This information is intended as a guide for architects, owners, building managers, contractors and others in the building industry who are interested in the proper care and maintenance of finished architectural aluminum.

Carl Troiano (Trojan Powder Coating), vice chair of the FGIA Architectural Aluminum Handling, Cleaning and Maintenance Task Group, explained:

This guideline will benefit all those involved in the entire process from manufacturing and fabrication, installation and future maintenance of a project.  It is the most current specification to help deal with the cleaning and maintenance guidelines to assist in the prevention of damage to the finished aluminum surfaces. FGIA and its members have been able to provide a concise specification to assist in maintaining the longevity of anodized surfaces, painted and powder coated aluminum surfaces including cleaning recommendations and care after installation.

AAMA 609 and 610-25, Cleaning and Maintenance Guide for Architecturally Finished Aluminum, as well as other documents available from FGIA, may be purchased from the online store at the discounted member rate of $25 or the non-member price of $70.

For more information about FGIA and its activities, visit FGIAonline.

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January 15, 2025 — An old hotel turned into trendy apartments; a restaurant built in a former bank; and a warehouse divided into cool office spaces are prime examples of adaptive reuse. In today’s climate of sustainability, the benefits of adaptive reuse are attracting new attention from property owners and developers. Repurposing an existing, underutilized structure to give it a new lease on life benefits owners, the environment, and communities.

Adaptive reuse is the practice of refurbishing an existing building for a new purpose. The term became popular in the early 1970s when Boston’s Old City Hall was converted into an office and retail complex.

In the decades since, adaptive reuse has enabled some famous transformations — from the conversion of a decommissioned cheese factory into one of Arkansas’ premier art centers to an historic aircraft hangar becoming the home of Google.

The practice, however, goes back centuries. There’s evidence that ancient Romans saw the benefits of adapting structures rather than tearing them down. In Roman times, a voting center was transformed into an entertainment venue; after the fall of the Empire, Roman buildings were often used as churches, fortresses, and more.

Adaptive reuse is sometimes confused with other definitions for architectural renovation projects on old buildings. It’s important to note that restoration and preservation are not the same as reuse, although they both seek to bring a structure back to its original state, at least aesthetically.

Restoration returns a renovated or dilapidated site to its original glory. For example, Notre Dame Cathedral has been undergoing restoration work since a devastating fire in 2019. The goal is to restore the landmark to its pre-fire condition.

Preservation seeks to freeze a structure at a moment in time. For example, sites of historic significance are often preserved to protect their heritage. Modern means of weather protection and climate control are introduced strategically only to maintain the building’s original features.

Adaptive reuse reimagines buildings that have outlived their original purpose. Instead of restoring an abandoned shopping mall as a retail center, adaptive reuse might transform it to become an event venue. Communities tend to see the greatest benefit from adaptive reuse projects that turn single-use spaces into multi-use environments, like Boston’s Old City Hall.

Greg Trost, associate principal at St. Louis-based design firm Lawrence Group, remarked:

Cities around the world encourage adaptive reuse for the benefits it brings to local neighborhoods. In the first place, adaptive reuse protects a city’s unique heritage. Renovating buildings rather than tearing them down preserves the character of historic areas. It also revives dying urban centers. In recent decades, urban sprawl has pulled much commercial space out of city centers. Once-thriving neighborhoods are left to fade into obscurity or, worse, blight. Adaptive reuse reverses that. Multi-use renovations encourage new business development in established neighborhoods. Communities become more walkable, more vibrant, and more economically stable.

Reuse takes advantage of a building’s best features while modifying it for modern life. For example, the popularity of the industrial aesthetic created demand for housing in historic factories and warehouses. These repurposed buildings breathe new life into long-neglected industrial districts while simultaneously relieving pressure on housing stock.

Another example is transforming institutional buildings like schools and hospitals into mixed-use commercial developments. These sites are already situated in prime locations with spacious layouts and plenty of parking. Repurposing them revives mixed-use neighborhoods and boosts a community’s tax rolls.

Types of adaptive reuse

According to Trost, there are five common approaches architects take when planning an adaptive reuse project: renovation, integration, preservation, façadism, and infrastructural.

