Energy + Environment

  In LEED v5, lighting environment is a key focus, with options for reducing glare and improving daylight access, and a new “Lighting Environment” credit. This credit allows projects to earn points by implementing strategies like reducing solar glare, minimizing artificial light glare, and maximizing daylight access. Additionally, the new “Connecting with Nature” credit, which was previously a [...]

More utilities are offering rebates focused on replacing older LED lighting with newer, more efficient models. Early adopters of LED lighting from a decade ago are now finding it necessary to upgrade due to advancements in LED technology and the aging of their initial installations. Improvements in LED Technology LED technology has significantly advanced over [...]

  The integration of bird-friendly measures into the widely recognized Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system is both progress and controversial in protecting avian species from building-related threats. LEED, managed by the U.S. Green Building Council, has been a global standard for sustainable architecture since 1998, with more than 100,000 certified properties [...]

  The DesignLights Consortium (DLC) has introduced a new toolkit aimed at enhancing energy savings in commercial buildings by promoting the integration of networked lighting controls (NLC) with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This resource addresses a significant opportunity for energy conservation, as research indicates that integrating lighting controls with HVAC can reduce [...]

The core mission of achieving energy savings remains central to the relationship between institutional and commercial facilities and Energy Service Companies (ESCOs). However, facilities are constantly evolving due to various factors like maintenance issues, climate change, and occupancy shifts. While ESCOs have existed for around 40 years, the industry continues to adapt to meet these [...]

  Brazil is reconsidering its decision to eliminate daylight saving time (DST) due to climate change-related energy challenges. In 2019, former President Jair Bolsonaro ended the practice, promising a “permanent” solution to clock confusion. However, recent energy emergencies and the prospect of more to come have prompted a reevaluation of this decision. The elimination of [...]

New York City’s efforts to promote greener buildings are yielding significant results, particularly among large buildings over 25,000 square feet. According to recent research by the Urban Green Council, these buildings have shown consistent decreases in energy use for five consecutive years. The analysis of the city’s 2023 water and energy use data reveals impressive [...]

  Ten states and Canada have passed laws banning most fluorescent lamps from being sold. The effective date (start date) for many of these fluorescent bans is January 1, 2025, in just a couple days. These states include: California: CFL pin-base & linear fluorescent effective 1/1/25. CFL screw-base already active. Colorado: CFL screw-base, CFL pin-base, [...]

The Smart Surfaces Coalition has launched a peer learning network to help cities increase climate resilience through “smart surfaces” infrastructure. This initiative, announced on Monday, aims to connect city staff and provide them with valuable resources to implement climate-resilient solutions. Smart surfaces, as defined by the coalition, include reflective, porous, and green urban surfaces, as [...]