Workshop Sessions

Attendees of the Global Engineering Conference may acquire Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by participating in the various workshops and other events at the conference. Continuing Education Units are offered according the standards of the International Association for Continuing Education & Training (IACET).

Workshop Sessions:

Wednesday, April 9th
Thursday/Friday, April 10th & 11th
Saturday, April 12th

Wednesday Workshops (April 9th)

BRIAN MONK, P.E.
Manager, Sales / Marketing
RACAN Custom Air Handling Division
Carrier Corporation
Montreal, Canada

Topic: The Use of Gas-Phase Air Filtration and ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1

Whereas the Ventilation Rate Procedure provides only an indirect solution for the control of indoor contaminants, the IAQ Procedure provides a direct solution by reducing and controlling the concentrations of air contaminants, through air cleaning, to specified levels. The Standard acknowledges the air cleaning, along with recirculation, is an effective means for controlling contaminants when using the IAQ Procedure.

This presentation will focus on the use of gas-phase air filtration for compliance with Standard 62 when using the IAQ Procedure. It will cover requirements of using this procedure, the information required, and will describe several projects where this procedure was successfully applied.

Learning Objectives for IACET CEUs:
After this workshop attendees should be able to…

Recognize key aspects of ASHRAE 62.1 as they apply to identifying contaminant sources in buildings
Identify the different Classifications of Air as per ASHRAE Standard 62.1 and their limitations with respect to air cleaning
Recall the fundamentals of how gas phase filtration technology works and how it can be applied in HVAC applications
Identify the key differences between the Ventilation Rate procedure and the Indoor Air Quality Procedure
Recognize how the IAQ procedure can be applied to reduce Outdoor Air when utilized in combination with a total filtration strategy
Identify examples of applications where the use of gas phase filtration and ASHRAE Standard 62.1 were successfully applied to reduce the need for added dilution ventilation

ROBERT FEDUIK & RUDY ROMIJN.
Carrier Corporation
Syracuse, NY &
Phoenix, AZ

Topic: Software Systems - The Link Between Interoperability and Sustainability

Abstract: This workshop focuses on using simulation software for the integrated design process. By highlighting the benefits of interoperability between software applications, attendees learn how to model building designs for minimum building energy use.

This session includes details on:
- ASHRAE standards for software
- Software requirements for whole building energy simulation
- Managing Project data using framework software
- How to import CAD building data using gbXML
- How to import project data from other projects and applications
- How to electronically publish system sizing data into selection and performance software

Learning Objectives for IACET CEUs:
After this workshop attendees should be able to…

Identify at least 4 of the required modeling capabilities of building simulation software used for sustainable building design
Recall 4 types of building information that can be imported into simulation software via a gbXML file
Recognize the typical selection criteria that can be output directly from software used in sustainable design to software used for equipment selection.

Thursday/Friday Workshops (April 10th & 11th)

David Ade
DAVID M. ADE, LEED AP
Principal
SMP Architects
Philadelphia, PA

Topic: A Truly Sustainable Fit: Appropriate Green Design for Diverse Scopes, Programs and Budgets

Abstract: In our practice, we approach sustainability as a holistic design process in which we collaboratively design for specific client goals, program parameters, and project budgets. Any project can be sustainable, and every project should be sustainable. However, for us, the key to successful sustainability is defining the appropriate sustainability for each and every project.

Sustainability is not “one size fits all,” but rather “what size fits each.”

This workshop will compare and contrast four of our firm’s current sustainable projects. The diverse building types will vary from low-tech to high-tech and will include a 5,000 sf interior conversion of a former radio station into a private school classroom building as well as a 50,000 sf new construction of a non-profit headquarters, and several projects in between. The format for this session will be a case study PowerPoint lecture presented by David Ade, Principal of SMP Architects.

The PowerPoint will include a variety of graphic images that illustrate all project phases: design, construction (including demolition), and the final built projects. Each case study will cover the specifics of the design process, including tools such as 3D computer rendering, daylighting studies and computational fluid dynamics. The overall session will stress the diversity of the case studies: scope, program, and budget. The comparisons will stress the fact that the key to successful sustainability is not one global solution, but rather that each design must be unique to its place and to its client.

