Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency involves a set of strategies that can be used to reduce the consumption of energy—especially fossil-fuel energy—in buildings. These strategies include:
-
monitoring energy use
-
improving building commissioning
-
applying insights from building science
-
selecting innovative HVAC and building envelope technology
-
using natural ventilation and daylighting to provide low-cost alternatives to standard systems
Energy Efficiency
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
-
Changing Building Design for a Changing Electrical Grid
Feature
The way we get our electricity is evolving, and buildings need to be ready to respond.
-
The Potential of Prefab: How Modular Construction Can Be Green
Feature
Offsite modular construction not only cuts costs and construction times but also benefits people and the planet.
-
Can Commercial Kitchens Go Electric?
Feature
An all-electric commercial kitchen offers potential energy and carbon savings over using natural gas, but making the switch can be complicated—and even controversial.
-
Net-Zero Energy Isn’t the Real Goal: 8 Reasons Why
Feature
Net-zero-energy buildings don’t always reduce carbon emissions. These are the tweaks we need to ensure they do.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
- Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
- Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop.
- You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
-
Replacing Fluorescent T8s with LEDs: Is It Time?
Product Review
CREE’s LED T8 sets a new benchmark for linear fluorescent replacements, but LEDs aren’t ready for all applications.
-
Aerogel Coating May Reduce Thermal Bridging
Product Review
Thermal breaks can be pricey and may affect structural integrity. Aerolon is a non-structural alternative designed to have similar benefits.
-
Innovative Australian Fan Blows Into U.S.
Product Review
A new energy-efficient fan from Aeratron offers performance and looks at a reasonable cost.
-
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.”
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
-
Despite Efforts, Many AIA Firms Fail to Meet Their 2030 Commitment
News Analysis
The first annual summary report on AIA's 2030 commitment shows disappointing participation, but its transparency bodes well for the future.
-
NAHB Green Home Standard Ups Ante on Energy, Water
News Analysis
The NAHB Standard for homes has increased requirements with the release of its first update and offers new guidance for remodeling.
-
Scaling Up Engagement with Net-Zero-Energy Goals
News Analysis
The International Living Future Institute (ILFI) and Architecture 2030 collaborate to scale up energy efficiency reporting and certification.
-
Energy Use, Carbon Emissions Down in NYC Buildings
News Analysis
New York’s benchmarking law has created a treasure trove of data on energy and water use in large buildings. Researchers are unpacking it and discovering noteworthy trends.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
- Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
- Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop.
- You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop.
Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
- Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
- Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop.
- You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop.
Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
- Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
- Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop.
- You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop.
