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Last month, a hurricane did something many think is unbelievable—it mated with other storm systems, creating something monstrous. Dubbed by meteorologists as “Super Storm Sandy,” this Category 1 hurricane managed to wreak havoc up and down the East ......More

Back in 1992, during the Bill Clinton and George Bush presidential election, this slogan was used to put forth the proposition that all elections are about the economy....More

In a 2010 survey of chief executive officers worldwide, 93 percent of respondents cited sustainability as critical to the future success of their companies, with 91 percent saying their companies would employ new technologies, such as renewable energy and energy efficiency, to address sustainability issues in the ensuing five years. That is the good news. The bad news is that many promising new products and technologies are having a difficult time making it onto the radar of specifiers and purchasers....More

After a building has been optimized, proper operations and maintenance (O&M) becomes the tool that will enable it to sustain its best performance. As might be expected, as building systems become more efficient and more tightly controlled, they also become more complex. In turn, so does O&M. Therefore, this column assumes that everyone understands the importance of general maintenance of equipment to maximize its lifespan, optimize efficiency, and minimize operating costs. In green buildings, however, it often is necessary to go beyond the proverbial "boxes."...More

Water exceeding 140°F compromises pipe integrity, imperiling personnel, property...More

The request set me back on my heels. It brought home to me the fact that all the things we’ve been writing about and doing in this industry over the past three to five years have moved from the “trends” realm into that of “mainstream.” How else do you explain this high-school writing assignment?...More

Natural-gas prices in March reached a new 10-year low, and they aren’t likely to go anywhere in a hurry. Record production of shale gas, coupled with the fourth-mildest winter on record, are keeping energy prices down....More

The services provided by mechanical engineers are crucial to the success of sustainable or "green" projects. It is vital to select a qualified professional or firm that will complement your project team....More

When the rock band R.E.M. introduced its 1987 album, "Document"” to the world, one song stood out and quickly became, in my opinion, one of its most remarkable hits. The song, "It's the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine)," is known for its quick-moving, stream-of-consciousness rant with a number of diverse political and historical references....More

When you have decided to select an energy analyst to compliment your project team, understanding what energy analysis is will help ensure that you select a qualified professional....More

Reducing energy consumption can be hugely beneficial to a facility’s bottom line, but the second most direct route to decreasing energy costs is to manage the energy purchase itself. No single energy-procurement plan works for all companies. Business managers need to be aware of their options to make energy-purchasing decisions that will positively affect their bottom line....More