New Blog Address

To all those "following" me on this blog - I have a new site: www.buildopt.com

Comprehensive US Building Energy Data and Forecasts at your fingertips!

The 2009 Version of the Building Energy Data Book was released last October. I'm surprised that I missed it!! It is a one stop source for tons of good USA building energy data. The chart below taken from the document is a good example of the information contained

Emerging Technologies and Practices for the Building Sector

I just stumbled upon a nicely comprehensive listing and analysis of emerging, promising HVAC technologies that was compiled and posted on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy organization's website:

Summary of HVAC Emerging Technology Results

Advanced Rooftop Packaged Air Conditioners  Advanced "Gas Pack" Rooftop Packaged Air Conditioner  Commercial Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems  Residential Hot-Dry Air Conditioners  Smart Premium (Robust) Residential Air Conditioners  Advanced Northern Heat Pumps  Commercial Ground-Source Heat Pumps  Residential Ductwork Optimization  Active Chilled Beam Cooling  Advanced Modulating HVAC Compressor  Automated Fault Detection and Diagnostics for Rooftop Units  Liquid Desiccant Air Conditioner  Residential Boiler Controls  Dehumidification Enhancements for Air Conditioners in Hot-Humid Climates  Air-Side Economizer Control Strategies

The Enemy Within: Tom Hartman's Suggestions for Building Performance

I have always been a big fan of the Building Energy Operations guru, Mr. Tom Hartman. I ran across this article a while back in AutomatedBuildings.com which outlines some unconventional concepts regarding building design which could shake up the industry.

In a nutshell, Hartman suggests that the construction industry switch to a "“Performance Based” Building Design and Operations" strategy. The strategy addresses the main need of ACCOUNTABILITY for energy performance within the design and construction process.