Masonry Magazine December 2005 Page. 50
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The results predicted potential annual heating and cooling energy cost savings as high as 37%.
With baseline energy, climate and building data from each city, the researchers simulated conditions of a typical, two-story office building; a one-story retail building, and a four-story apartment building in Minneapolis, St. Louis, Miami, Phoenix and Bismarck, N.D. Each building was modeled with wood frame and masonry construction. Methods for increasing airtightness included building wraps or coatings for masonry blocks. The study focused on changes in energy expenditures as a result of increased airtightness, not on the methods themselves, so it does not single out a "best" airtightness method.
For the frame construction, the combined annual gas-electric cost savings of improved airtightness would be 33% for the hypothetical office building, 21% for the retail building and 31% for the apartment in Bismarck. In Minneapolis, the predicted savings would be 37%, 26% and 33%, respectively. In St. Louis, the numbers would be 37%, 24% and 31%.
Improved airtightness in the warmer climates would produce smaller savings but could still be significant in the long run. In Phoenix, the estimated cost-savings are 10%, 16% and 3% for the office, retail and apartment, respectively; and in Miami, the estimates are 9%, 14% and 9%.
Percentages of predicted savings for the masonry buildings were similar to the frame construction.
Although not evaluated in this report, improving building envelope airtightness also reduces the potential for problems caused by air leakage, such as poor indoor air quality, thermal comfort and degradation of building materials due to moisture damage. (Like most commercial buildings, the buildings in the study used mechanical ventilation systems to maintain good indoor air quality.)
The research was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Building Technology. For more information, visit www.nist.gov.
NAWIC Receives National Award for Magazine
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) recently won a national Marketing Communications Award. NAWIC was awarded first place in the small firm, magazine category, for The NAWIC IMAGE, NAWIC's bi-monthly publication. This national award was given by the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) at the SMPS Awards Gala held in New Orleans on Aug, 12.
Dede Hughes, executive vice president for the association, is proud and honored to win the award. Hughes says, "It's wonderful-the hard work has paid off. Professionalism is what our association strives for, and it shows in The NAWIC IMAGE"
Kara Roberson, editor of The NAWIC IMAGE, comments, "I believe this award will give the association and the publication much deserved recognition. I am proud that, through The IMAGE, the editorial staff has been able to showcase NAWIC and the construction industry in a positive manner."
The NAWIC IMAGE is a bi-monthly publication for members of the association and other professionals in the construction industry. The magazine addresses industry issues, keeps readers informed of current and upcoming trends in construction, and promotes a healthy home and work lifestyle. Annual subscriptions are available for $50. To request a complimentary sample, please contact the NAWIC office at (817) 877-5551 or go to www.nawic.org.
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