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Energy Efficiency Case Studies

BIGHORN HOME IMPROVEMENT CENTER

Silverthorne

Completed in 2000, the 43,000 square foot BigHorn Home Improvement Center in Silverthorne was designed to be 60% more efficient than an identical building built to the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-89. Daylighting via skylights accounts for a 79% reduction in total lighting energy use, and works in conjunction with compact fluorescent lights and motion sensors.

A variety of technologies monitor and control occupant comfort. Windows on the roof and at lower levels are computer-controlled to allow warm air to escape and cool air in. A transpired solar collector on the south side of the building heats ventilation air that is drawn into the building with fans. The building also features a radiant heat floor system and widow overhangs that provide shade in the summer. It has no air conditioning units.

The building features an energy-efficient envelope with double-layered Styrofoam walls and R-34 insulation in the roof. A 9kW integrated photovoltaic system can provide up to 25% of the building's total electric demand, with excess electricity sold to the utility. While the energy-efficient design resulted in a 10% increase in design and construction costs, the utility bill savings will pay back the extra first cost in five years.


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