Renovation

Renovation entails equipping a building for its new purpose while preserving its original aesthetic. For example, when Dunn Library at Simpson College was adapted into a center for academic support services, architects updated the layout and mechanical systems while carefully preserving the vision and mid-century features created by the original architect.

Integration

Integration involves building around the original structure, and incorporating it into a new, larger building. For example, when the Grand Center Arts Academy wanted to restore the historic Sun Theatre, Lawrence Group architects integrated a modern stair tower and elevator to comply with life safety regulations. Similarly, when a new, blast-resistant vestibule was added to the Federal Reserve Bank, it was integrated to complement the building’s existing exterior.

Preservation

When combining preservation with adaptive reuse, as much of the building’s original features are preserved as possible. When the Southside National Bank was adapted from commercial offices to multifamily housing, the bank lobby was restored to its original glory. A similar restoration occurred with the lobby and executive office floors of the Park Pacific high rise.

Façadism

In façadism, a building’s public face is restored and preserved, while the structure behind it is demolished and built new. For example, turning City Foundry STL in Midtown St. Louis into a creative, mixed-use development involved exhaustive interior demolition and reconstruction, all while preserving the original building envelope.

Infrastructural

Infrastructural adaptive reuse repurposes public works like railways and tunnels for non-industrial use. The Grand Hall at St. Louis Union Station was once a bustling travel hub for railroad passengers. The historic landmark is an upscale restaurant and event space.

Trost continued:

Adaptive reuse has a number of benefits over new construction. It provides cost savings to building owners, has a lower negative impact on the environment, and creates physical and psychological benefits for the community. The owners of underutilized buildings may find adaptive reuse is faster and less expensive than demolition and rebuilding. If the building is structurally sound, construction time can be reduced by a third or more. Reusing existing materials like tiles, metalwork and lumber reduces the need to buy new products. Reclaiming materials benefits the environment as well. For example, reusing the lumber in the existing structure means lower demand on forests for new timber. The environment also benefits from the reduced demolition waste associated with adaptive reuse. Tearing an entire building down to rubble creates exponentially more waste and debris than renovating select areas.

Communities are often the big winners in adaptive reuse projects, points out Lawrence Group. Breathing new life into dilapidated buildings reverses urban blight; adapting the function of these buildings to accommodate modern life reinvigorates the neighborhood.

About Lawrence Group 

Founded in 1983, Lawrence Group is an integrated planning and design firm headquartered in St. Louis, MO with professional staff in Texas, Florida and New York. Using the power of people with great ideas to bring their clients’ dreams to life, Lawrence Group specializes in architecture, interior design, master planning, landscape architecture and furniture procurement. Lawrence Groups’ talented team of professionals work nationally and locally in healthcare, education, retail, hospitality, housing, senior living and workplace with the common goal of providing legendary customer service.

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The new resource, ASHRAE Guideline 44-2024, Protecting Building Occupants From Smoke During Wildfire and Prescribed Burn Events, outlines best practices for building design, operation and maintenance to reduce the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to wildfire and prescribed burn smoke.

2024-25 ASHRAE President M. Dennis Knight, P.E., BEMP, Fellow Life Member, said:

The frequency, intensity and duration of wildland fire events have grown significantly in recent years, threatening air quality and public health. This guideline equips building professionals with comprehensive recommendations to mitigate smoke intrusion and maintain healthier indoor environments. Protecting building occupants from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke is critical to preserving their health and overall wellbeing.

Key features of Guideline 44-2024:

• Applicability: Designed for commercial buildings, institutional facilities (including healthcare), multiunit residential buildings, and designated safe spaces for temporary occupancy during smoke events.
• Focus on vulnerable populations: Includes tailored recommendations for spaces occupied by at-risk groups, such as children and the elderly.
• Comprehensive guidance on best practices: Considerations during design phase for new and retrofits, as well as the installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of building envelopes, ventilation systems and air-cleaning technologies to mitigate smoke infiltration and improve IAQ.

To purchase Guideline 44-2024, Protecting Building Occupants From Smoke During Wildfire and Prescribed Burn Events (available free until February 11), or to view the podcast episode Where There’s Smoke, There’s HVAC, visit ASHRAE.

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Sponsored by DOE’s Building Technologies Office (BTO), the prize is advancing novel solutions for upgrading inefficient commercial and high-rise residential building windows to enable equitable decarbonization and optimize building envelopes for electrification. Secondary glazing involves installing an additional windowpane on an existing window to improve insulation while minimizing cost and disruption.

