Midtown Blogger/Manhattan Valley Follies: High Performing Buildings

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Evaluation of Factors Impacting EUI from High Performing Building Case Studies

A recent study investigated case studies from High Performing Buildings magazine and ASHRAE Technology Awards from 2010 to 2015. It evaluated the impact of factors such as location, climate, HVAC and building type.

Balancing Glazing, Building Envelope, and Thermal Comfort

In the developed world, mechanical systems such as perimeter heating, compensate for shortcomings in envelope performance to provide a thermally comfortable environment. However, with an increased interest in maximizing energy efficiency and façade transparency, as well as providing healthy spaces for occupants, this model is due for reconsideration.

Working Outside the Box: Pros, Cons of Open-Plan Offices

The open-plan office spaces now ubiquitous across many industries are a source of annoyance for some people, especially those who prefer freedom from distractions, and for those who want to control their interactions with others. Generally speaking, research suggests that people in open-plan offices are less happy with their workspaces overall, and may be more likely to call in sick.

Adaptive Reuse Has Gone to the Dogs

Kurgo Dog Products repurposed its existing warehouse, shipping containers, wood logged in the 1800s, and even an old canoe to create its new dog-friendly HQ.

NFL Season Is Sustainability Season

As the 2016-17 season for the National Football League opens, sustainability is increasingly becoming an important player in the on-field experience for the teams and their fans. Implementing and promoting sustainable features in stadiums is also a way for team and stadium ownership to save money and generate goodwill in an environment where stadium-building costs are skyrocketing and often, local taxpayers have to foot a least part of the bill.

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Finding Common Ground: Defining Zero Energy Buildings

Buildings that produce more energy than they consume have moved from concept to increasingly common reality in recent years. But until a few months ago, no general, industry-wide agreement existed as to what exactly defined such a building.

Kent W. Peterson, P.E., Presidential Member/Fellow ASHRAE; and Paul Torcellini, Ph.D., P.E., Member ASHRAE

Resiliency: From Surviving to Thriving

When disasters strike, buildings can turn into traps as they did in Hurricane Katrina, or they can provide places of refuge.

Sarah Foster, Managing Editor, with Christopher Weems and Rebecca Matyasovski, Associate Editors. Tani Palefski, Assistant Editor, provided additional research.

LED Lighting

When designers of the first net zero energy school in the U.S. considered how they would approach the lighting design differently using today’s LED technology, the results extended far beyond just switching out the lightbulbs.

Robert Anthony Hans, P.E., and Kenny Stanfield, AIA