Improving Energy Effi ciency Improves Smoke Safety and Occupant Comfort

Abstract

Energy efficiency, smoke safety, and occupant comfort are im-
portant building management issues. One pervasive problem connects
them all: the challenge of controlling air infi ltration, exfiltration, and air
movement within the building.
Four key factors affect building air movement: overall envelope
tightness, climatic conditions, the HVAC system, and the orientation
and exposure of the building. This article details the effects of control-
ling air movement on achieving improved energy performance, better
smoke control during a fi re, and benefi ts of improved comfort for build-
ing occupants.
Energy efficiency improvements are reported using examples of
actual buildings. Details are given of how increased air tightness, com-
bined with properly designed and controlled ventilation, can improve
thermal performance, reduce short-circuiting of conditioned air, and
improve humidity control. A recent report by The National Institute of
Science and Technology confirming the energy efficiency contribution
of air barriers in the building envelope will be discussed and reference
will be made to the coming publication of an ASHRAE 90.1 update,
which includes air barriers for the fi rst time.
Examples of fatal incidents demonstrate the connection between
smoke movement within a building during a fire and a leaky building
envelope.
Comfort improvements achieved through better air movement
control include not only better thermal performance from HVAC
systems, but also reduced transfer of irritants such as noise, cigarette
smoke, odors, dust, dirt, flies, and other insects