It’s the time of year when thermostats and energy bills go up. When it comes to heat loss in buildings and offices, the most common culprit is windows. In many commercial buildings, a large portion of the surface is often windows, where heat loss can become a major issue with a
According to the US. Department of Energy- Buildings Data Book 2011, commercial buildings consume 18.2 quadrillion BTUs and spend over $179 billion per year meeting energy demands. Since 53% of commercial buildings have single-pane glass and these buildings experience a typical 20% to
As of December 2006, “approximately 25% of the General Services Administration’s (GSA’s) 1,600 buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places, and fully 50% are more than 50 years old. Similarly, 30% of the Department of Defense’s (DOD’s) 350,000 buildings are h
It’s election time again and like the previous election, there is no shortage of mudslinging, debates and promises. Regardless of your political beliefs, one thing that most consumers and business would agree on is the need to reduce the cost of energy–from gasoline to hom
With areas on the East Coast reeling from the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, it becomes more and more apparent that hurricane protection is becoming a national priority. The devastation to urban areas and sprawling cities hit by these tropical storms can take years to repair and st
Many business and commercial buildings in the U.S. are to blame for the majority of our energy consumption and carbon footprint on the environment. But as governmental regulations get tighter, many builders, architects, planners and building owners struggle to keep up. This infographi
A new study released by the California Manufacturers and Technology Association suggests that the costs associated with the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32) may be much higher than previous estimates. The study concluded, “that the average California family will
When it comes to large capital investments like building upgrades (HVAC, roofing, windows, etc.) it’s important to consider the return on energy investment, i.e. how long will it take to recoup the investment and how much will this investment save in energy costs. One of the bes
When it comes to energy efficiency in commercial buildings, a common phrase used is “sealing the building envelope”–essentially minimizing the potential for energy loss from the building. Sealing the building envelope is important for two primary reasons: First, it
In a time when energy demands to cool buildings and residences during a summer with record heat and drought, energy and utility infrastructures are being pushed to the breaking point–most recently in India, where a blackout earlier this week left 670 million without power for tw