ATI NR this morning
posted on
Oct 29, 2009 10:19AM
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DELTA, BC, Oct. 29 /CNW/ -- AirTest Technologies (TSXV: AAT) is pleased to announce its LonWorks(R) communicating carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide sensor/transmitters have been incorporated into a large, green office development project called "The Pointe" located in the heart of the entertainment industry in Burbank, California. The LEED silver development includes a large four level parking garage and 14 floors of Class A office space.
The Pointe is located in the former NBC/Universal main lot, set between Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros Studio and incorporates AirTest technology from top to bottom, to better manage energy use, indoor air quality and sustainable operation of the building. According to Alan Slabodkin, the project manager for the installing contractor, Western Allied Corporation, "We selected AirTest products for this project because of the excellent support we have received from AirTest personnel, and the high dependability we have experienced with Airtest products used in our past projects."
The 1,000 space parking garage at the Pointe is designed to operate 24 hours per day, and because it is enclosed, it utilizes 12 large fans for ventilation of exhaust fumes. By incorporating the AirTest TR2000-Lon carbon monoxide sensors along with variable speed drives on all the fans, the project was able to significantly reduce operating costs of the ventilation fans. Without the AirTest sensors to control ventilation based on the level of automobile activity, it is estimated that it would use over 2.3 million kWh of electricity annually costing over $322,000 to operate the 500 horsepower of fans in the structure. Using AirTest sensors, electrical use is estimated to be 90% less at about 230,000 kWh costing only $32,000 annually. According to Slabodkin at Western Allied, "The AirTest sensors and associated controls along with the variable speed drives provide an energy saving payback of well under a year".
AirTest sensing technology is also used in the 197,000 square feet of office space above the garage. Here the TR9294-Lon carbon dioxide sensors (CO(2)) are used to control the fresh air ventilation system on each floor. AirTest's self-calibrating CO(2) sensors save energy in buildings by regulating outside air ventilation based on the actual number of people in a space. This ensures that only enough outside air is heated or cooled to meet the immediate needs of occupants. Much of the demand for this type of sensor is driven by the growing interest in making buildings energy efficient, an important contribution to the creation of green and sustainable buildings. CO2 sensor-based ventilation control can represent a simple but highly effective way for almost all buildings to reduce energy use while ensuring good indoor air quality for occupants.
According to George Graham President of AirTest "In new projects like the Pointe, payback on energy savings with CO(2) sensors will occur within a few months, and the building owner is able to secure additional LEED related points to meet their Certification level from the US Green Building Council." Graham added "As concern about energy savings and sustainable operations increase, we expect to see in the not too distant future, that carbon dioxide sensors will become as common as thermostats in most new and existing buildings."
About AirTest: AirTest Technologies (www.airtest.com) is a Green-Tech company specializing in sensors that improve commercial building operating efficiency and at the same time create energy savings. These sensors are all based on technical innovations developed in the last ten years, and comprise a growing second wave of energy saving technologies that will make a significant contribution to the Sustainable Buildings Program. AirTest offers its products to leading-edge building owners, contractors and energy service companies targeting the buildings market. AirTest also provides energy cost reduction solutions to building equipment and controls manufacturers who incorporate AirTest sensor components in their products.
About Western Allied Corporation: Western Allied (www.wasocal.com) was founded in Santa Fe Springs, California, in 1961 as a mechanical contractor, specializing in heating, ventilating and air conditioning services and controls. In 1970, Western Allied opened its Northern California office. Western Allied maintains an in-house engineering staff supervised by mechanical engineers registered in the State of California (and various other states). The company does all types of HVAC work, but also DDC automation controls and energy management, process piping, and process ventilation systems. They also offer performance contracting services, where suitable buildings can be retrofitted at no out-of-pocket cost to the ownership. The retrofit can be 100% financed and paid for via savings in utility bills.
About The Pointe: The Pointe (www.thepointeburbank.com), located at 2900 West Alameda Avenue in Burbank, CA is a 485,000 square foot office building, designed to LEED Silver specifications. The project developer is M David Paul Ventures and Worthe Real Estate manages the site. Phase 1 of the project is now available for leasing through CB Richard Ellis.
Statements about the Company's future expectations and all other statements in this press release other than historical facts are "forward looking statements". The Company intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbours created thereby. Since these statements involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, the Company's actual results may differ materially from the expected results.
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