The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) sets the minimum energy efficiency standards for commercial and residential buildings. No matter what town or city you are in, it likely enforces a version of the IECC—most cities and states adopt the IECC as is, or a version that is based on the code. This means updates to … Continued
The number, frequency, and intensity of disasters affecting U.S. cities is growing. From floods and fires to sub-zero cold snaps and extreme heat, it seems like every week we are provided with another example of why communities need more tools to ensure they are more resilient, prepared for weather-related disruptions, and can quickly recover. The … Continued
Improving the efficiency of new and existing buildings is a crucial strategy for cities and states that are charting a path to decrease carbon emissions and meet ambitious climate goals. But what about the materials that are being used to construct and retrofit buildings? Fabricating the materials that comprise buildings—like concrete, steel, and windows—also releases … Continued
Six strategies for landlords and tenants to internalize efficiency and maximize savings.
Energy efficiency doesn’t just happen. It is made possible by the many building owners, property managers, sustainability and energy managers, architects, designers, retrofit contractors, energy service companies, and too many other types of professionals to name who develop and utilize innovative strategies that transform buildings and spaces so they perform better, save money, and reduce … Continued
This year has been a breakthrough for climate action in the midst of enormous challenges. As devastating impacts and warning signs mounted, city governments, businesses, real estate leaders, and individuals took on a new level of urgency to deploy solutions that will reduce carbon emissions and move us faster towards a cleaner, more energy-efficient future. … Continued
After more than a year of private sector and community engagement, Fort Collins, Colo., became the 25th U.S. city to pass a benchmarking and transparency policy for privately owned buildings on December 4. This is a key step in accomplishing Fort Collins’ ambitious climate goal of being carbon neutral by 2050, and follows the City’s … Continued
Cities are prime venues in which we can tackle climate change by crafting and implementing proven, common-sense building energy efficiency interventions that reduce energy consumption, save money, and cut back harmful emissions associated with energy generation and use. In this post, we take a look at Chicago’s new building energy rating system and how it … Continued
Since moving into Boulder Commons in late 2017, Rocky Mountain Institute’s (RMI’s) net-zero energy (NZE) multi-tenant Class A office in Boulder, Colorado (pictured above), RMI has been working to share lessons learned and increase adoption of advanced green and net-zero energy leases. While innovative efforts such as RMI’s have been raising the ceiling for green leases, … Continued
Last week, the City of Seattle released a new summary report highlighting the results of its citywide building benchmarking and transparency program for 2014 to 2016, and the findings are encouraging. For example, consider these two highlights: Compliance is high. In 2016, the last year covered by the new report, 3,352 buildings reported, representing over … Continued