Renewable Energy Column

A new report from the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) identifies policy approaches to accelerate renewable energy growth.

The February 2020 issue introduces this year's Facility Executive of the Year. Plus, a look at building envelope issues, workplace redesign, and energy metering.

Research into New York City’s geology has produced a geothermal ground source screening tool to assess sites for this energy resource.

Sustainability plans for Ford Motor Company’s Dearborn, MI campus include net zero goals for energy, water, and waste.

The soon to be released NFPA 855, Standard on the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems impacts facilities with on-site systems.

At Phillips Academy in Andover, MA, a new student athletic facility achieved LEED Platinum certification.

Annual publication from U.S. DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory reports on development across the nation, and around the world.

There are many tools available to facility management teams that can be used to propel buildings to zero-emission energy goals.

Building a clean energy strategy can be complex, so keep these four ideas in mind when planning the next move for your facilities.

Here are six reasons why these renewable energy systems should undergo the commissioning process before startup.

Increasingly, buildings are active players in the pursuit of energy efficiency goals for the organizations they serve, and beyond.

In its latest annual market report, American Wind Energy Association highlights expansion of this power source.

Compared to traditional skylights, tubular daylighting devices provide more “roofing real estate” for solar panel installations.

Eliminate existing barriers to on-site renewable energy systems with this third-party financing mechanism.

Voluntary programs offered by utilities provide options to corporate facility energy buyers operating outside of locations that have established options.

Advanced energy solutions are coming down in price, prompting more facility management leaders to pursue this clean energy goal.

A program of the U.S. Department of Energy, the Better Buildings Initiative partners with organizations to facilitate and track energy improvements.

The University of Iowa power plant will increase its use of biomass and other renewable energy sources to meet this goal.

The building envelope can serve as a tool for facility management to tap into renewable energy resources.

While challenges remain, energy storage systems can provide tangible benefits for sustainable facility goals.

Facility leaders have options to install or retrofit geothermal energy systems cost-effectively to reduce operating costs.

AASHE has teamed up with multiple organizations to help boost green power purchases on college campuses.

In place since 2012, a microgrid system on this island operated by the National Park Service provides reliable power 24/7.

As part of a broader sustainability strategy, Honda has deployed wind energy to help power its Russells Point, OH manufacturing facility.

In an effort to streamline the purchasing path, nearly 20 large companies have signed onto the Corporate Renewable Energy Buyers’ Principles.

An alternative to lead-acid batteries, this type of energy storage system has been adopted by a Dallas, TX healthcare campus.

This type of program has a significant part to play in the increased adoption of solar and wind energy sources.

When seeking to install this type of system at more than one facility, several strategies may help facilitate the process.

The cogeneration (combined heat and power) approach to energy has been employed at the National Archives and Records Administration.

Facilities with photovoltaic installations can pose additional challenges to firefighting efforts, and planning is key.

How feasible is it for facilities to achieve 100% renewable energy use?

Facility managers can begin evaluating this energy source by looking at a few key factors. From the September 2013 issue.

Carbonate technology provides one option for on-site power, thermal management. From the July 2013 issue.

Converting trash to fuel delivers doubly for facility managers seeking to reduce environmental impact. From the May 2013 issue.

Beyond the decision to implement this resource, there are several specifics to evaluate. From the March 2013 issue of Today's Facility Manager.

As the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles slowly gains ground, some facility managers are installing charging stations for this mode of transportation.

The relationship between the chemical content of building materials and occupant health is gaining renewed attention. This installment of "Renewable Energy" shifts its focus from alternative power to conversations about "chemicals of concern."

A net zero energy facility, or close to it, can be a reality for an increasing number of organizations. A recent report on the state of zero energy buildings explores the mainstream potential of this concept.

Making biodiesel for vehicles has been a focus for this material, but when properly treated, this waste product can be used to fuel a facility’s boilers.

Pilot programs going on now aim to address how renewable energy can contribute to reducing demand on utility infrastructures.