In California, electricity rates are notoriously high (≈14¢/kWh) due to government mandates on how electricity is produced, focusing on renewable, more expensive, solar and wind production rather than fossil fuels. Because of this economic impact, electric consumption will play a large part of the feasibility of each option presented above. An electrical analysis will be conducted to resize equipment and better understand the economic impact of each system. This will likely mean that a more expensive, more efficient system will be better suited for the design due to a reduced payback period. In addition to this cost analysis, a full electrical system design analysis will be done to better understand the impact of each system. This may include sizing feeders, equipment, analyzing load profiles, and providing recommendations to further reduce the load. Additionally, a solar study will be conducted in order to review the potential energy savings.

 

 

 

 

 

Water consumption of each system selection will also play a large role in the economic impact and feasibility of each option presented above. The climate of California often lays way to drought so water consumption is a high priority in designing a system. Reducing the amount of water that is required in a system will improve the long-term costs as well as the resiliency of the building. As the climate of California becomes drier and more extreme, water consumption will play a major role in the long-term success of a building’s chosen design. In addition to an economic analysis associated with water consumption, each option above will undergo pipe and pump sizing for the loads associated with each system. A feasibility and preliminary analysis for a rainwater collection system will be performed to help further reduce the water usage throughout the building.

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