Green Building Report

From WaterFurnace International

WaterFurnace and
The LEED Green Building Rating System
Few recent trends in the building industry have achieved the momentum that has marked
the growing interest in green building technology. Advances in techniques and materials
have made it possible to do what was unthinkable only a few years ago: Design buildings
that enhance the environment instead of exploiting it.
This report summarizes some of these advances and explains the role that a high-efficiency,
environmentally friendly geothermal or water source heating and cooling system from
WaterFurnace International can play in designing a green building. It will also briefly
explain the LEED Green Building Rating System program from the U. S. Green Building
Council and how WaterFurnace can help you achieve LEED certification.
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Designation as a LEED
building is one of the highest honors a building designer and owner can achieve. The process
is rigorous, but the rewards are great. And they go far beyond the official designation. Much
like a world-class athlete can take satisfaction both in winning an athletic contest and in
the strength and health achieved along the way, a green building owner will reap benefits
years after the LEED certificate is awarded.
At WaterFurnace International, we manufacture the most energy-efficient and technologically
advanced geothermal and water source heating and cooling systems available. Our systems
do not directly burn fossil fuels and therefore emit no harmful pollutants, such as carbon
dioxide, which is associated with the greenhouse effect and global warming. All of our units
use the chlorine-free refrigerant R-410A, which will not harm the environment.

The Business Case for Green Buildings*

In the event that up-front costs
are higher, they can be recovered
through lower operating costs.
Integrating design features lowers
ongoing operating costs.
Better buildings equate to better
employee productivity.
New technologies enhance health
and well-being.
Healthier buildings can reduce
liability.
Tenant costs can be reduced
significantly.
Property value will increase.
Financial incentive programs
are available for green buildings.
Communities will notice your
efforts.
Using best practices yields more
predictable results.
*Source: Making the Business Case for High-Performance
Green Buildings, a pamphlet produced by the Urban
Land Institute and The Real Estate Roundtable.
Note: For more details on green building techniques and a
comprehensive examination of the material in this report,
we recommend the publication, Building Momentum
National Trends and Prospects for High-Performance
Green Buildings, prepared by the U. S. Green Building
Council for the U. S. Senate Committee on the Environment
and Pubic Works, published by the U .S. Green Building
Council, February, 2003. This report is available online at
www.usgbc.org. This website also is an excellent source
for learning about the LEED program.

As a part of the green building industry, we support efforts by the USGBC and other private
and governmental organizations to promote all green building technologies. There is no
doubt that using green building technologies benefits not only a buildings owner and
employees but the public and the environment as well. To support this end, many states
already offer energy efficiency rebates and incentives. There is a wealth of research and
hands-on experience to support this idea, and we recommend those interested seek
further information from sources such as the USGBC, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, the U.S. Department of Energy and the GEO (GeoExchange) in Washington, D.C.
Here is a brief look at the U.S. Green Building Council and its LEED Green Building Rating
System program, which is changing the building industry.
Simply put, LEED gives facility design and management teams a benchmark from which

to base their sustainable building plans, giving them a touch-point to compare product
specifications and other environmentally friendly decisions. Becoming involved in the LEED
rating system is probably the easiest and most technically complete way for building
professionals to learn sustainable design and environmental stewardship.
Council membership represents nearly 3,000 leading organizations, including building
owners; architectural, interior design and engineering firms; product manufacturers;
contractors and builders; environmental groups; professional societies; developers; financial
and insurance firms; utilities; universities and technical research institutes; building control
service contractors and manufacturers; and federal, state and local government agencies.
The USGBCs mission is to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable
and healthy places to work. Council members collaborate to develop LEED resources, policy
guidance, and educational and marketing tools that support sustainable building design.
LEED is a cutting-edge system for designing, constructing and certifying green buildings.
The full program offers training workshops, professional accreditation, resource support, and
third-party certification of a buildings performance.
The LEED system is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing highperformance, sustainable buildings. Members of the USGBC, representing all segments of
the building industry, developed LEED and continue to contribute to its evolution. LEED
standards are available for new construction and major renovation projects, new schools,
existing building operations, commercial interiors projects and high-rise residential buildings.