Learning Objectives for IACET CEUs:
After this workshop attendees will be able to:

Identify the application of three or more sustainable site technologies
Identify the application of three or more sustainable building technologies
Recognize how effective sustainable architecture may be defined on a variety of different levels from “high tech” to “low tech”
Differentiate among multiple sustainable design options to achieve better client fit, taking into consideration aspects including cost, program, and client mission

ROBERT BEAN, R.E.T.
Registered Engineering Technologist
Building Technologies and Industry Development
Calgary, AB, Canada

Topic: HVAC Systems Targeted Towards an Aging Population

Abstract: This workshop explores the economic influences from shifting North American demographics on consumer purchasing priorities and presents strategies to motivate a shift of boomer wealth towards greater investments on indoor environmental quality solutions, specifically HVAC systems targeted towards an aging population.

Presenter illustrates the current satisfaction people have with their indoor environments with statistical information from research undertaken by Decision Analysts Inc., U.S. General Services Administration, University of California et al.

Contrasted against the statistics is indoor air quality (IAQ) and indoor thermal comfort quality (ICQ) standards, ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2 and 55 respectively, to demonstrate the wide disconnect between what is specifiable, measurable and achievable and what is actually occurring inside North American dwellings.

Data presented from the US Census Bureau and StatsCan shows long-term trends in HVAC systems to illustrate that consumer investment has been stagnant in the HVAC industry and how that has influenced a nationwide inventory of indoor spaces. Additional statistics from the Consumer Price Index will be included, specifically how the rising cost of power and fuel is a concern for retiring boomers.

Explored are historical housing demands in view of the smorgasbord of installed HVAC systems and of a shrinking supply of skilled labor and the consequences this may have on senior citizens living at home. A key component for the presentation revolves around three solutions-based principles: Design for People, Design for Familiarity and Design for Simplicity.

The workshop will discuss the interdisciplinary relationships between Interior Designers, Industrial Designers, HVAC Engineers, Architects, and Healthcare Professionals. We will demonstrate, through graphical illustration, that all areas of design should be about meeting the physical and psychological needs of the human body as opposed to the needs of the building.

We will concludes by sharing words from The School for Blind Children, “A Child’s Garden to Delight the Senses”, to bring appreciation that indoor environmental quality for humans is very much about stimulating one’s sense of sound, scent, and touch – all elements within the arena of HVAC.

Learning Objectives for IACET CEUs:
After this workshop attendees should be able to…

Recognize key economic, demographic and competitive forces at play in the world of HVAC
Identify common health and financial concerns of an aging population living in inefficient buildings
Recall basics of human physiology relating to thermal comfort quality and air quality
Recognize key ways in which the built environment influences occupant health, wellness and safety
Identify the intent behind ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy and ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
Identify three or more ways that radiant-based HVAC systems serve the needs of Indoor Environmental Quality

BRIAN GRIFFITH, LEED AP
Project Manager
Stantec Consulting, Inc.
Seattle, WA

TOM MARSEILLE, P.E., LEED AP
Managing Principal
Stantec Consulting, Inc.
Seattle, WA

Topic: Integrated Sustainable Design - Theory and Practice

Abstract: Building design practitioners seeking to deliver high performance, sustainable buildings that deliver triple bottom line value are finding that success hinges on the use of the integrated design process. The purpose of this workshop will be to help meeting attendees gain a richer understanding of the integrated sustainable design process and some of the design principles and strategies used. These will be illustrated by case studies of buildings in the Pacific Northwest that have achieved recognition for their innovativeness. The use of different advanced modeling techniques for highly integrated building design features is incorporated into the approach and shown to be a means of both informing the design as well as communicating predicted performance to an Owner.

