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 | Sep 26, 2019
San Jose’s new building energy code is the most stringent among large cities
New regulations aim to make zero-emission electric buildings the norm.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2019
Building support for climate action depends on linking it to health, economic benefits
USGBC report finds most people don’t think environmental problems significant enough to prioritize action.
Codes and Standards | Sep 20, 2019
OSHA has a new chief for its construction directorate
Former Army medical staffer Scott Ketcham has extensive OSHA experience.
Codes and Standards | Sep 20, 2019
American Wood Council updates free Connection Calculator
Tool includes cross-laminated timber connection provisions and post-frame ring shank nails.
Codes and Standards | Sep 19, 2019
Virtual reconnaissance of Bahamas finds some structures performed well during Dorian
Amid devastation, lives likely saved by resilient buildings.
Codes and Standards | Sep 19, 2019
Obama-era Waters of the U.S. rule revoked
New rule expected to define protected waterways more narrowly.
Codes and Standards | Sep 17, 2019
California will enact rent cap bill limiting rent increases to 5% plus inflation
Applies to apartments built at least 15 years ago.
Codes and Standards | Sep 17, 2019
Zero energy buildings can be constructed with no added upfront cost
ROI can be realized in as little as one year.
Codes and Standards | Sep 13, 2019
Researchers use U. of Arkansas buildings as testbed for CLT panels
Investigation could influence future use of the materials.
Codes and Standards | Sep 13, 2019
At least 30 U.S. cities have adopted stricter building energy codes since 2017
Some followed their states in implementing more robust standards.