Sustainability: Page 14


  • A photo of a commercial refrigeration system
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    The image by Marco d'Itri is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
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    Honeywell says refrigerant boosts chiller energy efficiency up to 46%

    Using Honeywell’s Solstice ze refrigerant has resulted in one chiller being 30% smaller and lighter than traditional ammonia-powered units, saving nearly 20% in maintenance operations, chiller manufacturer Q-REF’s CEO says.

    By April 23, 2024
  • A pushback tug at an airport
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    Getty Images
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    Airport fleet electrification takes off across the US, but challenges persist

    Decarbonizing ground vehicles, including runway support equipment and rental cars, requires close coordination between airport operators and third-party vehicle owners, airport officials say.

    By Brian Martucci • April 22, 2024
  • Trendline

    Leveraging energy efficiency to create asset value

    By optimizing building and systems efficiency, facilities managers can move beyond saving money to become value creators.  

    By Facilities Dive staff
  • Custodian janitor pushing cleaning cart down hallway
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    iStock / FangXiaNuo

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    Sponsored by CheckSammy

    Clean when you need it: The power of on-demand facility cleaning

    On-demand solutions for all cleaning emergencies.

    April 22, 2024
  • A facade of the U.S. courthouse in El Paso, Texas
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    Highsmith, Carol M.. (2014). "Exterior. U.S. Courthouse. El Paso, Texas." [Photograph]. Retrieved from Library of Congress, Washington, D.C..
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    GSA secures carbon-free power deal with El Paso Electric for federal sites

    The new memorandum of understanding aims to make federal buildings in West Texas and New Mexico 100% carbon pollution-free by 2030.

    By April 18, 2024
  • A 3D rendering of condenser unit or compressor on rooftop of industrial plant, factory. Unit of ac or air conditioner, hvac or heating ventilation and air conditioning system.
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    Getty Images
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    DOE finalizes 4 appliance efficiency rules expected to save $33B over 30 years

    The rules include new requirements for commercial rooftop heating and cooling units set to take effect in 2029 and expected to reduce energy use about 33%.

    By Robert Walton • April 18, 2024
  • A row of servers at a data center.
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    Getty Images
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    Uptime Institute launches data center, digital infrastructure sustainability assessment

    The assessment covers 14 key categories of data center design and operations, including facilities and IT management, to provide visibility into environmental footprints, the organization says.

    By April 17, 2024
  • Looking south from Walnut Street is the Peter W. Rodino Federal Office Building at 940 Broad Street in the Newark government center in New Jersey on a mostly sunny midday.
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    Henderson, Jim. (20 May 2009). "The Rodino Federal Building" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons.
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    GSA allocates $23.8M for federal facility upgrades across 10 states

    Funds from the Inflation Reduction Act will support 13 projects, including stormwater management, heat island mitigation and site sustainability, the U.S. General Services Administration says. 

    By April 16, 2024
  • A closeup of a hand belonging to an electrician installing electric LED lightbulbs on a ceiling.
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    Getty Images
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    DOE finalizes new light bulb standard expected to save consumers $27B on utility bills over 30 years

    The new rule, slated to take effect in 2028, will cut 70 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in the next three decades, the U.S. Department of Energy says.

    By Robert Walton • April 15, 2024
  • The U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, D.C.
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    Getty Images
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    As DOE updates how it sets energy efficiency standards, advocates, legislators push it to act faster

    The U.S. Department of Energy has made progress reviewing a backlog of appliance efficiency standards, but advocates and lawmakers say the administration must redouble those efforts as the election looms.

    By Robert Walton • April 12, 2024
  • The inside of a Genghis Grill.
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    Courtesy of Budderfly
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    Budderfly to cut energy consumption across Craveworthy Brands’ restaurant portfolio

    The partnership, which will include installing and monitoring high-efficiency HVAC units and LED systems, could cut energy use by about 30% at each site, Budderfly says.

    By April 11, 2024
  • Northeast's Largest Public Electric Vehicle Fast-Charging Station Opens At JFK Airport.
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    Getty Images
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    How cities are building out public EV charging infrastructure

    As more electric vehicles hit the road, municipalities and property owners are working with contractors to deploy public charging infrastructure.