Learning Objectives for IACET CEUs:
After this workshop attendees should be able to…

Identify three or more key characteristics of the integrated sustainable design process
Differentiate between project scenarios that demonstrate an effective integrated design process vs. those that do not
Identify three or more sustainable design principles and/or strategies
Recognize three or more practical opportunities to apply modeling tools in an integrated design process for high performance sustainable buildings
Identify three or more key benefits of incorporating modeling techniques into the integrated sustainable design process

Essam Khalil
ESSAM E. KHALIL, PH.D.
President
Consulting Engineering Bureau
Cairo, Egypt

Topic: Air Flow Regimes and Thermal Patterns in the Tombs in the Valley of the Kings

Abstract: The cultural heritage left by the Egyptian Pharaohs in the tombs of the Valley of the Kings not only demonstrates the wealth and technology of the Pharaohs but also represents some of the key elements of current Egyptian cultural and tourism wealth. Furthermore, the Pharaoh civilization is one of the oldest civilizations; hence, preserving its remaining monuments and collections should be the focus of international efforts. A major portion of this civilization, i.e. the tombs of the Kings, is intact in the Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Egypt. These tombs were prepared to bury the Kings’ mummies and artifacts for eternal life. Many of the wall paintings identifying the various ancient rituals and life styles are in good condition as the tombs were only recently opened to the public. However, tourists’ activities in these tombs have resulted, in many instances, in dramatic deterioration of the wall paintings due in part to excessive humidity.

This could be clearly seen in King Tutankhamen’s tomb, where fungi and pests have attacked a majority of the paintings, Weeks (1999). In addition, the air flow, thermal, and humidity patterns in the tombs are not appropriate for human comfort, as the tombs were built for the eternal resting place of the Kings and not for visitation. The current indoor air flow conditions and air quality in the tombs are quite alarming; hence, appropriate measures should be taken to preserve the tombs and their contents. The introduction of a proper ventilation system was suggested in order to control indoor climate conditions. This dilemma invokes the need for a proper ventilation system that stabilizes the air conditions as well as addresses visitor comfort level. Deterioration can be the result of lighting effects, high temperature and relative humidity. Pest infections, shock and vibration are also potential causes, along with pollution and visitors traffic, Weeks (1999).

Learning Objectives for IACET CEUs:
After this workshop attendees should be able to…

Identify three or more recent trends in green energy
Select an appropriate common type of air conditioning system for a given project, taking into consideration factors such as system limitations, environmental issues, and greenhouse effects
Identify three or more key factors impacting energy performance in buildings
Recognize three or more key elements in organizing a successful green project
Identify three or more of the international energy codes and standards that substantially impact sustainability efforts

Robert Leber
ROBERT M. LEBER, P.E., LEED AP
Senior Vice President
Cosentini Associates, Inc. Consulting Engineers
New York, NY

Topic: From the Ground Up: Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems

Abstract: An industry-wide movement toward environmentally friendly building design has generated a lot of interest in geothermal heating and cooling systems. Rising energy costs, aesthetics, site constraints, and environmental factors are also contributing factors.

A lack of awareness about these systems in the construction industry presents a challenge for owners, contractors and design team members. In this workshop, engineers with several operating geothermal systems to their credit will share their thoughts and feedback on this approach to heating and cooling. They will describe the technology, address permitting issues, and discuss first cost implications as well as the significant energy savings geothermal systems can provide over the life of the system.

Learning Objectives for IACET CEUs:
After this workshop attendees should be able to…

Identify primary characteristics of the three types of Geothermal Systems and their configurations
Recognize two or more similarities between Geothermal Systems and traditional heating & cooling schemes
Identify three or more key differences between Geothermal Systems and traditional heating & cooling schemes
Select an appropriate type of geothermal system for a given project scenario, based on key advantages of and challenges posed by each of the major system types

Tom Linstroth
TOMMY LINSTROTH
Head of Sustainable Initiatives
Melaver, Inc.
Savannah, GA

Topic: Breaking New Ground for Green Build in Retail

Abstract: Abercorn Common Shopping Center, located at one of the busiest intersections in Savannah, Ga., underwent a nearly two-year, $30 million total renovation that was completed in March, 2006. The 169,000 square foot center, first opened for business by owner/developer Melaver, Inc. in the 1960s, today stands as the first all-retail LEED-Silver Core and Shell project in the U.S. under the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. Furthermore, it boasts the first, and only, LEED-Gold (Core & Shell) certified McDonald’s restaurant in the world. Abercorn Common includes several big box retailers, including Circuit City, Michael’s, and Home Goods, eateries such as Panera Bread and Loco’s Deli and Pub as well as local retailers.

