The new 33-story PNC Tower in Pittsburgh has several energy saving features. It replaces 24/7 air conditioning with natural ventilation which will be operational about 40 percent of the time, and slatted blinds close automatically on sunny days to cut AC conditioning needs further. Water use is cut 77 percent by capturing rainwater and recycling some waste water. The building is designed to make optimum use of sunlight, thus cutting energy on lights. The building, according to the story at Trib Total Media, will be about 50 percent more efficient than comparable buildings.
The building was designed by Gensler and qualifies for LEED-Platinum certification. There are “poppers” and “floppers” that open to let air in and out of two solar chimneys that from the bottom to the top of the building. Hot air is discharged through the roof, the story says.
The importance of building energy management systems (BEMS) is discussed in a column written by Matt Gates, the Director of Intelligent Services Offers for Trane. Gates touches on the importance of determining goals, creating a clear performance picture, validating results and sustaining gains.
