Ecotel

Ecotel

Ecotel

Ecotel is a certification system promoted by Hospitality Valuation Services (HVS) International. The system is based on five main globes-

1.     Environmental Commitment

2.     Water Conservation & Preservation

3.     Energy Efficiency

4.     Solid Waste Management and

5.     Employee Environmental Education & Community Involvement

Managed by HVS Eco Services, Ecotel was developed in 1994. Since then, it has evolved in keeping with advances in global warming, resource conservation, pollution prevention, building standards and social responsibility. Today, its criteria are commensurate with those internationally recognized for sustainability. This programme has a broader focus that includes numerous environmental building designs and operational features.

The Ecotel Collection is an exclusive group of international Inns, hotels, and resorts that define the concept of environmental responsibility in the hospitality industry. All certified hotels must pass through a detailed inspection and satisfy stringent criteria designed by environmental experts of the Rocky Mountain Institute in Aspen, Colorado.

The Ecotel inspection is based on five separate inspection areas each with a three-tiered Numerical Scoring System. The five inspection areas correspond with the five globes. There are three levels of criteria and scoring- Primary, Secondary and Tertiary. All hotels applying for certification must satisfy all the primary criteria of the globes before an inspection is scheduled. The hotel must prepare an application including descriptions of how the green initiatives are adopted under the globes and include descriptions of environmental efforts and programmes that are at the hotel (primary criteria).

Once it is evident that the primary criteria have been accomplished, inspections are scheduled to ascertain the score of the lodging facility (secondary criteria). Inspections, both guided by hotel staff and not guided by any, are completed throughout the lodging facility to determine if the environmental programmes that the hotel reports are actually part of the day-to-day operations. Each facility and functional area of the hotel (i.e., facade, construction, furnishing, electricity-water supplies, main restaurant kitchen, 90 banquet kitchen, room service kitchen, front desk, guest rooms, reception area, office area, executive area, management, services etc.) is inspected and scored individually. A percentage score is calculated for each department/globe of inspection and each department/globe must score above a set level to be awarded the certification. If any department/globe scores below that level, but above a minimum threshold, the tertiary criteria could boost the score of that department/globe in order that the hotel might achieve the award.

The tertiary criteria are most easily described as a bonus system. The hotel receives bonus points for environmental programmes revealed in hotel operation that are above ordinary levels of environmental responsibility. An example of a programme that would earn tertiary points in the solid waste management category comes from a hotel in Latin America that collects cigarette butts and soaks them in solution to draw out chemicals before the butts are disposed off. The chemicals are then used as pest-repellent for the fruits and vegetables grown on-site.

Based on the score of the hotel in each category, the lodging facility receives rating, corresponding to each of the five cornerstones. Hotels that achieve the globes qualify as Ecotel certified hotels for a period of two years, but must agree to re-inspections (scheduled or unscheduled) at any time during that period. If the hotel falls short of achieving certified status, the HVS International inspection team would prepare an action plan to help management make the changes necessary and prepare for re-inspection.

Members of the Ecotel Collection realize a number of benefits. Primarily the value of the business would improve due to increased exposure in the marketplace, higher staff morale, and better control of operating expenses. Ecotel Collection of hotels cater to a variety of groups, including traditional ecotourists, discerning business travelers with interest in the environment, corporate meeting planners, travel agents, eco-friendly vacationers, and business-travel-environmental media. Due to the integrity of the Ecotel certification and inspection system, travelers and the media rely on this endorsement of hotel’s Environmental performance. When presented properly, the certification could be a powerful marketing advantage and motivator of environmental commitment.

The benefits of participation in the Ecotel program, although, both numerous and diverse for different hotels, could be classified in three categorie

1.     enhancing the marketability of the hotel

2.     strengthening the operation of the hotel

3.     creating values to protect environment

WASTE

WASTE MANEGMENT PRATICE IN HOTEL

Hotels generate large volumes of solid and hazardous waste. By proactively managing these wastes, a hotel can reduce operating costs, preserve local nature attractions such as coral reefs and beaches, and reduce odors and pest infestations

Effective waste management helps ensure the long-term sustainability of fragile coastal ecosystems and preserve the natural beauty of beaches, coral reefs, forests and rivers that tourists come to enjoy. In addition to these long-term benefits, hotels that practice effective waste management will achieve benefits such as:

1.     reduced manpower requirements for waste handling and disposal, ;

2.     reduced haulage and landfill tipping;

3.     revenue from the sale of recyclables

4.     protection from insect and rodent infestations

5.     reduction of fire hazards

6.     mproved community relations

7.     compliance with government regulations and codes, 

8.     reduced odors and improved asthetics and sanitation, and 

9.     increased guest satisfaction.

