Carl Weinschenk, Author at Environment + Energy Leader

Rooftop Solar Panels Present Physical Challenges

February 6, 2017 by Carl Weinschenk

One of the less often spoken about but significant advantages of solar energy generation is that the panels are relatively low maintenance. “Low maintenance,” however, does not mean “no maintenance.” Science Daily last week reported on work at Sandia National Laboratories aimed at reducing corrosion on electronic elements and connections ... Read more »

Legislative Moves in DC, PA, NV

February 6, 2017 by Carl Weinschenk

Three legislative moves of note were made during the past week. In each case, the proposed legislation is still working its way towards completion, though each took significant steps toward that goal. In Washington, The Energy Efficient Government Technology Act (HR 306) was approved unanimously and moves to the Senate. ... Read more »

Schneider Electric, Duke Energy Renewables Building Microgrids for Montgomery County, MD

February 3, 2017 by Carl Weinschenk

Schneider Electric and Duke Energy Renewables this week announced that they will build and deploy microgrids at the Montgomery County, MD, Public Safety Headquarters and the county Correctional Facility. The press release says that the project will include infrastructure upgrades at both locations, installation of solar infrastructure and natural gas ... Read more »

Power Over Ethernet is a Useful Tool

February 3, 2017August 2, 2019 by Carl Weinschenk

Power over Ethernet (PoE) has a strong business case. By carrying enough electricity through Ethernet cabling to power LEDs (and other low-power equipment), planners and energy managers gain flexibility in where these devices are located. Lights, WiFi access points and other gear are freed from the need to be near ... Read more »

Want to Save Money? Go Green

February 3, 2017 by Carl Weinschenk

Energy managers can score points with C-suite executives – as well as their fellow workers – by doing everything they can to make their buildings green. A story at website for The Society for Human Resource Management found that green structures do far more than help the environment. People who work ... Read more »

HVAC Maintenance: Let There Be (Ultraviolet) Light

February 2, 2017 by Carl Weinschenk

Energy managers have a job that is more important than saving money: They must keep people who work, live or visit the buildings safe and comfortable. Air handling units are linchpins in maintaining that comfort and safety. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) ran into a significant problem: It was determined ... Read more »

Smart Buildings and the IoT are Complex and Challenging

February 2, 2017 by Carl Weinschenk

New technologies generally bring confusion and a certain amount of uncertainty. The challenges grow in proportion to the complexity of the innovation being deployed. This means that smart buildings and the Internet of Things (IoT) on which it relies are raising a lot of concerns. The confusion is evident in ... Read more »

Energy Storage a Vital Tool in Southern California

February 2, 2017 by Carl Weinschenk

A proving grounds for energy storage is in Southern California, where a large project is underway to compensate for the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility, which has not been allowed to accept new gas since methane leaks caused serious problems in 2015. This week, Southern California Edison (SoCal) and ... Read more »

Deep Energy Retrofits: Big Investment, Big Rewards

February 1, 2017 by Carl Weinschenk

Energy managers understand that there are “low hanging fruit” steps and more fundamental – and more extensive – deep energy retrofits which, of course, cost more and have correspondingly greater upside potential. Since the spring of 2015, Efficiency Vermont has run The Deep Retrofit pilot program at five organizations. The ... Read more »

AHR Expo Held this Week in Las Vegas

February 1, 2017 by Carl Weinschenk

The AHR Expo is being held this week in Las Vegas. Here are some interesting and potentially important products that are being introduced. Contractor.com offered a look at some of the products on introduced and on display. Highlights include Super Seal Flex Inject from DiversiTech Corp. The story says that ... Read more »

Urban Densification a Key to the Future

February 1, 2017 by Carl Weinschenk

The common thought is that cities grow organically as living and working space needs changes. But it does not have to be as haphazard. In some cases, great care is taken in how cities evolve. Experts say that these planned densification strategies are a great way to drive energy efficiency. ... Read more »

Denver Group Seeks Vote on Green Rooftop Requirements

January 27, 2017 by Carl Weinschenk

A group in Denver want rooftop gardens to be on the ballot in November, according to Denverite. The story says that the green roof requirements would start with buildings of 25,000 square feet. Buildings as large as 49,999 square feet would have gardens on 20 percent of the roof and buildings ... Read more »

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