Rechargeable batteries are the most common example of energy storage. This chemical energy is readily converted into electricity; a good example is a mobile phone battery. Basically, energy storage involves converting energy from forms that are difficult to store, to …
In 2016, Texas A&M wanted to improve the safety of an on-campus intersection that featured high pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic. Part of their solution was to paint the bike lanes in highly visible green paint. This green paint is …
Vegetative, or green, roofs have been around for years, and have long offered promises of energy savings, reductions in storm-water runoff, beautification, and LEED points. However, many facilities have hesitation going green. This is partially due to fear of the …
More and more facility managers (FM) want to know how and where electricity is being used within their facility, and they are turning to electric submetering. Submetering can help facility professionals better understand their energy profiles, optimize performance, increase reliability, …
In 2001, scientists identified a third photoreceptor—in addition to rods and cones—in the human eye. These photoreceptors are linked to our 24-hour body clocks (i.e., circadian rhythms, which affect our daily mental, physical, and biological changes). Thanks to their discovery, …
Designed to replace fluorescent lamps, tubular LEDs, or TLEDs, are becoming a popular choice for facility managers around the country. But are they a better solution than fluorescent light bulbs? Today’s fluorescent lighting technology is very efficient. If you …
According to the EPA, HVAC systems make up approximately 38 percent of facilities’ energy use. Another statistic states replacing an HVAC system that is more than 10 years old can save a facility as much as 20 percent or more …
Walls have lagged behind in terms of efficiency and technology. According to Lucas Johnson, a Seattle-based consultant for 475 High Performance Building Supply: Most walls are built with toxic materials and end up being vapor retarded or, in many …
Daylighting is the practice of allowing a controlled amount of natural light into a building to reduce electric lighting costs. A daylighting system includes skylights and windows along with a daylight-responsive lighting control system. Such a system can reduce energy …
This is part two in an ongoing series that will explore ways in which facilities can affordably retrofit to recoup energy costs and help the environment. This month we are focusing on cool metal roofing. Metal roofs have been …