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EMERALD BLOG

Posts about

Engineering

Energy Code Compliance Doesn't Stop at the Energy Model

The energy model says the project complies. That’s an important milestone, but energy code compliance doesn’t stop there.

The Full Journey: MEP Engineering from Design to Post-Construction

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems are a building's lungs, nervous system, and circulatory system. Yet most people see only two parts of an MEP project: the drawings and the finished building.

Why Utility Bills Increase Even After Efficiency Projects

The new equipment is more efficient, the controls were upgraded, and the utility bill still increased. What happened?

What Should Building Owners Receive From a High-Quality Energy Audit?

Two energy audits can carry the same label and leave a building owner with very different results. One suggests familiar upgrades such as new lighting or HVAC equipment. The other shows where energy is wasted, which improvements matter most, what...

Why Multifamily Buildings Need a New Energy Strategy

For years, energy strategy in multifamily buildings was relatively straightforward: design to code, keep owner-paid energy use low, and let tenants pay for the rest. Today, that approach is becoming less effective. Rising utility costs, increasing...

The Shift from Energy Efficiency to Energy Flexibility

For years, sustainable building design focused mostly on reducing energy use. Efficiency remains the foundation of building decarbonization, lower utility costs, and stronger long-term performance. But as energy systems evolve, efficiency alone is...

Geothermal Is Not a Trend, It Is Infrastructure (When Designed Right)

Geothermal has a habit of resurfacing every few years as the next big green breakthrough. The conversation usually narrows quickly to two questions: “Is it efficient?” and “Is it worth the investment?” That framing misses what geothermal actually is.

Peak Demand and Its Impact on Budgets and Capital Planning

The new year brings with it a new budget, new KPIs, and most likely, new utility rates. 2026 promises higher energy rates across the board, including increases in demand charges. Determined at the moment in time your building uses the most energy...

The Top 5 Building Priorities for Design Teams and Facility Managers for 2026

Long-term goals and promises are great, but results are what matter. As owners, lenders, and regulators converge on higher expectations for sustainable buildings, credible data is no longer negotiable. Heading into 2026, make sure every claim is...