Savvy contractors working in this niche market focus not only on deep energy reductions, but on non-energy benefits, such as improved comfort, better IAQ, increased home values, and a more durable home.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a $9 million investment in the development of leading-edge building technologies, including high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment.
According to collaborative research led by Ryerson University, a new residential thermal envelope design has the potential to save up to 80 percent on energy consumption. Russell Richman is the co-principal investigator of a research project exploring the practicality of what is called nested thermal envelope design.
Schöck, an international developer of products for thermal insulation, impact sound insulation, and reinforcement technology, has announced the United States introduction of Isokorb®, a solution to thermal bridging in the building envelope.
Within the envelopes of commercial and residential buildings rests the promise of major, new energy efficiencies in the built environment, according to University of Michigan researchers.
As part of the Obama administration’s blueprint for an American economy built to last, Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the availability of up to $5.2 million in fiscal year 2012 to develop improved building efficiency technologies, including advanced heating and cooling systems.
