Air Pollution Reduction for Emergency Generators The design team has implemented several ideas that are innovative and represent solutions that go beyond standard practice. To improve the air quality of the emissions from the emergency generators, the engineers have designed and constructed catalyzed diesel particulate filters on the generator exhaust. The filters serve to reduce particulate matter, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrous oxide. The filters virtually eliminate visible smoke and particulates when the generators are operating. In addition, the engineers field-tested various grades and types of heating oil, using the existing emergency generators, to determine which would have the least impact on the environment surrounding the hospital. The hospital was then presented with a recommendation for the fuel specifications. Given that emergency generators are tested monthly and could operate for extended periods ot time during a power outage, this represents are significant reduction in air pollution from the facility.
The design and construction of diesel generator exhaust filters alone will not be awarded an Innovation credit. Although this project team\'s approach to improving the air quality of emissions from emergency generators is laudable, the impact relative to the building\'s total emissions likely would be quite small, given that these generators typically operate for only 60-90 minutes per month during testing. Further, several alternatives to diesel generators exist that produce no or low emissions. In order to be awarded an Innovation credit, the team would need to engage a more comprehensive approach to reducing emissions produced by the building\'s other systems as well, and then quantify the "significant reduction in air pollution" claimed by the project relative to standard practice for the entire building. This also would entail presenting a methodology for calculating a benchmark standard against which to measure the emissions reductions achieved. Applicable Internationally.