Small hotels should therefore seek to develop a solid waste management plan that follow three practical steps.

Step 1: Evaluate Your Waste Management Practice

A Self- Evaluation may be done at any time without need for outside help. This involves looking critically at all the areas in the hotel where waste is produced and deciding what steps may be taken to make operations more waste-efficient

The Environmental Walkthrough is a tool developed especially for small hotels in order to provide accurate and useful information on ways to save water, energy and materials, thereby reducing operating costs

The Small Hotel Environmental Assessment involves a team of two trained experts working on property for 2-3 days. The team reviews facilities, operations, and baseline performance1 and evaluates the property against a comprehensive list of best practices. The team then delivers a report that lists the best opportunities for reducing, reusing, and recycling waste and provides guidance on how to implement them

Checklist for Doing a Waste Management Self-Evaluation

1.     Does the property have an effective recycling program for items that can be recycled locally? ;

2.     Is waste collected and kept in tight-fitting containers and in an enclosed area? ;

3.     Are items reused on property when possible, given to staff or donated to charities instead of being thrown away? 

4.     What about unserved leftover food? ;

5.     Does the property minimize its use of individually bottled guestroom amenities and plastic bags? ;

6.     Does the property compost garden and kitchen waste? ;

7.     Does the property minimize its use of disposable items (e.g. plastic bags, plastic tableware, disposable cups, cook caps and aprons, paper napkins) and single serving food packages (e.g. butter, sugar, cream, jams, condiments, milk, juices and cereals)? ;

8.     Does the property have an effective program to collect and/or recycle used cooking oil? ;

9.     Does the property clean the grease trap frequently and without harsh chemicals? ;

10.  Does the property purchase chemicals such as cleaning agents, laundry chemicals, and dishwashing chemicals in bulk containers? ;

11.  Does the property ask chemical suppliers to take back empty chemical containers? ;

12.  Are housekeeping, laundry, and kitchen cleaning agents and chemicals dispensed using automatic chemical dispensing systems? ;

13.  Does the property use environmentally friendly chemicals and minimize its use of hazardous chemicals in its maintenance operations (e.g., drain cleaners, descaling acid, solvents)?

Step 2: Set Priorities and Take Immediate Action

After identifying opportunities for improving waste management, the property should identify the most attractive measures, prioritize them, and develop a simple implementation schedule or action plan that assigns responsibilities and sets target dates. An example action plan is shown at left. The main guidelines to remember when managing waste in order of priority are

1) Reduce the generation of waste at the source: Reducing the generation of waste is the first option that should be considered. This approach promotes the efficient use of resources and reduces the volume of waste material that must be handled by employees and hauled away from the property. Responsibility for reducing waste generation generally lies with management, who decides what is brought into the property and, thereby, determines what eventually leaves the property as waste.

2) Reuse all possible items: Whenever possible, hotels should reuse items in their original form for the same or a different purpose rather than discarding them. If an item cannot be reused on site, the property should investigate the possibility of selling it or donating it to employees, charitable organizations, schools, businesses or other interested parties.

3) Recycle all possible items: Recycling consists of processing and transforming wastes into new, marketable products. This is the least favorable of the three waste management options and should be considered only if the reduce and reuse options are not applicable to specific waste streams. It is also the waste management option that is most difficult to implement in Caribbean islands that lack a strong industrial base

Develop purchasing policies or guidelines that help the property reduce solid and hazardous waste.

1.     Purchasing housekeeping chemicals in bulk and in concentrated form, rather than in small, ready-to-use containers, reduces packaging waste and purchasing costs

2.     The unit cost of food items purchased in single-portion packages is generally significantly higher than its bulk purchase cost.

3.     Reduce the purchase of products with excessive packaging and avoid styrofoam packaging altogether. Wherever possible, or return boxes, crates, bottles and containers to suppliers.

4.     Write a letter to suppliers to communicate the hotel’s environmental policy and identify preferences

5.     Buy locally produced goods and fresh food where possible.

6.     Use soda fountains or carbonators as opposed to glass or plastic bottles for refreshments

Reduce the use of hazardous chemicals, and ensure staff use and dispose of chemicals properly

Train the staff in the safe and proper handling, use and disposal of chemicals.

1.     Provide protective equipment such as gloves and eye protection to staff when appropriate.

2.     Insist that contractors follow proper procedures when handling, using and disposing of their chemicals.

3.     Obtain the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) for all chemicals used on property.

4.     Hazardous wastes (if used) should be carefully handled and bagged/boxed separately from regular garbag

Reuse items on property, donate them to a charity or recycle them.

