Energy efficiency helps lower our electric bills while decreasing our reliance on non-renewable sources, and is thus an integral component of any comprehensive clean energy strategy.

Make an impactful statement that energy conservation matters by purchasing and operating energy-efficient appliances efficiently, installing smart power strips to eliminate “vampire loads” (electronic devices that still draw power even after being turned off), and selecting time-of-use rate plans with cheaper kilowatt-hours.

Buildings

The green building movement has its origins in ecological architecture and energy conservation in the 1960s and 1970s, when oil crises and pollution concerns propelled widespread debate about ecological preservation. Green construction practices strive to minimize any negative impact on nature by optimizing open spaces for sunlight exposure while using energy-saving lighting systems, water management techniques, and waste disposal solutions to minimize their negative impact.

Furthermore, they strive to reduce both embodied and operating energy consumption through use of eco-friendly materials, reduced transportation fuel requirements through building location efficiency and utilization of renewable sources for power generation. Furthermore, these projects seek to meet or surpass established sustainable certification programs such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), BREEAM and the German DGNB system.

Green construction is quickly becoming a top priority among manufacturers and commercial real estate developers looking to lower operational costs, meet sustainability benchmarks and set themselves apart in terms of customer relationships and investor value creation. At PNNL Research & Development Center we support green building efforts through work on material innovation, climate responsive construction practices and enhanced building controls – just some areas in which this industry could benefit from additional support.