In a building’s quest for reduced energy consumption and lower emissions profile, design teams are often tasked with evaluating system options for building owners. One such option is district energy. District energy systems utilize a central plant...

Historic buildings are beautiful and connect us with history. There is a lot of value in preserving old architecture so that it can be appreciated for generations to come. But how can these sites maintain relevance in the 21st century where...

Emerald’s core value, Eye of the Tiger, often affords us the opportunity to challenge third-party verifiers about the factual basis or efficacy of rules and regulations. As advocates for our clients, if a sustainable rating system has not yet...

Awareness of PACE – property assessed clean energy – and its utilization have grown significantly since its first adoption more than a decade ago. More than $1.5 billion was invested nationally in 2021 through this public-private partnership that...

When it comes to designing new builds or renovations, energy planning is a real challenge — and is often deprioritized in the early design stages, with the focus being on design, engineering, and construction. However, if the planning of energy is...

The push to decarbonize buildings falls into the category of tactics toward the outcome of electrification. Since 39% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are generated from the built environment, decarbonizing buildings by reducing their reliance on...

According to the Department of Energy, 39% of U.S. fossil-fuel emissions come from residential and commercial buildings. Most of this energy is used for space heating and cooling, heating water, and cooking. Emissions can be avoided through...

The availability of housing, and more specifically affordable housing, represents one of the most fundamental and significant challenges currently facing elected officials, community development organizations, and developers across the country. In...

Research shows that people perform better when there is art in the workplace – or classroom. It makes people happier and healthier – and 32% more productive. That’s why there’s a link between the artwork and sustainable building certifications: At...