Tag: building decarbonization

Study: Geothermal Heat Pumps Represent Major Opportunity for U.S. Building Decarbonization

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 29, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Jan 29, 2024

A new analysis from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that, coupled with building envelope improvements, installing geothermal heat pumps in around 70% of U.S. buildings could save as much as 593 terawatt-hours of electricity generation annually and avoid seven gigatons of carbon-equivalent emissions by 2050. “To put that in context, 593 terawatt-hours is about 15% […]

New York Offers $100 Million Under Clean Green Schools Initiative

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 25, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Jan 25, 2024

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $100 million is now available through the Clean Green Schools Initiative. The funding will support under-resourced public schools with projects to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improve environmental sustainability, and decarbonize school buildings. “Creating a safe and healthy learning environment is critical to providing our children the best education […]

ASHRAE Offers Guide on Grid-Interactive Buildings and Decarbonization

By Joe Bebon, Editor Nov 3, 2023 Design and Construction

Updated: Nov 3, 2023

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has released a new guide focusing on the critical role of grid interactivity in the decarbonization process. The Grid-Interactive Buildings for Decarbonization: Design and Operation Resource Guide is the second in a series of guides developed by the ASHRAE Task Force For Building Decarbonization (TFBD) and provides information on […]

Decarbonizing Buildings: The Big Rethink

By Doug Davenport, David Kaneda & Alex Kaffka Oct 6, 2023 Design and Construction

Updated: Oct 17, 2023

Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. Buildings represent more than 40% of U.S. carbon emissions, and natural-gas-fired HVAC, water heating, cooking, and other systems represent the largest fraction. With a growing profile of electric products entering the market, […]