Energy Efficiency Goals Attainable in Older Buildings
There is a very positive article in this week’s ACHR News on how older buildings can meet federal mandates for energy reductions. Often thought of as being unattainable for older buildings, the federal goal of reducing energy consumption by 30 percent by 2015 can be implemented in a cost effective way for older buildings, according to a research study for the Department of Energy.
Also interesting to note is that even though all building systems were studied, over 75 percent of energy savings came from modifications to HVAC equipment.
This is strong evidence for what we believe (and hoped) to be true. With the makeup of the existing building stock in the U.S., it is extremely important: Over 70% of buildings were constructed prior to 1980 and over 50% before 1970.