LEED was created to:

define green building by establishing a common standard of measurement

promote integrated, whole-building design practices
recognize environmental leadership in the building industry
stimulate green competition
raise consumer awareness of green building benefits
transform the building market

LEED certification is based on a rating system that awards credit points to a project that meets
or exceeds each credits technical requirements. Points add up to a final score that relates
to one of four possible levels of certification. A newly updated version of this rating system,
LEED Version 3.0, takes the projects designers and owners through a step-by-step process
of identifying the categories eligible for certification points and how to apply for them.
But thats only part of the USGBCs green building program. Membership in the USGBC
offers resources that can be extremely helpful to building professionals in their pursuit of
green building technology and its many applications and benefits. For more information,
you may visit the USGBC Web site, www.usgbc.org or call 202-828-7422. The USGBC is
located at 1015 18th St. NW, Suite 805, Washington, DC, 20036.

Policies and Programs

that Support Green Building
According to the U.S. Green Building
Council, there are at least 20 major
federal laws and departmental policies
directly involved in green building
issues. Agencies include Department
of Energy, EPA, General Services
Administration and Department of
Education.

The monumental
impact of the current
use of geothermal
is equivalent to
planting more than
385 million trees or
taking over a million
cars off the road.
GEO (GeoExchange)

What is a green building?

Green buildings are designed, constructed and operated to boost environmental,
economic, health and productivity performance over that of conventional buildings. As
reflected in the USGBCs voluntary LEED rating system, widely accepted as the national
standard for green buildings, an integrated design approach addresses the potential
of the site itself, water conservation, energy-efficiency and renewable energy, selection
of materials and indoor environmental quality.
Projects that meet higher levels of LEED certification can include a wide array of features
such as storm water retention through landscaping, innovative wastewater technologies,
reflective roofs, energy generating sources and personal comfort controls. And, of course,
energy-saving technologies such as WaterFurnace geothermal and water source heating
and cooling.

The LEED Rating System and WaterFurnace

The USGBCs LEED Green Building Rating System is based on the LEED Letter Template, a
dynamic tracking and documentation tool that must be used by Version 3.0 project teams
in preparing a complete LEED certification submittal. For each credit, the Letter Template
prompts LEED practitioners for data, indicates when documentation requirements have
been fulfilled adequately for submittal, and serves as a formatting template for the projects
initial submittal. Additional support documents will be requested during the certification
auditors auditing phase.
This rating system document states the basic intent, requirements and documentation
submittals that are necessary to achieve each prerequisite and voluntary credit. Projects
earn one or more points toward certification. Points add up to a score that relates to one
of four levels of certification.
40-49 points
50-59 points
60-79 points
80+ points

Certification
Silver
Gold
Platinum

Following is a portion of the certification checklist as it applies to potential points available

with the use of WaterFurnace equipment. Please consider this as a guide to how your
building or renovation project could benefit from using WaterFurnace equipment. We
urge you to talk with the USGBC about these and other categories for which your building
may qualify.
We estimate a total of 30 points potentially may be available, more than halfway toward
the goal of 50 points for Silver certification.

Explanation of WaterFurnace Contributions

Energy & Atmosphere
Prerequisite 1: WaterFurnace products are computer run-tested to ensure operation within
standards. Factory check and start services available.
Prerequisite 2: WaterFurnace products meet or exceed ASHRAE 90.1 efficiency guidelines.
Prerequisite 3: WaterFurnace equipment is CFC free.
Optimize Energy Performance: WaterFurnace equipment typically saves 20% to 50% of
energy over the minimum standard. Heat recovery strategies available using water source
heat pumps in air/hydronic applications.
New Building: 4 to 19 points available.
Existing Building: 4 to 19 points available.
Ozone Depletion: With WaterFurnace equipment, 2 points.

Materials & Resources

Local/Regional Materials: Within a 500-mile radius of Fort Wayne, Indiana, 2 points.

Indoor Environmental Quality

Thermal Comfort: Design and install WaterFurnace Water-to-Water and Water-to-Air
heat pumps with FX-10 controls in tandem with building automation systems to provide
occupants with precise and verifiable local temperature control and maximum comfort.
MERV 13 filters available on all WaterFurnace products.

Innovation & Design Process

Innovation in Design: Water-to-water units used to provide hot water at the same time
they cool the building and other energy recovery strategies possible, 2 points.

Version 3.0 Registered Project Checklists

Energy & Atmosphere*

WaterFurnace Points

Prerequisite 1: Fundamental Building Systems Commission Required

Intent: Verify and ensure that fundamental building elements and systems are designed, installed and calibrated to operate as intended.

YES

Prerequisite 2: Minimum Energy Performance Required

Intent: Establish the minimum level of energy efficiency for the base building and systems.

YES

Prerequisite 3: CFC Reduction in HVAC&R Equipment Required

Intent: Reduce ozone depletion.

