Welcome to GreenClips, a summary of news on sustainable building design and related government and business issues published every two weeks by Chris Hammer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Don't stop reading at the last news Clip - watch our sponsors' announcements below for information on conferences, products, services, and other useful resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . There is also a credit equivalent to 10 percent of the cost of new air-conditioning equipment using refrigerants that don't harm the ozone layer.
Builders using fuel cells and photovoltaic panels are eligible for additional credits.
The program's minimum requirements would result in new buildings that are 35 percent more energy efficient than required by state energy code, and rehabilitated buildings that are 25 percent more efficient, says Craig E. Kneeland, program manager for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Closed offices are on the inside of the space with open offices on the outside. Six-foot high clerestory windows allow natural light to reach into all offices. Natural ventilation may replace air conditioning entirely or, more commonly in large buildings, may coexist with mechanical systems. Integrating passive and mechanical air-distribution systems is tricky, however, and most engineers prefer not to deal with the variable of occupants undermining the mechanical system by opening windows when the equipment is operating.