Melaver, Inc. is committed to socially-responsible real estate development, and used Abercorn Common as a learning lab for how to implement green building practices on a broad scale. The center served as a pilot project for USGBC’s LEED for Core and Shell certification and as a teaching tool for the many contractors, designers, vendors and tenants involved with the project, most of whom had never experienced a LEED project before. A collaborative approach was critical to achieving success. Collaboration was especially important in building the McDonald’s to LEED standards; success would not have been possible without the full cooperation of the local franchisee that recognized the benefits of building to LEED specifications.

Though not the first LEED project for Melaver, Abercorn Common is one of the first projects to apply the LEED rating system to a retail development, and as such, there were challenges. Though energy efficiency, water conservation, and day-lighting are all appealing amenities, the center needed to provide a competitive market rate for tenants for development to be successful. Furthermore, there were challenges convincing potential tenants to think outside their prototypical building plans and make adaptations in areas such as materials and lighting that would meet LEED standards. The center is architecturally stunning, standing as the most attractive retail development on Savannah’s Southside. Melaver gave up nothing in aesthetics while maintaining focus on environmental building components.

This workshop will reveal specific green features that contributed to achieving LEED certification, including site selection, building envelope, energy and water efficiency, materials selection and reuse/recycling, and indoor air quality.

Linstroth will share not only successes, but also challenges that can serve as learning tools for others. A project with many ‘firsts,’ Abercorn now serves as a model for Melaver as well as the other contractors, subcontractors, vendors, tenants and partners involved in the process. Speakers will also discuss the next phases of development at Abercorn Common, including an outparcel building with a vegetative roof, and plans for constructing what could be the first ‘living building’ on the site. Linstroth will engage the audience and encourage sharing among attendees that will help others along the learning curve, and provide best practices for all to take back to their companies.

Learning Objectives for IACET CEUs:
After this workshop attendees should be able to…

Identify three or more key retail-oriented applications of the LEED greenbuilding rating system
Apply key lessons learned from the first all-retail LEED shopping center in the U.S. to a given retail project scenario
Recognize three or more key challenges that arise between developing “green” shell space and coordinating tenant build-outs that are done with a completely different design team
Identify three or more key factors affecting the profitability of green building projects

BRIAN MONK, P.E.
Manager, Sales / Marketing
RACAN Custom Air Handling Division
Carrier Corporation
Montreal, Canada

Topic: Energy Savings by Integrating a Total Filtration Strategy into Building HVAC

Abstract: ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004, in its current form, employs two procedures to provide acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ) in buildings. These are the Ventilation Rate and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Procedures. This standard further endeavors to achieve the necessary balance between IAQ and energy consumption by specifying minimum ventilation rates and IAQ that will be acceptable to human occupants. Air Handling Unit design requires that proper selection of air filters be considered to not only maintain adequate IAQ, but minimize static pressure drop and therefore AHU operations cost.

Nationwide, HVAC designers have recently included more outside air, up to 60 cfm/person, to meet IAQ concerns through dilution. Complicating the dilution strategy are ASHRAE 90.1 guidelines calling for higher efficiency in building design. . Recently, the use of outside air has taken on a more serious element, as designers are asked to protect buildings from potential “extraordinary circumstances” that could come in the form of chemical or biological contaminant released close to a building air intake system.

Learning Objectives for IACET CEUs:
After this workshop attendees should be able to…

Recognize key ways that ASHRAE 62.1 applies to building filtration
Identify three or more AHU design strategies that can comply with ASHRAE 90.1 as it pertains to building filtration
Identify three or more predominant filtration technologies that can be incorporated into central station AHU’s to minimize Particulate, Chemical and Biological contaminants
Recall three or more methods of reducing life-cycle cost without sacrificing adequate air purification
Identify three or more air cleaning methods that complement dilution and can serve as a means of saving energy and protecting the occupied space

CHANDRA SEKHAR, PH.D., CPENG
Associate Professor, Programme Director M.Sc. (Building Science)
Department of Building, National University of Singapore
Singapore

Founding Director
Enhanced Air Quality Pte Ltd
Singapore

Topic: Sustainable Design for Hot Humid Climates – Emerging HVAC Technologies for Energy Efficient Healthy Buildings

Abstract: More than a third of the total energy consumption in most countries around the globe goes towards the building sector. In an ever increasing demand for energy in both the developed and the developing world, buoyed with consistent construction boom, it is imperative that buildings are designed, constructed, operated and maintained with long term sustainability in mind. A challenge to a sustainable design paradigm is usually met with the simultaneous design requirement to provide a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.