1.     Use scrap paper for notes and make it office policy to make double-sided copies if possible.

2.     Use refillable pens and toner cartridges, and re-inkable ribbons. 5

3.     Donate or sell outmoded furniture or equipment and old crockery, cutlery, magazines, linen.

4.     Reuse damaged linens and towels..

5.     Reuse slivers of soap. These can be mixed with warm water to make soapy insect spray for indoor and outdoor plants, or shred and use as presoak solution in laundry

6.     Reuse bags to reduce the use of disposable plastic bags.

7.     Remove partially used amenities from guest bathrooms only at check-out. These products should then be reused around the property (e.g., soap bars can be used to pre-soak or hand-wash laundry) or given away to charities.

8.     Replace the plastic liners that are used in guestroom garbage bins only when they are soiled or unsuitable for further use.

9.     Collect and recycle items such as glass and PET bottles, used cooking and motor oil, steel and aluminum cans, paper, and printer cartridges

Step 3: Continue to Make Improvements and Investments

1.     Reduce unnecessary waste by using, durable, reusable and bulk items rather than disposable or single-use products. Hotels can save considerable amounts of money by purchasing reusable products rather than disposable products. Although reusable products sometimes have a slightly higher initial cost, they offer substantial savings over the long-term.

2.     Reduce or eliminate the use of single-use items such as paper napkins and disposable plates, cups, cutlery, place mats, aprons and cook hats. In most cases, disposable items can be easily and cost-effectively replaced with durable items. For example, use durable coasters instead of paper napkins that must be replaced with every drink

3.     Reduce the use of plastic film by purchasing durable plastic containers to store food in refrigerators and freezers. 

4.     Where possible, use cloth cleaning rags instead of disposable paper towels or disposable J-cloths.

5.     Replace paper napkins and table coverings with linen.

6.     Use cloth bags or baskets instead of plastic bags to collect and return guest laundry and guestroom towels and linens.

7.     Use refillable amenity dispensers in guest bathrooms.

8.     Collect yard waste in canvas bags, wheelbarrows or carts rather than in disposable plastic bags.

9.     Use electrical resistance heaters, refillable alcohol or LPG burners instead of sterno (Handy Fuel) to keep food warm in buffet lines.

10.  Purchase and install bulk dispensing systems for guest amenities and cleaning products instead of using disposable individual containers

Develop a comprehensive system for garbage separation, recycling, and composting

1.     Purchase bins for separation of solid waste into recyclable, compostable, discard, etc. Bins for recycling or reuse should be provided across the hotel, and a recycling bag installed on housekeeping carts to hold recyclable materials from guestroom wastebaskets. Bins for collecting compostable materials should be located in the kitchen.

2.     Keep garbage receptacles covered and remove them frequently. Ensure that containers are thoroughly washed, disinfected and dried. Avoid burning garbage. Burning contributes to air pollution and odors.

Composting

 Composting is the natural decomposition of organic material, such as yard waste and vegetable and fruit waste, by naturally occurring microorganisms. Composting is a simple process that requires only a modest amount of effort and can significantly reduce a property’s solid waste stream and eliminate the need to purchase fertilizer or mulch. The key to a successful composting program is separating compostable materials (e.g., yard waste, vegetable cuttings, fruit peels) from noncompostable waste (e.g., plastics, meat and fatty food waste, metals) as they are generated. It is much easier to keep wastes separate from the beginning than to separate them after they are mixed. There is a range of methods for composting, from simple “no-tech” methods, to windrow methods, to specialized bins that accelerate the composting process. Generally, the simpler methods are cheaper and slower, while the engineered systems are faster, require less space, and afford more control over the composting process, reducing risks of odors.

AIR POLLUTION THROUGH HOTEL OPERATION

AIR POLLUTION THROUGH HOTEL OPERATION

What are lodging properties and why should they reduce air pollution?

1.     The hospitality industry encompasses a wide range of services and activities such as lodging, restaurants, food services, and convention centers.

2.     The lodging sector consists of hotels, motels, resorts, and bed and breakfasts.

Maintenance and operations activities within the lodging sector may release pollutants into the air and may contribute to health concerns at lodging properties and in the community.

What are the health effects of air pollutants that come from lodging properties?

1.     Lodging properties emit pollutants such as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), volatile organic compounds (VOC), and ozone-depleting substances (ODSs). These pollutants can contribute to health problems that may affect employees, guests, and the community.

2.     Cleaning supplies, synthetic materials, paints, and pesticides can release HAPs and VOC.

3.     ODSs such as chlorofluorocarbons may be released by improperly maintained heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units, refrigeration units, and fire extinguishers.

How can lodging properties reduce air pollution?

