Over the past decades, universities have been at the forefront of establishing ambitious goals for decarbonizing campuses. While there are many variables in how to advance energy efficiency in the campus-built environment, some universities have taken the strategic approach of combining energy efforts with the heavy maintenance and upkeep needs of…

Far from the limelight of LEED, Energy Star or Green Globes certifications are the energy codes developed and updated by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the International Code Council (ICC) through the support of the Department of Energy (DOE) as minimum guidelines for building envelope,…

Combining preventative operations and maintenance (O&M) with strategic retrofitting of building systems improves a school's energy performance. For schools with limited resources and experience, "quick wins" in O&M and retrofitting provide a valuable starting point to energy management. As a next step, strategically prioritizing long- and…

A number of case studies show the conservation benefits of reuse and continued use of existing buildings. Energy savings increase when changes are adapted to individual circumstances. (Author/MLF)

An energy-efficient library in New Rochelle (New York) incorporates part of an old garage. The new library was developed closely with a master plan to become the central focus and cultural center intended to encourage revitalization of the decaying downtown. (Author/MLF)

An open-air courtyard converted into a three-level bookstore retains its attractiveness with skylighted malls on two sides. Despite construction obstacles, the cost was a reasonable $55 per square foot. (MLF)

Listed are 12 energy activities, experiments, and projects which some eighth-grade students performed in their classroom and local community before they helped install a solar heating system on the roof of an old house during school time and on Saturdays. The building conversion project is described. (KC)

Describes how renovation can transform a school to a state-of-the-art facility without having to work from the ground up. Examined are the planning and design phases, the outer structure upgrading, the installation of more efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, and renovation costs. (GR)

A Michigan law allows school districts to make energy conservation improvements and pay for them with savings generated by lowered energy consumption. A 71-year-old school, now the Community Education Center of Kalamazoo, Michigan, also serves as the base for a centralized energy management system for the school district. (MLF)