories—e.g., refrigerators and dishwashers—we set a higher threshold than ENERGY STAR: for example, exceeding those standards by 10% or 20%. With lighting and lighting control equipment, certain generic products qualify, such as compact fluorescent lamps and occupancy/daylighting controls, while in other categories only a subset of products qualify. In some cases, products that meet the energy efficiency requirements are excluded, because of evidence of poor performance or durability. Microturbines are included here because of the potential for cogeneration (combined heat and power) that they offer.
XLerator Electric Hand Dryer
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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.
By using a powerful blast of air to blow off water droplets, the XLerator electric hand dryer uses about one-third as much energy and one-third as much time to dry hands (10–15 seconds) as conventional electric hand dryers. The XLerator also draws 1,500 watts instead of the usual 2,200, making it easier to install in older buildings and contributing to its energy efficiency. XLerator is available in all voltages; 110/120V, 208V, 220-240V, and 277V. A kit is available for recessing the unit in compliance with ADA. The noise level of XLerator is 80 dB.
Use of electric hand dryers generally carries significantly lower environmental burdens than use of paper towels. Electric hand drying also significantly reduces custodial labor requirements.
GreenSpec lists high-performance electric hand dryers that are energy-efficient, fast, and convenient—maximum 1,600 watts, less than 15 seconds drying time—resulting in significantly lower energy use than conventional electric hand dryers.
One weak point of hand dryers in general, including high-performance hand dryers, is their noise. Although not widely used, the NSF Protocol P335 certification establishes a 15-second drying time and a 90 dBA limit on continuous noise, which GreenSpec has also adopted.
LEED Credits
EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance
EAp2: Minimum Energy Performance
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