Abstract Changes in operations can save 5-30% of building energy use at low cost, yet these changes are often not implemented. Little attention has been directed toward understanding why. This project focuses on how building operators approach energy use and conservation in their work, viewing the building as a social system. It draws on interviews, … Continue reading
There are four basic questions that need to be answered before we can make any meaningful change in energy efficiency in buildings. 1) What is the building’ s energy consumption? 2) Who is consuming energy? 3) How is energy being consumed? 4) What can be done to change building performance, without affecting productivity or comfort? … Continue reading
Reducing energy consumption in buildings is a complex process which brings together people, to gather information about each building in order to identify and act on energy efficiency measures.
We spend far too much money and time monitoring energy consumption, and worrying about energy efficiency, with little result. Don’t get me wrong. We need to use less energy, but the approach we are using isn’t working. A goal of energy efficiency isn’t enough. We need to look at buildings holistically, and focus on making … Continue reading
Originally posted on Energy in Demand – Sustainable Energy – Rod Janssen:
China is facing pollution challenges today similar to what Los Angeles faced during the 1980s, a problem that energy efficiency helped mitigate. In China, combining cleaner heating fuels with better-insulated buildings is one concrete measure that would support cleaner skies in northern China…
In Guangzhou (population 11 million) the “New Town” area is a brand new financial district serving the rapidly growing City. New Town has been built entirely since 2005, with most buildings opening since 2010. Its centerpiece is the 103 storey International Financial Center (IFC), currently the 2nd tallest building in the city. IFC, despite being … Continue reading
BuiltSpace’s integrated, collaborative facilities management solution brings all your building information into one place, in the cloud, available from almost any mobile device or computer. BuiltSpace integrates people and the physical building, using machine readable QR codes to identify spaces and equipment, allowing stakeholders to effectively, and efficiently, work together improve their built environment.
This past weekend I attended a Vancouver Heritage Foundation event to place a plaque on the site of the first gasoline station in Canada, at the corner of Smythe and Cambie in downtown Vancouver. Established by my grandfather’s cousin, and manned by his Uncle, the Imperial Oil station opened in June 1907. Just over 100 … Continue reading
There are really only five (some would say four) ways to reduce energy consumption in buildings. Energy efficiency – replacing existing building technology with more efficient means of delivering the same level of service with lower energy consumption. Eg. Replace incandescent lights with LEDs. Energy conservation – reducing the level of service by eliminating consumption … Continue reading
In a recent article VERGE and the Built Environment, author Rob Watson pointed out that the average space allocated to workers is rapidly declining. Let’s consider using space more efficiently as a strategy to improve energy efficiency. “Where It’s Headed According to the 2012 Human Capital and Work-Related Quality of Life survey by CoreNet, the … Continue reading