big ideas | verifiable solutions | real performanceMaking the extraordinary commonplace. Finding the next better way.Contact a member of the AEI Sustainable Consulting team to learn more:

Mike Walters, LEED® AP Paul Erickson, LEED® AP Peter Strupp

Sustainable Practice Leader Sustainable Design Specialist Director of Business Development

608.236.1194 608.236.1112 608.212.2769

mwalters@aeieng.com perickson@aeieng.com pstrupp@aeieng.com

www.aeieng.com Affi liated Engineers

Chapel Hill, North Carolina Chicago, Illinois Gainesville, Florida Houston, Texas Madison, Wisconsin Minneapolis, Minnesota Metro DC Phoenix, Arizona

Seattle, Washington Tampa, Florida Walnut Creek, California Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

When AEI defi ned its role within the then-nascent sustainability movement, we articulated the extension of our

historical function as a technical engineering fi rm, providing critical analysis and verifi cation as we collaborate,

conceive, assess, refi ne, integrate, implement, and evaluate innovative solutions for complex and large scale projects.

Or, more succinctly: Big Ideas / Verifi able Solutions / Real Performance.

With the profession’s growing sophistication and greater, more nuanced technical understanding of sustainable

strategies, however, we have seen the breadth of our role expand, now beginning at a point before the Big Ideas and

ending somewhere well beyond Real Performance. AEI is projecting the performance of technologies and materials

in development to gauge their energy-saving, carbon-cutting, cost-reducing capabilities in a variety of programmatic

applications and a range of climatic settings. We’re developing metrics to assess building performance over a longer

period and with a greater precision than possible with previous measures. And at the same time that we’re

participating in fi eld research to approximate the impact of global warming on the arctic ecosystem, we’re advancing

a carbon/energy dialogue whose bottom line is the bottom line.

To best align skills with our expanding role, AEI off ers PhD-level expertise in chemical engineering, computational

fl uid dynamics, and combined heat and power generation. To us, it’s about advancing the mission and essence of our

role exploring, discovering, introducing, and providing today’s Big Ideas that result in tomorrow’s Real Performance.

What comes before the big ideas?

The science behind the solutions.

AEI’s testing of chilled beam technology coincided with early research into liquid CO2 cooling systems being

developed for use in high-density data center applications. This rack-mounted technology uses fans to pull

air through equipment cabinets and in contact with a CO2 refrigerant circulated through a vertical coil. After our

initial investigation into this prototype technology, we assumed the role of technical consultant to help advance the

technology and move the industry beyond incremental energy effi ciency improvements. At a pressurized liquid

state of approximately 15C, CO2 has a high volumetric cooling capacity similar to water at the same temperature and

presents an advantageous alternative to other refrigerants, including being non-ozone depleting, non-fl ammable,

non-conductive, gaseous at atmospheric pressure, and having a global warming potential of 1.

True “Big Ideas” aren’t found on a menu and ordered a la carte. Rather, they emerge

organically, in response to a particular client, program, and environment. AEI’s Précis

service (preliminary consult in sustainability) applies engineering expertise to project

concepts and defi ning fi rst principles, providing a sound basis for preliminary design.

Précis introduces technical analysis before design begins, informing the process with a

creative understanding of the synergies possible across building systems. Our approach

is integrative and collaborative, formulating qualitative questions to ascertain the most

eff ective combinations of design measures, from which the client can choose those

meriting more detailed quantitative analysis.

Oh, the irony. CO2 improving the performance

of data center cooling.

AEI is monitoring research being conducted by leading chemical companies to develop the next generation of

high-performance phase change materials (PCMs), gauging PCMs’ projected capacities in cooling load absorption

applications. We’re projecting the performance of materials in development that combine advantages of existing

organic and inorganic PCMs (e.g., large temperature range, congruent melting, self-nucleating, chemically stable,

recyclable, compatible with conventional construction materials, low cost, low volume change), while eliminating

disadvantages, most specifi cally fl ammability.

While thermal energy storage using water is a strategy of long standing to reduce energy costs by shifting cooling

loads to off -peak hours when cheaper electricity is available, water stores energy as sensible heat. Meanwhile,

PCMs store energy as latent heat, absorbing large amounts of heat at the nearly constant temperature where they

change phase from solid to liquid. They continue to absorb or release heat without signifi cant increase or decrease

in temperature until all of the material changes phase. PCMs can absorb an order of magnitude more heat per unit

volume than water or thermal mass and have been incorporated in systems in which the thermal storage water

tank or ice storage system is replaced by a PCM tank. The PCM media can be tuned to the required use, storing

energy for later use at an appropriate temperature. In one such use, the PCM stores energy at approximately 59F

for use in chilled ceilings during the day, with the PCM being recharged overnight by cooling towers, operating

during cool weather or otherwise under off -peak electrical rates.

