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Bortner Bros., Inc goes "Green"
Bortner Bros., Inc. recently completed a local construction project that was registered for LEED certification.
"Green buildings" reduce the amount of energy used for heating, cooling and electrical equipment; they are designed to provide optimum indoor air quality; they incorporate renewable sources of energy and reduce storm water runoff and water consumption; they incorporate construction materials manufactured locally or made from recycled materials.
The project included a rain water re-use system. Rain water is collected from the roof and stored, instead of going to the storm sewer. The stored water is pumped through a series of filters and a UV light before supplying water for toilets and hoses. The system has an automatic city water make up for times when there may not be enough precipitation to serve the consumption needs.
The HVAC system uses geothermal technology. Twelve wells were drilled for a vertical closed loop piping system. Each well loop enters the basement of the building, where the piping ties together in a manifold header. The pumped water in the piping system conserves energy by using the constant temperature of the earth to temper the water serving the heat pumps. Variable Frequency Drives reduce the amount of electricity needed to operate the HVAC pumps during non-peak conditions.
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Design