Your Information Source for Home & Building Automation

10
(IS-2009-131) Retrofits that Deliver
This article from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) examines the
benefit of retrofitting a lighting system. New indoor lighting can save energy and produce
appropriate light levels (many spaces are over-lit). Other issues include choosing the
correct lamps, maintenance, and the impact of solid state lighting such as LEDs.
(IS-2009-130) IPD Cost Code
This report from Investment Property Databank (IPD) of the U.K. examines the
measurement of building performance. The IPD Cost Code, fifth edition, is introduced for
measuring the cost performance of commercial property. Details are included for
determining which costs to include. Categories for each element of cost are provided,
including information technology and communications. Case studies for various
organizations are presented. Methods for reducing costs are discussed.
(IS-2009-129) Towards a Smarter Future: Government Response to the
Consultation on Electricity and Gas Smart Metering
This report from the U.K. Department of Energy and Climate Change explains the plans
for smart electric and gas metering mandated by 2020. Residential meters must include
displays. This document is the Government response to 270 public comments on
questions posed by the Government. Centralized communications for smart meters is
planned with local coordination.
(IS-2009-128) Satisfaction with Certified Green Buildings-an Inquiry of Building
Occupants in Minnesota
This paper from Dovetail Partners reports on a survey of occupants of green buildings in
Minnesota. The basic topic was whether nine green buildings that were LEED registered
remained green after occupancy. Favorable findings were reported on dual-flush toilets,
dimmer switches, exhaust fans, paints and materials with low volatile organic compounds
(VOCs), rain barrels, tankless water heaters, Energy Star appliances, programmable
thermostats, wood from responsibly-managed forests, and use of local materials. Better
education for manufacturers, contractors, and users is recommended.
(IS-2009-127) Doubling Down on Green
This article from the National Real Estate Investor and the U.S. Green Building Council
reports on a survey about green investments during the recession of 2009. While new
construction in 2009 was near zero, 73% of developers retrofitted properties with green
features. 66% of developers think that green features will become required by building
codes. Green building space commands about 2% higher rents than non-green space.
Tax incentives would promote the installation of green features. Two-thirds of developers
and corporate leaders see green as important.
(IS-2009-126) Rolling Out Golden Shield in China's Second-Tier Cities
This report from China Origins Associates describes where China is investing in high tech
surveillance. China plans to track the movements of every person in the country using
video and facial recognition. All new commercial and residential buildings will be
connected to the government network. This project is called Strengthening of Police
Through Science and Technology. Partnerships with major Western technology
companies are planned for this program.
(IS-2009-125) The smart way to display
This report from the Energy Saving Trust in the U.K. presents the findings form consumer
research into user interfaces for energy management. Some of the findings include: use
an analog indicator instead of numbers, use cost instead of energy consumed,
interactivity should not be default mode, a portable display is not important, provide daily
and cumulative consumption costs. Details of the study and focus group results are
presented.