How to re-invigorate improving energy performance of commercial buildings

We have much to do to improve the energy performance of all our buildings. Bert Valdman, president of Seattle-based Optimum Energy writes on the Sustainable Brands website about what it can take to “spark progress” in improving the energy efficiency of commercial buildings. Building Energy Efficiency Has Stalled — Here’s How to Spark Progress … Continue reading How to re-invigorate improving energy performance of commercial buildings →

Innovative approach to reduce urban flooding

Catherine Howell, Jennifer Drake and Liat Margolis from the University of Toronto write on The Conversation website about retrofitting existing building infrastructure to alleviate flood damage by using grasses and herbaceous plants on our rooftops. How green roofs can protect city streets from flooding Spring and summer 2017 have been among the wettest on … Continue reading Innovative approach to reduce urban flooding →

Australia is at the forefront of improving energy performance of commercial property

There is significant potential to improve the energy performance of commercial buildings and Abigail Dean of TH Real Estate writes on the investor Daily website about the important gains being made in Australia. Australia in the lead on energy efficiency Thanks to the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS), Australia is one of the … Continue reading Australia is at the forefront of improving energy performance of commercial property →

Key role of improving buildings as part of our climate change strategies

Working in energy efficiency, one reads regularly about the high potential for buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but somehow achieving that potential is illusive. Daniel A. Barber writes an important blog on the Oxford University Press blog website about building consensus to truly move forward. Daniel A. Barber is Assistant Professor of Architecture at … Continue reading Key role of improving buildings as part of our climate change strategies →

Britain’s energy transition is a bumpy ride

Andrew Warren, Chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation, and a regular contributor to EiD, has written another excellent and thoughtful article on the Business Green website. Sadly, much of the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive that is an excellent foundation for the country’s energy efficiency strategy is going unenforced. While this is about … Continue reading Britain’s energy transition is a bumpy ride →

Calls for renovating older buildings in Hong Kong to improve energy performance

While Hong Kong has a high concentration of relatively new buildings, there are almost ten thousand that are 40 years of age or older. Dr. Winnie Tang writes on the EJ Insight website from Hong Kong about the need to take energy renovation seriously. Renovation of old buildings to enhance energy efficiency The balcony … Continue reading Calls for renovating older buildings in Hong Kong to improve energy performance →

Most Scots want to “create a healthier, more prosperous future for all”

Kirsteen Paterson writes on The National website in Scotland about a recent survey that showed overwhelming support for ensuring homes are made more energy efficient as a means to address climate change concerns. While we hear much about renewable energy developments in Scotland, it is good to see the interest on the demand side as … Continue reading Most Scots want to “create a healthier, more prosperous future for all” →

Building owners and operators recognise that energy efficiency continues to make sense

Hilary Firestone and Dan Sakaguchi write on the Natural Resources Defense Council website about the role of the real estate community in promoting sustainability. Real Estate’s Commitment to Green Continues to Grow Whether it is President Trump’s proposed budget or Scott Pruitt’s rollback of EPA policies, the federal government appears to be walking backward … Continue reading Building owners and operators recognise that energy efficiency continues to make sense →

Benefits of low-energy homes

Researchers from Australia and Britain have shared experiences in the two countries to better understand the benefits of low energy homes. Stephen Berry and David Michael Whaley from the University of South Australia together with Trivess Moore from RMIT University write in The Conversation about some of their findings. Low-energy homes don't just save money, … Continue reading Benefits of low-energy homes →

Taking sustainable design to a new level

Kevin Nute, Professor of Architecture at the University of Oregon writes on The Conversation website about some important new developments in sustainable design. What do you think? The next step in sustainable design: Bringing the weather indoors A building’s primary purpose may be to keep the weather out, but most do such an effective … Continue reading Taking sustainable design to a new level →