May 2011

Lighting Controls Provide Green Benefits

11 mins
It’s no secret that replacing existing lights with more energy-efficient lighting sources, such as LED, is one of the easiest ways to reduce energy use.
 
Lighting in commercial buildings can account for up to 40 percent of total energy cost, but what most people don’t realize is that making the lighting source efficient is only half the story — an even greater level of energy reduction can come from improving lighting control.Read More

CEFPI

1 mins
The Council of Educational Facility Planners International announced the election of Irene Nigaglioni, AIA, REFP, as vice chair and David Waggoner, AIA, REFP, as chair elect of the board of directors.
 
Nigaglioni previously served as partner and national planning director at PBK architectural and engineering firm and is experienced in academic facility planning.

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Bipartisan Bill Addresses Energy Costs

3 mins

WASHINGTON — Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) unveiled a bipartisan bill in the Senate that aims to help the country regain its economic footing and global leadership by deploying energy efficiency widely across the United States.

The bill, called the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2011, provides energy efficiency financing options for manufacturers, strengthens building energy codes, requires the federal government to improve its energy management and establishes a wide range of new appliance standards.

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Report to Serve as Green School Blueprint

4 mins

NEW ORLEANS — Three major green organizations recently unveiled a report that outlines a five-point national action plan local governments can use as a framework to develop and implement green schools initiatives.

 
The report, "Local Leaders in Sustainability: A Special Report from Sundance," was created by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives – Local Governments for Sustainability, the U.S.

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Copper Association Awards School Projects

3 mins
NEW YORK — The Copper Development Association and the Canadian Copper & Brass Development Association recently recognized several facilities, including school projects, in their 2011 North American Copper in Architecture Award.
 
Phase 2 of Arizona State University’s Nursing and Health Innovation project in Phoenix received an award for the application of copper panels

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Solar-Powered HVAC

1 mins
PROMOTION — The SunSource commercial energy system from Lennox Commercial integrates directly with 3- to 6-ton solar-ready Energence rooftop units, which provides effective efficiency levels of 34 SEER and beyond, according to the company. The system collects energy from the sun and feeds it directly into the rooftop unit. Any excess electricity is sent to the rest of the building for other uses, or back to the power grid, possibly earning a credit on monthly utility bills.

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