As the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) continues to implement energy conservation standards that affect numerous HVACR appliances and components, industry leaders are pointing out that high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment is only as good as the ductwork it’s attached to. That’s why they’re seeking to define what, exactly, green ductwork is and determine how it can be implemented in homes and buildings throughout the U.S.

As demand and support for energy efficiency, long-term cost reductions, and other benefits provided by solar installations grow, so does concern over how solar will look after current federal tax credits expire at the end of 2016.

As renewable energy systems continue to become more desirable, the need for qualified installers continues to grow. 

The tax credit has undoubtedly been a boon for both the solar and wind industries, and while some have presented benefits to letting the credits expire and go away, many more are hoping they’ll be extended and renewed.

With the theme “Leveraging Innovation to Become an Energy Efficiency Superpower,” government and private sector officials discussed the technologies, policies, and business models the U.S. needs to pursue at the 2015 Energy Efficiency Forum, sponsored by Johnson Controls Inc. and the United States Energy Association.

The following case studies illustrate how schools across the country are implementing different HVACR solutions to achieve these goals.

While cogeneration is still largely an industrial process, the market has significant potential for educational institutions coast to coast.

Honeywell announced that it is working with Menkes Developments Ltd., a Toronto-based real estate firm, to help trim energy and operational costs at the firm's 25 York Street property, also known as Telus Tower.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is inviting manufacturers, retailers, service providers, agricultural businesses, and other small businesses to apply for a Small Business Advantage Grant to finance energy efficiency and pollution prevention projects.

Lennox Intl. Inc. put its new ideas to good use as it took home the gold award in the HVAC High-efficiency Residential Equipment category for its Dave Lennox Signature^® Collection SL18XC1 A/C unit.