Changing Cleaners

1.     Choose non-toxic products such as baking soda, vinegar, and lemon oil.

2.     Purchase cleaners with less than 10% VOC by weight and those that have low HAP content.

3.     Choose pump-style sprays instead of aerosols. These sprays emit fewer HAPs.

4.     Increase cleaning power of low toxic substances by combining,

Modifying Building Maintenance Practices

1.     Use water-based, or other less toxic paints and coatings to maintain floors and walls.

2.     Reduce the amount of refinishing needed for hardwood floors by regularly inspecting floors to determine where the most wear occurs. Refinish only those portions.

3.     If possible, use indoor furniture made of wood instead of pressed wood products. If that isn't possible, then use pressed wood products that contain phenol resin instead of urea resin, which is more toxic.

Controlling Emissions of HAPs and ODSs

1.     Limit idling of tour buses around HVAC intake vents and entrances to prevent high concentrations of diesel vapors from entering the building.

2.     Use "good housekeeping" measures, such as checking for leaks in piping, to avoid loss of ODSs during HVAC unit and refrigeration equipment maintenance and operation.

3.     Recover and reuse ozone-depleting substances after dismantling HVAC and refrigeration equipment for service.

4.     Retrofit existing HVAC and refrigeration units to avoid leakage and loss of existing ODSs.

5.     Phase out chemicals that deplete the ozone by retrofitting HVAC units and refrigeration units to use chemicals with low or zero ODS content. There are financial benefits to phasing out these chemicals that help offset the expense of retrofitting. The cost savings will result from the prevention of chemical leakages and from the improved energy efficiency offered by many of the newer, zero-ODSs and units.

6.     At the end of equipment service life, replace with new and more efficient equipment that does not use ODSs.

Reducing ODS Emissions from Fire Extinguishers

·         At the end of its service life, replace halon-containing fire extinguishers with alternative, non-halon equipment.

·         Inspect halon-containing fire extinguishers frequently for leaks. Repair or replace if leaks are discovered.

HVAC

Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning Systems

The main purposes of a Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system are to help maintain good indoor air quality through adequate ventilation with filtration and provide thermal comfort. HVAC systems are among the largest energy consumers in HOTEL. The choice and design of the HVAC system can also affect many other high performance goals, including water consumption (water cooled air conditioning equipment) and acoustics

The following actions detail how engineers can design a quality system that is cost-competitive with traditional ventilation designs, while successfully providing an appropriate quantity and quality of outdoor air, lower energy costs and easier maintenance.

Potential for Natural Ventilation and Operable Windows

1.     In some parts of the country, where temperature and humidity levels permit, natural ventilation through operable windows can be an effective and energy-efficient way to supplement HVAC systems to provide outside air ventilation, cooling and thermal comfort when conditions permit (e.g., temperature, humidity, outdoor air pollution levels, precipitation). Windows that open and close can enhance occupants' sense of well-being and feeling of control over their environment. They can also provide supplemental exhaust ventilation during renovation activities that may introduce pollutants into the space.

2.     However, sealed buildings with appropriately designed and operated HVAC systems can often provide better indoor air quality than a building with operable windows. Uncontrolled ventilation with outdoor air can allow outdoor air contaminants to bypass filters, potentially disrupt the balance of the mechanical ventilation equipment and permit the introduction of excess moisture if access is not controlled.

3.     Strategies using natural ventilation include wind driven cross-ventilation and stack ventilation that openings is critical and the flow of air from entry to exit must not be obstructed

4.     Designers should consider the use of natural ventilation and operable windows to supplement mechanical ventilation. Consider outdoor sources of pollutants (including building exhausts and vehicle traffic) and noise when determining if and where to provide operable windows.

5.     If operable windows will be used to supplement the HVAC system, ensure that:

openings for outdoor air are located between 3-6 feet from the floor (head height);

6.     the windows are adjustable and can close tightly and securely;

7.     the windows are placed to take maximum advantage of wind direction, with openings on opposite sides of the building to maximize cross-ventilation.

8.     employs the difference in air densities to provide air movement across a space. Both types of natural ventilation require careful engineering to ensure convective flows. The proper sizing and placement of

Selection of HVAC Equipment

n most parts of the country, climatic conditions require that outdoor air must be heated and cooled to provide acceptable thermal comfort for building occupants, requiring the addition of HVAC systems. The selection of equipment for heating, cooling and ventilating the school building is a complex design decision that must balance a great many factors, including:

1.     heating and cooling needs

2.     energy efficiency

3.     humidity control

4.     potential for natural ventilation

5.     adherence to codes and standards

6.     outdoor air quantity and quality

7.     indoor air quality

8.     cost

Where feasible, use central HVAC air handling units (AHUs) that serve multiple rooms in lieu of unit ventilators or individual heat pumps. Although there are many different types of air handling units, for general IAQ implications in schools, air handling units can be divided into two groups: unit ventilators and individual heat pump units that serve a single room without ducts; and central air handling units that serve several rooms via duct work.