In recent times, clear associations are being established between ventilation rates, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and the productivity and health of workforce in various types of buildings, most significant of which is the commercial and office building sector. In this context, it is crucial that HVAC systems are selected that take cognizance of the climatic effects of the region. Whilst “source control” is commonly advocated as the fundamental approach in eliminating or containing the contaminant levels inside the building, a more practical and often necessary approach is “exposure control.” Thus, ventilation plays an important role in providing a quality built environment and is also attributable to energy penalty in hot humid climate. Two considerations are highlighted in order to achieve “good” indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy efficiency – the cooling and dehumidification process and the effectiveness of air distribution strategies.

This workshop reviews some of the current and future technologies for air-conditioning and air-distribution that are envisaged to contribute to the design of energy efficient healthy buildings. The air-conditioning technologies reviewed include outside air pre-treatment systems; single coil twin fan (SCTF) system employing a compartmented cooling coil; desiccant dehumidification systems and heat pipes. The air-distribution systems reviewed include SCTF system with independent “ventilation” and “thermal cooling” on zone-based demand; personalized ventilation system coupled with secondary ambient air distribution system; displacement ventilation system; under floor air distribution system and dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) coupled with radiant chilled ceiling. Applications of some of these technologies, such as the SCTF air-conditioning and air-distribution systems and personalized ventilation systems, in Singapore are presented.

Learning Objectives for IACET CEUs:
After this workshop attendees should be able to…

Differentiate between IAQ source control and exposure control strategies
Recognize key relationships between IAQ, energy, and health and productivity in sustainable buildings
Recall key energy and IAQ challenges in hot and humid climates
Identify three or more emerging technology strategies that contribute to achieving “good” IAQ and energy efficiency in Healthy Buildings

RONALD WILKINSON, P.E., LEED AP
Senior Commissioning Engineer
AKF Engineers, LLP
New York, NY

Topic: Commissioning for LEED: New and Existing Buildings

Abstract: The commissioning quality assurance process is becoming accepted throughout America as “Business as Usual” when it comes to delivering a quality sustainable building project. A mandatory requirement of the USGBC LEED program, commissioning is a total quality assurance process that begins in the early stages of design and proceeds through the first year of occupancy. It is comprised of over a dozen task milestones and has the longest timeline of all design-bid-build activities. Commissioning establishes achievable goals in building operation and follows through with checking, inspection and testing to confirm that those goals are met.

This workshop will explain, task by task, the fundamental aspects of commissioning as defined by ASHRAE as early as 1989 and most recently updated in their guideline 0-2005. It will describe the Owner’s Project Requirements and Commissioning Plan documents and will provide online sources for downloading examples of all commissioning documents and forms. It will also review the USGBC LEED requirements for commissioning new building projects as well as providing an update on the latest progress for a new existing building commissioning standard.

Learning Objectives for IACET CEUs:
After this workshop attendees should be able to…

Differentiate between the engineer’s “punchlist” quality procedure and commissioning
Recognize key considerations for an effective Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR)
Identify three or more training and information sources pertaining to commissioning
Recall three or more training and information sources pertaining to LEED and LEED-AP accreditation
Identify the key steps in managing the commissioning process from design through the first year of occupancy

GEORGE BERBARI
CEO
DC Pro Engineering
Dubai, U.A.E.

Topic: Central Chilled Water Plant Sustainable Design

Abstract: Using series counter flow arrangement to optimize efficiency and foot print while maintaining serviceability. Using thermal storage to load level, improve efficiency, and to reduce peak electric demand load. Different approaches to reduce the impact of space and aesthetics.

