Buildings

Systems Design

The axiom, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, is never more true than in the construction industry today. Any building must be viewed as a system. Change any part and the whole is changed — either improving the system or making it worse. Each change will affect three different areas: health of the occupants and building, comfort of the indoor environment, and efficient operation and maintenance. Each change must be evaluated on how it will affect moisture migration, heat flow, air flow, and the environment both inside and outdoors.

Advanced Energy understands and is recognized nationally as a pioneer in this "whole system" philosophy — a philosophy that is essential to excellence in systems design. In fact, we've developed a complete umbrella of supporting services around sharing our SystemVision™ philosophy. SystemVision principles are now imbedded in many successful programs being administered nationally and regionally — programs that actually guarantee reduced energy costs and occupant comfort. Putting SystemVision in motion results in buildings that are:

• Affordable
• Healthy and Safe
• Durable
• Comfortable
• Environmentally Responsible

SystemVision entails focusing on six key practices, both during systems design and during the actual construction:

1. Making the building shell airtight
2. Providing controlled ventilation to bring in fresh air
3. Optimizing the insulation value of the building shell
4. Optimizing the performance of the heating and cooling system
5. Balancing the air pressure throughout the house to prevent undesirable infiltration
6. Managing the accumulation and infiltration of moisture

Benefits of Working with Advanced Energy

Everyone who touches a house from the designer and the builder to the occupant and service technician has an impact on occupant health, safety, and comfort — as well as building durability and energy use.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of working with Advanced Energy on systems design is the complete range of complementary services that are available — consulting, research, diagnostics, and training. When you come to us for your systems design needs, Advanced Energy can support you in making the design a reality. We advocate using a five-step process throughout construction to integrate the six SystemVision practices outlined above into a comprehensive program. The first step is a detailed review of the plans and specifications to identify changes that will enhance the performance of the building. Advanced Energy then offers support to:

• Train all contractors and subcontractors on a project
• Inspect for quality during construction
• Conduct performance tests on the building
• Extend a two-year guarantee of both comfort and energy use

If you're at all concerned about comfort, durability, indoor air quality, or excessive energy use, come to Advanced Energy and tap our specialists for assistance and excellence in systems design.

For More Information

Contact Advanced Energy at (919) 857-9000 or moreinfo@advancedenergy.org.