    By Updated April 15, 2024
  • Energy Department Secretary Jennifer Granholm behind a podium speaking.
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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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    Rooftop heat pump technologies can save US businesses $5B annually: DOE

    A new commercial heat pump accelerator program aims to halve greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs compared with natural gas-fueled heat pumps, the U.S. Department of Energy says.  

    By April 8, 2024
  • Green building certification
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    Getty Images
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    Building decarbonization goes beyond energy efficiency, USGBC says

    Other pathways, like electrification, clean power and building grid integration, can help owners and operators reduce building emissions, according to the U.S. Green Building Council.

    By April 5, 2024
  • A mockup of Columbia University's upcoming all-electric lab research building.
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    Courtesy of KPF
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    KPF designs NYC’s first all-electric academic research lab building at Columbia University

    The building will exceed New York City’s Local Law 97 greenhouse gas emissions requirements, despite increased ventilation requirements, the architecture firm says.

    By April 5, 2024
  • An aerial view of a South Florida beach resort shot from directly overhead at about 1000 feet in altitude.
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    Getty Images
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    Green Key Global sustainability certification now live for US hotels

    The certification process requires hotels to undergo an assessment and audit of their performance in areas like energy and water conservation and indoor air quality.

    By Noelle Mateer • April 4, 2024
  • Groundwater-based geothermal heat pumps offer efficient, year-round climate control

    The technology, which is cost-effective across 75% of the U.S. landmass and ideal for space-constrained users, could eventually displace utility gas service, proponents say.

    By Brian Martucci • April 4, 2024
  • The Match High School and Career Center.
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    Courtesy of Ameresco
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    $5.3M DOE grant to fund Indianapolis vocational education campus

    Ameresco and charter school operator Matchbook Learning are building a high school and career center powered by renewable energy.

    By Brian Martucci • April 3, 2024
  • Aerial shot of buildings in dense urban setting
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    Getty Images
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    National blueprint for building-sector decarbonization released by Biden administration

    The plan sets specific targets for reducing on-site energy use and greenhouse gas emissions and recommends state and local building performance standards.

    By Ysabelle Kempe • April 3, 2024
  • Two workers in hardhats and high-vis vests install a solar panel on a roof.
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    Getty Images
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    IRS direct pay framework opens doors for tax-exempt entities to access clean energy credits

    The U.S. Treasury Department’s final rule for the program paves the way for organizations to receive more than 30% of a project’s cost in direct cash payments for clean energy investments.

    By Brian Martucci • March 29, 2024
  • A view of the Mainspring Linear Generator at work in California.
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    Courtesy of Mainspring Energy
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    Schneider Electric, Mainspring partner on microgrids, other tech for building resiliency

    Combining a microgrid solution with a power generation tool will reduce grid reliance and boost the efficiency of on-site electricity generation for data centers and healthcare facilities, the companies say. 

    By March 28, 2024
  • A facade of a Department of Energy building
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    Getty Images
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    DOE opens Phase 2 of $250M grant program for net-zero federal buildings

    The program broadens the range of initiatives available for funding and includes updated criteria for enhanced transparency and scoring clarity, the U.S. Department of Energy says. 

    By March 25, 2024
  • Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown unveiling the renamed Susan Fennel Sportscomplex.
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    Retrieved from City of Brampton on March 22, 2024
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    Johnson Controls starts net-zero retrofit pilot in Brampton, Ontario

    Carbon emissions reduction, lower utility costs and greater tenant comfort are goals of the pilot, the company says.

    By March 22, 2024
  • A facade of a sustainable glass office building with a tree for reducing carbon dioxide.
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    Getty Images
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    ICC’s decision on 2024 energy conservation code draws criticism, debate

    The International Code Council, after receiving nine appeals, has voted to move provisions aimed at slashing greenhouse gas emissions from the main code to appendices.

    By March 22, 2024
  • The front of Watershed Public Charter School in Baltimore County, Maryland.
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    Retrieved from Watershed Public Charter School on March 20, 2024
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    DOE unveils $180M for energy efficiency, air quality upgrades in K12 schools

    The 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize will provide school districts funding for new HVAC systems, building envelope and lighting projects, electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.

    By Updated March 20, 2024
  • SEC Chair sits with an even expression
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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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    Federal appeals court pauses SEC climate rule implementation

    Liberty Energy and its co-filers, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, argued the SEC has “no clear authority” to require climate disclosures.

    By Lamar Johnson • March 20, 2024