Hawaii's Cooling Climate Initiative

Howard C Wiig

Hawaii State Energy Division

The goal of this project is to revise Hawaii's Model Energy Code (MEC)
to become a catalyst to mainstream underutilized energy efficiency
technologies specific to cooling climates. The revised MEC will embody
building energy codes that help the nation remain competitive in the
21^st^ century. The results may also interest Southeast Asian and other
warm-weather nations.

Activities include, a) examining the performance and economic viability
of the technologies; b) preparing reports on each technology; c)
providing workshops on recommendations throughout Hawaii and to Gulf
Coast and other states; d) preparing recommendations into code format
for possible adoption by Hawaii and other states.

Objectives include:

-   Determine which high-performance windows are uniquely suited to
    Hawaii and are cost-effective. Utilize simulations with
    Hawaii-specific weather data.

-   Gather and compile field data to determine which combinations of
    roof color, insulation and radiant barriers dramatically reduce
    interior temperatures in Hawaii's buildings and residences, often
    removing the need for air conditioning and increasing occupants'
    comfort levels.

-   Compile and summarize reports and studies indicating that
    daylighting can be extremely cost-effective and increase occupant
    productivity.

-   Determine which daylighting controls are most effective in Hawaiian
    conditions in avoiding manual overrides and maximizing comfort and
    visual acuity.

-   Compile field data and summarize reports on ultra-violet (UV) lamps
    in building air handlers to determine to what extent they reduce
    energy use, improve indoor air quality and reduce maintenance costs.

# Measure Daylighting Effectiveness: Recommend Best Control Systems

Numerous studies indicate that workers and students in carefully lit
daylit areas increase productivity and test score results. Daylit areas
will be measured for energy savings, heat gain, occupant satisfaction
and work performance. Research will be conducted on the most effective
means of controlling daylighting in Hawaii's conditions. Code format
will be provided to encourage daylighting by allowing "trade-offs"
crediting areas of buildings receiving the majority of their lighting
via carefully controlled daylight.

# Install Ultra-Violet Lamps in Air Handlers

Recent experience with ultra-violet (UV) lamps in air handlers in
Hawaii's buildings indicate that they: a) reduce energy use by
eliminating mold and mildew that clog vents and shafts and force fans to
work harder and restricting cold air flow; b) thereby improve the indoor
air quality (IAQ) and reduce health complaints by occupants; c) reduce
maintenance in air handlers and air conditioning components because fans
and coils are no longer overworked, and air handling units no longer
need periodic manual cleaning.

The performance of UV lamps in existing buildings will be evaluated for
energy savings, IAQ improvement and reduced maintenance requirements.
The resulting report will, if warranted, include proposed amendments to
the MEC to give credits for the installation of UV lamps in air
handlers.

# Heat Pipes

Recent experience with heat pipes in Hawaii and other cooling climates
indicate that they are extremely cost-effective in reducing the moisture
content of outside air and in pre-heating the air leaving the coils.
Research will be conducted on: a) the percentage of dehumidification
achieved, b) the effectiveness of pre-heating cold air, c) the effect of
(a) and (b) on electricity consumption and demand, d) the estimated
payback time of heat pipes, e) the satisfaction of building managers and
owners with the technology. If warranted, code format will be prepared
for inclusion of heat pipes in Hawaii's MEC.

A unique phase of this work is the inclusion of scientific evidence that
many of these technologies lead to increased productivity and test
scores by workers and students. Such benefits far outweigh energy
savings in cost-effectiveness. Thus, "economic benefit" can include
superior occupant comfort, a quieter and more peaceful building
environment, increased productivity, reduced absenteeism and even
improved occupant health.

-   Compile field data and summarize reports on the effectiveness of
    heat pipes in economically reducing the moisture content of incoming
    air, replacing reheat coils and reducing air conditioning loads.

The long-term objectives of this grant resulting from the widespread use
of the technologies include:

-   Reducing air pollution and help achieve clean air mandates by
    reducing fossil fuel use.

-   Assisting with market transformation through professional and
    community awareness that the technologies are cost-effective.

-   Demonstrating through cost-savings that energy efficiency is an
    integral part of economic development planning.

-   Creating widespread awareness that efficient buildings are more
    comfortable, boost occupant productivity, and create a more pleasant
    and productive work environments.

-   Increasing public awareness that efficient buildings are part of the
    "high-tech" 21^st^ century, and are flexible in meeting individual
    needs.

## Workplan

Conduct research into the technologies cited. Determine each
technologies' level of performance in Hawaii's climate. Measure each
technologies' estimated energy and cost savings against the estimated
cost of purchase, installation, and operation over the life of the
equipment. Collect data regarding the effect of the technology on the
performance of occupants. He will issue reports on each technology,
conduct workshops on his findings throughout Hawaii, the Gulf Coast
states and other locales, and may revise the reports based on workshop
feedback. A Cooling Climate Task Force will determine which technologies
should be recommended for incorporation into Hawaii's MEC. Convert the
recommended technologies into code language, and issue final reports on
each.

# Measure Window Performance

Performance values listed in window manufacturer's literature do not
include Hawaii. High-performance windows will be evaluated for solar
heat gain coefficient, U-value, frame transmittance, and surface
temperature levels in Hawaii's climate. A report will be issued on
window performance, and recommendations made. Code format will be
provided for possible incorporation into Hawaii's MEC.