Guide to Energy-Efficient Commercial Equipment

by Margaret Suozzo and others, 1997. American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), in cooperation with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Paperback, approximately 200 pages, $25 plus shipping. Order from ACEEE, 1001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 801, Washington, DC 20036; 202/429-0063, www.aceee.org.

Consumer’s Guide to Home Energy Savings, this guide to equipment for commercial buildings combines explanations with listings of the most efficient products. The content is organized into three main chapters: Lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), and Motors. The explanations in each of these chapters are fairly basic but not simple enough for the novice. They will be most useful to architects and building owners with some technical background who want to get up to speed on energy-efficient technologies. Engineers who are knowledgeable in these fields will not find much that they don’t already know, although the product listings may be a useful resource.

In addition to introducing and explaining the various technologies, the

Guide to Energy-Efficient Commercial Equipment has a valuable bibliography of reference documents and a list of resources offering more detailed information on topics addressed. These resources include federal programs, the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, E Source, Inc., and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s National Lighting Product Information Program.

As a resource for non-engineers, the

Guide provides a valuable service. While engineers and lighting designers are usually the ones to specify this equipment, especially in larger buildings, energy efficiency is unfortunately not always their top priority. Designers and owners will be in a better position to push for more efficient options if they know what they are—and this book is a great way to learn.