A new approach to energy efficiency uses high tech tools to make many small adjustments rather than more costly tactics such as replacing big ticket items like windows and cooling equipment.
Startups including Carbon Lighthouse and Redaptive are using data collection and machine learning to make a building’s mechanical and electrical infrastructure use power more efficiently. Carbon Lighthouse has helped Tesla cut electricity use at the electric vehicle maker's headquarters by using sensors, data collection, software algorithms, and technical analysis.
Carbon Lighthouse engineers focused on two large cooling towers, two chillers, and some pumps at Tesla headquarters. They found an error in how two systems were communicating with each other.
They then figured out a way to run the three systems using less energy but producing the same amount of cooling. Commercial properties account for about one-third of U.S. power consumption, so reducing their usage—even in relatively small ways—on a large scale could significantly cut the nation’s power usage and carbon footprint.
Related Stories
| Jan 2, 2015
Standards groups join forces to spur more sustainable parking facility design
The International Parking Institute, Green Parking Council, and Green Building Certification Institute have joined forces to promote the design of more sustainable parking facilities.
| Dec 23, 2014
EPA okays coal ash recycling in construction materials
The Environmental Protection Agency ruled that the use of coal ash produced in power plants can continue to be incorporated into construction materials.
| Dec 23, 2014
Dunkin’ Donuts launches green building certification for its restaurants
Dunkin Donuts has launched a green building certification program to help franchisees build sustainable, energy-efficient restaurants.
| Dec 23, 2014
EPA releases WaterSense draft specification for flushometer-valve toilets
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program has released a draft specification for water-efficient flushometer-valve toilets.
| Dec 23, 2014
American Iron and Steel Institute publishes design guide for new profiled steel diaphragm panels standard
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) published AISI D310-14, “Design Examples for the Design of Profiled Steel Diaphragm Panels Based on AISI S310-13.”
| Dec 18, 2014
New federal regulations impact construction firms doing business with Uncle Sam
Federal contractors may be subject to several new rules in 2015 that impact how they are selected for contracts and how they do business with the federal government.
| Dec 18, 2014
ASHRAE/IES energy standard could become more applicable for global use
A proposed addendum to ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2013, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings would make the standard more applicable for use around the world.
| Dec 18, 2014
Boston testing mobile building permit tracking app
The app called Permit Finder could free city employees from having to respond to the 30 to 40 permit status-related calls they receive each week.
| Dec 18, 2014
Deal on 2015 budget slashes most federal construction spending
The $1.1 trillion funding bill for fiscal year 2015 approved by Congress makes deep cuts in some construction programs, but the General Services Administration suffered just a short haircut by comparison.
| Dec 11, 2014
Mayor backs reform of Pittsburgh inspection, permitting practices
The proposal, among other things, would impose a rental registration program and fee targeted at keeping better track of problem landlords.