The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently issued the most comprehensive look yet at the built environment’s role in economic recovery, highlighting six specific policy steps that will generate jobs and help grow the American economy. The policy document, “The Built Environment’s Role in the Recovery,” was recently delivered to the White House and to [...]

ENERGY CODES Commercial building energy codes vary by state and even local jurisdiction. Despite convergence in the major energy standards—ASHRAE’s 90.1 and ICC’s International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)—the nation is a patchwork of codes, some based on 90.1 (1989, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2007), with or without amendments; some based on IECC (2003, 2006, 2009), with [...]

A new standard for the design of high-performance green buildings is set to revolutionize the building industry. Published by ASHRAE in conjunction with IES and the U.S. Green Building Council, Standard 189.1, Standard for the Design of High-Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, is the first code-intended commercial green building standard in the United [...]

NEMA’s Lighting Systems Index (LSI) increased 3.3% on a quarter-to-quarter basis during the third quarter of 2009. This marks the LSI’s first increase in nine quarters. Nonetheless, the index is only one quarter removed from its lowest reading on record and declined 19.3% on a year-over-year basis. After adjusting for seasonal influences and inflation, emergency [...]

Philips recently announced a commercial energy audit and lighting upgrade program aimed at replacing inefficient lighting systems currently found in 85% of existing buildings. A key element to the program, being led by the Philips Lightolier Energy Services Group, is a guarantee that the energy audit will deliver measurable energy cost reduction, defined projected return [...]

Guest post by Jim Brodrick, reprinted with permission from Postings: from the desk of Jim Brodrick Life is good this week on the West Coast. I’m in Vancouver, Washington for the second Department of Energy (DOE) SSL Manufacturing Workshop. The weather is supposed to be beautiful — 75-80 degrees. After the waterlogged last couple of [...]

The stimulus package, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, focuses on economic stimulus through both tax credits and public-sector spending, with a heavy focus on infrastructure and energy. Here’s an interesting development I had missed at first glance through it: The Department of Energy is offering $16.8 billion to the states for a variety of [...]