Unit ventilators and heat pumps have the advantage of reduced floor space requirements and they do not recirculate air between rooms. However, it is more difficult to assure proper maintenance of multiple units over time and they present additional opportunities for moisture problems through the wall penetration and from drain pan and discharge problems. Central air handling units have a number of advantages as compared to unit ventilators and heat pumps serving individual rooms. They are:

1.     Quieter and therefore more likely to be turned on or left on by teachers and staff;

2.     Less drafty due to multiple supplies and a return that is away from occupants;

3.     Better at controlling humidity and condensed moisture drainage;

4.     Easier to maintain due to reduced number of components and few units to access;

5.     More space around units and can be accessed without interfering with class activities;

6.     Space for higher efficiency air filters and more surface area;

7.     Made of heavier duty components;

8.     Less likely to have quantity of outdoor air supply inadvertently reduced.

Specify the following features for all air handling units:

1.     Double-sloped drain pan and drain trap depth

2.     Double-sloped drain pan - A double-sloped pan prevents water from standing and stagnating in the pan.

3.     Non-corroding drain pan - Made from stainless steel or plastic. Prevents corrosion that would cause water to leak inside the AHU.

4.     Easy access doors - All access doors are hinged and use quick release latches that do not require tools to open. Easy access to filters, drain pans and cooling coils is imperative.

5.     Double wall cabinet - The inner wall protects the insulation from moisture and mechanical damage, increases sound dampening and is easier to clean.

6.     Tightly sealed cabinet - Small yet continuous air leaks in and out of the AHU cabinet can affect IAQ and energy. The greatest pressure differentials driving leaks occur at the AHU.

7.     Double wall doors with gaskets - Double wall doors provide better thermal and acoustic insulation and will remain flatter, allowing a better seal against door frame gaskets

8.     Minimum 2 inch thick filter slots - For better protection of the indoor environment, as well as the equipment and ducts, the filters slots should be able to accommodate 2 in. or thicker filters.

9.     Extended surface area filter bank - To reduce the frequency of filter maintenance and the cost of fan energy, the bank is designed to allow more filter area, such as the deep V approach or bags.

10.  Air filter assemblies (racks & housings) designed for minimum leakage - The filter bank should have gaskets and sealants at all points where air could easily bypass the air filters, such as between the filter rack and the access door. Use properly gasketed manufacturer supplied filter rack spacers.

11.  Air filter monitor - A differential pressure gauge to indicate the static pressure drop across the filter bank. This feature could easily be installed as an option in the field.

12.  Corrosion resistant dampers & links - All moving parts such as pivot pins, damper actuators and linkages are able to withstand weather and moisture-induced corrosion for the full life of the system

Energy Recovery Ventilation

Consider specifying energy recovery ventilation equipment.

1.     Indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air; therefore, most HVAC system designers understand that increased amounts of outdoor air supply is generally better for IAQ. Yet there are concerns over the implications that this added amount of outdoor air supply has on the first cost and operating cost of the HVAC system, as well as moisture control for the hotel (too wet or too dry).

2.     First cost, energy costs and moisture control do not have to be at odds with good IAQ. Energy recovery ventilation equipment can make the negative implications of 15 cfm per person of outdoor air behave like 5 cfm, while retaining the IAQ advantage of 15 cfm. This approach has been proven in many schools in various regions east of the Rockies, where advanced HVAC systems cost roughly the same as conventional systems, yet provide significant operating cost savings and IAQ advantages

Location of Outdoor Air Intakes and Exhaust

Sloped Intake Plenum and Accessible Intake Screen

1.     Proper location of outdoor air intakes can minimize the blockage of airflow and intake of contaminated air. The bottom of air intakes should be at least 8 inches above horizontal surfaces (generally the ground or the roof) to prevent blockage from leaves or snow. In northern locations, more separation may be needed due to greater snow depths or drifting snow.

2.     Intakes should not be placed within 25 feet of any potential sources of air contaminants, including sewer vents, exhaust air from the school, loading docks, bus loading areas, garbage receptacles, boiler or generator exhausts and mist from cooling towers. If the source is large or contains strong contaminants, or if there is a dominant wind direction in the area, the minimum separation distance may need to be increased. Air admittance valves, an inexpensive and code-approved one-way air valve, can be added to sewer vents to eliminate the potential for release of gases into the surrounding air.

3.     Grilles protecting air intakes should be bird- and rodent-proofed to prevent perching, roosting and nesting. Waste from birds and other pests (e.g., rats) can disrupt proper operation of the HVAC system, promote microbial growth and cause human disease. The use of outdoor air intake grilles with vertical louvers, as opposed to horizontal louvers, will reduce the potential for roosting.

