2001 Mechanical / Electrical Building Systems
The Role of Innovation, Efficiency, and Economy in the Building System Design

Technological advances in electronics are playing a key role in today’s efficient energy utilization. Electronic control systems are now being used more widely because of their precise control, flexibility, compatibility with microcomputers, and reliability. Also, advances in electronics have allowed controls to expand and cover a much wider range of applications. Not only are they being used in the traditional energy-using systems in buildings such as HVAC and artificial lighting, but also in other nontraditional building systems such as windows, blinds, and other architectural elements. Moreover, fully integrated and centralized computer digital control systems are now available that are capable of controlling a building as a whole and not just as a number of separate, independent noninteracting systems or areas.

During my graduate studies and in my working experience, I have had the opportunity to become familiar with some of the technological advances that are currently being used by the industry in the United States to address the energy efficiency issues of new and/or existing buildings. However, technology keeps advancing at an accelerated pace and numerous innovations and products keep entering the marketplace to address the growing global concerns about energy efficiency and its role in today’s economy.

It was my goal with this fellowship to learn about what other countries have done in regard to the integration of control systems with mechanical and architectural elements and systems in a building, as well as some of the innovative solutions that have been implemented in an effort to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Furthermore, it was my expectation to gain valuable knowledge about how other countries are coping right now with the energy efficiency issues and challenges that every country will face sooner or later.

Traveling to different countries and seeing with my own eyes what they have done in some of their buildings, has been a very rewarding experience for me. I was very much fascinated by some of the innovations that have been implemented in some of those buildings.

The approach taken in the design of these buildings was not driven only by economics—as it is in most cases in the United States—there were other maybe even more important driving factors such as the need of creating a building that is environmentally friendly or a building that will stand out for its innovations, etc. This approach is what makes it possible for technological advances that would otherwise be overlooked by architects and engineers because of their prohibitive first cost to get implemented.

My original intention of learning what other countries have done or are doing in regard to the integration of control systems with mechanical and architectural elements in a building was very much fulfilled by these travels, despite the fact that lack of time did not allow me to complete my original travel itinerary.

I was also able to study and learn about some of the innovative solutions that have been implemented to improve the overall energy efficiency of buildings. Automatically controlled windows to provide natural ventilation and automatically controlled blinds or diaphragms to provide natural daylight and a constant level of illumination are some examples.

Even though most of these innovations may never get implemented in the North American industry, it is certain from these initiatives taken by these European countries that not only the United States but also the rest of the world will, at some level, benefit.

This experience was overall an excellent opportunity to get some exposure on how other developed countries are coping with the energy efficiency issues and challenges that the world is facing today. I am most grateful for having been granted with this opportunity and would not hesitate for a minute to do it all over again if I had the chance.