Energy Efficiency
Our buildings consume more energy than industry or transportation, and we haven’t done a great job of reducing that consumption. We can do better by:
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monitoring energy use
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improving building commissioning
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applying insights from building science
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selecting innovative HVAC and building envelope technology
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using natural ventilation and daylighting to provide low-cost alternatives to standard systems
As great as all these ideas are, they won’t be nearly as effective if we don’t engage occupants about energy use as well. Our articles look at all these strategies and more.
Energy Efficiency
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Design Strategies for Occupant Engagement—and Why They Boost Performance
Feature Article
Researchers reveal simple ways to empower occupants to reduce energy, water, and waste. It all starts with good design.
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Cladding: More Than Just a Pretty Façade
Feature Article
Cladding materials should be chosen to minimize environmental impacts and help maximize a building’s energy performance.
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Natural Ventilation: The Nine Biggest Obstacles and How Project Teams Are Beating Them
Feature Article
Designers are reinventing the art and science of passive comfort control even where climate and culture favor mechanical systems.
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Are Cool Roofs Green? The Answer’s Not Black and White
Feature Article
Roofing choices are complicated by heating tradeoffs, climate effects, and condensation, but proponents say reflective roofs still make sense in most climates.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Heat-Pump Water Heaters
Primer
Heat-pump water heaters produce more than twice as much hot water per kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed as standard electric water heaters.
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The Water-Energy Connection
Primer
The production of electricity is highly water intense, just as the transport, heating, and cooling of water is energy intense. So saving energy saves water and saving water saves energy.
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Tankless Water Heaters
Primer
Tankless water heaters have some downsides, but mostly offer advantages over conventional storage water heaters.
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Comparing Fuel Costs
Primer
One would think comparing the costs of different heating fuels would be simple, but figuring out the amount heat available in a given quantity of fuel-and the associated cost-can be tricky.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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DC Power Supply Integrates AC and Renewables
Product Review
Nextek PhD provides AC-to-DC power at the building scale, integrates renewable energy, and can even save on first costs.
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The Best Indoor LED Luminaires of 2016
Product Review
Winners of an annual DOE competition represent some of the best LED lighting for decorative pendants, downlights, and healthcare.
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Greenest of the Green Energy-Saving Products from Greenbuild
Product Review
The Greenbuild 2015 expo featured some exciting innovations, including a DC-powered “net-zero energy zone.”
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Innovative Australian Fan Blows Into U.S.
Product Review
A new energy-efficient fan from Aeratron offers performance and looks at a reasonable cost.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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Energy Grades to Be Posted in NYC
News Brief
Whether it earns an A or an F, each building in New York City has to display its energy grade.
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Urgent: Zero-Carbon Buildings Needed
News Brief
Zero-carbon buildings and energy retrofits need to happen—fast—to keep global warming at tolerable levels.
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Thoughts on the Future of the Zero Energy Market
News Analysis
A Q&A with Brad Liljequist, director of the Zero Energy Program at ILFI.
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NBI Stretches Code to Save 20% More Energy
News Analysis
The goal is to move energy codes forward more rapidly.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Design Strategies for Occupant Engagement—and Why They Boost Performance
Feature Article
Researchers reveal simple ways to empower occupants to reduce energy, water, and waste. It all starts with good design.
-
Cladding: More Than Just a Pretty Façade
Feature Article
Cladding materials should be chosen to minimize environmental impacts and help maximize a building’s energy performance.
-
Natural Ventilation: The Nine Biggest Obstacles and How Project Teams Are Beating Them
Feature Article
Designers are reinventing the art and science of passive comfort control even where climate and culture favor mechanical systems.
-
Are Cool Roofs Green? The Answer’s Not Black and White
Feature Article
Roofing choices are complicated by heating tradeoffs, climate effects, and condensation, but proponents say reflective roofs still make sense in most climates.
