VISION ISSUE TWELVE | SPRING 2021
PV and Green Roof Requirements You Should Know In November of 2019, Local Laws 92 and 94 for NYC were enacted to improve the sustainability of buildings that undergo the installation of a new roof or the replacement of an entire existing roof deck or roof assembly. These laws establish requirements for the provision of either photovoltaic array systems, green vegetative roofs, or both-depending on the contiguous roof area. All new buildings must follow the permitting and installation requirements as mandated by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) for all new projects; there are no retroactive requirements for existing buildings with no roof construction.
Sustainable Roof Zone Clearly Delineated For low slope roofs (less than 2:12), requirements include 200 square feet of contiguous space for solar photovoltaics or green roofs with a minimum of 4kW of PV (or green roof ) if the roof square footage doesn’t achieve 200 square feet. This requirement drops to 4kW of PV for high slope roofs (greater than 2:12) or green roofs throughout. Calculation and Shading Reports A licensed professional is required to sign off on the calculations to confirm PV capacity, as well as shading reports, and to delineate efficiency of the system proposed to
Rooftop Equipment Sustainable Roof Zones are not required in the areas where rooftop equipment is located. This includes, but is not limited to, roof-mounted Air Handling Units (AHUs), exhaust fans, vent ductwork or piping, and any clearances required for the equipment. Terraces and Recreational Spaces For terraces that occupy less than 25% of the floor plate, or for areas designated as recreational space for building use, there is no requirement that they be equipped with Sustainable Roof Zones. Steep Slope Roofs Pitched roofs with slopes exceeding 17% and that cannot accommodate a minimum 4kW photovoltaic system shall not be required to be equipped with Sustainable Roof Zones. To understand the typical process followed to achieve compliance, see page 5, Figure 1.
Image 1: PV Roof Installation
In order to show compliance with these requirements, department filing forms representing the scope of work must be submitted to the DOB with accompanying drawings. Drawings showing compliance shall include the following: Structural Fire Resistance and Support Documentation shall show that the building’s roofing system is built to withstand the structural impacts of the proposed photovoltaic or vegetative system, as well as any fire resistive requirements.
be installed for the scope of work designated. Of course, as with most rules, exceptions exist to the mandate on implementing sustainable roofs. They include the circumstances outlined below: Roof Setbacks Sustainable Roof Zones are not required in the area designated for roof setbacks per the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) requirements. These are designated areas to allow for FDNY access in the event of an emergency and, thus, must be left clear. ALL TEXT ©2021 KOHLER RONAN, LLC
For further information, please contact Kohler Ronan or your trusted consultant regarding the Sustainable Roof Zone requirements, Local Laws 92 and 94, and how these mandates might affect your new construction or renovation project.
IN THIS ISSUE PV and Green Roofs
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Critical Design Elements for Video Surveillance Systems
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Maximizing Energy Incentives Revit® Corner
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Sneak Peek at LL97
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Project Highlight
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Critical Design Elements for Video Surveillance Systems A Video Surveillance System (VSS), more commonly referred to as Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV), has been a vital design element in the construction industry for many years. Its main purpose within the workplace is to protect both the Institution and its employees from crime and loss. Monitoring the workplace is crucial for companies to deter unlawful and prohibited or unauthorized behavior, as well as to hold offenders accountable for their actions. A typical IP (Internet Protocol) - based VSS consists of strategically placed cameras connected to an IT network switch which is connected to both a PC/monitor for viewing and a server & storage unit to access saved video for playback for a pre-determined amount of time. Apart from the cameras, all of this equipment typically resides in an IT or security room, where it can be accessed by a guard or user station to monitor the video. Some of today’s systems leverage a cloud-based architecture that eliminates the need for this backend equipment, but the cameras are still required and remain the focal component of a VSS that affects the aesthetics and architectural planning for the overall design. An important item to note is that almost all IP cameras are designed to support Power over Ethernet (PoE), so a separate, dedicated electrical receptacle for the camera is not required. The cabling that connects the camera to the network provides power to the device. IP Camera w/PoE
Switch PC
Fig. 3: Common surveillance camera housing form factors
The most common form factor for video surveillance cameras in the industry today is dome. IPVM, one of the world’s leading authorities on video surveillance, recently conducted a study that found dome cameras are by far the most popular form factor in video surveillance, with security integrators preferring them to non-dome form factors nearly 2-1. Some of the advantages of a dome camera over the other form factors are that they are
