3.3.4 Energy Codes

1.    Follow the link to What’s Happening in Your State. Based on the map and key, what is the status of the energy codes in Indiana (where the Keystone Library building is located)? What is the energy code status in neighboring states? What is the energy code status in your state?
In Indiana, which is also my state, the status of the energy codes are equivalent to ASHRAE 90.1-2007. In the neighboring states, Illinois is Equivalent to 2012 IECC, Ohio is Equivalent to 2009 IECC, Michigan is Equivalent to ASHRAE 90.1-2007, while Kentucky is Equivalent to 2009 IECC with Amendments.

2.    What is needed in order to comply with the energy code (using the prescriptive approach presented in the PowerPoint) with regard to the unheated slab on grade for the Keystone Project? If the project were located in Montana, what would be the requirement for perimeter slab insulation?
Neither of these have requirements in regard to the unheated slab on grade or perimeter slab insulation.

3. Calculate the percentage of exterior wall composed of fenestration to verify that the area of fenestration is less than or equal to 40%.
The total area of the walls is 11657.24 ft squared, while the total area of the fenstration is 2112.32 ft squared. The percentage of fenstration is 18%.

4. Assume that the client would like to provide shading for the fenestrations on the south face of the building in order to protect the library books and resources from damage from the sun. Research methods to provide window shading and paste in a preliminary design that would provide shading such that the resulting projection factor does not restrict the use of windows based on the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient.

You would use overhangs to provide shading.

5. Calculate the heat loss through the new second floor wall in the Keystone Library Renovation. Assume an interior temperature of 68 degrees F and an exterior temperature of 32 degrees F. 

Area of Curtain wall = 1070.49 Square Footage
Delta T = 36 degrees
U Value = .5988

Formula Q=A*U*DeltaT
36*.5988*1070.49= 21270.74 BTU/hour

Conclusion

6.    What is the purpose of energy codes?

The purpose of energy codes are to make sure that the building is an appropriate level of efficiency.

7.    How does adding a vestibule improve energy efficiency?

This helps because it causes the warm or cool air to not directly enter the building, allowing less heat loss or gain.

8.     What recommendations would you make to improve the energy efficiency of the existing structure during the renovation process for the Keystone Library?

Adding solar panels on the second story roof would help, along with appropriate use of windows to reduce the use of artificial lighting.