Hayes Jones, acting director of BTO, said:

About 40% of commercial buildings have single-pane windows, which provide a thinner barrier between the occupant and the outside than multipaned systems. This means higher energy costs and unwanted outside noise compared with multipaned windows. Despite that, less than 1% of windows are replaced annually because of high cost and occupant disturbance. Secondary glazing systems offer a less disruptive, more affordable opportunity to increase efficiency and indoor comfort than full window replacement.

The prize offers $2.1 million across three phases to incentivize rapid development and deployment of cost-effective secondary glazing system (SGS) solutions through a combination of lower costs, more flexible applications, and improved performance.

According to DOE’s Decarbonizing the U.S. Economy by 2050: A National Blueprint for the Buildings Sector (PDF), “to meet the 2050 vision of a highly efficient, net-zero emissions building sector, the retrofit rate for commercial building envelope components would need to increase up to 25x by 2030.” The prize will enable faster and more affordable building envelope upgrades.

In Phase 1, competitors submitted design concepts of their SGS innovations and shared early data on performance metrics. Seven winning teams received $50,000 each for their innovative, market-ready solutions.

The Phase 1 semifinalists are:

• AeroShield Materials Inc. (Waltham, MA) shared a design using advanced materials with significant potential for advancing the state-of-the-art performance of SGS with broad applicability across a variety of systems.
• Alpen High Performance Products (Louisville, CO) developed a project focused on reducing the costs of an existing on-site manufactured product that scales price with performance. Alpen’s SGS solution is low cost and high performance with short installation times.
• EnvisionWall (Flushing, NY) designed a cost-effective, quick retrofit option designed for installation over windows that can and cannot open.
• Indow (Portland, OR) created a design concept incorporating vacuum-insulated glazing within an SGS frame. Indow’s design offers the possibility of improved thermal performance in a product that can be installed easily and quickly.
• Thermalswitch Building Envelope Extension by StudioTJOA Inc. (Erie, CO) devised a product that accounts for different performance levels and climates, with advanced thermal performance and a simple design.
• Team QUANTA 3.0 (Lancaster, PA) evolved its design model to combine vacuum-insulated glazing with shade control in an innovative solution that boasts variety in applications and levels of performance.
• WexEnergy (Rochester, NY) conceived a unique product that provides a solution for operable windows with lower initial costs, quick installation, and short payback periods.

These seven solutions are innovating a retrofit technique that does not require opening walls to increase building energy efficiency while reducing installation time and cost. The winning teams will now proceed to Phase 2, in which they will produce window unit prototypes. Phase 2 winners will proceed to Phase 3, where they will transform their prototypes into a commercially viable, technically credible product that can be used in real-world applications.

Commercialization plans in Phase 3 will include implementation of an equity-focused pilot project in low-income multifamily or underserved public sector buildings. These pilots will help improve occupant comfort and energy performance in high-rise residential buildings and align with DOE’s Affordable Home Energy Shot, which aims to reduce the up-front cost of upgrading a home by at least 50% while reducing energy bills by 20% within a decade.

Read more about the Building Envelope Innovation Prize semifinalists and explore all of BTO’s open funding opportunities at DOE.

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W. Lee Shoemaker, Ph.D., P.E., MBMA’s Director of Research and Engineering, remarked:

Compliance with energy codes is an important and necessary part of modern construction. This guide is a valuable resource for building owners, architects, specifiers, contractors, builders, and metal building manufacturers. It is based on the IECC 2018/2021/2024 (draft edition) and ASHRAE Standard 90.1 – 2016/2019/2022, so it references the most widely used codes and information.

Energy Guide for Metal Building Systems: Code Compliance is a synthesis of all the pertinent information on creating energy efficient, code-compliant metal buildings. The design guide consists of the following six chapters:

1. Design Responsibilities — Building and Energy Codes
2. Energy Code Fundamentals
3. IECC Building Envelope Compliance
4. ASHRAE 90.1 Building Envelope Compliance Methods
5. Insulating Metal Building Systems
6. Commercial Compliance Using COMcheck

Additionally, the guidebook has dozens of useful diagrams, figures and charts to help guide the user.

