Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Supported by a landmark commitment from Johns Hopkins University, a brand-new solar facility is now up and running, providing the university with two-thirds of its annual electricity use from clean power. With this agreement—one of the most substantial clean energy pledges by any higher education institution in the U.S.—Johns Hopkins achieved its goal to cut greenhouse gas […]
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and U.S. airports have launched an Airport Climate Challenge to help achieve the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Airports can take advantage of several FAA funding programs to meet this goal, including grants for low- or zero-emissions vehicles, renewable energy production, energy assessments […]
Major retailer Target Corp. announced its most sustainable store to date, as the site will generate more renewable energy than it needs annually to operate and will test multiple innovations to reduce the building’s emissions. The Vista, Calif., store’s retrofit and new features will inform Target’s investments in new stores and remodel programs that support its […]
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced the ranking of its annual Top 10 States for LEED, with Illinois once again topping the list and demonstrating leadership in green building. Illinois certified 3.16 square feet of building space per person under LEED in 2021. LEED is the world’s most widely used green building program and was created by […]
By covering their roofs with solar panels, America’s big-box retail and grocery stores could generate enough clean electricity to power more than 7.9 million U.S. homes, according to a new report from Environment America Research & Policy Center and Frontier Group. The report, titled “Solar on Superstores: Big Roofs, Big Potential for Renewable Energy” also shows that […]
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $13 million in funding for 17 projects to implement energy and water efficiency, renewable energy, and climate resilience technologies at federal facilities across the country. According to the DOE, the projects will use energy performance contracts at no additional up-front cost to the government and will lower energy […]
The future of construction revolves around sustainability and long-lasting materials. This prevents waste and allows for the reuse of materials. In general, construction is extremely damaging to the environment, with the construction industry contributing to over 50% of landfill waste. It is important to work with your climate to build a sustainable facility that features […]
Distributed energy resources (DER), including electric vehicle (EV) chargers, rooftop solar PV, and battery energy storage, are rapidly expanding in commercial buildings, according to a report from Guidehouse Insights. The report forecasts global spending on DER in commercial buildings to reach $17.6 billionin 2021, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% to […]
So, you’re facing the relatively high cost of replacing or restoring your facility’s aging roof. Is there any way a solar project could help with the cost? The answer is most certainly yes! Like countless businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations across the country, you may have already taken specific steps to attain better energy efficiency […]
Returning to the office is causing a growing rift between workers and managers, according to a new report from NEXT Energy Technologies Inc. The report shows most employees (74%) are willing to leave their jobs if existential issues like health and sustainability are not adequately addressed in the workplace. NEXT says it surveyed more than 450 […]