4.     Intake Screens must be accessible for inspection and cleaning. In existing schools, an insufficient amount of ventilation air is often the result of clogged intake screens that are inaccessible for inspection and cleaning. Screens hidden by an intake grille should be designed with a grille that is easily opened, such as a hinged grille with two quick-release latches, or in the worst case, a grille with four one-quarter turn fasteners. All screens should be easily removable for cleaning.

5.     Consider adding a section of sloped intake plenum that causes moisture to flow to the outside or to a drain if intake grilles are not designed to completely eliminate the intake of rain or snow.

Outdoor Air Quantity

1.     In spaces where the number of occupants is highly variable such as gyms, auditoriums and multipurpose spaces, demand controlled ventilation (DCV) systems can be used to vary the quantity of outside air ventilation in these spaces in response to the number of occupants. One technique for doing this is to install carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors that measure concentrations and vary the volume of outside air accordingly.

2.     If an auditorium fills up for school assembly, then CO2 concentrations will increase, a signal will be provided to the HVAC system and outside air volumes will be increased accordingly. When the spaces served by an air handler have highly variable occupancy, this type of control can both save energy and help control moisture (and mold) by reducing the quantity of humid outside air when it is not needed for ventilation. CO2 and other sensors must be periodically calibrated and maintained.

Air Filtration

n addition to "atmospheric dust," airborne particulates can include pollen, mold (fungal) spores, animal dander, insect proteins, pesticides, lead and infectious bacteria and viruses. Designers can integrate features into the ventilation system that will provide benefits for the school occupants as well as the efficiency and longevity of the HVAC system. In addition, these features can reduce the need for expensive cleaning of the duct work and air handling units.

Filter Efficiency

Air filters should have a dust-spot rating between 35% and 80% or a Minimum Efficiency Rating Value (MERV) of between 8 and 13. The higher the rating, the better the protection for the equipment and the occupants. It has been estimated that a 30% increase in static pressure across a coil results in a $200 per 10,000 cfm of air movement (at 7 cents per KWH). This does not include the added cost of cleaning dirty heating or cooling oils, drain pans, or air ducts. Designers should consider specifying a low efficiency (~10%) pre-filter upstream of the main filters. The pre-filters are generally easy and inexpensive to change and will capture a significant amount of the particulate mass in the air thereby extending the useful life of the more expensive main filters

Pressure Drop

Design more filter surface area into ventilation systems. This has two advantages: the number of filter changes each year is reduced, thereby reducing the cost of labor to properly maintain the filters; and static pressure loss is lower, which saves money by reducing the amount of power needed to operate fans and blowers. Since different filter media are approximately proportional in their efficiency/pressure drop ratio, the most effective method for reducing pressure drop is to design more filter surface area into the filter system. This can be done by the specification of a filter with larger amounts of surface area, such as a pleated filter or bag filter. The next method is to increase the number and/or size of the filters in the airstream, for example, by mounting the filter slots in a "V" pattern, rather than a filter rack that is simply flat and perpendicular to the airstream

Monitoring Pressure

Consider installing a simple pressure differential gauge across all filter banks. This will prevent school facilities personnel from having to guess whether the filter is ready for replacement. A gauge with a range of zero to 1.0 in. w.g. can save money and the environment by preventing premature disposal of filters that still have useful life and can prevent health and maintenance problems caused by overloaded filters that have blown out. The gauge should be easily visible from a standing position in an easily accessed location near the air handling unit.

Air Cleaning for Gaseous Contaminants

The most effective means of reducing exposure of occupants to gases and VOCs is to manage and control potential pollution sources. Filters are available to remove gases and volatile organic contaminants from ventilation air; however, because of cost and maintenance requirements, these systems are not generally used in normal occupancy buildings or schools. In specially designed HVAC systems, permanganate oxidizers and activated charcoal may be used for gaseous removal filters

Ventilation Controls

Although a typical HVAC system has many controls, the control of outdoor air quantity that enters the building can have a significant impact on IAQ, yet typically is not part of standard practice. Demand controlled ventilation is addressed as a method of humidity control, but is not otherwise discussed here because its primary use is to reduce the supply of outdoor air below the recommended minimum for the purposes of saving energy, not for improving IAQ

Volume Monitoring and Control

Supplying acceptable quantities of outdoor air to occupied spaces is a critical component of good indoor air quality. Yet nearly all school ventilation systems cannot indicate whether outdoor air is even being supplied to the school, much less gauge the quantity of that air. Virtually all existing school ventilation systems rely upon a fixed damper to regulate the amount of outdoor air.