Tony Bouquot, MBMA general manager, stated:

Given all the recent energy code updates, the 2^nd edition of this design guide is both timely and helpful. Many thanks to the MBMA staff and committee members who put this together.

In addition to Energy Guide for Metal Building Systems: Code Compliance, 2nd Edition, MBMA’s website has an array of free resources available for download, and also additional manuals and publications for purchase.

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Tony Bouquot, MBMA general manager, explained:

The folio series was created for architectural faculty and students to learn about metal building systems and their extraordinary possibilities. Each publication analyzes the design goals, priorities and outcomes for that facility. Our newest folio provides a look inside the design and construction challenges of Tulsa Ballet’s inspiring education and training center.

MBMA created The Hardesty Center for Dance Education folio in coordination with Selser Schaefer Architects, now Narrate Design. It includes:

• Exclusive interviews with architect Robert Schaefer and the construction team;
• Project design insights for the 21,000 square-foot metal building that features four dance studios, a spacious lobby and waiting area, dressing rooms, dance store and more; and
• Abundant photos, drawings and graphics that illustrate phases/elements of the design and construction process.

This is MBMA’s ninth Architectural Significance in Metal Buildings folio. The complete portfolio consists of:

• Alamo Beer Company in San Antonio, TX
• Boston Sports Institute in Wellesley, MA
• Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex in Los Angeles, CA
• Haulover Marine Center in North Miami Beach, FL
• Jacksonville University Basketball Performance Center in Jacksonville, FL
• Arbogast Performing Arts Center in Troy, OH
• Firehouse Ministries Shelter in Birmingham, AL
• St. David’s Performance Center in Austin, TX

The architectural folio for The Hardesty Center for Dance Education (PDF) is available from MBMA Education Resources.

Founded in 1956, MBMA serves manufacturers and suppliers that work with industry professionals, architects, building designers, educators, building code officials and others to advance the metal building systems industry. The efforts of member volunteers and association staff regularly lead to industry improvements and groundbreaking research. Resources at MBMA.com include technical materials, research reports, videos and design guides. The MBMA blog provides the most current research and new ideas to propel the industry. MBMA also provides graduate and undergraduate educational resources at MBMAeducation.org.

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FGIA Certification Services Manager, Fenestration, Jason Seals stated:

This specification provides a method to evaluate the installed performance of newly installed storefronts, curtain walls and sloped glazing systems and their installation during construction for air leakage resistance and/or water penetration resistance under controllable, reproducible and appropriate conditions. When used as part of a comprehensive building commissioning program, AAMA 503 provides reasonable assurance that the installed fenestration products will perform to the specified or rated air leakage and/or water penetration performance levels with allowances given for field performance.

In this new edition, the Testing Criteria of Commercial Fenestration Updates Task Group completed a full technical review of the specification. A new section about significance and use was added. Sections addressing sampling, site preparation and responsible parties were expanded. The section on test procedures was also revised, clarifying that air leakage resistance testing under AAMA 503 is optional. Definitions of water penetration were also updated.

Seals continued:

The specifier or architect can use this document and the short form specification provided to easily communicate to all interested parties the required installed performance for air infiltration and/or water penetration. Following product installation, this document provides a structured, controllable and reproducible method for testing.

AAMA 503-24, Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems, as well as other documents available from FGIA, may be purchased from the online store at the discounted member rate of $20 or the non-member price of $60.

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Additionally, Awards of Merit and Excellence were announced for buildings in three separate categories: Commercial, Community and Manufacturing, while an Award of Excellence was presented in the Agricultural category.

Robert Tiffin, MBCEA president, remarked:

Congratulations to APX Construction as this year’s overall winner. Their work on the Truck Center Companies complex was outstanding, and they had some great competition as well. It’s amazing to see how this contest has grown, and this year we saw 31 companies enter a total of 40 projects for consideration.

Following is a complete list of all 2024 MBCEA Building of the Year Award winners, the MBCEA members that worked on the building, and the metal building manufacturer/supplier.

Building of the Year: The Truck Center Companies sales and service center in Mankato, MN. APX Construction Group of Mankato was the general contractor for the 96,114 square-foot facility. It includes a total of seven buildings erected together to create an all-in-one complex with a standing seam metal roof and insulated metal wall panels. Metallic Building Company of Houston, TX, part of Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc., was the metal building systems provider.

