Reducing the Embodied Carbon of a Large Fume Hood Exhaust System

Hilary Williams, Arup
Kenneth Crooks, Erlab, Inc.

This session will present new research calculating the reduction in embodied carbon realized by replacing a large ducted fume hood exhaust system with a majority of ductless fume hoods. The reductions in HVAC systems, plus the elimination of ductwork and exhaust fans were studied on an active project at Northeastern University in Boston that is using 77 ductless fume hoods. Additionally, the 20-year operational carbon footprint reduction will be presented.

The presentation will discuss the methodology used to determine the difference in embodied carbon and first costs realized by using ductless fume hoods and the circumstances under which using ductless hoods would be appropriate.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the potential to reduce embodied carbon in fume hood exhaust systems;
• Identify the 20-year operational carbon footprints of ducted and ductless fume hoods;
• Understand a potential methodology for calculating embodied carbon for an HVAC system; and
• Recognize potential applications for ductless fume hoods.

Biographies:

Hilary, Associate in Arup's Boston office, brings 20+ years of experience in design, analysis and construction. She is lead mechanical engineer on the Northeastern EXP project with extensive experience in laboratories, educational facilities, and energy optimization projects. Hilary leads the Boston Mechanical team and has PE licenses in 5 states.

Ken has more than 35 years of experience in commercial and industrial HVAC industries. He works as Director of GreenFumeHood Technology at Erlab. He is a member of ANSI Z9.5, ASHRAE TC9.10, I²SL, NFPA 45, SEFA, CSA Z316.5, SCUP, and previously served on SEFA's Board of Directors as Vice-Chair. Ken worked at Phoenix Controls, Aircuity, and Munters.

Note: Abstracts and biographies are displayed as submitted by the author(s) with the exception of minor edits for style, grammar consistency, and length.