Cool walls can help whole-building energy efficiency

When building wall systems also have high reflectivity and emissivity, the result is a much more efficient building overall


The roof isn’t the only part of the building exterior where reflective and emissive materials can help cut energy demand, according to an article from Building Operating Management on the FacilitiesNet website.

The logic behind increased use of cool walls is best understood when considering multi-story buildings particularly found in urban locations.

“In multi-floor buildings, a cool roof affects the HVAC energy use of only the top floor while cool walls influence the HVAC energy use of every above-grade floor," according to Ronnen Levinson, staff scientist and leader of the Heat Island Group at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

"Thus all else being equal, we expect cooling savings and heating penalties from cool walls to be greater than those from a cool roof when the building has a low ratio of roof area to net wall area.”

Read the article.



October 29, 2019


Topic Area: HVAC


Recent Posts

Sustainability as a Baseline in Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals can balance costs, build resilience and learn from global models for sustainable design to further their green goals.


Penobscot Valley Hospital Reports Data Security Incident

It immediately implemented its incident response procedures, took steps to secure systems and hired third-party forensic specialists to assist with an investigation.


Ballad Health Acquires Land for Future Unicoi County Hospital

The new hospital is expected to feature an emergency department, 10 inpatient beds and outpatient services.


Why Healthcare Facilities Management Is Critical to Patient Safety 

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities rely on much more than doctors and nurses to keep patients safe.


Brookdale Senior Living Announces Acquisition of the Brookdale Galleria Community

The 244-unit independent living and assisted living community is located directly adjacent to The Galleria shopping and entertainment complex.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.