The Air Movement and Control Association International are
calling the adoption of its standards by the International Green Construction Code “a
significant milestone.”
The
new code, which is aimed at commercial buildings, has certified minimum
efficiency levels based on the AMCA’s Standard No. 205, “Energy Classification
for Fans.” The standard explains how to calculate the “fan efficiency grade”
(FEG) based on aerodynamics.
The
higher the rating, the higher the potential efficiency, officials said.
“Having
FEG levels specified in the first edition of the IGCC is a big win for AMCA and
its members,” said Wade Smith, the AMCA’s executive director. “Millions of fans
installed in commercial buildings in the U.S. are wasting energy because they
were improperly sized or selected, or the owners opted for lesser efficient
models due to the lack of an energy-efficiency metric for fans. AMCA developed
Standard 205 and FEG as a fan efficiency metric to help designers, contractors,
owners, and code officials improve the performance of air systems in commercial
buildings, and we look forward to working with them to consider FEG’s when
designing for green construction and higher energy efficiency.”
The
international green code will also permit the use of air curtains in vestibules
above exterior doors, which the association said will keep warm or cool air
inside, saving energy.
“Air
curtains are an excellent choice for retail and office buildings, where floor
space is at a premium,” Smith said. “Not only are air curtains effective, they
have a lower first cost than the second set of doors.”
The
International Green Construction Code was written by the International Code
Council and the American Society of Testing and Materials, and the American
Institute of Architects. It is scheduled to be published in March 2012.