less conspicuous when mounted flush to either a wall or ceiling, and they have a higher vandal resistance than most other types. They also tend to be less obtrusive, as the camera direction is typically not visible to anyone in the general vicinity. Many different imager types can be installed within the different housings shown above. Fixed Focal Lens, Varifocal Lens, Single Lens Panoramic (Fish-Eye), and Multi-imager Panoramic cameras represent some of the main options available in the industry. A basic description of these camera types is provided below: • Fixed Focal Lens – The Field of View (FoV) of the camera cannot be changed unless the lens is changed. • Varifocal Lens – This camera allows for immediate adjustment of the FoV simply by adjusting the control of the lens/camera. • Single-Lens Panoramic (Fish-Eye )– A single camera features a wide angle lens typically housed in a dome form factor that provides 360-degree FoV. • Multi-imager Panoramic – Multiple image sensors are contained in a single housing to cover a wide area. The camera type selected can directly affect the design of the space. By choosing to deploy only fixed single-lens cameras, you may need to install more
AIA Registered Provider IP Camera
Wireless IP Camera
locations for technology access, the planning for video surveillance is based solely on user requirements, not on code requirements. In terms of common form factors, there are many different housing types for surveillance cameras today. Typical options are shown below:
Server
Kohler Ronan is a registered provider of AIA Continuing Education Credits. Our professionals have prepared several presentations on relevant and timely industry topics. We would be pleased to visit your offices and share these presentations. To learn more, or to schedule a visit, please contact Joe Lembo at 203.778.1017 or via email at krce@kohlerronan.com.
NYSERDA Approved Provider Storage
Figure 2: Typical IP video surveillance system design
Planning for Camera Coverage The planning of camera locations is a critical element of VSS design. Similar to the planning for wireless access point
Kohler Ronan is an approved Technical Consultant for the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Commercial New Construction Program, as well as an Independent FlexTech consultant. Under these programs, we will provide technical support in the form of energy modeling and controls commissioning to assess and determine appropriate energy efficiency opportunities for New Construction and Substantial Renovation Projects. For details, please email Madhav Munshi at mmunshi@kohlerronan.com.
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“Critical Design Elements of Video Surveillance Systems” continued from page 2
cameras than if you were to select only panoramics. Fixed single-lens cameras have a limited FoV but provide more detail, while panoramics cover more area in the FoV, but result in a reduction in details captured.
testing labs that help the user understand what type of coverage and image detail they can expect from a specific camera. To create a preliminary design, a floorplan or satellite image is loaded into the program and a camera type is selected and placed onto the plan. By setting parameters such as desired distance, width, and level of detail, the field of view output will show most likely what the selected camera will provide. See the below examples:
entrance to the school. The goal for this camera placement was to view people entering the building. The images at the right of the scene show the representative details captured at 15’ distance from the camera in both day and night vision. The field of view for the camera was set at 80 degrees. As you can see, the details captured are a much higher image quality, as the desired distance is much less, even though the FoV is double. It
Images 2-3: Typical Fisheye 360-degree camera view vs. conventional fixed camera view
Another question that comes up frequently while designing a video surveillance system is the height at which a camera should be mounted. Specific to outdoor and entryway installations, there can be a desire to install the camera high up on a building façade, light pole, or other structure to help safeguard against the risk of vandalism or obstruction, as well as for aesthetic reasons. Similar to the camera type selection, there are tradeoffs to this approach. The higher the camera is installed, the less likely it is to get facial recognition details. Industry recommendations for camera mounting height vary widely due to these tradeoffs. A helpful tool in determining the right type and quantity of cameras to provide for a design is the FoV Calculator. This is free software offered by most major camera manufacturers and independent
Images 4-5: Satellite images capture 2MP camera mounted above school entrance
The first satellite scene above depicts a two-megapixel (2MP) camera mounted at the corner façade of the school with the goal being to view the NW corner entrance to the site. The images at the right of the scene show the representative details captured at 100’ distance from the camera in both day and night vision. The field of view for the camera was set at 40 degrees, as it was determined the only area requiring coverage by this camera was the NW entrance. This second satellite scene above depicts the same two-megapixel (2MP) camera mounted just above the door at the main
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was determined that facial recognition details were of far greater importance when entering the facility than entering the site. Video Surveillance System planning requires a combination of strong engineering skills and knowledge of design aesthetics. While it is understood that surveillance cameras are necessary within the workplace to protect both the institution and its employees from crime and loss, it should also be understood that this goal should be accomplished with the least intrusion into the overall design of the space as possible.
