Category: Energy Efficiency

    • Looking at the Future – An inside report on a Florida Office Building fully powered by Solar Energy

      A guest post by Rush Hood, P.E., and Jeffrey J. Basiaga, Jr.   The “IEEE FWCS Industrial Tour Series” sponsored a tour of the Landmarc Construction Net Zero Energy Building in Tampa on March 28, 2013 hosted by Mr. Spencer Kass, Landmarc VP.   He has installed and is operating a practical, utility-connected, photovoltaic generation system. The office…

    • Water and wastewater (WWW) treatment – a look at the energy used for water in the US

      While water and wastewater (WWW) treatment accounts for a surprising 5% of total U.S. electric power generation, topographically-variable WWW conveyance account for a more surprising 15% of the same total [Pod06; Coh04]. In addition, while wastewater contains energy in dilute form, current goals for recovering such energy represent only 0.02% of the total generation, through…

    • A look at Biofuel

      Biofuel can be broken down into fuel made from plants. There are many forms; however, there are a few to focus on. Ethanol, Biodiesel, and Biomass have come to the forefront over the past 10 years, and have even caught the attention of the government. With increasing environmental concern, the government has shifted some focus…

    • Water Heaters: Solar versus On Demand/tankless

      www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=12850 www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=12860 Solar water heaters have been replacing gas water heaters over the past ten years at a rapid pace. Consumer interest in them is not solely for the tax credits, but also for their economic payback with cheaper bills and startup costs. The pros and cons for gas and solar water heaters are lengthy…

    • A Green “Home Away From Home”

      Becoming environmentally conscious has emerged as a main concern of homeowners, business owners, and the government over the past decade. Green homes, with lower potable water consumption, less energy use, and better building materials are sprouting up all over the world and commercial businesses are following their lead. All of the basics of sustainability easily…

    • Insulation – a key component for energy efficient green buildings.

      Insulation is one of the most important aspects to consider when looking at the energy performance and potential savings for your project. Especially on residential projects, the standard code required insulation is quite insufficient and leaves much room for improvement. When thinking about improved energy improvement and especially the introduction of alternative or renewable energy,…