Using treated sewage effluent as make up for cooling tower water; using blow down for non edible plant irrigation. Treating and recycling blow down water.

Resolving low Delta T syndrome during design stage and understanding the impact of low Delta T on plant operating efficiency.

Controlling tertiary pump variable speed drives via the plant and energy transfer station’s PLC’s.

Learning Objectives for IACET CEUs:
After this workshop attendees should be able to…

Identify key advantages of series counter flow chillers
Recall key benefits of Thermal Storage
Recognize key principles for optimization of plant room footprint
Identify key impacts of delta T syndrome
Recognize the basic steps to achieve and exceed design Delta T in Real Life Operation

HONGWEI MAO, P.E.
Director
China Construction Design International (Shenzhen) Consultant Co., Ltd. (CCDI)
China

Topic: Design of a Sustainable Project of 2008 Olympic Games

Abstract: The National Swimming Center, also called the “Water Cube”, is being built for 2008 Olympic Games. It is the venue for Olympic swimming, diving, synchronised swimming and water polo events, and will also be used as a large-scale multifunctional aquatic sports centre after the 2008 Olympic Games, providing multifunctional recreation, sports and fitness services for the public.

The building concept for the “Water Cube” is to develop a translucent insulated façade that acts as a greenhouse. This allows natural daylight into the building and, as swimming pools are predominantly heating driven, allows the use of the power of the sun to passively heat the building. The facade system of the “Water Cube” is comprised of a series of ETFE paneled units that are mounted as internal and external skins. The number of ETFE layers and the density of frits painted on ETFE are designed differently to optimize the heat-transfer coefficient, light transmittance, and shading coefficient of the facade. Mechanical ventilation is utilized within the cavity of envelop to reduce cooling load in summer.

The presentation will introduce the project background, thermal design strategy, concept of HVAC design, and building performance simulation technologies used. Annual energy consumption has been simulated and compared between the Water Cube and a reference building set up by Design Standard for Energy Efficiency of Public Buildings, China (GB50189-2005). The result shows that the energy-saving effect of this envelope system is significant.

Learning Objectives for IACET CEUs:
After this workshop attendees should be able to…

Identify key thermal characteristics of the ETFE bubble façade
Recognize key benefits of the ETFE bubble as a façade element
Recall key results of the project’s annual energy consumption simulation

Saturday Workshops (April 12th)

ROBERT FEDUIK, P.E., LEED AP and THOMAS J. KELLY, P.E., LEED AP.
Carrier Corporation
Syracuse, NY

Topic: Energy Modeling for Sustainable Design

Abstract: The LEED rating system is having a major impact on new building design in at least three ways; the integrated design process, commissioning, and energy modeling. This session will describe how energy modeling is used to calculate LEED points in five credit areas, influencing up to 16 points in the LEED-NC program. Energy modeling is an important tool in the integrated design process and supports commissioning. The Building Performance Rating Method as defined by ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G is the method used to simulate building energy performance for LEED credits.

This workshop focuses on the practical how-to approach to energy modeling. The session will explain the requirements of ASHRAE 90.1 and how they influence energy modeling. The rules of applying the Appendix G method to develop a baseline model will be described, including a number of tips to make the process simpler. An example building is used to demonstrate applying the Appendix G procedure. The Carrier Hourly Analysis Program is used for the live demonstrations of the procedure. The concepts presented can be applied to other hourly simulation software. Everyone working on a LEED project should understand the benefits and limitations of energy modeling, even if they are not actually creating the model. This workshop will equip the participant with a basic understanding of applying energy modeling on a LEED-NC project.

Learning Objectives for IACET CEUs:
After this workshop attendees should be able to…

Identify the LEED-NC credits which depend on energy modeling
Recall 4 basic requirements of the baseline building
Identify 3 of the minimum requirements of energy simulation software used to meet the requirements of ASHRAE Appendix G Performance Rating Method
Recognize the basic requirements of the procedure used to determine the LEED-NC EA -1, Optimize Energy Performance credit using Option 1
Recall how to calculate energy savings for systems or options not within the capabilities of the simulation software

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