Introduction
During this course we have mentioned and discussed the differences between initial cost and cost-in-use that are relevant to various types of equipment. In many instances, the savings on the initial cost of equipment is squandered because the equipment is more expensive to run, due to excessive energy costs that are incurred over the life of the building.
The objective of energy conservation is to use less energy. This is accomplished by various methods, including recycling energy where useful. Energy conservation should be part of the entire life cycle of a building: it should be a consideration during the initial conception of a building, through its construction, during the operation and maintenance of the building throughout its life, and even in deconstruction.
It is important for everyone who participates in the design, operation and maintenance of the building to realize that, however energy efficient the system as initially designed and installed, the energy efficiency will degrade unless it is operated correctly and deliberately maintained.
In order to improve the energy performance of buildings and provide a benchmark for comparison ASHRAE/IESNA has issued Standard 90.1 Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. The Standard sets out minimum criteria for the building construction and mechanical and electrical equipment in the building and we will discuss it later in the chapter.