Content about Building biology

November 27, 2012

Heating and air-conditioning systems are major targets for reducing energy use in retail stores. It’s easy to see why: Together, heating and cooling systems consume approximately 38% of the energy used in such facilities (according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program).

October 25, 2012

Energy conservation remains a key priority for retailers as several factors, including new power plant regulations, threaten to increase volatility in the electricity market. Along with being a significant cost driver, energy management advances environmental goals. Indeed, it is typically the most cost-effective activity a retailer can undertake to become more sustainable, according to Marcus Boerkei, general manager of Siemens Retail & Commercial Systems, who spoke with Chain Store Age about how retailers can reduce their energy use.

June 21, 2012

Retailers and other building owners are caught between two powerful and conflicting forces: the need to lower energy and equipment costs, and the need to meet or exceed outdoor air ventilation regulations for the health and comfort of customers and employees alike. Indeed, studies have proven that outdoor air ventilation creates a healthier work environment. However, as outdoor air rates increase, so does the size, cost and operating expense of HVAC systems.

September 30, 2011

Commercial and high-rise residential buildings, along with federal buildings, must now meet requirements in the ASHRAE/IES 2007 energy standard after rulings issued by the Department of Energy.

New York City -- Commercial and high-rise residential buildings, along with federal buildings, must now meet requirements in the ASHRAE/IES 2007 energy standard after rulings issued by the Department of Energy.

Prior to the new rules, federal and commercial buildings had to meet requirements in the 2004 standard.

September 28, 2011

Innovation in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning will be driven by cost savings from more efficient energy use and pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a recent from Pike Research.

New York City -- Innovation in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning will be driven by cost savings from more efficient energy use and pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a recent from Pike Research.

May 19, 2011

J.C. Penney Co. announced Thursday that it will up its participation in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program to 400 stores by the end of 2013.

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney Co. announced Thursday that it will up its participation in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program to 400 stores by the end of 2013. Energy Star certification is awarded to buildings that rank within the top 25% of similar commercial buildings nationwide by meeting strict energy performance levels set by the EPA.

J.C. Penney has a companywide goal to reduce facility energy use 20% by 2015.

May 18, 2011

Efficient Energy America (E2America) announced that Platinum Corral, a multi-state franchise operator of Golden Corral restaurants, has signed an agreement to install the supplier’s intelligent heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) control system in all 30 of its stores.

Wilmington, N.C. -- Efficient Energy America (E2America) announced that Platinum Corral, a multi-state franchise operator of Golden Corral restaurants, has signed an agreement to install the supplier’s intelligent heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) control system in all 30 of its stores.

December 28, 2010

There wasn’t anything particularly complicated behind Wendy’s franchisee Raul Dominguez’s decision to implement an energy management system in his Miami chain of six quick-service burger restaurants.

There wasn’t anything particularly complicated behind Wendy’s franchisee Raul Dominguez’s decision to implement an energy management system in his Miami chain of six quick-service burger restaurants. He simply wanted to reduce utility expenses.


“Our costs were skyrocketing because of high fuel costs,” said Dominguez, whose Florida territory also includes another six Wendy’s units in Orlando. “I wanted to save money on electric bills, plain and simple.”


December 1, 2010

Putting an energy management system in place is critical to a retailer’s energy-saving efforts.

Putting an energy management system in place is critical to a retailer’s energy-saving efforts. But a big mistake that some EMS users make is ignoring the system once it is up and running. This “Fire and Forget” approach will, over time, always render less energy savings than originally expected, and will waste a great deal of the value most systems offer, advised Comm-Works’ energy practice leader Rod McCrea, who spoke with Chain Store Age about energy efficiency.

October 26, 2010

HVAC components and controls manufacturer Danfoss released a research report on Wednesday summarizing how construction...

August 30, 2010

For more than two years now, retail facility managers have been hunkering down; deferring maintenance and postponing facility upgrades until the economy shows signs of improvement.

By Monte Boyer, Monte.A.Boyer@jci.com

May 31, 2010

From an owner’s or manager’s perspective, the right remodel can go a long way...

January 19, 2010

Water efficiency, use of green building materials and HVAC systems play a role in sustainability...

December 31, 2008

The economic-recovery package passed by Congress in fall 2007 contained some welcome news for...

November 30, 2008

With the economic crisis forcing chains to reduce expenses and control costs, it has...

November 16, 2008

USM, a national leader in facilities maintenance and management services, has hired industry veteran Jillian...

October 31, 2008

Are retailers ignoring the low-hanging fruit when it comes to saving energy? While many...

October 16, 2008

Best Buy Co., Inc. has announced plans to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 8% per square...

October 2, 2008

(Oct.3) An updated version of the User’s Manual for ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007, Energy Standard for...

June 30, 2008

A unique control solution that integrates heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) with other...

February 29, 2008

Advanced HVAC technology is helping Carrefour China achieve its goal of opening energy-efficient stores...

February 29, 2008

is offering a series of educational pamphlets designed to help HVAC and facilities-management...

September 24, 2007

New Comfort Control...

June 30, 2007

Wal-Mart Stores’ ongoing quest to reduce its energy consumption and enhance its sustainability will take...

February 28, 2007

Flooring success depends on a number of elements, from the choice of material to the...