YES

Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance

Intent: Achieve increasing levels of energy performance above the prerequisite standard to reduce
environmental impacts associated with excessive energy use.
Credit 4: Enhanced Refrigerant Management
Intent: Reduce ozone depletion and support early compliance with the Montreal Protocol.

Possible Points

1 to 19 points

1 to 19 points

2 points

2 points

Materials & Resources*

21 total points

Credit 4: Local/Regional Materials, If 10% of all material comes from within 500 miles - 1 point
Intent: Increase demand for building materials and products that are extracted and manufactured within the region.

1 point

Credit 4: Local/Regional Materials, If 20% of all material comes from within 500 miles - 2 points

1 point

Indoor Environmental Quality*

2 points

23 total points

Credit 1.0: Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring

Intent: Provide capacity for ventilation system monitoring to help sustain occupant comfort and well-being.

1 point

1 point

Credit 5.0: Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source ControlMERV 13 filters

1 point

1 point

Credit 6.2: Comfortability of Systems: Thermal Comfort

Intent: Provide a high level of thermal comfort system control by individual occupants or by specific groups
in mult-occupant spaces.

1 point

1 point

Credit 7.1: Thermal Comfort, Comply with ASHRAE 55-1992

Intent: Provide a thermally comfortable environment that supports the productivity and well-being of building occupants.

1 point

1 point

Credit 7.2: Thermal Comfort, Verification

Provide a permanent monitoring system to ensure building performance meets the desired comfort criteria determined by Credit 7.1 - 1 point

1 point

Innovation & Design Process*

28 total points

Credit 1: Innovation in Design

Intent: Provide exceptional performance above the requirements set by the LEED Green Building Rating System
and/or Green Building categories not specifically addressed by the LEED Green Building Rating System.

1-5 points

2 points

Pre-Certification Estimate of Total Points available through WaterFurnace Equipment: 30 total points

What are some of the

benefits of a green building?

Some Interesting Facts

About Geothermal Technology*
According to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, geothermal
heating and cooling is the most
energy-efficient, environmentally
clean, and cost-effective space
conditioning system.
Energy costs with geothermal
heating and cooling typically are
25 to 50 percent less than other
HVAC systems.
The use of geothermal heating and
cooling lowers electricity demand
by nearly 1 kW per ton of capacity.
Because they burn no fossil fuels
on site, geothermal heating and
cooling systems generate virtually
no carbon dioxide.
For businesses, geothermal heating
and cooling systems provide the
architect with optimal design
flexibility because the roof and
landscape are free of chillers,
air handlers and other outdoor
equipment. In addition, boiler
rooms can be eliminated and
the size of mechanical rooms
can be reduced.
The elimination of outdoor
or rooftop equipment means
the geothermal heating and
cooling system is not exposed
to temperature extremes, dirt,
pollution or vandalism.
Geothermal heating and cooling
systems have a lower life-cycle
cost than conventional systems,
even in hot, humid regions where
the demand for air conditioning
is high. Geothermal systems
also have long equipment life
(20+ years).
The electricity required to power
one million homes for one year
would be saved if every school
that could use geothermal
technology did.
*Source: GEO (GeoExchange),
www.geoexchange.org

Many of the benefits of green building technologies and practices for occupants, owners
and the environment and society at large are quantifiable and well documented. These
include energy savings, measurable reduction of waste, decreased water use, and improved
indoor air quality. Other benefits are less tangible and harder to demonstrate statistically
while highly desirable. These include improvements in occupants health, employee morale,
productivity, recruitment, employee retention and improved public image for organizations
and businesses that build green.
Many building and health experts agree that the social benefits of green building
technologies and practices can produce financial returns for employers and building
owners that overshadow the savings associated with more measurable building
performance gains.
Here are some financial, economic and environmental benefits of green building technologies
and practices.
No increase in first cost. Many green buildings cost no more to buildor may even
cost lessthan conventional building alternatives because resource-efficient strategies
and integrated design often allow downsizing of more costly mechanical, electrical and
structural systems.
High-performance green buildings are cost-effective. Even for projects loaded with highvalue features, higher first costs often are recovered within three to five years through
lower operating expenses and utility rebates for energy-saving equipment. Savings in energy
of 20-50 percent are common through energy-saving technologies, integrated planning
and downsized equipment.
Increased resale value of energy-efficient facilities. Facility owners can reduce their financial
risk by making investments in energy-efficiency that earn a higher rate of return than the
stock market or bonds.

