In this edition of Centerline we share recent news about staff recognition, funding to create radiant system guidelines, and highlights of new publications on embodied carbon, HVAC innovations, insights and marginal emissions. We also have updates on conferences and other inspiring gatherings, including the ‘Women of Carbon’ film screening at UC Berkeley.
News and Recognition
New Funding to Create a Design Guide for Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems
Radiant systems provide an opportunity for energy savings, peak demand reduction and load-shifting. However, fundamental differences between radiant and all-air systems require new methods for design, sizing and control. New funding from ASHRAE will support CBE and the Danish Technical University for the development of a comprehensive guide that describes radiant system technology and benefits, and valuable guidance for design through commissioning. The guide will be published and distributed by ASHRAE. CBE’s research team will provide updates and seek feedback during future Industry Advisory Board events.
ASHRAE Recognizes CBE Professional Researcher Paul Raftery
Paul Raftery was featured as a ‘Star of the Community’ by the ASHRAE Golden Gate Chapter, their way of highlighting standout members and celebrating their insights and contributions to our industry. The feature quotes Paul noting that engineers should use trend data to understand ‘how buildings actually operate, versus assuming how they operate.’
CBE is Hiring for LCA and Embodied Carbon Research
We are seeking qualified candidates for a postdoctoral scholar who will conduct cutting-edge research on life cycle assessment (LCA), decarbonization and embodied carbon, contributing to our growing research program in this area and collaborating with a dedicated set of building industry leaders. We invite readers to send forward this email and link to potential candidates. Read the job description here.
Newly Published Findings
Below we describe just a few of our many recent publications, representing the broad range of CBE’s portfolio, many produced in collaboration with CBE’s industry partners and affiliated institutions.
Embodied Carbon in Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Systems: A Critical Literature Review
The environmental impacts of MEP systems are commonly excluded from building-scale life cycle assessments (LCAs). CBE’s research team reviewed LCA studies of MEP systems, and in a new paper they identify best reporting practices to improve comparability and transparency of LCAs, and also identify key research gaps and note a lower bound estimate for product stage GWP impacts of MEP system of approx. 50 kgCO2e/m². Read the preprint in Building and Environment.
How High Can You Go: Determining the Warmest Supply Water Temperature for High Thermal Mass Radiant Cooling Systems Under Thermal Comfort Constraints
A new paper explores using higher temperature supply water in high thermal mass radiant (HTMR) systems to reduce cooling needs and leverage passive cooling. The authors found that these systems can use supply water temperatures up to 10°F (5.6°C) higher than for all-air systems, allowing cooling towers work at least 40% of the time during the cooling season, for 21 of 30 climate zones. The authors also found that HTMR systems reduce capital and operational cooling costs in all US climates. Read the journal paper, the open access version or a LinkedIn article.
Rethinking VAV Hot Water Terminal Unit Design
A recent article in ASHRAE Journal, by authors from CBE and Taylor Engineers, summarizes the findings from research that sought to understand and help overcome operational issues found in typical variable air volume (VAV) reheat terminal units. Issues addressed include temperature stratification in the heating coil discharge, and the reduced capacities and higher flow rates required for increasingly popular lower temperature hot water systems.
Quantifying HVAC Marginal Operating Carbon Emissions and Load Shift Potential: A Case Study in California
This study highlights the importance of using the marginal operating emissions rate (MOER) to evaluate demand-side management strategies for reducing building carbon emissions. By analyzing the Northern California grid’s annual variations, researchers developed a virtual chiller load shift strategy similar to demand response, but interacting with MOER signals. Results showed that shifting energy use in spring reduced emissions by 18%, but the annual reduction was only 2%, emphasizing the seasonal effectiveness and limitations of load shifting.
Causal Thinking: Uncovering Hidden Assumptions and Interpretations of Statistical Analysis in Building Science
A paper by CBE and others received a Best Paper Award from the journal Building Science, one of only five such awards from among 8300 submissions. Causal thinking allows us to investigate how events and actions relate to each other, so that we may better predict outcomes. The authors note that the causal relationship ‘direction’ can lead to different interpretations, and they compare two linear regression approaches used in thermal comfort research. Read the journal paper or the open access version.
Upcoming Public Events
We are excited to share some upcoming events that CBE will be participating in and supporting. These events align with our mission and provide great opportunities for learning, networking and engagement.
Getting to Zero Forum, April 22-24, Los Angeles
Join us at the 2025 Getting to Zero Forum for the leading conference for all sectors of the zero-emissions buildings market. Discover real-world solutions, create connections and work together for more affordable, healthier and resilient communities. CBE is pleased to be a partner for this event hosted by the New Buildings Institute (NBI).
‘Women of Carbon’ Film Screening and Panel, April 16, UC Berkeley
CBE is hosting a screening of ‘Women of Carbon,’ a documentary about visionary women who are transforming the construction industry through a comprehensive examination of low-carbon building materials and technologies. The film will be followed by a panel discussion including female leaders featured in the film, and a reception. The event is free and open to the public, registration is required. Wednesday, April 16, 2025; 5 – 8 pm (Film starts at 5:30) 112 Wurster Hall, UC Berkeley
BayREN Forum, March 19, 2025, Virtual
CBE’s Matt Roberts will participate in this online forum, From Foundation to Finish: Fitting Embodied Carbon into our Decarbonization Goals. The event will explore how California’s Green Building Code addresses embodied carbon, and how local governments can lead the way in addressing embodied carbon. This online event is free and open to all.
Biophilic Leadership Summit, March 30 – April 1, Serenbe, GA
CBE Associate Director Gail Brager will participate on the session, ‘Academic Roundtable: Biophilic Wellness Design’ at this multi-day conference entirely focused on biophilic projects, research and principles, bringing together top thought leaders in an intimate natural setting to network, build partnerships, and learn from each other. Learn more about the conference.