Harnessing the Power of RCx: Lessons Learned
3 min read Retro-commissioning, often abbreviated as RCx, involves optimizing existing building systems to improve their performance and efficiency. It’s a process that typically includes evaluating HVAC systems, lighting, and other building systems to ensure they’re operating as intended. However, many building owners, engineers, and operators, avoid taking on RCx projects because they think they are of limited…
Benchmarking and Data Verification: A Comprehensive Guide
5 min read What is Benchmarking? Benchmarking is a process of comparing the energy performance of buildings, facilities, or processes against industry standards. It involves measuring and analyzing energy usage data to assess the efficiency of energy consumption and identify opportunities for improvement. Why is Benchmarking Becoming More Popular? Energy benchmarking is becoming increasingly important in the United…
Embracing ESG Reporting: A Blueprint for Sustainable Success
4 min read Increasing Importance of ESG Reporting The adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting is emerging as a key driver of success for any organization operating in the global market today. A strong ESG strategy offers a multitude of benefits to companies committed to sustainability far beyond publishing an annual report. From regulatory compliance to…
Creating Sustainable Communities: The Power of ENERGY STAR in Multi-Family New Construction
3 min read According to a 2019 survey conducted by the American Housing Survey and the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 43.9 million residences, or 31.4% of housing in the U.S. today, are multifamily. These spaces include apartment buildings, condominiums, townhouses, and mixed-use developments. Hence, it’s imperative that we find sustainable solutions to reduce our carbon footprint for multi-family…
Assessing Naturally Conditioned Spaces: Is it Feasible, Comfortable, and Sustainable?
6 min read Natural ventilation not only has the perk of being free, but it also has the potential to improve occupant health and performance. Natural ventilation systems are an effective strategy to reduce energy consumption and meet strict energy goals. In this blog, we discuss how naturally conditioned spaces are assessed for comfort and how they played…
LEED v5: Key Updates Explained
5 min read At the 2023 Greenbuild Conference, LEED v5, the long-awaited successor to LEED v4 and v4.1 was announced as being released in beta form. From what the USGBC has announced regarding LEED v5, there is a major shift in the rating system and how it will be approached moving forward. The shift represents the largest structural…
Common Mistakes Made in Benchmarking: Avoiding the Pitfalls
5 min read If you read our blog, Shoot for the “Stars”, you now know how to set up a profile in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. While it seems very straightforward initially, we have seen an array of mistakes people make while benchmarking their property. Making mistakes during this benchmarking process can compromise the accuracy of the results,…
Save Energy During Federal Holidays!
3 min read As we confront the pressing challenge of reducing energy consumption and combating climate change, it is crucial to explore all avenues for conserving energy. One often overlooked strategy is the incorporation of a federal holiday schedule into our energy management plans. Federal holidays offer a unique opportunity to optimize energy consumption, decrease our carbon footprint,…
Uncle Sam Wants to Help YOU Afford Sustainable Building Technology!
6 min read Whether designing new buildings or renovating existing ones, building owners focused on reducing cost frequently push architects and engineers to place energy efficiency and renewable energy on the chopping block in favor of other desirable features. From private developers to property management companies and institutional portfolio operators, building projects facing a fixed budget often have…
3, 2, 1… Liftoff: Kickstart Your ESG Program in 6 Key Steps
5 min read In a rapidly changing business landscape, the concept of sustainability is no longer a buzzword but a fundamental pillar of success. ESG – Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is still a buzzword and is widely used. Companies worldwide are recognizing the importance of ESG practices as a means to be mindful of the impact on…
Chicken Soup for Your Energy Blues – Facility Diagnostics Service
< 1 min read Property managers and building engineers rarely get credit for averted catastrophes, much less ones that you can put a significant price on. After all, you can’t measure something that didn’t happen. DC’s building energy performance standards (BEPS) change all that because underperforming properties face penalties of up to $10 per square foot if they do…
Washington DC’s Clean Energy 2.0 Plan: A Leap Towards a Sustainable Future
2 min read The District of Columbia is reconfirming and updating its commitment to sustainability with the release of a draft of its ambitious Clean Energy 2.0 plan. This initiative, reinforced by the Climate Commitment Act of 2022, is a testament to the District’s dedication to combating climate change and aligning with the Paris Agreement. I had the…
