VENTILATION ENERGY REDUCTION

• Since 2001, EHS and Facilities Engineering have performed a series of investigations into safely reducing lab ventilation rates. Initial air quality testing in several chemical intensive labs permitted incremental airflow reductions. More recently, we refined our testing and identified additional opportunities for further reductions, provided that HVAC supply and exhaust system components are appropriate for the new flowrates. Implementation of our collective recommendations since 2001 has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy costs, and promises sustained energy savings and reduced initial capital expenses in new construction.
  
• Applied research during the design of the new Chemistry Research Building verified that fume hood flow set-back rates could be lower than ordinarily possible and still not create fire/explosion hazards with the common solvents used in chemistry. This work reduced initial capital costs on HVAC equipment systems, and has also provided long-term energy savings by reducing airflows during non-occupied, non-use times.
  
• On-going EHS fume hood inspection and certification work identifies misused fume hoods as well as those operating with too high an airflow, and arranges for prompt repair and recalibration. This makes for safer and more energy efficient fume hoods.