Yet wind, stack effect, unbalanced supply and return fans and constantly changing variable air volume (VAV) systems can cause significant under- or over-ventilation, which can affect IAQ and energy costs. Combinations of these effects can even cause the intake system to actually exhaust air.

Specify the addition of a measuring station that actively controls the amount of outdoor airflow by modulating the outdoor air damper and the return (recirculation) damper, if needed to overcome wind and stack effects. These measuring stations are designed to work in limited duct space and with low air velocities. This is an easy task, as some manufacturers offer their airflow measuring stations in separate packages with dampers and actuators

Moisture and Humidity Control

Uncontrolled moisture indoors can cause major damage to the building structure, as well as to furnishings and to finish materials like floors, walls and ceilings. Uncontrolled moisture can trigger mold growth which not only damages the school facility, but can lead to health and performance problems for students and staff.

Primary causes of indoor moisture problems in new schools include:

1.     Use of building materials that were repeatedly or deeply wetted before the building was fully enclosed

2.     Poor control of rain and snow, resulting in roof and flashing leaks

3.     Wet or damp construction cavities

4.     Moisture-laden outdoor air entering the building

5.     Condensation on cool surfaces

Controlling moisture entry into buildings and preventing condensation are critical in protecting buildings from mold and other moisture-related problems, including damage to building component

Air Distribution and Duct Insulation

1.     Dirt and moisture should not be present in duct systems and must be controlled to prevent mold growth. However, it is not always possible to assure that ducts remain dirt and moisture free. In many existing schools, sheet metal ducts, as well as those constructed of or lined with insulation products, are often contaminated with mold because dirt and moisture found their way into the system.

2.     Duct board and duct liner are widely used in duct systems because of their excellent acoustic, thermal and condensation control properties. If the HVAC system is properly designed, fabricated, installed, operated and maintained, these duct systems pose no greater risk of mold growth than duct systems made of sheet metal or any other materials.

3.     However, the very properties that make duct board and duct liner superior insulators (e.g., a fibrous structure with large surface area that creates insulating air pockets), also makes them capable of trapping and retaining moisture if they do get wet (though the fibers themselves do not absorb moisture)

4.     As a secondary strategy, designers should consider methods of reducing the potential for future problems to occur due to unforeseen moisture contamination by investigating insulation products now on the market that minimize the potential for moisture to penetrate the insulation material. These include foil vapor retarders, tightly bonded non-woven vapor retarders, butt or shiplap edges and other techniques that have been developed by insulation manufacturers to address concerns about moisture.

5.     Pay special attention to preventing moisture from entering duct work. Preventing moisture from entering duct work is critical to preventing mold problems in all types of ducts. Moisture in ducts is usually due to penetration of precipitation through inlet louvers, excess moisture in outdoor air, or condensation droplets from cooling coils that are not properly drained or ducts that are not properly sealed. Under certain circumstances, when exceeding recommended maximum cooling coil face velocity, water droplets can escape cooling coils and be carried into the air stream, saturating any dirt or dust downstream. Because dust and dirt serve as a food source for mold and are usually present in all but brand new duct systems, mold will grow on any duct surface that remains wet.

6.     If specifying duct board or internal duct lining for thermal and/or acoustical control, be sure to consider the potential for uncontrolled moisture to enter the duct over the life of the system. Select products that will minimize the potential for moisture retention in the event of unforeseen contamination of the duct system, such as those with properties that reduce the potential for moisture to penetrate the air stream surface. Ensure that all duct systems are properly fabricated and installed.

7.     Degrease sheet metal air ducts. The sheet steel used to make ducts has a thin petroleum or fish oil coating primarily intended to inhibit corrosion during transportation and storage of the steel. This coating may trap dirt particles, some people find the odor objectionable and there are concerns that the emissions from the coating could affect individuals with asthma or allergies. One solution is to remove the coating from the duct using a mild cleaning agent, such as a household dishwashing liquid, in conjunction with a heated high-pressure sprayer.

8.     Seal air ducts to prevent HVAC system air leakage. In addition to significant energy losses, air leakage from HVAC ducts and air handling units cause significant IAQ problems due to unexpected airflow between indoors and outdoors and between areas within the school. Air leakage from supply or return duct work contributes to the condensation of humid air in building cavities and/or on the neighboring surfaces. Air leakage can be especially problematic for ducts or AHUs that are located outside the conditioned spaces. The primary goals for the designer are to keep all air ducts within the conditioned space and to specify that the joints and seams of all ducts, including return ducts, are sealed using an appropriate material.

Types of Air Distribution

Nearly all HOTEL currently use the mixed-airflow method for distribution and dilution of the air within the occupied space. Designers should investigate a method called vertical displacement ventilation or thermal displacement ventilation. This approach successfully uses natural convection forces to reduce fan energy and carefully lift air contaminants up and away from the breathing zone.