Maximizing Energy Incentives During Covid-19 The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly curtailed construction activity throughout the United States, thus reducing the number of projects pursuing lighting energy incentives from local utility companies. Utility energy incentives, when applied to lighting systems, are intended to promote energy efficiency, reduce the overall consumption of building electricity, provide future flexibility, and increase the life span of lighting systems within new and existing buildings. The reduction of energy incentives projects has increased the available incentives allocated annually by utility companies. Several clients have identified this opportunity, through the assistance of design engineers and utility companies, and have evaluated the existing conditions of lighting systems, future renovations, and financial implications for their buildings. Once a building has been identified for energy incentives by the client, several design and construction challenges must be met in order to complete the project. These challenges include, but are not limited to, equipment availability, implications to existing building systems, existing building conditions, and phased construction. This may sound excessive, but with proper coordination and direction, the project can be completed on time and within budget. To better understand the requirements to complete a lighting energy incentive project during the Covid-19 pandemic, let us explore a few real-life project examples. Corporate Garage in Urban Location This project consisted of an existing, nine-story, employee parking facility in Hartford, Connecticut. Originally constructed in 2009, the parking garage was identified by the client’s energy conservation department, in coordination with Kohler Ronan and Eversource Utility Company, as a prime candidate for the high-performance energy rebate. The Eversource high-performance tier lighting rebate requires DLC/Energy Star-listed lighting fixtures, one control strategy per lighting fixture, two control strategies across the whole project, and
a DLC-listed network lighting control system. Once the design requirements were established, the design engineers verified existing building conditions, with the assistance of owner’s as-built information, and existing maintenance records. This extra level of coordination allowed the design team to create a constructable set of contract documents that addressed design requirements and existing field issues.
AT A GLANCE • Premium Wireless Networked Lighting Control System • DLC/Energy Star Approved LED Lighting Fixtures • Remote Access to the Lighting Control System • Energy Monitoring of Lighting System • Warranty on Project Installation and Products • Reduced Maintenance Cost • Increased Lighting System Life • Utility Lighting Rebate o Library $471k o Academic Building $67k o Garage $195k Based on energy incentive requirements and the existing building assessment, the design team specified lighting fixtures and a wireless network lighting control system that was ideal for the project and client. The final level of coordination involved reviewing the contract document to generate a feasible construction schedule that accounted for phasing, parking capacity requirements, and safety. With the assistance of the owner, contractor, and design team, a viable schedule was approved. Since this project was designed pre-Covid, sourcing the material was not a concern. However, as the Covid-19 pandemic occurred during the second half of the construction phase, the project team did experience material/shipment date hurdles. In order clear these hurdles, the
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team produced alternative solutions that incorporated locally sourced materials as well as design options that eliminated the need for additional components. The fluid communication between all parties ensured that the project would be completed on time and within budget. Furthermore, the client received an energy rebate that accounted for 36% of the total construction cost. University Library and Academic Building A Connecticut university recently undertook partial renovations to two existing campus buildings: a library and
REVIT® CORNER CHECKING THE VERSION AND BUILD NUMBER Before a project is started in Revit (regardless of software year) the BIM Manager should make sure that all team members are working on the latest version and build of Revit. The version and build number should be verified with the host (typically the Architect) prior to setting up the consultant(s) model. Ensuring all users are up to date and on the same build number will help to eliminate issues with model shares, Synchronizing to Central and overall model performance. To check the build number simply expand the “Help” (question mark) drop down menu in the upper right hand corner and select “About Revit”.
The dialog box below will open. The version and build info is located in the upper right hand corner as highlighted.
“Maximizing Energy Incentives During Covid19” continued from page 4
an academic building. Unfortunately, energy rebates were not available during those recent renovations which resulted in minor lighting upgrades for the library and no lighting system upgrades in the academic building. Once energy incentives became available, the university directed Kohler Ronan to evaluate the condition of each building and provide recommendations. With the assistance of the local utility company, United Illuminating Co. (UI), Kohler Ronan identified both buildings as candidates for the high-performance energy rebate. Furthermore, past
experience with the corporate garage project (detailed above) helped identify existing field constraints, construction issues, and alternative solutions. Since the design of this project occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic, the design engineers understood that certain coordination items must be reviewed during design rather than waiting until construction. For example, the project engaged a local electrician during the design phase to review existing field conditions and outline steps to optimize construction. Additionally, the electrician reviewed the specified equipment and confirmed its
availability in the construction phase. This level of coordination allowed for appropriate equipment and labor to be specified accurately on contract documents. Subsequently, the bid was awarded to that same electrician whose knowledge of the project would certainly assist in ensuring a smooth renovation of each building. While each building experienced minor shipment issues, both are scheduled to be completed within the designated time frame. The energy incentive allocated for this project is 45% percent of the total construction cost of the project.
