For a building program to be successful and sustainable, it must include an operating budget as well as a construction budget. Fifteen to 20% of the total cost of a building is first cost, and that remaining 80% or more is in the operation of the building over its life.
Expanding
a manufacturing facility might motivate a company to consider some sustainable
options. But when your company is actually in the HVAC business, the pressure
is on. In this case, Taco found several ways to walk the walk and pick up LEED
certification, including using its own software to aid in the design.
Cogeneration, a one-pipe system, and touches like controlling the climate in
truck areas to reduce air pollution helped perpetuate the company’s original
concern with energy efficiency.