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It’s hard to believe but there are still some rural areas in the U.S. that lack a dependable source of electricity including exterior lighting. Understandably, the lack of lighting is a safety and security concern for cities and along roadways. Commercial solar LED lighting systems are a great alternative to traditional electricity sources, especially in […]

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has finalized new methods for rating and certifying commercial air conditioning, heating, water heating, and refrigeration equipment. The rules were developed by the DOE’s Appliance Standards Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee (ASRAC). The new methods “promise significant energy savings. By accepting the consensus rule developed by the multi-stakeholder working group, […]

Kansas City Power and Light Company recently announced its intentions to expand two of its energy-efficiency programs. One of the programs will double its wind-generating capacity to serve 124,000 homes.   With the other program, the utility will open the rebate programs under the Missouri Energy Efficient Investment Act to all of its Missouri customers. […]

Just how hard are the winds blowing? The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is trying to find out with their new facility. The National Wind Technology Center is using a new $16 million dynamometer to test how wind turbines perform. The 5-megawatt dynamometer test facility is the newest addition at the center.   The new facility […]

With high energy costs and government regulations, energy-efficient data centers will continue to grow in 2014.   Data center infrastructure management (DCIM) provides valuable information on how to optimize data center power, cooling and physical space. Companies are embracing DCIM because information is readily available to help with capacity planning and troubleshooting, and to make […]

What's next for LED? How about lighted LED carpeting to help you find your way?   Two Dutch-based companies, Phillips Lighting and carpet maker Desso, have announced a partnership to revolutionize the modern office space. The companies plan to develop the carpet for offices, hotels, conference centers and other public places.   So, instead of […]

      Mill Street Exterior Lighting Case Study   (Kansas City, MO)     About the Client   Block Real Estate Services, LLC is a full service commercial real estate company managing over 22 million square feet of retail, office, industrial and multifamily properties.   They are committed to sustainable business solutions and maximizing […]

Since 2012, the number of commercial zero net energy (ZNE) buildings have more than doubled according to the New Buildings Institute. The report, 2014 Getting to Zero Status Update, says that 213 North American structures qualify, up from 99 in the initial report.   ZNE verification of buildings is based on a review of one-year of […]

A recent report from the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) found that the use of natural gas over the last 10 years has caused significant reductions in the emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide.   According to the report, "Co2 emissions from U.S. fossil-fuel power plans were 23% lower in 2012 […]