HORIZONTV FEATURING BD+C: WATCH EPISODES ON DEMAND AT HORIZONTV

𝕏

Currently Reading

DOE launches database on energy performance of 60,000 buildings

DOE launches database on energy performance of 60,000 buildings

The free Buildings Performance Database includes both commercial and residential buildings

By BD+C Staff | June 17, 2013

Continue Reading

The Energy Department today launched a new Buildings Performance Database, the largest free, publicly available database of residential and commercial building energy performance information. Currently, commercial and residential buildings account for approximately 70% of the electricity consumption in the nation. The database strengthens the Department's commitment to provide U.S. industry, state and local governments, and researchers with innovative energy data tools that can help cut energy waste and save money.

This database will allow users to access energy performance data and perform statistical analyses on more than 60,000 commercial and residential buildings across the country, and new records are being added regularly. The database includes buildings' location; age; size and function; electricity and fuel consumption; equipment information and operational characteristics. The data can also be used to compare performance trends among similar buildings, identify and prioritize cost-saving energy efficiency improvements, and assess the range of likely savings from these improvements. An application programming interface (API) will allow external software developers to incorporate analytical results from the database into their own tools and services.

The database tools have been designed to meet the content and usability needs of public agencies, building owners and managers, contractors, energy efficiency program administrators, and financial institutions, with over 1,000 users testing the site since March 2013. The Department hopes that public and private stakeholders will continue to submit data and expand the resource. All data is made anonymous and protected by stringent privacy and security protocols.

The Buildings Performance Database was developed for the Department's Building Technologies Office by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Building Energy Inc. The Department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) accelerates development and facilitates deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and market-based solutions that strengthen U.S. energy security, environmental quality, and economic vitality.

Tags

Related Stories

Energy Trust of Oregon offers financial incentives for net-zero buildings

Codes and Standards | Mar 12, 2015

Energy Trust of Oregon offers financial incentives for net-zero buildings

The organization is offering technical assistance along with financial benefits.

Google plans to use robots, cranes to manipulate modular offices at its new HQ

BIM and Information Technology | Mar 11, 2015

Google plans to use robots, cranes to manipulate modular offices at its new HQ

Its visions of “crabots” accentuate the search-engine giant’s recent fascination with robotics and automation.

Foster + Partners wins bid for 2022 World Cup centerpiece stadium in Qatar

Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 11, 2015

Foster + Partners wins bid for 2022 World Cup centerpiece stadium in Qatar

Norman Foster described the design as “an exciting step forward in stadium design—it will be the first to break the mold of the free-standing suburban concept, and instead anticipates the grid of this future city.”

German architect Frei Otto named 2015 Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate

Architects | Mar 10, 2015

German architect Frei Otto named 2015 Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate

The news comes a day after the visionary architect, 89, died in his native Germany.

A 57-floor Chinese skyscraper was completed in 19 days

Modular Building | Mar 10, 2015

Must see: 57-story modular skyscraper was completed in 19 days

After erecting the mega prefab tower in Changsha, China, modular builder BSB stated, “three floors in a day is China’s new normal.”

Sponsored | Metals | Mar 10, 2015

Metal Building Systems: A Rising Star in the Market

A new report by the Metal Building Manufacturer's Association explains the entity's efforts in refining and extending metal building systems as a construction choice.

Retrofit projects give dying malls new purpose

Retail Centers | Mar 10, 2015

Retrofit projects give dying malls new purpose

Approximately one-third of the country’s 1,200 enclosed malls are dead or dying. The good news is that a sizable portion of that building stock is being repurposed.

Orlando's Skyscraper to be the world's tallest coaster

Retail Centers | Mar 10, 2015

Orlando's Skyscraper to be world's tallest roller coaster

The Skyscraper is expected to begin construction later this year, and open in 2016. It will stand at 570 feet.

Architecture based on “astronomical principles” for new planetarium in Shanghai

Museums | Mar 9, 2015

Architecture based on astronomy principles for new planetarium in Shanghai

The ancient Chinese civilization left some of the earliest records of humans studying the stars and skies. To exhibit this long history, a new planetarium and astronomy museum is planned for construction in Shanghai.

Study finds out why most people like high ceilings

Architects | Mar 9, 2015

Study explores why high ceilings are popular

High ceilings give us a sense of freedom, new research finds

Top Articles

Products and Materials

Top building products for September 2024

Higher Education

Studio Gang turns tobacco warehouse into the new home of the University of Kentucky’s College of Design

Warehouses

California bill would limit where distribution centers can be built

More In Category

Higher Education

Studio Gang turns tobacco warehouse into the new home of the University of Kentucky’s College of Design

Studio Gang has completed the Gray Design Building, the new home of the University of Kentucky’s College of Design. In partnership with K. Norman Berry Associates Architects, Studio Gang has turned a former tobacco warehouse into a contemporary facility for interdisciplinary learning and collaboration.

Warehouses

California bill would limit where distribution centers can be built

A bill that passed the California legislature would limit where distribution centers can be located and impose other rules aimed at reducing air pollution and traffic. Assembly Bill 98 would tighten building standards for new warehouses and ban heavy diesel truck traffic next to sensitive sites including homes, schools, parks and nursing homes.

Laboratories

Traditional lab design doesn't address neurodiverse needs, study finds

A study conducted by ARC, HOK, and the University of the West of Scotland, has revealed that half (48.1%) of all survey respondents who work in laboratory settings identify as neurodivergent.

Laboratories

BSL conversions: A cost-efficient method to support high-containment research

Some institutions are creating flexible lab spaces that can operate at a BSL-2 and modulate up to a BSL-3 when the need arises. Here are key aspects to consider when accommodating a rapid modulation between BSL-2 and BSL-3 space.

Most Popular Content