| If you have trouble viewing this email, click here to view it in your browser. |
|
|
|
 |
|
Shaping Tomorrow's Built Environment Today
|
|
|
|
Maine voters rejected a ballot measure to replace the state’s privately owned, for-profit electric utilities with a single publicly owned, nonprofit utility called Pine Tree Power. Utilities companies and elected officials in Maine had publicly opposed the proposal, while environmental advocates and other Maine representatives were in favor. It is not the first time that Mainers’ push for a publicly owned energy grid has failed. In 1973, voters struck down the creation of a Maine Power Authority, which would have put the power supply in the state’s hands. And in 2021, Democratic Gov. Janet Mills vetoed a bill from the state legislature to establish Pine Tree Power. Read more
|
|
|
|
|  | Application of the material in a building envelope, with the white cooling ceramic applied to the roof.
Credit: City University of Hong Kong
|
A significant breakthrough in developing a passive radiative cooling material has been announced by researchers at City University of Hong Kong, with findings published in the journal Science. The material, known as cooling ceramic, has achieved high-performance optical properties for energy-free and refrigerant-free cooling generation. Its cost-effectiveness, durability and versatility make it highly suitable for commercialization in numerous applications, particularly in building construction. By reducing the thermal load of buildings and providing stable cooling performance, even in diverse weather conditions in all climates, the cooling ceramic material enhances energy efficiency and can combat global warming. Read more
|
|
|
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has commissioned research to assess how increased energy efficiency can improve building resilience under extreme temperatures. The study, Enhancing Resilience in Buildings Through Energy Efficiency, involved tasking three research laboratories (the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) with the project. Researchers concluded that improving passive efficiency in commercial and residential buildings to meet or exceed current energy code requirements saves lives during extreme temperature events in nearly every situation. Highlighted energy-efficient strategies that play a vital role in supporting building resilience included: efficient windows, insulation, envelope air tightness and passive ventilation. Read more
| |
|
|
|
|
In Other News
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By Ken Mortensen
Global populations depend on cooling and refrigeration to support many manufacturing and energy production processes. Evaporative cooling has been a transformative technology, enabling innovative mass production, and is substantially more energy efficient than alternatives. This article examines the environmental, energy and water resource realities of providing modern cooling needs and discusses resource utilization. Download here
|
|
|
The guide offers best practices and considerations for carbon emissions reduction, energy usage optimization and operational cost savings. Read more
|
|
|
|
Sponsored Product
|
After 40+ years designing and building custom AHUs, TMI can deliver both customized solutions and short lead times. Our units are backed by the industry’s best warranty and offer a range of wall thicknesses and insulation options, with industry-leading leakage rates and panel deflection. Knockdown units and fan arrays available.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced a $2 billion investment for more than 150 construction projects that use cleaner construction materials, known as “low-embodied carbon” (LEC) materials, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda. The funding will support projects across 39 states, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and will catalyze the market for American-made low carbon asphalt, concrete, glass and steel. The announcement furthers the Biden-Harris Administration’s Buy Clean Initiative, under which the federal government is, for the first time, prioritizing the purchase of asphalt, concrete, glass and steel that have lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions associated with their production, use and disposal. Read more
|
|
Feedback
|
Ideas for future ASHRAE HVAC&R Industry News content are welcome. Email us.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
