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GREENINQ |
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Green Planning Design & Technology for the Built Environment |
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GREEN TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CapabilitiesGREEN INQ services include the commercialization of emerging “green” technologies in the construction industry. We monitor new and developing green technologies and products that will be of interest to owners/developers, architects, engineers and contractors in the building industry. When identifying technologies and products that are worth considering we conduct our own research and make this information available to our clients and associates with special presentations and workshops. Our services include:
Some of the technologies we are presently supporting include: Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) BIPV is an emerging technology that combines photoelectric materials with glass and other specialty materials to form building products that turn the building’s envelope into an electric power generation system. BIPV materials can be integrated into roofing, walls, curtain walls, skylights, atriums, sunshades and other construction elements to provide power for building energy use. In many locations utility companies must purchase the BIPV power from the building owner when it is not being used by the building. By integrating these materials into the building they not only function as an element of the building, they provide power as well. Through “net metering”, BIPV systems can provide all the power a building needs and then some. Check out our PhotoVoltaic Zone for further information GeoExchange (GEX) GeoExchange is a heat pump system that uses an earth heat exchanger to provide space heating, cooling and hot water for building use. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has declared GeoExchange systems to be the most environmentally friendly and efficient heating and cooling systems available. They are adaptable to any situation, any building type and any climate zone. GeoExchange systems can cut heating and cooling costs by 25% to 40% and maintenance costs by over 50%. See GeoExchange Zone for more information Lighting / DaylightingNew Daylighting Technologies use sunlight to light building spaces during the day, supplemented with electric lighting when daylight is not available. There are a variety of techniques including skylights, clerestory and roof monitor systems, sidelighting, atria, light tubes, etc. Some provide photovoltaic power at the same time they are lighting a space. Daylighting combined with good control strategies can significantly reduce both lighting and cooling energy use without undesirable heat and glare. Daylighting is the benchmark for color rendition and when designed properly will provide visual comfort that goes beyond the limitations of minimum lighting standards. It can also create better living environments that have been shown to increase performance/productivity in the workplace and improve academic performance in schools (e.g. test scores, days on the job, retail sales, etc.) can increase by 15% or more. Other Technologies Supported by GREEN INQ:
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