Similarly, PCMs are currently being incorporated into building materials, such as wallboard and CMU (or materials

that can be applied to wallboard and ceiling tiles), to increase the thermal mass of otherwise lightweight structures.

Many materials are available at a selection of melting temperatures across the comfort range. The increased

eff ective thermal mass can be used as a means of peak load reduction in mechanically ventilated space, or as an

enhancement to naturally ventilated spaces – one that is particularly useful where a night ventilation strategy

is employed.

AEI is currently specifying one such material, derived from soy, for use in the University of Washington Molecular

Engineering Building. The material will be applied to ceiling tiles and select walls in naturally ventilated offi ce space

to improve temperature stability and the ability of the night ventilation cycle to allow the building to ride through

spikes in heat gain.

Ten times more heat absorbtion than water. Phase Change Materials.

“I trust you guys to know the best way.”

Dick Gibbs New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Bureau of Mobile Sources

Before, after.

Big Idea: Focused Building Performance Optimization

While knowledge of energy consumption by end use is a useful – and standard – design metric, understanding

energy use by space type provides another window into optimizing building performance. Through custom

scripting, written initially for our work in building energy conservation programs for campus environments, AEI

developed our Space Load Processor (SPL) for deconstructing energy analysis to the level of specifi c program spaces

within a larger model. This unique view into building energy use allows us, our partners, and our clients to focus the

precious resources of schedule and time where they matter most.

While we’ve adapted this tool for use in our design projects, we fi rst used it at the University of North Carolina at

Chapel Hill (UNC). Combining energy modeling and statistical methods, we assessed energy use and conservation

opportunities in approximately 100 buildings. A representative sample of 20 buildings was audited and modeled.

Using the SPL, information was then extrapolated by space type to the entire study population. AEI’s customized

scripting allowed us to analyze measures for specifi c programmatic areas of buildings based on system knowledge

and overall building energy consumption, obviating the need for sub-metering. We provided an initial low-to-high

range of estimates and re-categorized measures as estimates for fi rst cost and investment effi ciency (payback)

were refi ned. Findings of the study resulted in immediate conservation eff orts and were included in UNC’s Climate

Action Plan in groupings of “carbon countermeasures.”

Space Load ProcessingUniversity of North Carolina Strategic

Demand Side Energy Plan

A 2009 Carnegie-Mellon study found that 50 percent of the earth’s surface presents local climates capable of

conditioning building spaces for four to six months of the year. With fully 97 percent of annual operating hours falling

within the adaptive comfort range, Seattle presents ideal circumstances for reducing building energy use with natural

ventilation. The interdisciplinary program for University of Washington’s new 90,000 square foot Molecular Engineering

Building, however, calls for the immediate adjacency of labs with safety ventilation requirements and offi ces that will

be conditioned with natural ventilation. With cross ventilation not possible, a stack confi guration will provide airfl ow.

Spatial organization, sizing, and window intake strategies were informed by CFD studies by AEI of typical and worst-

case conditions.

Site and phasing requirements necessitate north-south orientation; labs are west-facing due to street traffi c noise

and pollution on that side precluding operable windows. East-facing solar gain is reduced by 80 percent through

shading and high performance glazing. Daylight is predicted to reduce electric lighting load by over 30 percent

annually. With east-facing offi ces unable to benefi t from prevailing winds to drive ventilation, the stack height and

size were increased and outlets confi gured to maximize draw. Fan assists will compensate, as required, for limitations

to stack sizes.

Verifi able Solution: Natural Ventilation Goals, Lab Airflow Requirements.

Optimizing energy performance while maintaining occupant safety.

University of Washington Molecular Engineering Building

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AEI off ers an expertise in the design and optimization of geoexchange systems in part through a varied exploration

of one given locale: Madison, Wisconsin. While Madison is broadly representative of most temperate North American

regions in one if not both extremes, with average summertime highs in the eighties and average winter lows in

the teens, it is unique in geography in that it is positioned amidst a variety of large lakes. This unique characteristic

provides for exceptional sub-soil thermal conductivity. Accordingly, we have designed systems that utilize the

standard closed-loop borefi eld in both rural and urban environments, and have assessed the viability of using a

borefi eld as a heat exchanger only, thus eliminating the energy consumption of compressors (heat pumps). We have

installed hybrid systems that optimize both energy performance and the fi rst cost equation for projects. Finally, we

have looked beyond the conventional approaches to analyze the viability of constructing borefi elds immediately

under a building’s footprint, utilizing rainwater retention ponds in lieu of vertical bores, and coupling the borefi eld

with a building’s structure.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN

WISCONSIN INSTITUTES FOR DISCOVERY

(Above) Hybrid geothermal system of 75 bores

placed around the building’s perimeter, 300

feet deep, combines with other sustainable

measures to project 180 KBUTU/GSF/YR, about

half of other existing lab buildings on the

University of Wisconsin campus.

