While many Americans are aware of the country's energy crisis, many skeptics argue against environmentally-friendly energy usage. The critics believe it would be too hard for the country to implement energy regulations in businesses and company owners do not want to spend funds to install more energy-efficient power systems in their establishments, especially during the country's current recession. However, using renewable energy in offices, homes, and other buildings would over the long term actually cost less than continuing the current methods.
Figure 1: The sails hung from the ceiling allow more sunlight to enter the building, resulting in less electricity used to power the lights.
Today the ideal green building is the Environmental Protection Agency headquarters in Denver, Colorado. The first major innovation in this building was the lighting. Less electricity is used today because 85% of the building's lighting comes from natural sunlight. Each room has an automatic dimmer on the lights. On sunny days less light is needed to illuminate the offices, so the lights will dim. In addition, a glass ceiling on top of the five-story building along with white sails, channels more sunlight into the building from the ceiling. If more buildings had similar lighting, fewer fossil fuels would be burned to generate power. This would result in fewer carbon emissions, which means less pollution in the atmosphere. Although there would be an initial installation cost, energy costs for businesses would decrease drastically due to the lower usage.
Secondly, the air conditioning functions differently in the EPA building than in most structures. The air flows in a jet stream roughly six feet above the floor. Because the average adult male is only five feet, nine inches tall, there is no need for the air to be hot or cold near the ceiling. Air conditioning from the floor is more efficient because the air does not need to be forced downward. The coolant system is set to work at the lowest possible cooling loads when the weather is warm, utilizing more chilled water from the water towers. If more companies would install water cooled air flow systems that work from the floor, it would cut operating costs and eliminate purchase of the current high energy cooling systems.
The EPA building has also reported 50% water savings since the Denver building was constructed in 2007. They have accomplished this through multiple systems. Waterless urinals in the men's bathrooms have increased water savings by 36%, and dual flush toilets were put in the women's bathrooms as well. The toilet have two buttons on them, and each button will flush a different amount of water depending on whether the toilet contains liquid or solid waste. Auto closing faucets and low flow devices in the plumbing systems also work to reduce water usage. Water is the most important and irreplaceable natural resource on earth, so it is important not to waste it. By using the minimal amount necessary, water bills are significantly reduced and water is conserved.
The green roof of the EPA's building is perhaps the most impressive of its environmental innovations. The plants on the roof absorb precipitation, reducing the speed at which water reaches the sewers. At a high enough speed, the runoff would cause large amounts of erosion over time. By planting foliage on the roof the EPA has helped slow down the water before it reaches ground level. Also, the plants on the roof serve as insulators for the building. In the summer, plants soak up heat, preventing the building from gaining heat from the outside air. During winter, the plants act like a blanket, holding heat in the building. The roof's protective greenery allows the EPA to save money on heating and cooling systems by reducing the amount of energy required to regulate the temperature. This roof system is also more durable, so the EPA saves money on repairs to the building. Utility payments relating to storm water are also reduced.
Figure 2: Overall savings percentages of the EPA (epa.gov)
So how can America's corporations emulate these practices? It would be foolish to believe every business could totally restructure their buildings within a short time. However, the change needs to start at the top. Making the White House a green building would send a message to the country that the administration cares about the environment and is working to solve the energy crisis, rather than only addressing the fact that there is a problem. Changing renewable energy policies in large, high usage cities such as Washington D.C., New York and Los Angeles would also set a strong precedent for renewable energy. In business establishments starting small would be the best and most practical solution. A business could begin to "go green" by simply implementing a recycling program, and then utilizing the recycled goods for raw materials would save other natural resources. In addition, if aspects of the EPA building were added to a building over time or implemented when new buildings were built, then America would be able to achieve not only a green economy, but a more prosperous economy.
In an ideal society, no one would have to worry about a depletion of resources. Burning fossil fuels and polluting the air would have no effect on our beautiful planet, and there would be no shortage of energy. Unfortunately ideal is far from possible. However, Americans do need to be conscious of what they use, what it does to the environment, and the associated costs. So why not use resources that will be available forever, resources that can be used over and over again, resources that do not cost anything to use?
The EPA building's innovative design should serve as a model for the entire country as it moves forward in the environmentalist movement. The second industrial revolution will not be one of new products, but environmental practices. Renewable resources will be the theme of this new age of innovation and even small changes will generate huge improvements to our environment. Given the right conditions, our planet can repair itself naturally over time. Renewable energy would contribute greatly to a country dependent on non-renewable resources, lower energy costs, and improve the environment.
Kevin McLeroy
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