Energy efficiency is central to managing operating costs. Your facility’s energy footprint is also a useful component of sustainability performance that can be tracked and reported as a metric of operational efficiency. In order to maximize the benefits of a smart energy footprint, you can start with an HVAC efficiency survey to start planning for capital improvements and lower operating costs. This article will guide you on how to assess your energy footprint and HVAC performance. Read more at THERMA >>
What California's Renewable Energy Goals Mean for Business
California’s ambitions for decarbonization present opportunities for business owners to improve energy performance across their facilities. The collective measures to track and reduce energy usage can be used by businesses, and homeowners, to survey energy efficiency and implement cost-effective strategies for energy and cost savings. California’s focus on renewable energy also presents ways to create savings on upfront investments. In this article, we’ll take a look at California’s initiatives and how to utilize its tools and incentives. Read more at THERMA >>
Benefits of Creating a Sustainable Office Building
Creating a sustainable office can contribute to energy savings, employee wellness, and improved productivity. Advancements in green building and eco-friendly products have made it more feasible for business owners to create sustainable offices and harness the triple-bottom-line benefits. Read more at THERMA >>
Understanding Environmental Conditions for Data Center Cooling
Data centers are superhighways of technology and information that support business operations. These centers are designed with precision and intention, to protect equipment, devices and connections that have little tolerance for fluctuations in environmental conditions. This article looks at how to manage data center cooling to maintain the efficiency and functionality of your capital investment. Read more at THERMA >>
How CMMS Software Improves Building System Efficiency
Managing ongoing maintenance can be a highly time-intensive process that challenges administrative functions, employee workload and equipment optimization. Implementing a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) can help improve operational efficiency and ensure the optimization of physical assets through a carefully planned and implemented maintenance program. This article covers the key features and benefits of CMMS and how it can improve overall maintenance management. Read more at THERMA >>
Why Solar Powered HVAC is an Energy Smart Choice
What are the benefits of solar powered HVAC systems? Traditional fuel sources and utility grids can be vulnerable to numerous disruptions including supply, capacity and even international conflicts. The ability to harness renewable energy for heating and cooling provides a wide range of benefits that allow for stable energy supply, cost savings and financial incentives. Read more at THERMA >>
How Eddy Current Testing Improves Equipment Performance
Material integrity is essential to structural and mechanical processes. Eddy current testing (ECT) is a valuable inspection method that can help identify flaws, tolerances, thickness and compositions of materials and coatings. Read more at THERMA >>
What is EPA Certification: Why Your Facility Should Be Certified
The EPA manages certification programs that provide guidance to facilities whose activities may affect the environment, such as chemical processing or hazardous waste. These programs provide a way for companies to demonstrate compliance with environmental laws and regulations and mitigate risks related to operational activities. Read more at THERMA >>
Ways to Optimize Your Building Performance for Summer
Energy efficiency and thermal comfort are top priorities for building owners who aim to streamline overhead costs and provide useful, productive spaces. In geographic locations that experience high temperatures and solar exposure, either seasonally or year round, a focus on building performance strategies can help create savings and other benefits. Read more at THERMA >>
How to Improve HVAC Efficiency with SEER Rating
The efficiency of your central cooling system plays a role in occupant comfort, operating costs and can be a factor in alleviating wider climate issues such as urban island heat effect and climate change. While it may seem daunting to understand how your system works, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating offers a tool to help you navigate HVAC performance. Read more at THERMA >>
A Guide to MERV Ratings for Better Building IAQ
There are many types of air purification systems available to homeowners and commercial facilities, and understanding the effectiveness of each may seem overwhelming. Fortunately there is a measure that helps quantify how air purification filters perform. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established minimum efficiency reporting values, or MERVs, that rate a filter’s ability to capture particles between 0.3 and 10 microns. This value can help you determine the right type of filter for your building. Read more at THERMA >>
How Healthcare Facilities Benefit from Interstitial Space Building Design
Healthcare facilities have faced considerable challenges in the past year, among them changing facility program requirements. Adaptable and healthy facility design has become an operational advantage. Designing with interstitial space is one of the best strategies to prepare your facility for future challenges. Read more at THERMA >>
Types of Solar Panels: Understanding Which is Right For You
The market-driven demand for renewable energy has pushed solar photovoltaic (PV) forward into an era of tremendous market growth. This has led to innovations in the types of solar panels available and made the adoption of solar energy a feasible investment across residential and commercial sectors. This article looks at the different types of solar panels on the market today to help determine which is right for your facility. Read more at THERMA >>
What is ESG and Why Is It Important For Your Business?
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) has become understood as a useful framework to demonstrate best business practices. In this article, we’ll take a look at what ESG is, why it is important, and how it can strengthen your business. Read more at THERMA >>
Understanding HSPF Ratings and Heat Pump Efficiency
Heat pumps are simple, effective devices that help us transform spaces into comfortable places to work and live by transferring thermal energy. Air conditioners, geothermal HVAC systems and heated swimming pools all rely on heat pumps. Understanding the energy efficiency of your heat pump and its Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) can help you find energy savings. Read more at THERMA >>
Smart Circuit Breakers: What Are They and Why You Should Use Them
The Internet of Things (IoT) is part of everyday life at home and in commercial settings. Connected devices such as smartphones, environmental sensors and building monitoring technology have made internet connectivity a valuable resource. Smart circuit breakers are an option for facility managers to collect information on circuits and electrical equipment and receive data through the internet. Here’s what building managers need to know when considering adding smart circuit breakers to building systems. Read more at THERMA >>
Construction Considerations for Semiconductor Manufacturing
Semiconductor manufacturing plays a central role in most consumer goods produced today. Semiconductors are found in appliances, building automation systems, motor vehicles, computers, smart phones, ATMs, transit devices, televisions and medical devices, among other applications. Semiconductor manufacturing is in high demand, and facilities looking to expand capacity can use this article as a reference for construction requirements. Read more at THERMA >>
What is Cogeneration of Energy?
Cogeneration is a term used to describe combined energy production, specifically combined heat and power (CHP). It is a strategic approach to operations that can be applied to a wide variety of industries. Cogeneration energy production can maximize energy efficiency and create long-term cost savings. Read more at THERMA >>
How DCIM Drives Operational Efficiency
Information management drives business operations. Today’s world depends on reliable, accessible and secure information in-house and online. Data centers provide these services and Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) encompasses IT best practice standards, long-term energy planning and resiliency preparedness. This article looks at the intricacies and requirements of DCIM, common issues and how to create a strategy towards efficient operations. Read more at THERMA >>
The Role of BREEAM Certification in Construction and Development
Sustainability goals are a part of everyday commerce, governmental policies, and personal lifestyle choices. Eco-labels and certification schemes help create tools for consumers and businesses to navigate the complexities of social, environmental, and economic sustainability performance. BREEAM certification provides a trusted measure of sustainability assessment for master planning projects, infrastructure, and buildings. Read more at THERMA >>