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
| May 31, 2012
USGBC testing Minnesota buildings to see if they are living up to LEED standards
The Minnesota chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has teamed up with EnergyPrint, a St. Paul, Minn. energy consulting firm, to study the energy and water use of more than 150 buildings in the state that have LEED certification.
| May 29, 2012
Reconstruction Awards Entry Information
Download a PDF of the Entry Information at the bottom of this page.
| May 25, 2012
Major retail chains welcome LEED Volume option
Large national chains such as Starbucks, Marriott, Verizon, and Kohl’s are welcoming the LEED Volume Program that enables them to batch certify similar projects.
| May 25, 2012
Alaska’s okay of gravel aggregate with naturally occurring asbestos opens up development
Some long-delayed projects in the Upper Kobuk region of Alaska may now move forward thanks to legislation that allows construction in areas that have naturally occurring asbestos.
| May 25, 2012
Las Vegas building codes may thwart innovative shipping container development
A developer wants to build a commercial development out of steel shipping containers in Las Vegas, but city codes would have to be altered or the project would have to obtain waivers for it to receive the city’s go-ahead.
| May 25, 2012
Collapse of Brooklyn building that killed worker blamed on improperly braced frame
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited SP&K Construction with 11 safety violations, for which it could face more than $77,000 in fines.
| May 25, 2012
Study: Safety inspections don’t hurt the bottom line
A new study suggests that random safety inspections by regulators help reduce injury claims without hurting profits.
| May 24, 2012
2012 Reconstruction Awards Entry Form
Download a PDF of the Entry Form at the bottom of this page.