Modest Investments with Big Global Impact
Kent Peterson on Cost-Effective Decarbonization
FEATURING Kent Peterson Vice President
The built environment is responsible for 40 % of total energy consumption and 35 % of carbon emissions in the United States . Transforming our buildings to meet decarbonization and Net Zero Energy goals is a challenge that will take decades to realize fully . However , incremental progress has been underway for years . Just as the industry at large evolves in stages , building owners can make targeted , incremental updates to their systems to improve energy efficiency , reduce emissions , and enjoy financial returns .
Kent Peterson has helped shape the definition of Zero- Energy Buildings for the U . S . Department of Energy and established decarbonization standards and guides as chair of ASHRAE ’ s Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization . He also works closely with clients to deliver practical , cost-effective design and commissioning solutions .
What basic strategies are recommended for clients who want to lower their energy and carbon footprint ?
A clear plan is essential for lowering energy use and carbon footprints . Start by consulting with experts to create a logical strategy that aligns investments with long-term goals like decarbonization . Energy efficiency is key — it reduces both energy consumption and emissions .
For example , plan for lower-carbon replacements as equipment ages rather than simply replacing like-forlike . If a gas boiler has ten years of life left , determine its future replacement . This strategic planning ensures you ’ re prepared to meet your goals without rushing or overspending .
How should clients develop their plan ?
The plan should align with broader goals , such as becoming net-zero carbon by a specific date — say , 2040 . By then , the facility or campus should have zero greenhouse gas emissions . Achieving this isn ’ t just about eliminating fossil fuels .
It ’ s also about addressing any carbon emissions from the electric grid , which could involve strategies like installing solar PV to offset those emissions .
However , it ’ s important to be strategic . If equipment still has 10 – 15 years of life , there ’ s no need to replace it prematurely .
Why shouldn ’ t building owners want to replace old equipment with new , cleaner , and more efficient equipment ?
Replacing old equipment prematurely can increase overall carbon emissions . For instance , a new heat pump has both operational and embodied carbon emissions — the latter from extraction , manufacturing , refrigerants , and other resources used to produce it .
The industry is shifting its focus to whole-life carbon , including operational and embodied emissions . While operational carbon has decreased with energy-efficient designs , embodied carbon is now a significant factor .
What solutions would you propose to clients who have already begun investing in energy and carbon reduction measures for their facilities ?
Trends and operational data are crucial for clients already investing in energy and carbon reduction . Evaluating metrics like energy use intensity ( EUI ) can reveal if buildings are performing efficiently or if further improvements are needed . On the carbon side , assessing progress against the overall plan is important .
A key solution is retro-commissioning . Even wellcommissioned buildings often operate less efficiently within three years due to adjustments made by building engineers responding to occupant comfort complaints . These changes can disrupt system balance , leading to higher energy costs .
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