In theory, automation is supposed to be helpful. Then I read an article the other day about the most embarrassing cell phone auto-corrections. Most are a little too racy to share, but the examples illustrate the challenges that can come with automated functions (like a cell phone’s auto-correct). (more…)

Minneapolis electronics retailer Best Buy announced last month it is launching a new Home Energy Management Concept. In addition to an “online learning center,” stores in select cities (Chicago, Houston, San Carlos, Calif.) will have an “in-store experience,” complete with demonstration vignettes for a touch and feel (more…)

Black Friday is officially over, which means Christmas is on its way. Lately I’ve been reminiscing about holidays past. I remembered one of my favorite Christmas presents came in 1978. Santa (or perhaps it was my brother) gave me a poster of tennis great, Bjorn Borg. With his flowing blond locks and (more…)

Contrary to common belief that nothing is really happening in green building at the Congressional level these days, I provide the following two counterexamples.

 An amendment to the Senate Appropriations Bill for Energy and Water introduced by Senators Wicker (more…)

Does your business have a comprehensive energy plan?

Implementing a plan can save energy and drastically reduce costs and emissions, while creating a culture that fosters continuous improvement in sustainability and building performance. High performance buildings operate efficiently and cost-effectively. (more…)

On September 29, 2011, the Appraisal Institute issued a Green/Energy Efficiency Addendum to its standard Fannie Mae Form 1004.  The form has sections for including energy efficient appliances, water savings, energy audit results, energy bills and more.  It can be downloaded (more…)

A family trip recently brought me back to China for a few weeks. I was in a small provincial capital — quieter than Beijing or Shanghai and the kind of place that has seen explosive population growth in the past ten years.

I spent some time this trip trying to understand the (more…)

Telecommuting has become more and more prevalent since the advent of cloud computing and the internet. Employees and students alike are sitting down in their home office, living room or bedroom to do their jobs and complete their courses.

Beyond the obvious benefits of choosing to attend (more…)

For several years, property owners have become increasingly aware of the potential for energy efficient buildings to decrease operating costs, improve occupancy, and demand higher rental prices.

Theoretically, all of the benefits of energy efficient buildings should yield a higher property values for (more…)

Energy Star, the governmental initiative to promote energy efficiency, has launched a video challenge to give the public a platform to engage with each other.

People can record a video telling everyone what they are doing in their homes, schools, workplaces and communities to become more energy efficient with Energy Star (Check out our energy saving tips). (more…)