An integrated design strategy brings together architecture and engineering teams during the development process. They can leverage climate, use, design and building systems for increased performance, and reduced project and operating costs.

By addressing these issues in the design phase, you can identify every opportunity for achieving optimum energy-efficiency.

Any increased equipment, construction or design costs for high-value energy-efficiency features typically pay back the investment in just three to five years through lower operating expenses and utility rebates.

For typical measures and what you can save see below*

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
Install electronic controls and economizers.
For many businesses, heating and cooling accounts for 20 to 50 percent of energy use. Electronic controls allow you to automatically set temperatures lower during unoccupied hours, turn equipment on and off and vary its speed. Economizers use outside air for cooling when possible.

Install high-efficiency motors and variable frequency drives.
NEMA Premium® labeled electric motors are used for air circulation, chilled water circulation, and cooling-tower and exhaust fans. They optimize motor-systems efficiency, reduce electricity use, and improve system reliability. They run cooler, last longer and are more reliable. In certain applications, you can save even more energy by installing variable-frequency drives to match energy use to actual demand. Qualified variable frequency drive installations may receive an incentive from Energy Trust of Oregon.

It is rarely worthwhile to replace a functioning motor. But when installing new equipment or replacing malfunctioning motors, investing in premium efficiency helps you recover your investment sooner.

Check into high-efficiency chillers and air conditioning.
High-efficiency chillers and air conditioning equipment can reduce cooling energy consumption by 30 to 50 percent each year. Another bonus of a well-tuned HVAC system is that it is much easier to maintain, freeing your facilities team to focus on preventative maintenance and long-term strategies.

Integrate a solar electric system.
These systems both produce electricity and act as a building material. Examples include solar electric roof shingles and solar panels that serve as window awnings or porch covers. They can be integrated into almost any type of building to supplement grid-supplied power, reduce energy costs and provide emergency backup power.

Consider solar water heating.
Low-cost solar hot water systems can lead to hot water energy savings of greater than 50 percent in most climates, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The NREL is also researching a new solar hot water/HVAC combination system that will allow people to heat water while heating and cooling their space.

Incorporate passive solar design.
One passive solar strategy is to build walls using brick or Trombe, which store heat and cool air. This reduces heating and cooling loads and enables a comfortable indoor temperature while limiting the use of mechanical equipment. Passive solar can be built into any architectural style and in any part of the country.

Other HVAC ideas:

• Consider under-floor air/displacement ventilation.
• Have new systems commissioned and older systems re-commissioned to ensure advanced controls are functioning optimally.
• Consider demand-controlled ventilation for areas that have variable and occasionally high periods of occupancy (conference rooms, gymnasiums, etc.).
• Choose ENERGY STAR® equipment and appliances where possible.
• Learn more about heating and cooling.

Lighting
Install high-performance lighting.
According to the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, a high-performance T8 system saves as much as 40 percent in electricity over a traditional T12 system. With more efficient lighting, cooling systems are freed to absorb more cooling loads or can be “right-sized” for maximum efficiency. Costs can be recovered quickly through energy savings, sometimes in months.

Design for daylighting.
Lighting is the largest source of heat gain and makes up a significant portion of energy use in commercial buildings. Optimize natural light, or “daylighting,” to replace electrical lighting in areas such as atriums, hallways and cafeterias.

Other lighting ideas:

• Consider exterior and interior permanent shading devices, high-performance glazing and automatic photocell-based controls.
• Plan for compact fluorescent lights instead of incandescent bulbs.
• Install occupancy sensors on lights in storage rooms, restrooms, etc.
• Install ENERGY STAR®-qualified LED exit signs.
• Learn more about lighting.

*Your actual results will vary based on energy use and energy-efficiency measures.

Financial resources
Pursue cash incentives from Energy Trust of Oregon and any available tax credits to help to help cover costs and reduce payback periods. Energy Trust incentives, which range from $1,000 to $200,000, were granted to 165 projects in 2006, totaling more than $2,500,000 and saving 17,500,000 kWh.

Additional assistance may be available through the Oregon State Energy Loan Program. These low-interest loans are available to businesses, individuals and entities for projects that save energy, produce energy from renewable resources, use recycled materials to create products or use alternative fuels.

How PGE can help
Check out the PGE class schedule to take advantage of a variety of courses to enhance business practices and get expert advice on how to save energy and money.

For outdoor lighting, use photosensors or timers and switch to high-pressure sodium, pulse-start metal halide or induction (QL) lamps. PGE lighting services offers many options.