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:
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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
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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The Water We Drink: Softeners, Filters, and Other Treatment Options
Feature Article
Although our nation's tap water is among the best in the world, most Americans are concerned about its quality. This article explores the range of technologies to treat real and perceived water-quality problems.
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How Six Affordable Housing Projects Got to Green
Feature Short
Stories of designers and developers who overcame the challenges of building affordable housing that is also green, sustainable, and healthy.
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Verifying Project Outcomes: Which Metrics Work?
Feature Short
Project success is increasingly tied to performance metrics, especially EUI. But that doesn’t always capture what owners are really looking for.
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Owners, This RFP Hack Enables Lasting Building Performance
Feature Short
A request for proposals is not just about selecting the right team; it’s the first chance to create buy-in for your new building’s goals.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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Hypewatch: Energy Savings Claims from Power Conditioning Equipment
Product Review
Power conditioning devices often promise across-the-board energy savings, but the claims don't hold up in practice. These devices are good, however, for solving specific power quality problems.
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Sealed Blinds from Unicel Offer Flexibility, Low Maintenance
Product Review
Vision Control sealed interpane louvers, available with any type of glazing, offer numerous benefits, including energy savings and reduced maintenance compared with other blinds.
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Energy-Efficient Water Coolers from Elkay and Halsey Taylor
Product Review
Elkay and Halsey Taylor have introduced two pressure water filters, the VRCGRN and HVRGRN, respectively, with improved compressor and bubbler technology that lowers energy and water consumption.
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An Affordable Heat-Pump Water-Heater Retrofit
Product Review
AirTap is an affordable heat-pump module that can be retrofit onto a conventional electric or gas water heater. The unit has a first-hour rating of 42.5 gallons, an efficiency of 240%, and a GAMA-tested energy factor of 2.11.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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White Roofs in Cold Climates a Mistake, Says LCA Study
News Brief
While roofs with solar panels are a plus, researchers suggest white roofs in Canada do more harm than good because of steep heating penalties.
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A New, Cost-Effective Take on Vacuum Insulation
News Brief
“Modified atmosphere insulation” technology may be able to rival the performance of vacuum insulation panels at a more affordable price.
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Polyiso Manufacturers Turn Blind Eye to Problems at Cold Temperatures
News Analysis
R-values that fluctuate with temperature can be a serious problem with polyiso in some climates. New design guidance could help.
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First Existing Multifamily Buildings Earn Energy Star Certification
News Analysis
Tenants are saving more than $500 a year in one of the first existing apartment buildings to be certified.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
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