District energy is gaining attention for its ability to tackle large-scale, global energy problems on a local level, with local resources. District energy produces and distributes steam, hot water and chilled water directly to buildings through a network of underground pipes from a central plant, eliminating boiler and chiller rooms in individual buildings.[1] Heating and cooling in this way...
The Future of Green Buildings: Building Technology, Performance and LEED v4 The expansion of voluntary green building certification is an increasing global trend. In the Institute for Building Efficiency’s 2013 Energy Efficiency Indicator (EEI) survey, 26 percent of respondents had achieved and 29 percent intended to achieve voluntary green building certification for their new facilities and...
The seventh annual Energy Efficiency Indicator survey from the Institute for Building Efficiency drew more than 3,000 respondents from 10 countries, including 911 from Europe. The survey measures trends in energy priorities and practices among decision-makers responsible for energy use in buildings. Here are the key findings from European survey respondents:
Amid debate about European Union climate and energy targets to 2030, an Institute for Building Efficiency Roundtable explored how investments in building energy efficiency could support a sustainable economic recovery. Attendees agreed that energy renovations would be a core driver of energy security. They cited research showing that doubling the rate of building renovations could create some 2...
A workplace sustainability program will not get far without employees squarely on board. A look at research and the experiences of major companies reveals best practices for building an employee engagement program, putting it to work, and measuring success. An effective engagement program follows five basic steps:
By Clay Nesler As the U.S. green building movement enters its third decade, it is clear that the market has reached a tipping point. While the industry initially focused on new construction, more activity is now focused on existing buildings. The 2013 Energy Efficiency Indicator (EEI) research study of 500 facility management executives in the U.S.
Reliability ranks first in data center management – but it shouldn’t obscure the need to be energy efficient. Smart organizations can reduce energy-related operating costs and environmental impact while still maintaining zero-downtime data facilities.
An article in the September issue of Building Design + Construction magazine highlights a new book by well-known green building author Jerry Yudelson and co-author Ulf Meyer. The book profiles 55 high-performance buildings from around the world, including the Johnson Controls Corporate Headquarters in Glendale, Wis. and St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. One of the hardest parts of the...
Interest in green buildings – and green building rating tools – is a worldwide trend. From Australia’s GreenStar green building rating tool to Japan’s CASBEE rating system, building developers, designers, owners and operators are developing and managing a new class of efficient and environmentally friendly buildings. Individuals and organizations are using the latest...
Today, facility managers often operate buildings by responding to alarms and occupant complaints. Tomorrow (and increasingly today) they will manage continuously, improving occupant comfort and energy management strategically through automated, connected technologies.