Energy Management Articles
Midwest grocer adopts eco-friendlier refrigerant
A Wisconsin-based chain of grocery stores recently announced plans to build a new store that will use a new refrigerant blend that promises increased energy efficiency.
Renewables, imports surpass gas use in California
This summer, California saw a significant change in its electric mix, according to new data from the U.S. Energy Information Agency.
Energy storage: The facility manager's newest tool
Energy storage can refer to a wide range of technologies and approaches to manage power. There are a number of technologies relevant to commercial and industrial facilities, which can operate as standalone systems or in tandem with a solar PV photovoltaic installation.
BlackRock issues climate change warning to investors
On the heels of the U.S. and China formally joining the Paris Agreement on climate change, BlackRock on Sept. 6 urged investors to factor climate change into their portfolios or face financial losses.
Arby's reports 15% energy use reduction since 2011
In its first-ever corporate sustainability report, Arby's Restaurant Group Inc. said it has reduced energy use at its restaurants by 15.2% from 2011 to 2016.
Ball signs 1st solar, wind deals in California, Ohio
Ball Corp., best known for its early production of glass jars and lids, has joined a growing number of U.S. manufacturers turning to renewable energy to help power their operations.
5 signs it's time to rethink your energy strategy
In this column sponsored by Constellation, the team asks: As a facilities manager or purchasing manager, how do you know when your old strategy for buying energy is broken?
Wendy's recognized for energy use reductions
Wendy's Co., along with its franchisee, Wendco Group, were recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy on Sept. 6 for significant progress in reducing energy use.
Weekend reads: Energy's campaign gifts; the 90 biggest GHG emitters; Texas wind & more
Kick back this Labor Day weekend these must-read energy stories from around the web.
At Colgate-Palmolive, a coalescence of climate, energy goals helps drive efficiency achievements
Colgate-Palmolive's adoption of science-based climate goals is the latest example of the corporation's work that began more than 10 years ago to connect its energy and climate strategies.
Report: Use of natural gas vehicles rising
Despite the obstacle created by depressed global gasoline prices, the use of natural gas-powered vehicles is still expected to grow gradually through 2025, according to a new report from Navigant Research.
Study finds 14% of companies using wind, solar to avoid peak summer demand charges
A survey of more than 150 energy executives from U.S. businesses has found that 14% of companies use alternative energy such as solar and wind to supply their buildings during peak hours to avoid peak demand charges.
Wal-Mart VP to keynote Energy Storage North America
A nod to the growing use of energy storage among commercial and industrial power users, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Vice President of Energy Mark Vanderhelm is slated to give the keynote address at Energy Storage North America conference and exhibition this year.
Southern Power buys 3rd Oklahoma wind project
Continuing on its clean power acquisition binge, Southern Co. subsidiary Southern Power on Aug. 29 announced its purchase of a 147 MW wind facility from Apex Clean Energy.
Utility's $4.5B request shocks Ohio manufacturers
Ohio-based utility holding company FirstEnergy Corp. has asked state regulators to approve as much as $4.5 billion in customer surcharges, Bloomberg News reported Aug. 30.
Grand Hyatt Atlanta's hot water system goes solar
Hyatt Hotels has a 2020 goal to reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions per square meter in each region by 25% compared to 2006.
Toyota to host energy engineering conference
Dubbed the nation's largest energy efficiency conference, this year's World Energy Engineering Congress, presented by the Association of Energy Engineers, is being held in Washington, D.C., from Sept. 21 through Sept. 23.
Whole Foods refrigeration system tackles emissions
A recently opened Whole Foods Market Inc. store in California showcases a new approach to grocery retail refrigeration, one the company claims is the most environmentally advanced in the country.
Salesforce was at 37% renewables in FY'16
Salesforce.com procured 37% of its electricity from clean and renewable sources in fiscal year 2016, according to the company's recently published sustainability report.
Weekend reads: Cannabis and LEDs; a gasoline-powered car ban; DOE program under fire & more
Kick back with these must-read energy stories from around the web.
Energy benchmarking pays off for NYC buildings
Mandated energy benchmarking has been useful in helping thousands of New York City buildings reduce energy use by 6% over the past three years, according to a new progress report.
Nashville airport cuts energy use with geothermal
The installation of a geothermal cooling system at Nashville International Airport is expected to save $430,000 a year in utility costs, according to trade media publication Engineering News-Record.
Community solar spurs corporate commitment
Joining the growing number of U.S. corporations making commitments to renewable energy, window and door manufacturer Andersen Corp. took a big bite of solar this year through a state-sanctioned community solar program.
Quik Mart deploys LEDs, cuts lighting costs 77%
Quik Mart, an Arizona convenience store/gas station chain recently completed the replacement of existing fluorescent and HID interior/exterior lighting with solid-state LED lighting at 25 locations.
NYT article highlights corporate energy strategy shift
With Apple recently joining Google and Wal-Mart in being granted federal approval to sell electricity into wholesale power markets, media coverage of corporate energy management appears to be reaching a fever pitch.
Better Buildings launches new webinar series
The webinar series, which kicks off Sept. 13, features a new gang of expert speakers including representatives from Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. and Whole Foods Market Inc.
Case study: Belk's 'seeing is believing' LED pilot
This case study features the Southern department store Belk and a LED retrofit pilot program that led to a broader energy efficiency rollouts across the company, including a redesign of their entire lighting infrastructure.
IKEA expands rooftop solar, fuel cell portfolios
IKEA is expanding its use of fuel cell systems to the East Coast, announcing on Aug. 23 plans for a biomass-powered system at its store in New Haven, Conn.
DOE commits $137M to help manufacturers meet new fuel efficiency standards for big trucks
The U.S. Department of Energy is investing $137 million to help automotive manufacturers develop new technologies to meet the federal government's newest fuel standards for medium to heavy duty vehicles.
Views from the top: How GM is transforming manufacturing with renewables, energy storage
With series of recent announcements, General Motors is proving that renewable energy can power American manufacturing. In this exclusive interview, GM's executive director of global environmental compliance and sustainability discusses the automaker's energy strategy and its vision for the future.
