June 2019
Newsletter
 
Upcoming workshops

"Commercial Energy Code Basics & 2018 IECC Updates." 
When: June 11th from 10 am to 12 pm 
Where: John A. Logan College in Carterville, IL.

"Commercial Energy Code Basics & 2018 IECC Updates." 
When:  June 28th from 10 am to 12 pm 
Where: Oregon Public library in Oregon, IL.
SEDAC will cover energy code basics and 2018 IECC updates, and the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program will provide a short presentation on available incentives and services, as well as the New Construction offering for ComEd customers. 
Find out more and register here. 

Energy Code Adoption Announcements
  • Chicago: The Chicago Energy Conservation Code, based on the 2018 IECC, became effective for the City of Chicago on June 1, 2019. For permit applications started on or after June 1st, this code applies. For more details, visit the Department of Buildings, City of Chicago website. 
  • Illinois Statewide: The updated Illinois Energy Conservation Code, based on the 2018 IECC, is anticipated to be effective on July 1, 2019. 
Visit our website for more updates.  SEDAC also provides answers to energy code questions at 800.214.7954 or  energycode@sedac.org .

Funding for this program has been provided in whole or in part by the Illinois EPA Office of Energy.
 
At SEDAC, small efforts to make buildings more efficient have led to big savings, helping businesses and communities save money and reduce their energy footprint.  

Are you interested in working with SEDAC to save energy and reduce operating costs? SEDAC offers:
  • Quick advice
  • Energy Assessments* 
  • Retro-commissioning
  • Benchmarking 
  • New Construction Design Assistance
  • Long-term energy planning, such as climate action planning

* Energy assessments are offered at no cost to the customer for Ameren Illinois public sector facilities and wastewater treatment facilities. 
 

Apply for SEDAC services here.  
Training students to address climate change 

According to Brian Deal, SEDAC Executive Director and Professor of Landscape Architecture, "C limate change is the most important thing we deal with, period." 

Brian explains how the students he trains at SEDAC and in his landscape architecture classes address climate change by analyzing energy data, manipulating spatial datasets, and developing design solutions. 

Watch  video  created by the University of Illinois Department of Landscape Architecture. 

"Sometimes my students fear that climate change is too big of a problem to solve," Brian says. "I'm more optimistic than my students. Put 10 people out there, they do 10 things. Put another 10 people out there, they do another 10 things. They aren't radical things, but they are slowly shifting the conversation."

Read more about how SEDAC trains students through our internship program and in the classroom, shifting the conversation about climate change one project at a time. 
 
Summer is almost here! Here are a few tips to keep energy costs down and buildings comfortable during the warm weather and high humidity of Illinois summers. 
  • Thermostat set back and equipment scheduling. Program your thermostats to set back by at least 6°F during unoccupied periods. Schedule HVAC equipment, fans, and pumps to shut down or operate at reduced capacity during unoccupied periods. Upgrade to a smart thermostat for added flexibility and adjustments.
  • Cooling equipment tune-up. Periodic maintenance of cooling equipment will prolong its life and keep it operating at peak efficiency. Check cooling equipment, clean and service cooling towers, clean air side evaporator coils and condenser coils, and check refrigerant charges.
  • Chilled water temperature reset. If you use a chiller for space cooling, install or enable chilled water temperature reset controls for automatic adjustment of chilled water settings depending on conditions. This will save energy and reduce wear on the chiller.
  • Variable frequency drives. VFD motor controls are a great way to modulate your HVAC systems according to changing weather and occupancy conditions and increase the life of your motor. Install VFDs on motors for supply/return fans, exhaust fans, cooling tower fans, chilled water/hot water pumps, and condensing cooling water pumps. 
  • Inspect seals and insulation. To make sure a building's cooling system is not expending unnecessary energy, inspect for air leaks and poor insulation. 
  • Reduce direct sunlight.  Shades or curtains reduce direct sunlight warming through windows. If sunlight is wanted for lighting, consider other options such as solar screens and window tints. 
  • Contact SEDAC. Call 800.214.7954 or email info@sedac.org for recommendations specific to your buildings. 

sedac.org / 800.214.7954 / info@sedac.org
Providing effective energy efficiency strategies for buildings and communities