Agriculture – Award of Excellence: McNeely Horse Facility, Ronda, NC. Garanco, Inc. of Pilot Mountain, NC, was the project manager for the 24,800 square-foot riding arena with attached viewing area. Metallic Building Company of Houston, TX, part of Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc., was the metal building systems provider.

Commercial – Award of Excellence: Builders FirstSource Showroom / Office / Warehouse Building in Carbondale, CO. Big Johnson Construction in Fort Morgan, CO was the metal building supplier and erector for the 28,323 square-foot project, which included a standing seam metal roof, metal wall panels and multiple building profiles. American Buildings, a Nucor Brand located in Terrill, TX, was the metal building system manufacturer.

Commercial – Award of Merit: Floors & Doors 2.0 Hangar, Englewood, CO. Buildings by Design, located in Brush, CO, served as the metal building furnish and erect subcontractor for the project, which includes a 30,332 square-foot metal building system hanger and attached 38,000 square foot office building with insulated metal wall panels. Chief Buildings was the metal building manufacturer and provided the metal roof.

Community – Award of Excellence: Sukeforth Family Sports Center at Thomas College, Waterville, ME. Sheridan Construction of Fairfield, ME, was the contractor and erector for the new athletic building overlooking the college fields. Butler Manufacturing was the metal building manufacturer.

Community – Award of Merit: Kennett Fire Station, Kennett, MO. Zoellner Construction of Perryville, MO, served as the general contractor for the 86′ x 70′ fire station with four truck bays. American Buildings, a Nucor Brand located in Terrill, TX, was the metal building manufacturer.

Manufacturing – Award of Excellence: Richstone Marble and Granite retail store and production warehouse, Chantilly, VA. Omega Contracting, located in Fallston, MD, advised in the design process and was the furnish and erect contractor. The 14,261 square-foot project included two interior crane bays, insulated metal wall panels, a roof designed for a solar system and multiple parapets. Nucor Building Systems manufactured the metal building system.

Manufacturing – Award of Merit: Commercial Metals Company AZ2 Micro Mill, Mesa, AZ. Fleming Steel Erectors of Tulsa, OK furnished and erected the metal building systems for the 435,000 square-foot micro steel mill, which included a total of 11 buildings with metal roofs and walls. Butler Heavy Structures manufactured the metal buildings.

Entries are judged by an outside panel of judges based on the following criteria:  Aesthetics, Unusual or Interesting Features, Quality, Complexity, and Green Building Elements. Judges for this year’s awards were Ronald Albert, AIA, RHA Architects; Jerry Gorski, Gorski Engineering; and Matthew B. Jarmel, AIA, MBA, Jarmel Kizel Architects and Engineers, Inc. To be eligible, the project must have been completed in 2023 by an MBCEA Contractor member.

For more information on MBCEA’s Building of the Year winners, visit MBCEA.

MBCEA was formed in 1968 to serve the needs and support the interests of metal building contractors and erectors. Its main goals are to provide education opportunities; develop programs to enhance the image of the metal building industry; and offer support to its grassroots membership. The association boasts membership from virtually every aspect of the industry throughout North America and across the globe.

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One popular renovation project is updating lobbies of existing structures to bring in more natural light with the addition or replacement of windows. This one step can help modernize a building’s appearance and in general make the office environment more appealing. New windows can also increase energy efficiency and enhance the safety and comfort of the space for occupants and visitors.

Before launching into this type of major repositioning project, however, owners and developers should consider a hidden complication that, left unchecked, can turn into a major health and safety concern. What is this lurking danger? Condensation. Let me explain.

I recently worked with a team charged with determining the impact replacing and expanding windows in the lobby of a major downtown building would have on the structure. Our client had the foresight to consider this possible complication.

Changing the window material and the amount of surface that allows light to enter the lobby would undoubtedly have an impact on the interior environment. The building owner in this case was concerned about the possibility of creating a situation where window condensation would become an issue. They were correct to be concerned.

It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity

The client in question was considering modifying the typical envelope module at a premiere downtown Chicago location. A building envelope includes the walls, roof, foundation, and windows of any building or facility and plays a major role in determining levels of natural lighting, ventilation, and energy requirements for heating and cooling.

