The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently released the Energy Data Management Guide, which provides public-sector organizations with a seven-step approach to establish a “robust and sustainable” energy data management program.
The guide features proven practices from more than 30 Better Buildings Challenge partners that can be replicated. The partners and organizations featured represent a variety of sizes, staff, financial resources, and geographic areas. The examples include:
· Aurora, Colo., Public Schools improved energy performance by 14% from 2014 to 2019, avoiding over $1 million in utility costs from 2014 to 2017 through retrofits, improving scheduling, and monitoring after-hours energy consumption.
· Houston, Texas reduced energy consumption by 15% from 2008 to 2019 by installing more efficient mechanical equipment and implementing lighting retrofits. It recovered $215,000 from inaccurate utility tariff rates by working with a consultant to audit historical consumption information.
· Maryland achieved a 25% cumulative energy reduction from 2008 to 2019 through measures such as lighting retrofits, facility management controls, and mechanical system improvements. It saved $5.65 million in 2019 by implementing a block and index electricity purchasing strategy.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2021
Biden Administration will make new investments in building energy efficiency
Focus on grid-interactive buildings; Energy Star expansion; new targets for energy, water reduction.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2021
Solar panel trade group issues guidelines to rid use of components built with forced labor
Growing concern that PV industry is dependent on work camps in China.
Codes and Standards | May 19, 2021
Smart electric panels can aid transition to renewable energy
Allow customers better control of circuits; utilities can better manage demand.
Codes and Standards | May 18, 2021
Cross-laminated timber performs better than expected in shear test
Tests conducted in support of new criteria for design of CLT diaphragm.
Codes and Standards | May 17, 2021
Latest Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices criticized for not considering bikes, pedestrians
More than a dozen advocacy groups want feds to start over.
Codes and Standards | May 13, 2021
LEED-certified federal buildings don’t use less energy than average
May be due to trade-offs on how score is developed.
Codes and Standards | May 12, 2021
White paper examines how to reduce pathogen transmission in ventilation
Pressure barriers and airflow distribution can be effective in existing buildings.
Codes and Standards | May 11, 2021
Pressure builds on White House to rein in cost of lumber
Spike in prices has added nearly $36,000 to price of average new home.
Codes and Standards | May 11, 2021
Residential codes should be upgraded to protect from cooking pollutants
Report examines ventilation standards, calls for increased public awareness of issue.
Codes and Standards | May 6, 2021
Blue roofs can provide relief to overwhelmed stormwater systems
Benefits most evident in industrial commercial areas.