A survey of nearly 500 buildings across seven major U.S. cities by Honeywell and KRC Research shows that building operators prioritize the safety and security of their facilities over efficiency and sustainability.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Building Technologies Office is seeking graduate students interested in exploring energy systems of buildings and how building assets or functions can integrate and transact with the energy grid supplying the building’s energy. The deadline for applying is Nov. 15, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is matching a $2.25 million Clean Energy Fund grant from the Washington Department of Commerce to research, develop, and demonstrate the technologies needed to create smart buildings, campuses, and cities to better manage energy usage.

Daintree Networks®, a provider of open networked wireless building control and operation solutions for smart buildings, has announced the winners of its second annual Energy Champion Awards. The awards honor the efforts of those in the industry that are openly driving awareness to save energy in commercial buildings.

ENE Systems Inc., one of the largest independent controls contractors in New England, has purchased Pro Controls, a Bow, New Hampshire-based facilities and energy management control system contractor.

Hyatt Hotels Corp. has announced a new relationship with Bloom Energy, a fuel cell manufacturer. Hyatt Regency Greenwich has been selected as the recipient of Hyatt’s first 500kW fuel cell, which will provide up to 75 percent of the hotel’s energy load, generating significant cost savings.

Duke Energy, one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, has acquired a majority share of Phoenix Energy Technologies (PhoenixET), a provider of energy management systems and services for commercial customers. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

EnerNOC Inc., a provider of energy intelligence software (EIS), and EnTouch Controls have announced a strategic partnership to deliver the benefits of EIS to businesses that have large numbers of small footprint outlets, such as those in the national retail and food service industries.

Leviton announced availability of its Omnistat™ 3 Hospitality Thermostat, a retrofit solution developed specifically for guest room energy management. The thermostat has a capacitive touch face, and when paired with wireless Leviton Lumina RF load controls and sensors, the company said it provides affordable guest room control.