District Energy - 2009 3rd Quarter

guidelines have been incorporated to put district energy on a level playing field when it comes to energy modeling. Previously, existing district energy facilities were required to use real energy data that was then compared to the theoretical data of an onsite plant. The comparison was not apples to apples, and the results were often inaccurate. The new guideline will allow district energy systems an option to use modeled data, thus putting the analysis on an equal level by allowing modeled, versus actual, district energy data to be compared to modeled on-site, standalone options. We have presented three key issues to the USGBC task force for consideration in the new guideline:

; Incremental distribution losses. In our industry, we understand that tying a new building to an existing distribution network often actually reduces the overall percentage of energy loss in that network. Therefore, encouraging new buildings close to an existing network to ‘tie-in’ actually improves overall energy performance, while reducing the need for new infrastructure. Changes are being proposed to give credit for this fact.

; Thermal energy storage. As professionals in our industry understand, thermal energy storage offers environmental advantages – including energy storage opportunities

for some of the renewable systems now considered ‘sexy,’ such as wind turbines. The USGBC also recognizes the benefit. However, current guidelines provide credit for thermal energy storage when installed on a building site, but actually penalize its use with district energy systems. We are working to change this.

; Renewable energy. The USGBC intends to provide credit for renewable energy use whether it is utilized directly within the project or comes from district energy systems. However, the current calculations for renewable energy in district energy do not account for this properly. Therefore, we are working to get the formula fixed in the revised guidelines.

Member Education

IDEA is also working to educate members on applying LEED to district energy. This column, for instance is part of that effort. In addition, LEED workshops have been included at the last business development, campus and annual conferences as well. Our ultimate goal, however, related to education is the development of a ‘guidance-to-the-guidance’ document (a kind of LEED and District Energy for Dummies). Our goal is to provide district energy system owners with an effective tool to put into their customers’ hands

that easily explains how to apply LEED in a district energy application, along with case studies and other tools. The USGBC has agreed to help with this effort and put its seal of approval on the final document.

IDEA is continuing to move forward on multiple fronts. In next quarter’s column, I’ll give you an update on the release of the new district energy system guidelines and begin to present how you can be prepared to respond when building designers need your system information for their LEED applications.

Tim Griffin, PE, is IDEA’s liaison with the U.S. Green

Building Council. He is a principal and division manager with RMF Engineering Inc., a firm specializing in district energy system design and commissioning. A registered engineer and a LEED Accredited Professional, Griffin has a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from North Carolina

State University and a master of business administration degree from Colorado State University. He authored the book Winning With Millennials: How to Attract, Retain, and Empower Today’s Generation of Design Professionals. He may be reached at tgriffin@rmf.com.

Accessing IDEA Resources

District Energy Magazine –
www.districtenergy.org/de_magazine.htm

; Nonmember subscriptions: U.S. $50/yr; International $75/yr

; Special bulk and employee subscription pricing available

; Individual back issues available: U.S. member $12/nonmember $15; International member $17/nonmember $20

Please contact Len Phillips, IDEA, (508) 366-9339,
len.idea@districtenergy.org to

; become a member,

; order the magazine,

; obtain your passwords,

; submit your industry and personnel news, and ; get answers to your questions!

IDEA Archives – www.districtenergy.org ; Search archives for technical papers from past IDEA conferences and selected past issues of District Energy magazine ; Available free to members but requires password; fee for nonmembers