MEASUREMENT AND VERIFICATION

The goal of High Performance Construction is to design and construct buildings that make the most efficient use of energy for the least initial cost. Many types of mechanical and electrical systems are available to create and maintain the artificial environment inside our buildings, and the best are capable of providing extraordinary occupant comfort while using considerably less energy than in the past. These systems function best in a well designed and constructed envelope. A high performance envelope helps to reduce the size of heating and cooling systems, saving both first dollar and operating costs. This efficiency is achieved through use of ever more complex systems and components, all of which must work in concert to achieve the desired effect.

A high performance building envelope begins with sound design, but its success depends on proper field installation of the various components. Attention to detail in the installation phase is critical to ensure the envelope and environmental systems perform as intended. Small defects can have substantial impact on the comfort level and energy consumption of a building. Since many of these defects are difficult to spot with the naked eye, Fulcrum employs technology in ways unique to the industry to ensure the design intent is met and the envelope is constructed with the highest level of quality possible.

One of the best tools available to detect heat loss or air infiltration is thermal imaging, or thermography. All objects above absolute zero radiate infrared heat; thermography is able to measure that infrared heat and compare it to surrounding objects. The images captured can show patterns of heat loss, air infiltration and moisture buildup which are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. Armed with this information we can locate the defect and correct it before construction continues. Upon completion of the project, Fulcrum can provide proof positive that the envelope is performing as desired using infrared scans of the interior and exterior of the building. Finally, thermography is showing us areas where we can improve our designs and best practices in future buildings, like yours!

Thermal imaging detected a cold plume in the corner of this interior room. On further investigation it was discovered a piece of insulation had been displaced above the ceiling, concealed by an opaque vapor barrier. Left uncorrected, this problem could have wasted thousands of dollars of energy and could have potentially allowed enough cold air in above the ceiling to freeze the sprinkler system.

In this image, insulators had stepped on the ductwork, damaging a joint and allowing warm air to leak into the attic. The damaged joint was concealed by insulation and impossible to see.

Beyond Construction
Fulcrum's involvement with your building does not end with the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. Once the building is completed and systems are commissioned, we monitor critical building systems to ensure they are delivering the performance expected. Are your occupancy or daylight sensor controlled lights staying off when they should? We use light detection monitors to monitor and record on-off cycles. Is your HVAC system maintaining the desired temperature at the correct time? We employ temperature and humidity loggers to confirm setbacks and temperatures. Are motors and pumps running when they shouldn't be? We use time-of-use current monitors to confirm systems and devices are operating as programmed. After you have had a few months in your new facility to allow everything to stabilize we'll come back to check indoor air quality using CO2 and particulate monitors.

Finally, after a year in service we will collect your energy bills and enter your facility into the EnergyStar program run by the US Department of Energy. You will receive detailed information on how your building compares to the thousands of buildings in their database. Entries that meet Energy Star goals for efficiency will qualify you for a onetime tax deduction of $1.80/sf.

Measurement and verification is one of the quality assurance techniques that sets Fulcrum apart from the competition. Don't pay for green without proof you're actually getting it!