The global energy efficiency market is worth at least $310 billion a year and growing, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). The report also finds that energy efficiency finance is becoming an established market segment.

Designing a building that simply meets local code requirements is not necessarily the optimal way to do it when you consider the long-term costs. Now, building professionals can use a new database developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to evaluate whether it pays to exceed code requirements for energy efficiency.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that its EnergyPlus™ software, which models whole-building energy and water use, has been rewritten in the C++ programming language for improved performance. EnergyPlus lets users model design and operation alternatives — including HVAC system changes — on building energy performance.

NexRev Inc., a leading manufacturer of performance-improving energy efficiency upgrades for HVAC equipment, has announced a new solution to deliver operational cost savings for large applied HVAC systems.

Enmetric Systems Inc. announced that that it has entered into a strategic supply agreement with Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI) that will allow Johnson Controls to sell Enmetric’s plug load solution to facilities managers and building efficiency professionals worldwide.

To make it easier for homeowners to secure affordable loans for energy efficiency improvements, three complementary organizations are joining forces: Conservation Services Group (CSG), CUNA Strategic Services (CSS), and LendKey.