Clotfelter/Samokar

The Architects and Engineers at Clotfelter-Samokar have committed ourselves to incorporating green attributes in our designs whenever possible.

Green HVAC Design

Clotfelter-Samokar is nationally recognized as a leader in the implementation of geothermal technology. Having designed the first geothermal school in Kentucky, C-S is a pioneer in geothermal design. In fact, the majority of our designs since 1991 utilize a geothermal heating and cooling system. Due to years of experience with geothermal technology, we are able to offer the most affordable, innovative and user-friendly designs. Our experience has proven that, when designed properly and efficiently, geothermal systems are comparable in cost to a traditional system.

Our reputation as experts in geothermal design and our award-winning geothermal designs have earned C-S invitations to speak at nationwide meetings and conferences including:

David Samokar was one of the two architects in the U.S. asked to be a panelist for an international teleconference sponsored by the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium
International Ground Source Heat Pump Association Annual Conference in Chicago, IL
National Food & Energy Council Conference in Branson, MO
World Energy Engineering Congress in Atlanta, GA
Geothermal Workshop sponsored by Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in Knoxville, TN
University of Kentucky Geothermal Teleconference, Lexington, KY
Kentucky School Board Association, Lexington, KY
Kentucky School Plant Managers Association, Lexington, KY
Kentucky Council for Marketing Electricity (KCME), Lexington, KY
East Kentucky Power Mold & Mildew Seminar, Lexington, KY

Advantages of Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems

1. Green Design: These systems are environmentally-friendly.

2. Economical: Geothermal systems are the most economical way to heat and cool most buildings because they use less electricity, reducing heating and cooling bills. In fact, these systems are comparable in cost to traditional systems.

3. User-Friendly: Geothermal systems are simpler than traditional HVAC systems. They are exceptionally user-friendly to maintenance staff and require less maintenance in general.

4. Comfort: Geothermal systems are more comfortable. Because they are so efficient, each thermostat may be controlled to suit individual environments without energy use being a major concern.

5. Less Space Required: Geothermal systems require smaller mechanical rooms allowing more square footage to be utilized by the occupants.

6. More Aesthetically-Pleasing: Geothermal systems do not require large, bulky cooling towers on the building. The chemicals and maintenance associated with cooling towers are also eliminated.

The Green Myth - Environmentally Friendly = More Expensive

Many do not realize that "green design" does not necessarily have to mean "more expensive." Many simple touches such as roof colors, natural light and paint colors can affect the sustainability of the facility.

Typical Green Techniques Applied by C-S

Clotfelter-Samokar was implementing green technology in buildings before the term "green design" became a buzz word. At C-S, we strive to implement green design in our buildings when possible. Some of the green techniques we regularly incorporate into our designs include:

Daylighting controls located in architecturally daylit spaces
Design building with a geothermal HVAC, a highly efficient heating and cooling system
Design mechanical system to eliminate sources of indoor air pollution
Digital electronic control of lighting and HVAC systems to save energy
Durable finishes
Eliminate grease from sanitary sewers in food preparation areas
Eliminate/reduce use of CFC's and HCFC's in cooling equipment
Enhanced thermal barriers
Environmental landscape design principles
Erosion control plan for construction sites
Filter and/or treat ventilation air supplies
Integrate daylighting in task-oriented spaces for productivity comfort
Isolate & exhaust indoor sources of air pollutants
Oil/water separators on drains from service bays and parking areas
Place windows to maximize daylighting & views
Provide bike racks for end users
Provide final commissioning report, at owner's request
Provide operation and maintenance training
Reduce hot water heat loss
Restore and/or incorporate parts of existing buildings in new designs
Restrict the use of water features & fountains
Reuse debris (that would otherwise go to a landfill) as construction fill
Roof monitors for daylighting interior spaces
Salvage reusable materials, when possible
Select lighting for reduced energy consumption
Separate outdoor air intakes from air pollutant sources
Share parking between occupancies
Specify contractors to clean interiors and HVAC systems prior to building occupancy
Storm water control programs for construction site
Use light or white colored roofs
Water conserving plumbing fixtures & fittings
Water-efficient irrigation systems