Real Performance: GeothermalYes, it’s boring!

Optimizing place with geoexchange.

EPIC SYSTEMS CORPORATION

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

More than 500 vertical bores running 300 feet

underground, used in lieu of a central plant,

cutting energy use by roughly 40 percent.

FIRST UNITARIAN SOCIETY OF MADISON

MEETING HOUSE

RENOVATION AND ADDITION

(Above Left) Closed loop system of 16 bores,

250 feet deep, reducing intrusive presence

of mechanical systems for the Frank Lloyd

Wright-designed historic landmark and

contributing to a LEED® Gold rating.

Real Performance: Carbon Management.

The September 2009 issue of the Harvard Business Review advises, “It’s tempting to adhere to the lowest environmental standards

for as long as possible. However, it’s smart to comply with the most stringent rules, and to do so before they are enforced. This

yields substantial fi rst-mover advantages in terms of fostering innovations.” AEI began providing carbon management service

to institutional clients engaged in utility-scale expansions and major energy source transitions, developing a risk management

decision process and project implementation approach based on experienced market projection, insightful regulatory analysis,

expert technical verifi cation, and comprehensive opportunity assessment. The fl exible application of these capabilities produces

customized long-term strategies, fundamentally robust thus soundly adaptable to changing circumstances, establishing a

confi dent basis for subsequent energy- and technology-related investments.

AEI carbon management services scale to long-term support and can accommodate phased scheduling. We develop the

informational bases for decisions, provide decision support and implementation, and ongoing assessments as the basis for

adjustment or revision.

Necessity is the mother of innovation.“We find that smart companies treat sustainability as innovation’s new frontier.”

BUSINESS TRAVEL: ENCOURAGING LESS CARBON-INTENSIVE ALTERNATIVES

AIR TRAVEL

ITHACA – CHICAGOEXAMPLE BUSINESS TRIP

CARPOOLING

TELECONFERENCING

1700 LBS CO2

650 LBS CO2

0 LBS CO2

ALTERNATIVETRANSPORTATION

OFFSETTING ACTIONS

GREENDEVELOPMENT

FUEL MIX AND RENEWABLES

ENERGY CONSERVATION

When Cornell University initiated its climate action planning process with AEI in the summer of 2008, gasoline prices were

over four dollars a gallon. The conversation concerning measures by which the university could reduce carbon-based emission

from Cornell’s Ithaca Campus to net zero by the year 2050 quickly changed from a discussion of immediate payback to one of

institutional viability. Gasoline prices have moderated since then, but Cornell’s objective has not. Released in September 2009,

recommended actions in the Climate Action Plan will help Cornell improve the energy effi ciency of its facilities, reduce

operating expenses, and realize savings otherwise subject to commodity fuel cost fl uctuation, projected carbon legislations,

and potential capital expenditure. AEI developed the plan by leading the participation of Cornell experts, focus groups, and

campus and community stakeholders, then generating and technically evaluating the benefi ts and drawbacks of carbon

reduction ideas related to existing buildings, new buildings, fossil fuel alternatives and renewables, and transportation.

Together, we have created a website to publish the progress of Cornell’s plan, creating a model applicable to other public and

private entities seeking to undertake long-term strategic carbon and energy management initiatives.

(www.sustainablecampus.cornell.edu/climate/index.cfm).

Actions to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, broaden academic research, enhance educational opportunities and outreach eff orts.

Cornell University asks the Hard Questions.ROI: Not a measure of time, but of existence.

1+1-1=0. Explain. What happens after Real Performance? AEI’s vision – “Confronting challenges facing society, with insight and innovation.” – means our role hasn’t ended

at the end of a project. Our vision is a commitment to spreading the benefi ts of our work. Confi rming the

performance of a promising technology in a demanding application implicitly introduces it to the marketplace

for broader use. Developing a number of climate action plans creates the basis of a roadmap for others to do so.