Geothermal heat
pumps generate
no on site emissions
and have the lowest
emissions among all
heating and cooling
technologies.
Environmental Protection Agency

Increased value for developers and owners. There is growing confidence in the industry
that a high-performance green building can either capture lease premiums or present a
more competitive property in an otherwise tough market.
Improved health and productivity. Design features that enhance energy-efficiency and
indoor air quality are cost-effective strategies for improving worker productivity and
product quality. An increase of one percent in productivity can provide savings to a facility
that exceeds its entire energy bill.

WaterFurnace offers a variety of commercial

geothermal and water-source systems.
Here are a few of their available features.
Burn no fossil fuels, eliminating
air pollution and offering safer,
cleaner, cost-effective operation

Enhanced occupant health and well-being. High-performance green buildings typically

offer healthier and more satisfying work environments for tenants. A recent Lawrence
Berkley National Laboratory Study reported that commonly recommended improvements
to indoor environments could reduce health care costs and work losses from communicable
respiratory diseases by 9-20 percent, among other benefits.
Childrens health and learning. Studies are confirming what teachers, students and parents
have known intuitively for years: school facilities with high-performance features produce
an environment in which students perform better.
Stretch local infrastructure capacity. Decreased energy and material requirements coupled
with appropriate siting help stretch the capacity of overburdened public systems for gridsupplied power, water, wastewater and transportation.
Enhanced security. As domestic fossil fuel supplies are depleted, our nation becomes more
dependent on sources from foreign countries. Energy-efficiency and renewable energy
sources can lessen this dependence and help improve national security.

Can be used for conditioning

outside air, pool heating, radiant
heating, snow melt and water
heating
Safe, efficient operation in a wide
range of liquid temperatures
Microprocessor controls
sequence components
for efficient operation
Efficient scroll, rotary and
reciprocating compressors
available
Oversized heat exchangers
designed for maximum heat
transfer

THE BENEFITS of Geothermal

ENERGY EFFICIENT: WaterFurnace geothermal systems are simply the most efficient units available. They can deliver up to five dollars
of energy for every dollar of electrical energy used. That translates into an astounding efficiency rating of 500 percent, compared to the
most efficient gas furnace, which rates only 97 percent.
COST EFFECTIVE: Because of the extraordinary efficiency of a WaterFurnace system, any added costs over ordinary equipment are
usually more than offset by your annual energy savings. In fact, most building owners experience an immediate positive return on their
investment. In replacement and retrofit installations, costs are usually recouped within just a few years.
Reliable: The WaterFurnace reputation for reliability has been earned by using only the highest-quality components, design and
workmanship. Computer run-testing after assembly ensures that your equipment performs flawlessly at start-up.
CLEAN: High-efficiency air cleaners found in WaterFurnace systems improve your indoor air quality by removing dust and pollen so you
can breathe easier. For added protection, ask about our AlpinePure line of premium indoor air quality solutions.
Flexible: Regardless of climate, WaterFurnace systems deliver. A variety of configurations and sizes are available to fit any application
heating, cooling, supplemental domestic hot water, hot gas bypass and hot gas reheat.

EARTH LOOPS

Vertical Loop

The ideal choice when limited land surface is available. Welldrilling

equipment is used to bore the 75 ft. to 300 ft. deep, smalldiameter holes that will accommodate the loop.
2

Pond Loop
Very economical to install when an adequate body of water
is available, because excavation costs are virtually eliminated.
Coils of pipe are simply placed on the bottom of the nearby
pond or lake.

Boiler/Tower
Where large ground-source systems are not viable, existing
boiler/tower installations are often retrofitted. Hybrid systems use
a ground-source loop coupled with down-sized conventional
heat rejection or boiler/tower equipment.

Open Loop
These loop systems utilize ground water as a direct energy
source. In ideal conditions an open loop application can be the
most economical type of ground-source system.

WATERFURNACE THE SMART DECISION

WaterFurnace is dedicated to providing you with safe, reliable and energy efficient heating
and cooling systems that save you money while helping protect our environment. Our
engineers and technicians work to create and build quality geothermal products that are
extensively tested to ensure the highest quality. An industry leader and an innovator in
geothermal technology WaterFurnace. Smarter from the Ground Up.

Printed with 10% post-consumer waste recycled paper

WaterFurnace International, Inc., 9000 Conservation Way, Fort Wayne, IN 46809-9794. WaterFurnace
has a policy of continual product research and development and reserves the right to change design
and specifications without notice. 2011 WaterFurnace International Inc.

waterfurnace.com | (800) GEO-SAVE

BR1570MW

05/11