Expert Columns

Solar - April 26, 2023 - By Better Buildings

Solar Power Purchase Agreement Advances RE at Colorado State University

As part of its GHG reduction efforts, Colorado State University has been adding solar photovoltaic systems to its campuses, including the use of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), which have proven to be a powerful tool for bringing large quantities of solar to campus. In this column from Better Buildings, learn about the University's five-step solar PPA contracting and installation process.

April 24, 2023 - By Greg Kandankulam, NRG

Learning the language of sustainability planning and climate reporting

To achieve long-term climate goals, sustainability continues to be a key focus for businesses. However, not every company has a dedicated team to tackle this crucial area. Here's where NRG's latest blog can help give you the tools you need. They've compiled a list of essential terms related to ESG factors, with a focus on climate. From GHG to net-zero emissions, NRG's blog will equip you with the language and knowledge to pursue, track, and report sustainability outcomes.

Energy Efficiency - April 19, 2023 - By Diana Lee, IMT

Top 3 Trends from the 2023 Green Lease Leaders

The Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) and the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Better Buildings Initiative announced the 2023 Green Lease Leaders, recognizing landlords and tenants who modernize their leases to spur collaboration on energy efficiency, decarbonization, cost savings, health, and other environmental and social issues. In this column, Diana Lee at IMT discusses the top three trends in green leasing.

GHG Emissions - April 10, 2023 - By Better Buildings, U.S. Department of Energy

LBA Realty: A Comprehensive, Building-level Approach to Reducing Energy and Emissions

LBA Realty developed a systematic, multistep approach to reducing energy use and GHG emissions at One Culver, an 8-story mixed-use office property in Los Angeles. In this column from Better Buildings, learn how the company pursued a renewable energy contract, installed window tinting, altered the energy management system, and performed audits to identify retro-commissioning opportunities.

Energy Efficiency - March 17, 2023 - By Better Buildings, U.S. Department of Energy

Sheetz: Green Building Technologies at Herndon, VA Store

Sheetz, Inc. is reducing the company’s environmental impact by adding utility-efficient technologies to new store designs and retrofitting existing stores accordingly. This column from the Better Buildings Solutions Center explores a new facility Sheetz is constructing a new facility in Herndon, VA, which will be the most energy-efficient building in its portfolio.

Energy Efficiency - March 8, 2023 - By Department of Energy

Achieving Climate & Energy Justice: President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative

This column from the Department of Energy explores the Justice40 initiative from the Biden-Harris Administration, designed to dismantle unjust systems that disproportionately harm Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities by delivering historic clean energy investments to underserved and overburdened communities.

Regulation - February 27, 2023 - By Cherylyn Kelley, IMT

Energy Codes: The Year in Review and a Look Ahead

Energy efficiency standards might not make the hottest dinner part topic but they have a huge impact on our daily lives. In this column, Cherylyn Kelley, IMT's Manager, Building Energy Codes and Policy, reviews 2022 highlights and offers insights into what's coming up this year, including federal funding available through the Inflation Reduction Act and updates on the International Energy Conservation Codes (IECC).

Sourcing Renewables - February 24, 2023 - By Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

A Critical Year for the Clean Energy Transition

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) looks back with pride on the remarkable achievements of 2022 - from huge funding allocations and breakthrough innovations to paradigm-shifting legislation. This column reviews the accomplishments of EERE's core divisions: renewable power, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation.

GHG Emissions - December 21, 2022 - By Amy Boyce, IMT

How Does the First Federal BPS Measure Up?

On December 7, the White House Council on the Environment Quality (CEQ) released the draft rules for performance standards for Federal buildings. In this column, IMT's Amy Boyce explores what the Federal standard aims to achieve, how it compares to other building performance standards, where the standards can go further - and why it matters.

Energy Efficiency - November 9, 2022 - By Better Buildings, U.S. Department of Energy

Loews Hotels & Co - 50001 Ready at 11 Hotels

Loews Hotels & Co, operator of 26 hotels and resorts, strives to be an industry leader in environmental sustainability. This column from Better Buildings details the company's pursuit of DOE's 50001 Ready Program for energy management at 11 properties, including the creation of energy management teams at each facility.