Why are active chilled beams "Green"?

In general the design intent is for the central system to circulate only the amount of air needed for ventilation and latent load purposes, with the active chilled beams providing the additional air movement and sensible cooling and/or heating required through the induced room air and secondary water coil. In this manner the amount of primary air circulated by the central system is dramatically reduced (often 75-85% less than conventional "all air" systems).

Essentially active chilled beams transfer a large portion of the cooling and heating loads from the less efficient air distribution system (fans and ductwork) to the more efficient water distribution system (pumps and piping).

The net result of this shift in loads with active chilled beam systems is lower energy consumption and operating costs. Studies have shown that fan energy is often second only to lighting in the energy consumption of typical commercial buildings in North America. With active chilled beam systems the fan energy is dramatically reduced due to the relatively small amount and low pressure of the primary air being circulated by the central system.