BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Although the primary purpose of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in commercial buildings is occupant productivity, a new report from Pike Research finds that the objective of most changes to HVAC systems in the next five years will be to decrease energy cost. According to the study, because of rising energy prices and the drive to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with building operations, many building owners have begun to manage energy cost as an asset, rather than a fixed cost. The tools for improving efficiency of HVAC systems are multiplying, including building energy management systems (BEMS), onsite ice-based thermal energy storage systems, underfloor air distribution, and chilled beams, to name a few. Pike Research’s report, “Energy Efficient HVAC Systems”, explores emerging HVAC innovations for the commercial building market, including building energy management systems, underfloor air distribution, active and multiservice chilled beams, and onsite ice-based thermal energy storage. The study includes an examination of market drivers and challenges, technology issues, profiles of key industry players, scenarios for market adoption, and forecasts for each sector. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website.
