Tag: energy efficiency

Building a Sustainable Future: The Power of FM in Environmental Responsibility

By Charlie Green, Comparesoft Oct 9, 2023 Building Controls

Updated: Oct 17, 2023

In today’s dynamic business environment, sustainability has transcended its status as a mere buzzword to become a crucial imperative. The mounting global environmental challenges call for a fundamental shift toward sustainable practices within the business sector. The consequences of overlooking sustainability are far-reaching, affecting not only ecological equilibrium but also the long-term viability and profitability […]

U.S. Green Building Council Launches Draft Version of New LEED Certification

By Joe Bebon, Editor Sep 28, 2023 Green Building

Updated: Sep 28, 2023

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) introduced a draft of its LEED v5 Operations and Maintenance (O+M) rating system for existing buildings. Buildings are responsible for around 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions, with 28% stemming from operational emissions, which include energy needed to heat, cool, and power them. LEED v5 is the newest version of LEED (Leadership in Energy and […]

DOE Offering $400M for States to Update Building Energy Codes

By Joe Bebon, Editor Sep 21, 2023 Design and Construction

Updated: Sep 21, 2023

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released program guidance and opened applications for $400 million in formula funding to states and territories for adopting and implementing building energy codes that reduce utility bills, increase efficiency, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and make buildings more resilient to climate disasters. “A transition to a clean energy economy […]

EPA Names Top Green Power Partners of 2023

By Joe Bebon, Editor Sep 21, 2023 Energy Management and Lighting

Updated: Sep 21, 2023

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Green Power Leadership Award Winners for 2023, honoring five leading U.S. organizations in the agency’s Green Power Partnership program. This year’s awardees are Elevance Health, Hormel Foods, Palo Alto Networks, The Home Depot, and Truckee Meadows Community College. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said, “Use of clean, […]

D.C. Convention Center Earns LEED Green Building Certification

By Joe Bebon, Editor Sep 20, 2023 Building Controls

Updated: Sep 20, 2023

The Walter E. Washington Convention Center, a 2.3 million square-foot facility in Washington, D.C., has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The convention center achieved LEED v4.1 Operations and Maintenance: Existing Buildings Gold certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in […]

An Actionable Plan to Achieve Net Zero

By Dan Arant, Brightly Sep 19, 2023 Design and Construction

Updated: Sep 19, 2023

How do we achieve net zero? This is a key question that facilities managers and other stakeholders are increasingly being required to ask themselves. The world is evolving, and a central piece in this evolution is the shift toward net-zero carbon emissions. This is a marked shift from 10 years ago, when the focus was […]

Texas Instruments’ New Semiconductor Factory Achieves LEED Gold v4 Certification

By Joe Bebon, Editor Sep 8, 2023 Design and Construction

Updated: Sep 8, 2023

Texas Instruments (TI) announced its new semiconductor wafer fabrication plant in Richardson, Texas, called RFAB2, achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification under version 4 (v4). According to the company, this designation makes RFAB2 the first wafer fab in the United States and the fourth in the world to achieve this more […]

College Boiler Plant Project Builds on Campus-Wide Energy Upgrades

By Joe Bebon, Editor Sep 1, 2023 Building Controls

Updated: Sep 1, 2023

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has partnered with the City University of New York (CUNY) to implement a boiler plant upgrade at Bronx Community College that will improve the reliability of the campus’ heating system. The improvements directly support BuildSmart2025, a statewide energy efficiency program administered by NYPA, aimed at reducing energy usage in […]

4 Values to Look for When Working with Green Construction Companies

By Chester Avey, Contributing Writer Aug 23, 2023 Design and Construction

Updated: Aug 23, 2023

Sustainable construction practices are becoming increasingly important as we work to combat climate change and build healthier spaces to live and work in. “Green construction” refers to the use of processes and materials that are environmentally responsible and resource efficient throughout the life cycle of a building project. As green building continues to grow in […]

Top Trends in Healthy Buildings: A Guide for Facilities Managers

By Joe Bebon, Editor Aug 14, 2023 Building Controls

Updated: Aug 16, 2023

In the ever-evolving world of facilities management, there is a bigger emphasis on promoting the health and well-being of building occupants. Healthy buildings go beyond energy efficiency and sustainability; they prioritize factors that directly impact the health, productivity, and comfort of those inside. From optimizing air quality to meeting industry standards, facilities managers should consider […]