Introduction

As another hot summer approaches, commercial HVAC systems everywhere are groaning under the strain.

Some of the most innovative approaches to modern commercial building design actually began more than 100 years ago

A Lesson from a 123-Year-Old Cooling System 

Cooling Before Modern Air Conditioning 

More than 123 years ago, one hospital made some pioneering contributions to modern day cooling systems through the development of a unique ventilation and evaporative cooling strategy that did not require large compressors or air conditioning. 

Why This Historic Approach Still Matters 

Because it showed that a reduction in interior temperatures was possible using natural ventilation alone, while using less energy. 

Today’s Cooling Challenges 

Rising Summer Temperatures 

Longer summers and higher temperatures are causing commercial buildings to cool more than ever before. 

Higher Energy Costs 

Rising utilities costs are putting strain on building budgets. 

Aging HVAC Infrastructure 

Aging HVAC equipment is often unable to keep up with today’s cooling demands. 

Growing Sustainability Expectations 

Building owners are under increasing pressure to be good corporate citizens by balancing the needs of occupants and energy consumption. 

Rethinking Modern Cooling Strategies 

Passive building design techniques actually reduce the need for mechanical cooling by reducing interior heat gains in the first place. That allows building designers and owners to shrink cooling requirements before looking at ways to upgrade or replace existing HVAC equipment. So when it comes to commercial building design and cooling, it all starts with the fundamentals . 

The Future of High-Performance Buildings 

• Good building orientation and shading strategies can make a huge difference in a building’s heating and cooling needs 
• Passive design cooling techniques can have a huge impact on a building’s energy performance 
• High-performance building envelopes are critical in both heating and cooling 
• Energy recovery ventilation can dramatically reduce a building’s energy consumption while still maintaining good indoor air quality. 
• Smart building controls can do their part by constantly fine-tuning a commercial HVAC system 
• And when mechanical cooling is required, evaporative and hybrid cooling systems offer exceptional opportunities to reduce energy consumption. 

The Role of HVAC Optimization 

• Improve airflow throughout the building 
• Reduce heat gains 
• Maximize ventilation and indoor air quality 
• Take advantage of smart building controls. 
• Strive to Build Better, More Resilient Commercial Buildings 

Building Smarter, More Resilient Facilities 

So when it comes to commercial building design and cooling, it all starts with the fundamentals. And when choosing the fundamentals, building designers would be wise to look to the past. By taking a balanced, holistic approach to commercial building design that uses both new and old HVAC concepts, building owners can be sure that they are building smarter, more efficient buildings that will be around for many years to come. 

Conclusion 

The future of cooling appears to be related to using the existing technological advances in a smarter way. It can be done by combining a passive design with automation, advanced control, and proper ventilation. Apart from that, using efficient equipment can maximize the performance and reduce the energy consumption of commercial buildings. Perhaps, the most significant breakthroughs in the field of building systems and structures can be related to a return to some of the oldest construction techniques that have proven their efficiency and reliability over time.