Unlike other building processes, building envelope performance is highly correlated with the building’s type and climate where it is located. Chicago has many lovely qualities. Consistent weather is not one of them, especially when it comes to the temperature extremes found in both winter and summer months. When you have a pane of glass where one side is hot and humid and the other is cold, there is a chance window condensation will result. But the conditions must be just right.

This project explored the impact of replacing the existing lower insulated spandrel panel with a double-glazed insulated unit. Also known as infill panels or insulated aluminum composite panels, owners were concerned that replacing existing spandrel panels with a double-glazed insulated unit would change existing conditions just enough to lead to a risk of condensation.

What’s the big deal about condensation?

When your bathroom mirror fogs up after a steamy shower, the impact is likely inconsequential. When water repeatedly condenses on the windows of a large building a series of complications and risks could result.

Window condensation in large building lobbies can be a sign of poor insulation or excessive moisture in the air. This can lead to the growth of mold, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues for those who are exposed to it. Excess moisture on windows can create other physical safety hazards, including the potential for slips and falls on wet floors. Excess moisture in the air can also damage the building’s structure and weaken its foundation over time.

In addition to structural, safety, and health concerns, window condensation in large office structures can also be a problem from an aesthetic standpoint. Excess moisture on windows can obscure the view and make the lobby of a building look uninviting. It can also lead to the formation of unsightly streaks and water stains on the windows, which can be difficult to remove and can detract from the overall appearance of the building. If the goal is to welcome employees back to the office, it would be nice to see them coming!

What if I can’t see them coming?

Building owners, operators, and developers already experiencing condensation issues are advised not to ignore the situation. While the problem may not turn out to be dire, building stakeholders should still ask these important questions:

• How often does the condensation occur, and is it a persistent problem?
• Is the condensation occurring on the interior or exterior of the windows?
• Is the condensation causing damage to the windows or the surrounding building materials?
• Are there any health concerns associated with the condensation, such as the growth of mold or other harmful substances?
• Are there any building codes or regulations that need to be followed to address the issue of window condensation?
• How much will it cost to address the issue of window condensation, and is it worth the investment in the long term?

The answers can help determine what level of mitigation to correct the problem is necessary. A qualified consultant can help find those answers.

What if I want to see returning workers even better?

If you are considering office renovations that include replacing windows, you need to be aware of how those structural changes will impact other building systems. In the Chicago project referenced in this article, the building owner recognized the potential problem before it became one. This was only possible because they engaged certified professionals trained to make the determination.

Without diving too far into the technical methodology utilized in this study, suffice it to say two conditions specific to Chicago’s location were examined. In the first scenario, the outdoor air temperature was simulated to be 0°F, approximating the ASHRAE 99.6% annual design heating design condition. In the second scenario, the outdoor air temperature was simulated to be -7°F to account for Chicago Code heating design condition. Specialized software was used to model the risk of condensation using external wall thermal resistance values and boundary conditions.

Next, we reviewed the available heating and cooling capacity in the existing overhead heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to assess the impact of the proposed envelope modification.

What did we discover?

In the first scenario (0°F), we concluded a minimal risk of condensation at the base of the proposed lower double-glazed insulated panel. In the second scenario (-7°F), the model indicated a low to moderate risk of condensation forming at the lowest 1” of the unit’s frame under specific conditions (e.g., gyms or conference spaces where elevated levels of occupancy may raise the local space relative humidity above 30% RH.)

Our conclusion was the risk for typical office space is similarly minimal to Scenario #1. Given the limited extent of circumstances for “low to moderate risk” (limited conditions and operating hours), further discussion with the window wall vendor was recommended.

We also recommended an IECC 2021/ASHRAE 90.1-2019 Energy Code Impact Analysis be performed. If the additional proposed glazing increases the total building’s window-to-wall ratio above 40% additional energy mitigation measures and/or offsets may be required for the revised envelope to be code compliant.

Finally, our study included an analysis of the impact on available heating and cooling capacity. If the project is to proceed, we recommend that a comprehensive building load analysis be performed to confirm the base building systems can accommodate the additional heating and cooling loads.

To renovate or not to renovate?

