Renewable Energy Column

This column takes a look at some of the cutting edge, renewable energy ideas associated with sustainability and high performance buildings.



energy storage

Renewable Energy: On-Site Energy Storage

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

Renewable Energy: Financing Geothermal HVAC

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

Partnership To Renew Higher Ed

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

Energy Storage At Alcatraz

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

Renewable Energy: Greening An Auto Plant

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

Renewable Energy: Wanted – Simpler Access To Clean Energy

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

Renewable Energy: Flywheels For Backup Power

An alternative to lead-acid batteries, this type of energy storage system has been adopted by a Dallas, TX healthcare campus.
Panfil is an attorney for the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Clean Energy Program (www.edf.org), focusing on reducing waste throughout the electric power grid. His work includes Federal, state, and regulatory efforts across the country. He also engages on efforts to reduce emissions throughout the U.S. by advocating for smarter technology, clean energy resources, improved design standards, and sustainable practices.

Renewable Energy: The Role Of Demand Response

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

Renewable Energy: Pursuing Multi-Site Solar

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

Renewable Energy: Combined Heat And Power

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

Renewable Energy: Solar Power And Life Safety

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

Renewable Energy: From Pipe Dream To Mainstream

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

Renewable Energy: Sizing Up Solar PV

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

Renewable Energy: Combined Heat And Power With Fuel Cells

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

Renewable Energy: Waste As Power Source

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

Renewable Energy: Shining Light On Solar Energy Choices

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

Renewable Energy: EV Infrastructure

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

Renewable Energy: The Air We Breathe

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."

Renewable Energy: How Low Can You Go?

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.

Renewable Energy: The Power Of Reclaimed Cooking Oil

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.
Webinar, Facility Capital Improvements

Join Our Webinar! Maximizing Value For Facility Master Planning

A panel of Facility Management leaders will discuss long-term planning challenges and answer questions about maximizing the value of conducting a Facility Condition Assessments (FCA).
Fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) webinar

Did You Miss Our “Building Analytics, Skilled Labor Shortages & Decarbonization” Webinar?

View this free video webinar to learn how fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) has become a critical part of the resilient facility team’s tech stack.

[VIDEO] Collect Asset Data at the Speed of Walking a Building

AI powered data collection with AkitaBox Capture. Take a picture of the asset nameplate, touch the floor plan to locate the asset and move to the next asset. Save up to 90% of your time in the field with AkitaBox Capture AI.