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Water Efficiency with Water Saving Technologies
by
Grady O’Rear, GACP, LEED-AP
If we talk to others we know around the country and elsewhere in the world, there are clear signs that the supply of accessible, fresh water is diminishing. Drought conditions in the US, according to a GAO report, are expected to result in 36 to even as high as 45 states facing water shortages in 2013.
And groundwater supplies that provide drinking water to about half of the general public and virtually all of those living in rural areas, have been dramatically falling. Levels of water in aquifers have dropped 300-500 feet in some areas in the Southwest, for example, from increased demand to support population growth...
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“Can My Hot Water Be Green?”
By Grady O’Rear, GA-CR, LEED-AP
Americans use a significant amount of energy producing hot water. In fact, water heating uses more energy than any other residential energy end use except space heating and space cooling. The demand for hot water saps approximately 16% of the site energy use in residential buildings and represents approximately 8% of the site energy use in commercial buildings...
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Let the Light Shine – Lighting Options in Green Buildings
By Grady O’Rear
With the first day of summer on June, 20, 2012, we experienced the longest day of the year, the summer solstice, reminding us of the abundant light from the sun. And yet even with the amazing amount of light available to us from the sun, many of our buildings rely heavily on artificial light. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, lighting is responsible for over 11% of primary energy use in US homes and over 25% of primary energy use in US commercial buildings. (Primary energy is the energy consumed during power plant generation + the energy used to achieve transmission to a given site + the energy consumed onsite).
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If You are Sick, Call a Doctor – If you Want to Cut Your Utility Bills, Call an Energy Auditor
By Grady O’Rear Last month’s article offered a number of suggestions about home energy saving solutions. The first suggestion was to hire a certified energy auditor. An energy auditor can help identify the “low hanging fruit” of potential energy saving improvements that fit a range of budgets. The auditor can also estimate the payback periods related to particular improvements, so you can better evaluate your options.
Energy audits aren’t just for homes; they are also a worthwhile tool for commercial buildings. With assessment results in hand, you can recommend and provide energy saving improvements to your clients. And this green service package can emphasize a whole-property approach to occupant comfort, safety, and health.
Residential Energy Audits. An hour long “house call” from an energy auditor is a first step for many homeowners. Usually this assessment will produce an energy score, as well as a listing of recommendations for energy improvements along with their estimated cost.
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Check list of popular tips By Grady O’Rear
Perhaps you’ve had the experience of being asked by a friend or customer about home energy saving solutions. If so, hopefully you were able to offer some worthwhile suggestions. However, if you found yourself feeling at a loss for words or if you’d like to do a little prep for such an encounter, below is a check list of popular tips. In a number of cases, these can also be applied to commercial buildings.
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