Building owners, operators, and developers have great reasons to act now if they are considering any updates to their current office environments. The opportunity to make workspaces safer, healthier, more comfortable, and inviting to returning employees appears to be ideally timed, especially when combined with a renewed focus on greater energy efficiency and carbon-neutral goals. Improvements can be made to address existing problems or to meet new aesthetic or sustainability goals. Either way, building stakeholders are advised to find out what they don’t know.

About the authors

Kenneth Griffin, BEMP, MBS |senior building analyst | ESD now Stantec

Kenneth Griffin’s energy analyses and studies have been used to inform the design of new high performance buildings in Asia, the Middle East, and North America. He is a certified BEMP (Building Energy Modeling Professional) and has a published thesis that focuses on thermal mass, natural ventilation, and energy modeling.

The Stantec team unites approximately 28,000 professionals working in over 400 locations across six continents. The company delivers projects that advance the quality of life in communities around the globe. Its collaborations across disciplines and industries bring buildings, energy and resource, environmental, and infrastructure projects to life.

Sabhya Katia, project manager at Passive Logic

Sabhya has expertise in energy modeling with a focus on façade, lighting, and HVAC analysis. He strives to increase collaboration between all stakeholders of design and construction to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and build a sustainable future. He is passionate about reducing existing buildings’ carbon footprint using digital twins and big data.

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To navigate this transitional period effectively, facilities managers must embrace innovative strategies and implement practical solutions. Here are seven energy efficiency tips tailored for the winter months to help FMs cut operational costs while contributing to greener processes and greater sustainability overall.

Optimize HVAC systems

Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are often the largest energy consumers in a facility. Regular maintenance is the cornerstone of HVAC efficiency enhancement. This includes cleaning and replacing filters, checking outdoor damper positions, and clearing leaves and debris from outdoor equipment. These routine tasks significantly improve overall system efficiency, reduce repair and replacement costs, and extend the system’s lifespan.

In addition to maintenance, consider implementing temperature setbacks and using programmable thermostats. These measures allow you to reduce heating and cooling during off-hours or when spaces are unoccupied. This simple yet effective approach aligns HVAC operations with actual occupancy and usage patterns, resulting in substantial energy savings.

Check for leaks in windows and doors

Examine the seams of windows and exterior doors for possible air leaks. A simple hand test can do the trick. If you feel cold air or notice daylight seeping through gaps around the frames, it’s an indication of an air leak. Once you’ve located a leak, apply caulking, sealing or weather stripping to seal these openings. This prevents heat loss and ensures a more comfortable interior environment.

Inspect insulation

Insufficient insulation may lead to temperature disparities, causing thermostats to register lower temperatures than the actual conditions within the interior space. This misjudgment can inadvertently lead to overheating within the zone, needlessly consuming energy. Ensuring proper insulation is in place is essential for maintaining consistent temperatures and minimizing energy waste.

Verify thermostat or zone sensor placement

Avoid placing thermostats or zone sensors near appliances that generates heat to maintain accurate temperature regulation. Any source of warm or cool air near the thermostat can cause the unit to over- or under-condition the space, leading to excess unit runtime. You can use a handheld thermometer to compare readings near the thermostat and at the center of the room to confirm proper placement.

Switch to energy-efficient lighting

It’s essential to replace traditional lighting with LEDs wherever feasible, as they consume significantly less electricity and have longer lifespans. Implement a lighting schedule that aligns with natural daylight patterns, and adjust the schedule based on variations in sunrise and sunset times. This ensures that lighting is used efficiently.

Start a preventive maintenance schedule

Proactive HVAC maintenance is paramount for efficient and uninterrupted heating and cooling. Setting up a preventive maintenance schedule helps avoid unexpected system failures, especially during extreme weather conditions. Regular inspections and servicing allow for earlier detection and resolution of potential issues, ensuring that your HVAC system operates reliably when you need it most.

Educate your employees

Effective energy management within a business starts with employee engagement and awareness. Educate employees about why the energy management program is essential for your business, emphasizing its impact on sustainability and overall environmental responsibility. Make sure they understand their roles and whom to contact if there is an issue. Employee engagement can greatly enhance the success of your energy efficiency initiatives and foster a culture of sustainability within your organization.

As facility managers prepare for the winter season, they must be proactive in optimizing energy efficiency. By implementing these strategies, from HVAC system maintenance to insulation inspection, lighting upgrades and employee education, facility managers can significantly reduce operational costs and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.

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