Energy Priorities [Energy Minute]

Zero Energy Buildings - "Zero" of What? - Energy:Minute

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:47:50 -0800

"Zero energy" is a term we'll see applied to more and more buildings. It means the building produces as much energy on site as it uses. But that's not the whole story. There are many variations. Learn what they mean, in a minute.

Energy Monitoring - Energy:Minute

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:14:32 -0800

You can't manage what you can't measure. Monitoring is an essential component of managing energy use. (podcast) (transcript)

Building Information Modeling (BIM) - Energy:Minute

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:48:33 -0800

Building Information Modeling is a computer-based simulation of a construction project, linked with a database of information about the project. (podcast) (transcript)

Daylighting for Commercial Buildings

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:18:26 -0800

Natural daylight has been steadily regaining popularity for about 25 years, ever since the first studies showed that people have a positive psychological reaction to it. (podcast)

Split Incentive and the Green Lease

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:11:05 -0800

Net leases create a "split incentive" when it comes to making energy-efficiency improvements to commercial buildings. A "green lease" includes terms that share the benefits of lower utility bills. (podcast)

The Meaning of Zero Energy and Carbon Neutral Buildings

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 11:31:25 -0800

Energy Minute: As we go from discussing energy efficient buildings, to zero-energy and zero-carbon buildings, the definitions steadily become less clear. What exactly to the terms "Zero Energy" and "Carbon Neutral" mean when applied to buildings? (podcast)

Biomass for Central Heat

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 06:31:10 -0800

Energy Minute: Biomass is slowly gaining popularity for space heat -- in part because it's a renewable energy source, and in part because it's less expensive to operate than a conventional furnace. (podcast)

Networked Building Controls: Open or Proprietary?

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 08:47:24 -0800

Energy Minute: Systems in a facility can be networked so they can interoperate. Just stringing a wire between a security system and a lighting controller isn't enough. Your choices will affect the life cycle cost of your building or campus.

Spain's Navarre Region Runs with Renewable Energy

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 09:06:27 -0800

Energy Minute: A small region of Spain is far ahead of almost everyone in its use of renewable energy. It uses wind, solar, biomass and hydro to produce 60 percent of its power. (podcast)

Smart Meters

Mon, 21 May 2007 07:22:15 -0800

Energy Minute: Smart electric meters communicate over a network, so utilities can verify demand response and provide net metering of on-site renewable energy. (podcast)

Rooftop Concentrating Solar

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 06:12:43 -0800

Energy Minute: Rooftop concentrating solar is a scaled-down version of the technology behind the largest utility-class solar power plants. A handful of companies are working on innovative approaches. They promise to have products on the U.S. market by 2008. (podcast)

Solar America Initiative

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 17:29:10 -0800

Energy Minute: The U.S. Department of Energy announced $168 million in funding to accelerate solar energy technology development. This brief podcast explains what the research will accomplish and how it will happen. (podcast)

Can Renewable Energy Help Manage Peak Demand?

Fri, 06 Apr 2007 05:29:02 -0800

Energy Minute: Demand response programs ask customers to stop buying as much power during periods of peak demand, because there's not enough energy to go around. This "triple-shot" Energy Minute examines whether those customers, or the utilities, could somehow use renewable energy instead. (podcast)

Stirling Engines Generate Power from Practically Any Heat Source

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 15:09:17 -0800

Energy Minute: Stirling engines have been around since the 19th century, but today some small and large applications are bringing them into the limelight. (Podcast)

Demand Response Programs Help Utilities Avoid Rate Hikes

Fri, 27 Oct 2006 16:32:47 -0800

Energy Minute: Demand response is a program where electricity customers reduce their consumption at critical times. It's a way for utilities to avoid large capital expenditures and postpone rate hikes. (Podcast)