2. Accurate instrumentation for determining integrated energy consumption as well as the peak power demand should be used. 3. Methodology to translate the test results to actual operating condition through mathematical simulation must be prescribed. INFILTRATION One of the greatest causes of building energy waste is due to unwanted air leakage, which is usually affected by the way the buildings are constructed and by the outdoor weather conditions, particularly the temperature and wind. Yet the present technology for estimating the heat gain and heat loss due to infiltration is relatively weak as compared to other modes of heat transfer such as conduction and solar radiation. Methods of testing and evaluating building air infiltration under field conditions are presently available, but such methods need to be further developed and reduced to consensus standard procedures. NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS The National Bureau of Standards' was established by an act of Congress March 3, 1901. The Bureau's overall goal is to strengthen and advance the Nation's science and technology and facilitate their effective application for public benefit. To this end, the Bureau conducts research and provides: (1) a basis for the Nation's physical measurement system, (2) scientific and technological services for industry and government. (3) a technical basis for equity in trade, and (4) technical services to promote public safety. The Bureau consists of the Institute for Basic Standards, the Institute for Materials Research, the Institute for Applied Technology, the Institute for Computer Sciences and Technology, and the Office for Information Programs. THE INSTITUTE FOR BASIC STANDARDS provides the central basis within the United States of a complete and consistent system of physical measurement; coordinates that system with measurement systems of other nations; and furnishes essential services leading to accurate and uniform physical measurements throughout the Nation's scientific community, industry. and commerce. The Institute consists of a Center for Radiation Research, an Office of Measurement Services and the following divisions: THE INSTITUTE FOR MATERIALS RESEARCH conducts materials research leading to improved methods of measurement, standards, and data on the properties of well-characterized materials needed by industry, commerce, educational institutions, and Government; provides advisory and research services to other Government agencies; and develops, produces, and distributes standard reference materials. The Institute consists of the Office of Standard Reference Materials and the following divisions: Analytical Chemistry Polymers Radiation - Physical Chemistry. Metallurgy Inorganic Materials Reactor THE INSTITUTE FOR APPLIED TECHNOLOGY provides technical services to promote the use of available technology and to facilitate technological innovation in industry and Government; cooperates with public and private organizations leading to the development of technological standards (including mandatory safety standards), codes and methods of test; and provides technical advice and services to Government agencies upon request. The Institute consists of a Center for Building Technology and the following divisions and offices: Engineering and Product Standards - Weights and Measures Invention and Innovation Product Evaluation Technology Electronic Technology Technical Analysis Measurement Engineering Building Structures, Materials, and Life Safety' Environment Technical Evaluation and Application' Fire Technology. THE INSTITUTE FOR COMPUTER SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY conducts research and provides technical services designed to aid Government agencies in improving cost effectiveness in the conduct of their programs through the selection, acquisition, and effective utilization of automatic data processing equipment; and serves as the principal focus within the executive branch for the development of Federal standards for automatic data processing equipment, techniques, and computer languages. The Institute consists of the following divisions: THE OFFICE FOR INFORMATION PROGRAMS promotes optimum dissemination and accessibility of scientific information generated within NBS and other agencies of the Federal Government; promotes the development of the National Standard Reference Data System and a system of information analysis centers dealing with the broader aspects of the National Measurement System; provides appropriate services to ensure that the NBS staff has optimum accessibility to the scientific information of the world. The Office consists of the following organizational units: Office of Information Activities Office of Technical Office of International Relations. Office of Standard Reference Data Library 1 Headquarters and Laboratories at Gaithersburg, Maryland, unless otherwise noted; mailing address Washington, D.C. 20234. a Part of the Center for Radiation Research. Located at Boulder, Colorado 80302. Part of the Center for Building Technology. 62-963 O-76-37 Retrofitting Existing Housing for Energy Conservation: An Economic Analysis U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Frederick B. Dent, Secretary NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Richard W. Roberts, Director Issued December 1974 Foreword This study is a product of the continuing economic research being sponsored by the Office of Energy Conservation at the National Bureau of Standards in cooperation with the Federal Energy Administration. The study is significant in that it provides a methodology for determining economically optimal levels of investment in energy conservation for reducing energy use in residential space heating and cooling. Economists, architects, home builders, planners and others will find in the conclusions which are drawn from the model, derived from basic principles of economics, proof that more investment in thermal improvements for both existing and new buildings makes good sense in terms of long term energy and dollar savings. In view of its technical nature, this study is not intended to be a homeowner's guide to improvements for energy savings. It is the technical foundation for a consumers pamphlet, which is being published in conjunction with this study. The pamphlet is available from the National Bureau of Standards and the Federal Energy Administration. R.W. Sant, Assistant Administrator iii R.W. Roberts, Director |