Welcome to Our New Blog!

Author Archive

Don’t Defer Equipment Maintenance

Posted by

Third part of a five part series on Ways to Green Your Energy Profile WITHOUT Increasing Cost.

When budgets are constrained, it is tempting to put off much needed maintenance and repairs of your energy infrastructure, hoping you can squeeze a little more time out of old systems.  But deferred maintenance is a gamble that is likely to cost you more in the long run, and poorly maintained systems use more energy and create more harmful emissions than equipment performing at peak levels.  Through an energy audit you may find that you do not need costly new systems.  Sometimes…
Continue reading >>

Read More

Developing Sustainability Solutions for Public Housing Communities

Posted by

This past month, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) launched the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities (OSHC), a new program office to help create strong, sustainable housing communities.  This effort supports the Obama Administration’s Partnership for Sustainable Communities. 

During the upcoming month, the OSHC plans to reach out to communities and interested parties to get their feedback on planning for greener living and a clean energy economy.  You can also visit the Wiki that has been established to encourage feedback from the communities…
Continue reading >>

Read More

Top Five Energy Efficiency Strategies for Buildings – Part 5

Posted by

Fifth part of a five part series on the Top Energy Efficiency Strategies

5.  Building Insulation and Exterior

The outer envelope of a building is a critical factor in maintaining energy-efficiency measures, because of the role it plays in regulating the indoor environment. While a newly constructed building is most efficient, there are ways to maintain the integrity of the building envelope for older properties. Focusing on doors and windows is a good first step. Make sure


Continue reading >>

Read More

Top Five Energy Efficiency Strategies for Buildings – Part 4

Posted by

Fourth part of a five part series on the Top Energy Efficiency Strategies

4.  Water Systems
Remember that a water leak is also an energy leak. Periodic maintenance on hot water systems can keep them operating efficiently. The burners of gas or oil-fired hot water heaters should also be tested annually.

 Many buildings can also invest in innovative technologies such as low-flow water faucets which


Continue reading >>

Read More

Top Five Energy Efficiency Strategies for Buildings – Part 3

Posted by

Third part of a five part series on the Top Energy Efficiency Strategies

In addition to CFLs, there are other ways to reduce energy use caused by lighting. Energy Star, a joint program between the EPA and the DOE, reports that lighting consumes 25%–30% of energy in commercial buildings, and is a primary source of heat gain and waste heat.

Both small measures and complete upgrades are a relatively low-risk investment for profitable savings.

Some simple measures are installing occupancy sensors for offices, and motion sensors or time clocks on exterior parking lots and security…
Continue reading >>

Read More

Top 5 Energy Efficiency Strategies for Buildings: Part 2

Posted by

Second part of a five part series on the Top Energy Efficiency Strategies

2.  Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL)
It doesn’t get much easier than changing a light bulb. If you aren’t currently using compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in your property, consider making the switch. Just be sure to dispose of them properly.

Each CFL saves approximately 330 kilowatt hours over its life, translating to the reduction of about 400 pounds of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. In addition to the lighting…
Continue reading >>

Read More
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »