By John Balfe | Tue, February 21, 2023
Efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy are core components of a municipal-led initiative to improve the health and safety of buildings and to combat the impacts of climate change. But how do you prioritize and implement these strategies?
State and local clean energy goals often overlap – so who should take the lead?
Public buildings are controlled by local governments, while…
By John Balfe | Fri, February 21, 2020
Since the dawn of time, energy efficiency supporters have touted benchmarking as the critical first step to reducing energy consumption in the buildings sector. Whether it's the first step or not, the age-old saying "you can't manage what you don't measure" is true. Assessing our energy performance is critical to inform improvement efforts.
Benchmarking programs raise awareness and bring…
By John Balfe | Mon, December 9, 2019
When you think of energy efficient buildings, who are the critical market actors that come to mind? Perhaps it’s those that are responsible for the design and construction of buildings – the architects, engineers, and contractors. Or maybe it’s your local utility company that offers some form of a rebate or incentive for installing energy efficient equipment.
The true unsung heroes of the…
By John Balfe | Tue, August 13, 2019
Season after season, communities across the NEEP region continue to lead the charge in terms of reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions in our fight against climate change. On the Buildings and Community Solutions team here at NEEP, we collaborate with stakeholders to develop resources and share best practices that help drive these improvements in communities.
In 2017, NEEP began the…
By John Balfe | Wed, June 12, 2019
Communities – whether at the state or jurisdictional level – are stepping up and taking their energy future into their own hands. And, in discussions about the energy future of communities, there’s also talk around reaching carbon reduction and resiliency goals. Communities are exercising their power and autonomy in making their goals a reality.
Sounds simple, but it really isn’t. There’s no “…
By John Balfe | Tue, March 12, 2019
In baseball, the ace is a team’s superstar starting pitcher – a dominant and reliable player that takes the mound every five games. In poker, an ace is the highest ranking card and cause for optimism when dealt your way. On NEEP’s Buildings and Communities Solutions Team, ACE is an exciting new project that will help transform energy efficiency initiatives in communities.
Interested in learning…
By John Balfe | Fri, July 6, 2018
As temperatures rise in the Northeast this summer, so too does the amount of energy being consumed by buildings throughout the region. According to ISO New England, the top 10 demand days for electricity all occur within the summer months. Stretches of hot and humid days, such as what much of the region is experiencing currently leading into the Fourth of July holiday, puts a significant strain…
By John Balfe | Mon, April 2, 2018
The smell of fresh cut grass, the sounds of “take me out to the ballgame”, and the crack of a baseball bat – these are a few things that signal the beginning of baseball season.
Over the course of the six-month offseason, Major League Baseball (MLB) teams have been busy managing their rosters, improving their performance, and measuring how their squads stack up against their peers during spring…