Articles

Building Recommissioning: Tune-Up Opportunities Recommissioning helps ensure that buildings are operating optimally according to their current needs. As part of the recommissioning process, all elements of a building and its energy-using systems are examined. Specifically, the focus is on identifying tune-up opportunities in lighting, HVAC systems and the building envelope.   Lighting All lighting systems … Read more

Multifamily Energy Efficiency: The Low-Hanging Fruit Efficiency upgrades can save you money and enhance the value of your properties. However, big improvement projects often require a lot of time and significant upfront costs. Fortunately, there are a variety of “low-hanging fruit,” or energy-saving measures that can reduce your energy costs while fitting easily into your … Read more

Lighting Commissioning Focuses on System Performance Commissioning is a powerful tool for both new and existing buildings. It’s a process that verifies and documents a facility and its systems are designed, installed, tested and operated to meet the owner’s project requirements (OPR). While many commissioning agents are knowledgeable and experienced in building systems such as … Read more

Variable Frequency Drives Hit the Small Time There was a time when variable frequency drives (VFDs) were only used for large motors in industrial facilities. Now, with the increased sophistication and proliferation of these devices, they’re being used to save energy in water pumps, HVAC fans, conveyor motors and other variable torque applications. Are VFDs … Read more

When Should Soft Start Devices be Applied to Motors? When an induction motor starts, it often draws electric current that is much higher than the normal operating current—typically six to eight times higher. This peak inrush current can dim lights and trip breakers, causing delays and possibly affecting productivity. Reduced-voltage starters and variable frequency drives … Read more

Making Your Apartments Smarter It’s a connected world out there and you can help make your properties stand out. The Internet of Things is making our lives simpler, easier and more energy efficient. Here are just a few of the advanced technologies that will appeal to today’s tech-savvy and environmentally conscious renters.   Wi-Fi thermostats … Read more

Summer Energy Savings: 3 Cool Technologies Does the thought of summer cooling costs make you warm under the collar? If you need to upgrade your air conditioning system and you’re not sure what to do, the Federal Energy Management Program may have the answer through its list of promising technologies. Here are three innovative cooling … Read more

Upgrade Your Industrial Motors and Save Motors consume more than half of the electricity used nationwide. Premium efficiency motors are up to 10% more efficient than standard units and offer substantial benefits in energy savings and lower operating costs. Typically, upgrading to higher efficiency motors won’t have a negative impact on facility operations. In some … Read more

Lighting Design: 7 Free Tools You Can Use Custom lighting can help sell homes. Lighting design, which also plays a major role in the energy efficiency of a home, is now much more involved than just selecting a light fixture. Through strategic lighting design, you can transform plain living spaces into extraordinary ones. The following … Read more