Implementing best practices in operations can significantly improve building efficiency. Today’s technologies create unprecedented energy data for analysis and action. The performance of building systems, operational changes and maintenance efforts can be tracked over time. These technology tools will be transformative if we continue to evolve our energy management practices, review the data, build our plans and act on new information. The goal? Bringing people and technology together to improve building performance.
Buildings, such as the Bullitt Center, not only utilize renewable energy, but are designed to consume less energy overall. (Photo: Brad Kahn/ Flickr)
Google recently released Project Sunroof—an interactive online tool that allows building owners to estimate how much money they can save by installing solar panels on their roofs.
Webinar: Full System Accounting of Energy Efficiency in Buildings
Encouraging energy efficient behavior in buildings is best accomplished when managers respect local culture.
With the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit coming up this weekend, cities are looking to play a much larger role in achieving the UN’s sustainable development goals.
To meet its emission goals, China should begin to reevaluate building efficiency with new technology and better financing. (Photo: Alexander Savin / Flickr)
China made international news earlier this summer when it announced a new pledge to peak its emissions by 2030, in addition to other climate commitments.
Solar panels in Mexico City. Photo Credit: EMBARQ México
City leaders worldwide are increasingly prioritizing energy efficiency, given the growing global demand for energy and the pressing need for climate adaptation.
Some cities—like Jakarta, Indonesia—are innovatively utilizing building benchmarking programs to promote energy savings. (Photo: Stefan Magdalinski /Flickr)
The U.S.
It can often be difficult for residents–like those of Wuxi, China–to know how their homes perform compared to similar homes. Benchmarking fills this knowledge gap, helping the city improve building performance. Photo by Mr Thinktank / Flickr.