The U.S. Department of Energy released the first ever national energy-efficiency guidelines for commercial buildings March 23. The DOE partnered with a wide variety of trade associations and HVAC industry insiders to develop a plan that would help regulate and enforce reasonable, successful policy initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprints and constructing the energy-efficient buildings of tomorrow.

In conjunction with the National Institute of Building Sciences, the DOE announced the new framework, known as the Better Buildings Workforce Guidelines.

The new agency will create certified training programs and help solve energy problems that arise in the commercial sector. Schools, hospitals and large offices are all part of the new framework.

With these new programs in place, contractors, engineers and building managers will be on the same page when it comes to building construction and maintaining high levels of energy efficiency during round-the-clock operations.

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency Kathleen Hogan noted buildings need to keep up with the technology currently available, according to ACHRNews.

“As building technologies become more advanced, professionals need better training and certification options to increase quality and scalability of our nation’s energy workforce,” said Hogan. “Employers, building owners and program administrators can also use these established guidelines to identify quality workers who are trained to deliver energy savings.”

Moving forward
By standardizing a system that promotes energy efficiency across the entire country, future generations of workers will be able to use the tools in place to create a more resourceful and eco-friendly economy.

With data-tracking and advanced sensors, technicians can accurately identify inefficiencies in a building, such as a poor-performing HVAC system. Then, engineers can install new HVAC equipment that is more closely aligned with the Better Buildings Workforce Guidelines. Not only does this save money on energy costs, but it also enables businesses to utilize their budgets in other areas that promote expansion.

In many industries, energy efficiency is a matter of staying up to code with federal and state guidelines while also ensuring the safety of workers. Retrofitted HVAC units help companies adhere to the new guidelines and keep operations running smoothly.

For instance, installing new HVAC coils can improve the performance of the unit and filter cleaner air into the building, allowing sensitive operations like wastewater treatment and refining to continue in a more efficient environment.

With coated HVAC coils, HVAC systems have a longer lifespan and are better able to achieve energy efficiency benchmarks.

Rahn Industries has a full lineup of spray and immersion (dip)/ Bake protective coatings to meet your needs.