Figure 1: Compliance path for sustainable roofing zone pursuant to LL92 and LL94 of 2019 New Building Roof or Existing Building Roof replacing entire roof deck or roof assembly
Contiguous roof area greater or equal to 200 square feet (or greater or equal to 100 square feet for Group R buildings under five stories)? Y or N
YES
Provide solar photovoltaic systems or green roof system, or a combination.
YES
Low-Slope Roof (roof slope < 2:12)? Y or N
NO
High-Slope Roof (roof slope > @:12) accommodates 4kW? Y or N YES
NO
NO Provide solar photovoltaic systems Provide solar photovoltaic system if 4kW capacity can be achieved. Provide green roof system if 4kW cannot be achieved.
Roof exempted from solar photovoltaic and green roof requirements of LL 92 and LL 94 OF 2019
Lookout for Kohler Ronan’s Upcoming Guide to “LL97 Compliance” In May of 2019, New York City enacted the Climate Mobilization Act in order to mitigate the substantial effects of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. Climate change and its negative effects on the world’s oceans and atmosphere is primarily driven by greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing emissions from all existing and future buildings, therefore, is the most significant action NYC can take as buildings contribute nearly three quarters of all citywide emissions.
Local laws have been implemented by government officials to amend the administrative code of the City of New York in order to achieve certain reductions in building emissions by 2050. Local Law 97 (LL97) establishes and enforces stringent carbon emissions limits for both new and existing buildings. This law utilizes the Office of Building Energy and Emissions to perform a variety of duties that include,
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but are not limited to: overseeing implementation of building energy and emissions performance laws and policies, establishing or administering protocols for assessing annual energy use, receiving and validating annual building emissions assessments, and determining recommended penalties for buildings that are noncompliant with applicable emissions limits. (More to come.)
Project Highlight — Princeton University Art Museum
Rendering Courtesy of Adjaye Associates Centrally located on the university’s historic campus, the new Princeton University Art Museum will nearly double the available space for the exhibition, conservation, study, and interpretation of the museum’s expansive and diverse collections. Designed by Adjaye Associates and Cooper Robertson (Architect of Record) on the site of the original museum, the new facility will provide ample gathering and social spaces as well as numerous visitor amenities. Outside terraces will accommodate approximately 2,000 people, while pedestrian “art walks” will flow into and through the museum blurring boundaries between the interior and the exterior. The Department of Art & Archaeology will make its new home in the building and the Marquand Library will remain. Kohler Ronan is designing the HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection systems in support of the museum’s unique collections and related programming. We are pleased to be working closely with the university’s sustainability and facilities team to ensure that our systems are both sensitive to the collections and in keeping with the campus’s sustainability goals. Author Credits Pearl Odu, PE, Senior Associate. (2021, March 24). PV and Green Roofs. Ron Provost, RCDD, Senior Associate. (2021, March 29). Design Elements for Video Surveillance Systems. Jerry Manavalan, Electrical Engineer. (2021, May 10). Lighting Energy Incentives. Figure & Image Credits Fig. 1 - Courtesy of NYC Department of Buildings Bulletin 2019-010. Fig. 2 - Wittag Solutions, IP CCTV System. [Graphic]. Retrieved April 6, 2021 from https://www.wittagsolution.com/cctv-system/ip-cctv-system/ Fig. 3 - Unicode Technology, IP Camera. [Graphic].Retrieved April 6, 2021 from https://unicodebd.com/ip-camera/ Image 1: Courtesy of Kohler Ronan LLC, Consulting Engineers Images 2-5: © IPVM.com
About the Firm From our offices in Danbury, Connecticut and New York, New York, our team of approximately 70 professionals collaborates with prominent architectural firms on a wide array of regional and nationally recognized project assignments. Commissions include those for world-renowned museums, fine and performing arts centers, prestigious universities, state-of-the-art educational and healthcare facilities, luxury residences, and premier recreation establishments. Additionally, we have the privilege of designing specialty systems for landmark sites and historically significant buildings across the country. For more information, please visit our website at kohlerronan.com or connect with us on social media.
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New York 171 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 T 212.695.2422 Danbury 93 Lake Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810 T 203.778.1017 Connect kohlerronan.com marketing@kohlerronan.com