Exhaust Air

1.     Quick removal of concentrated air contaminants and building pressurization are two ways that exhaust systems affect IAQ. Special use areas such as science labs, vocational/technical shops, cafeterias and indoor pools already have well established regulatory codes regarding ventilation with outdoor air and negative pressure requirements with respect to adjacent spaces. Less well recognized areas in schools where special exhaust ventilation is desirable are janitor closets, copy/work rooms and arts/crafts preparation areas where off-gasing from significant quantities of materials or products may occur. These areas should be maintained under negative pressure relative to adjacent spaces.

2.     Provide exhaust ventilation for janitor's closets. If housekeeping and maintenance supplies are properly stored in janitor closets, only enough air need be exhausted to place the closet under negative pressure relative to surrounding rooms. As long as air does not easily leak into or from the closet through openings such as plenums or utility chases, 10 CFM of air exhausted from the room will typically make it negative and prevent the buildup of air pollutants.

3.     Provide exhaust ventilation for copy/work rooms. In addition to the code-required amount of outdoor air being supplied to this room for general ventilation, it is desirable to determine what types of equipment and activities the school plans for this room and to supply special exhaust ventilation for concentrated pollutant sources. Two examples of sources are copy machines and work areas for adhesives.

4.     Most copier manufacturers can provide an optional vent kit, which is usually a simple plastic fitting, that allows a piece of 3" or 4" diameter flexible duct to be connected between the copier and an exhaust fan. This captures much of the heat, particles, ozone and other pollutants and exhausts them outdoors before they can spread throughout the workroom. A small exhaust hood over a work surface, similar to a fume hood in a science lab, would also be helpful to reduce exposure when adhesives, sprays, paints and solvents are being used in the workroom.

5.     Provide exhaust ventilation for arts and crafts preparation areas where off-gassing from significant quantities of materials or products may occur.

6.     Consider specifying a differential pressure monitor to monitor building pressurization. IAQ problems are often traced to improper pressurization, which causes unexpected airflow between indoors and outdoors and between areas within the school. To reduce introduction of unconditioned moist air and pollutants from outdoors, the building should be designed to operate between zero and 0.03 in. w.g. (0 to 7 Pa) positive, relative to outdoors.

7.     Do not operate exhaust systems when the HVAC system is turned off to avoid bringing in unconditioned moist air that may condense on cooler indoor surfaces.

Designing for Efficient Operations and Maintenance

Ensure that all system components, including air handling units, controls and exhaust fans are easily accessible.

To help ensure that proper operation and maintenance of HVAC system components will be performed, it is critical that the designer makes the components easily accessible. AHUs, controls and exhaust fans should not require a ladder, the removal of ceiling tiles, or crawling to gain access. Rooftop equipment should be accessible by way of stairs and a full-sized door, not a fixed ladder and a hatch.

Label HVAC system components to facilitate operations and maintenance.

Labeling of HVAC components is an inexpensive and effective method for helping facilities personnel properly operate and maintain the HVAC systems. The labels should be easy to read when standing next to the equipment and durable to match the life of the equipment to which they are attached. At a minimum, the following components should be labeled in each ventilation zone of the school and should correspond with the HVAC diagrams and drawings. "AHU" refers to any air handling unit that is associated with outdoor air supply

1.     The number or name of the AHU (e.g., AHU ##, or AHU for West Wing)

2.     The outdoor air (OA), supply air (SA), return air (RA) and exhaust or relief air (EA) connections to the AHU, each with arrows noting proper airflow direction

3.     The access door(s) for the air filters and the minimum filter dust-spot (or MERV) efficiency (Air Filters, minimum xx% dust spot efficiency)

4.     The filter pressure gauge and the recommended filter change pressure (Filter Pressure, max 0.x in. w.g.)

5.     The access door(s) for the condensate drain pan (Drain Pan)

6.     Other pertinent access doors such as to energy recovery ventilation wheels or plates (Energy Recovery Ventilation Unit)

7.     The minimum amount of outdoor air for each AHU (### CFM minimum during occupied times)

8.     The outdoor air damper (OA Damper), with special marks noting when the damper is in the fully closed (Closed), fully opened (open) and minimum designed position (Min)

9.     If a motorized relief damper is installed (EA Damper), note the same positions as above.

10.  The access door to any outdoor air controls (OA Control(s)) such as damper position adjustments, outdoor airflow measuring stations, resets, fuses and switches)

11.  Breakers for exhaust fans (Exhaust Fan ##), AHU, unit ventilators

12.  Access doors for inspection and maintenance of air ducts

13.  Any dampers and controls for air side economizers (as appropriate)

14.  The number or name of all exhaust fans, including the air quantity exhauste