Page 18
DG 1110-3-124
August 1976
With decreasing energy sources, the design of Arts
2-11 Energy
a.
and Crafts Centers must consider methods of energy con-
servation. New construction offers a variety of methods
Conservation
to conserve energy. The skillful exploitation of local cli-
mate conditions, topography, trees, solar exposure and
other natural features, combined with building orienta-
tion, compact building shapes, and wall shading, offer
opportunities for energy conservation. The simple consid-
eration that each side of a building may require different
treatment depending on its exposure is often overlooked
in designing an energy efficient building.
b. An obvious area to consider is the mechanical and
electrical design since this is the heart of energy consump-
tion. Since there is a certain amount of heat buildup from
the operation of equipment within the Arts and Crafts
Center, a heat recovery system could put excess energy to
good use. Long-range ( life-cycle) costing, which compares
initial capital improvement costs to the life time operating
and maintenance costs, is effective in determining the
most efficient balance between the building and mechani-
cal systems.
c.
Certain energy saving techniques benefit the opera-
tion and maintenance of Arts and Crafts Centers. Stepping
down excessively high requirements for heating, cooling,
lighting, can make a considerable difference. Night time
control settings and automatic regulation of mechanical
equipment can also result in great savings. Lighting in-
tensities should conform to the minimum levels recom-
mended by the latest edition of Illuminating
Engineering
Society Lighting Handbook. Where practical, Iighting
should be designed for specific local tasks instead of pro-
viding uniform general loads.
d. The upper chart on this page shows the proportion
of typical annual energy consumption for an arts and
crafts center. The second chart shows a possible 40%
savings in total consumption due to various conservation
techniques,
resulting in a reapportionment of energy
consumption. Conservation techniques when used at the
time of construction provide a real savings during the life
of the facility in both resources and operating funds.
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