What's New

Coalition submits final recommendations for changes to model energy code that will drive energy savings, cut carbon emissions

July 23, 2010—Two organizations working to make buildings greener and the federal Department of Energy have teamed to propose comprehensive changes to the nation’s model energy code that would help commercial structures use up to 30 percent less energy than current code practice. Read more

Glumac Orange County Office Recognized as First Completed North American "Office of the Future" Pilot Project

Electric Light & Power features Glumac's Orange County Office as the first completed "Office of the Future" pilot project. Office of the Future is a new multi-utility energy efficiency pilot program for commercial office spaces providing technical support for low-energy lighting, controls, HVAC performance and metering in tenant improvement projects. (6/30/10) See article

We've moved our Vancouver Office

NBI's Vancouver offices have moved to a new space. For address information and directions, visit http://www.newbuildings.org/contact-us.

Controls workshop looks at solutions

Applications developers, controls manufacturers, consumers and utility program managers gathered June 8 for a workshop discussing solutions that will improve controls in small buildings. The event was held at the Sustainable Solutions Conference in Chicago and facilitated by NBI staff. Visit our Controls page for more information about the state of controls in commerical buildings.

Codes of conduct

The state of building energy codes is the topic of an article in Sustainable Industries Journal including information about NBI’s work in this area and an interview with NBI Executive Director Dave Hewitt. (3/1/10) See article

NBI launches new website

In an effort to provide better access to information about NBI and our work, we have developed a new website. Please take a look around and email us any feedback or comments.

Research paper on advanced metering released

Building owners, portfolio managers, designers, energy efficiency programs and energy service consultants all need easier, more reliable access to energy usage information. The US EPA commissioned NBI to research new trends and technologies in advanced metering as used in energy information systems (EIS). The technology’s ultimate objective is more accessible, usable feedback on building energy performance. See research paper

Comprehensive code proposal wins first-round approval

At the recent Code Development Hearings in Baltimore, NBI, in partnership with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the US Dept of Energy, won first-round approval of their major code change proposal (EC 147) to Chapter 5 of the 2012 IECC. Read more

Measured performance case studies released

In collaboration with the California Institute for Energy and the Environment, NBI recently completed measured performance case studies for two buildings on the University of California campus at Merced. In addition to demonstrating exemplary energy levels in these buildings, these reviews highlight the value the campus obtained from using the UC energy performance benchmarks. Read more