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Associations
ASHRAE looked to history and recognised that netzero energy buildings have existed for centuries .
whether based on energy source , site energy , or monetary aspects of energy trading . To address this , ASHRAE looked to history and recognised that net-zero energy buildings have existed for centuries . For example , indigenous dwellings in rural areas , like those of the Plains Indian population in Nebraska , exemplify the concept of net-zero energy buildings . However , not every building can achieve net-zero status , as simply adding extensive photovoltaic arrays without focusing on energy efficiency makes little sense .
Net-zero energy buildings and high-performance buildings are not synonymous . Energy efficiency forms the basis of net-zero energy buildings , serving as a prerequisite before implementing renewable energy strategies .
CHALLENGES TO BE ADDRESSED Challenges must be addressed : net-zero energy buildings primarily measure energy flows in and out of the building , but considerations of human health , safety , and comfort cannot be overlooked . Indoor environmental quality must align with energy efficiency goals . Furthermore , existing buildings demand attention , as approximately 75 % of the buildings that will exist in 2050 are already standing . To successfully contribute to global goals and combat global warming , addressing existing buildings becomes imperative .
A study conducted by two researchers from Harvard ( Corporate Culture and Performance by John Kotter and James Heskett [ 2005 ]) shed light on the impact of businesses that obsessively focus on meeting customer needs . These businesses experienced a four-fold increase in revenues , seven times faster job creation , and a twelve-fold increase in owner equity . Notably , small businesses saw a remarkable 750 % improvement in profit performance over the eleven-year duration of the study . These findings underscore the importance of prioritising customer satisfaction in the HVAC & R industry .
ASHRAE , with its extensive range of standards and guidelines , plays a crucial role in meeting client expectations . Addressing factors such as comfort , health , and operational
Image by wirestock on Freepik efficiency , ASHRAE Standard 55 ( thermal comfort ), 62.1 ( ventilation ), as well as 90.1 and 189.1 ( energy efficiency ) provide the technical tools required to meet and exceed client demands . By leveraging these standards , HVAC & R professionals can enhance customer experiences and contribute to the overall success of net-zero projects .
Net-zero buildings offer a multitude of benefits that can be effectively communicated to clients . Firstly , these buildings have lower environmental impacts , aligning with the growing emphasis on sustainability . By significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions , net-zero buildings contribute to a cleaner and greener future . Additionally , they provide tangible economic advantages , including lower operating and maintenance costs , which directly benefit building owners and occupants . Moreover , net-zero buildings exhibit improved resilience to natural disasters , offering a safer environment in the face of increasing calamities . Enhanced energy security is another key advantage , aligning with the objectives outlined in the decarbonisation goals signed by various countries .
To successfully guide clients towards net-zero energy buildings , it is essential to understand their decision-making process . Human behaviour plays a crucial role in shaping these decisions , and the framing effect provides an insightful perspective . In an experiment conducted by an Italian researcher Benedetto de Martino , participants were presented with two options involving a monetary reward . The majority of participants chose option two when framed as keeping USD20 , rather than taking a gamble with a 40 % chance of winning USD50 or losing everything . Intriguingly , when the options were reframed with a slight change in wording , participants shifted their preference to option one , even though the choices remained identical . This demonstrates the powerful influence of language and framing on decision making .
Armed with this understanding of human behaviour , HVAC & R professionals can effectively communicate the benefits of netzero energy buildings to clients . By highlighting the economic advantages , environmental impact , resilience , and energy security , professionals can empower clients to make informed decisions that align with the decarbonisation goals of their respective countries . As the industry continues its pursuit of net zero , fostering strong client relationships and delivering on expectations will be the key to achieving success and driving meaningful change .
MEETING CLIENT EXPECTATIONS AND ASHRAE STANDARDS Building long-term relationships in the HVAC & R industry is key to success , and meeting client expectations is at the core of these relationships . Harvard researchers discovered that businesses focusing obsessively on customer needs experienced significant improvements in revenue , job
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RACA Journal I August 2023 www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za