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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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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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.
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Phoenix Solar Tank Does it All-Efficiently
Product Review
The Phoenix Solar hot water tank stores both primary solar-heated and secondary gas-heated water.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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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.
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The New Net Zero
News Brief
Architect Bill Maclay’s new tome packs a lifetime of experience on low-energy buildings into a tremendous resource for practitioners.
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EBies for 2014 Shine (Efficient) Spotlight on Existing Buildings
News Analysis
Urban Green Council rolls out the green carpet and rewards exceptional achievements in energy, water, lighting, and more.
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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