Mastery in meeting effi ciency and sustainability qualifi cations for individual buildings leads to establishing

energy performance standards for utility-scale enterprises. Our work isn’t done until the extraordinary becomes

commonplace, and then we move on to fi nd the next “better way.”

AEI partnered with APPA, the association providing leadership in educational facilities, to develop and publish a

guide to help higher education institutions accomplish the carbon footprint reduction goals represented by the

American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, and identify best practices for incorporating

sustainability concepts into their operating cultures. The guide (appa.org/tools/measures/tls.cfm) provides a tool

to support the role of facilities professionals in future sustainable planning for their institutions. AEI’s long history

of partnership with colleges and universities here provides fundamental support to a ground shift institutional

response to social and economic – as well as environmental – challenges.

Educational facilities professionals play a prominent central role in implementing campus carbon footprint reduction

goals, organizing inventory, tactical planning, and investment in ten strategic categories: conservation and energy

effi ciency; energy production and procurement; green construction and renovation; space utilization; transportation;

waste reduction and recycling; procurement; food services; education and research; and, outreach and awareness.

Published as a web document, the guide is a dynamic resource that will be updated continually to refl ect

technological advances and current legislation.

Deferred maintenance is often viewed as a burden to bear. The very real potential of carbon cap and trade legislation

appears ominous. Yet together the two create an opportunity. As the framework to create “One Ohio State University”

emerges from ongoing master plan work, AEI has been engaged to establish an energy and infrastructure concept

for the campus. Foundational to the evolution of the campus over time, the work assesses such major capital projects

as regional chiller plants, fuel switching, and central plant concepts, assesses energy conservation eff orts to reduce

campus energy consumption by over 25 percent, and establishes energy performance standards for all new

construction projects by typology. In close collaboration with the campus master planning consultant, we have

extended their concept of “no net new growth” to further require replacement buildings to perform at minimum

energy effi ciency levels, formally adopted under The Ohio State University’s Green Build Policy. Envisioned

modifi cations to the academic facilities across campus and the current capital plan – in accordance with the new

construction standards established by this policy – will substantially increase the quality of the campus built

environment while systematically addressing the fi nancial exposures associated with growing deferred maintenance,

and two and a half decades of campus carbon footprint growth.

APPA Guide to Carbon Reduction

No net growth.

Practical Guide to Reducing the Campus Carbon Footprint.

Energy planning for the nation’s largest university campus.

AEI identifi ed lab air change rates and equipment load density as the primary determinants of lab conditions

suited to use of energy effi cient chilled beam cooling technology. As a continuation of our work with the National

Institutes of Health on their Sustainable Design Initiative, testing various laboratory benchtop-integrated exhaust

and cooling strategies to decrease energy use in labs, we identifi ed the potential of chilled beams. Through a

variety of confi gurations in full-sized mockups and extensive CFD analyses we were able to prove the viability

of chilled beams for use in this application. In addition to climate control and support of a safe and functional lab

environment, chilled beams represent potential energy savings, improved spatial effi ciencies, simpler maintenance,

quieter operation, and more uniform air temperature and velocity distribution. By separating cooling capacity

from ventilation requirements, the peak air change rate can be reduced by over 50 percent. AEI worked closely

with the manufacturer, TROX, to fully convey the requirements that laboratory application would place on their

product. We subsequently used chilled beams for the University Washington School of Medicine’s South Lake

Union Phase II lab building. Operational since 2008, the facility is likely the largest lab application of chilled beams

in the world.

Chilled beam production.“…we’ve begun manufacturing in the U.S.”

“AEI followed their rigorous testing

of chilled beam technology with a

commitment to a linear mile of beam

in a laboratory setting, no less, which

was at the time by far the largest-scale

introduction of chilled beam to the

U.S. market. Because of it, we’ve begun

manufacturing in the U.S.”

Chris Lawrence

CEO & President

TROX USA Inc.

big ideas | verifiable solutions | real performanceMaking the extraordinary commonplace. Finding the next better way.Contact a member of the AEI Sustainable Consulting team to learn more:

Mike Walters, LEED® AP Paul Erickson, LEED® AP Peter Strupp

Sustainable Practice Leader Sustainable Design Specialist Director of Business Development

608.236.1194 608.236.1112 608.212.2769

mwalters@aeieng.com perickson@aeieng.com pstrupp@aeieng.com

www.aeieng.com Affi liated Engineers

Chapel Hill, North Carolina Chicago, Illinois Gainesville, Florida Houston, Texas

Madison, Wisconsin Minneapolis, Minnesota Metro DC Phoenix, Arizona Seattle, Washington Tampa, Florida Walnut Creek, California Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain