High Performing Buildings - Fall 2013 - (Page 4)

C o n T e n T s 20 Malaysia Energy Commission HQ (Diamond Building) Malaysia’s Green Diamond 6 Alliance Center The Building Already Built When the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado bought a century-old converted warehouse in 2004, the nonprofit had barely moved in before it started tinkering to improve building performance. The organization, which seeks to advance sustainability, renovated the space into a multi-tenant nonprofit center, reducing energy use to 42 kBtu/ft2, despite increased occupancy. The project provides examples of ongoing, cost-effective and relatively simple measures to reduce building energy consumption and reduce environmental impact. Several hundred visitors a year learn about the building’s strategies during tours, and monthly “dine-a-logues” bring interested people together for talks and conversations on sustainabilityrelated topics. 4 HigH The diamond shape of the Malaysia Energy Commission HQ reflects its status as a crown jewel of sustainability in that country. It incorporates self-shading to provide diffuse daylighting and views for occupants, while reducing energy use — a critical consideration in a tropical climate. The Diamond Building is one of the country’s first buildings that goes beyond energy efficiency, incorporating sustainable design and strategies that reduce environmental impact. Examples include graywater recycling and on-site composting. The building Wealth of Intent, uses nearly four times less energy than Dearth of Data a typical Malaysia office building. Good indoor environmental quality is a key goal of high performing buildings, but often is not factored into sustainable building discussions and programs. An analysis of 100 High Performing Buildings case studies reveals that most do not stress indoor air quality (IAQ). Neglecting IAQ while pursuing other goals can result in building environments that negatively impact occupant health, comfort and productivity, which defeats the overall goal of building design. It is critical to follow through on high performing designs with construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance, and IAQ performance measurements. Performing Buildings 34 IAQ in HPB Case Studies fa l l 2 0 1 3

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of High Performing Buildings - Fall 2013

High Performing Buildings - Fall 2013
Commentary
Contents
Alliance Center
Malaysia Energy Commission HQ (Diamond Building)
IAQ in HPB Case Studies
EcoCommercial Building, Noida
25 York Street
Technology
Advertisers Index

High Performing Buildings - Fall 2013