The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool has been updated to factor in the costs and benefits of waste management.
Users can already track energy, water, and greenhouse gas data with the tool. The new feature measures 29 types of waste including building materials, plastic, glass, paper, and other rubbish.
More than 450,000 commercial buildings in the U.S. use the tool, or about 45% of the nation's commercial space. The EPA says that commercial buildings and manufacturing operations make up about 45% of the 150 million tons of waste generated in the U.S. every year.
Related Stories
AEC Tech | Jan 24, 2024
4 ways AEC firms can benefit from digital transformation
While going digital might seem like a playground solely for industry giants, the truth is that any company can benefit from the power of technology.
AEC Tech | Jan 8, 2024
What's driving the surge of digital transformation in AEC today?
For centuries, the AEC industry has clung to traditional methods and legacy processes—seated patterns that have bred resistance to change. This has made the adoption of new technologies a slow and hesitant process.
Digital Twin | Jul 31, 2023
Creating the foundation for a Digital Twin
Aligning the BIM model with the owner’s asset management system is the crucial first step in creating a Digital Twin. By following these guidelines, organizations can harness the power of Digital Twins to optimize facility management, maintenance planning, and decision-making throughout the building’s lifecycle.
Digital Twin | Jul 17, 2023
Unlocking the power of digital twins: Maximizing success with OKRs
To effectively capitalize on digital twin technology, owners can align their efforts using objectives and key results (OKRs).
Office Buildings | Jun 5, 2023
Office design in the era of Gen Z, AI, and the metaverse
HOK workplace and interior design experts Kay Sargent and Tom Polucci share how the hybrid office is evolving in the era of artificial intelligence, Gen Z, and the metaverse.
AEC Tech | May 9, 2023
4 insights on building product manufacturers getting ‘smart’
Overall, half of building product manufacturers plan to invest in one or more areas of technology in the next three years.
BIM and Information Technology | May 8, 2023
BIM Council seeks public comments on BIM Standard-US Version 4
The Building Information Management (BIM) Council is seeking public comment on an updated national BIM standard. NBIMS-US V4 has been three years in the making and is scheduled to be released this fall.
Digital Twin | May 8, 2023
What AEC professionals should know about digital twins
A growing number of AEC firms and building owners are finding value in implementing digital twins to unify design, construction, and operational data.
BIM and Information Technology | May 8, 2023
3 ways computational tools empower better decision-making
NBBJ explores three opportunities for the use of computational tools in urban planning projects.
Sustainability | May 1, 2023
Increased focus on sustainability is good for business and attracting employees
A recent study, 2023 State of Design & Make by software developer Autodesk, contains some interesting takeaways for the design and construction industry. Respondents to a survey of industry leaders from the architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, and entertainment spheres strongly support the idea that improving their organization’s sustainability practices is good for business.