The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the launch of the SEED Collaborative, a strategic effort to help cities and states manage building energy performance data and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements in their jurisdictions.

Venstar®, a thermostat and energy management systems manufacturer, was named the winner of the Fierce Innovation Energy Efficiency Award for its Surveyor® energy management system (EMS).

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Motor & Generator Section will host a second series of webinars in December related to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) motor regulation, which will take effect on June 1, 2016.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has introduced its new Affordable Solar program to increase access to solar for low- to moderate-income homeowners.

Antares Capital and American Capital arranged for $170 million in financing to support the acquisition of Kele Inc. by Snow Phipps Group LLC. Kele is a distributor of peripheral control products used in building automation systems. Snow Phipps is a private equity firm focused on middle-market control investments.

BuildBoom, a construction social network has officially launched its public invitation beta with a general public date of Nov. 25, 2015. The social platform is designed to provide members of the industry a professional space to connect and create communities around projects.

International Exposition Co. has announced the winners of the 2016 Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) Innovation Awards. The annual awards competition honors the most inventive and original HVACR products, systems, and technologies showcased at each year’s AHR Expo.

Smartcool Systems Inc. announced that the company has delivered its first wireless demand control ventilation (DCV) system. The installation was a three-way collaboration between Smartcool Systems, Airtest Technologies Inc., and Total Energy Concepts Inc.

This Old House has named Seek Thermal’s Seek Compact thermal imager to its fifth annual “This Old House Top 100,” a list of the 100 best new home products of the year. Seek Compact is a smartphone-connected camera for both iOS and Android devices.