SA-12-C034 -- The Challenge of Low Energy Design in Low Energy Cost States

ASHRAE is strongly emphasizing the need for sustainable or low-energy design practice through programs, papers,standards, the Advanced Energy Design Guide series, and the Net-Zero Energy Building initiative. The author of this paperdoes not dispute the urgent need for energy-conscious design. However, low-energy mechanical equipment and systems aresometimes more costly to purchase and install than their more traditional counterparts. In many areas of the MidwesternUnited States, low utility rate structures are available, in some cases as low as $0.04 per kilowatt-hour for electricity. Theseutility rates tempt building owners and decision-makers to forego more expensive but lower-energy HVAC options due tolack of an attractive return on investment. This paper explores the conundrum experienced by responsible engineers inattempting low-energy design where very low utility costs drive financial decisions in the opposite direction. Included areexamples from ASHRAEs 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small to Medium Office Buildings.