RATIONALIZATION OF ENERGY IN AN ALL ELECTRIC BUILDING COMPLEX.

Abstract

Commerce Court is a unique building designed specifically for Toronto. It was tailored to Toronto's dimensions of climate and environment. It is supplied by energy from a system originating with Ontario Hydro. A system with secure and reliable electric generation, employing hydraulic and nuclear sources for off-peak power, subsequently permitting the installation of a large but controlled snowmelting system which might be an extravagance and exploitation of energy in other jurisdictions. Commerce Court, as a building complex, shows a great awareness of the energy crisis. Its total watts per square foot demand is very modest (approximately 7. 0 watts), well within current accepted standards. The assembly of the building fabric is beyond all expectations as is evident by the fact that the energy balance point during the heating season is considerably under the design figure. The owner's early demand for double glazing has set a standard for office building construction in Toronto. The life safety system has received universal recognition. The computerized control system permits an ongoing optimization of energy utilization. By applying the same principles of load management in the building operation as went into the building design, even further savings in energy consumption can be achieved.