This brief explores techniques for identifying and solving pump system problems commonly encountered in existing buildings during retro-commissioning processes.

For lighting designers and energy consultants, it is important to understand the various daylight terms, calculation methods, and metrics that are used in the rating systems and by the daylighting community.

On a sunny summer day, a typical roof surface can reach temperatures that are nearly 100°F above the ambient temperature. A cool roof, by contrast, stays at or near the ambient temperature due to the characteristics of its outer layer.

Demand response (DR) refers to a mechanism that encourages customers to reduce or shift their electric power usages under certain conditions to help utilities to overcome temporary constraints in the electricity supply.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) introduced new Outdoor Lighting Standards in 2005 to conserve energy and reduce electricity peak demand. The Outdoor Lighting Standards regulate lighting power, controls, and allowed lighting fixture types. Illuminated signs are also covered by the Standards.

Using the integrated energy design approach, designers can cost-effectively lower building operating costs while improving workers' comfort and boosting productivity.

On average, energy management systems save about 10 percent of overall annual building energy consumption. An energy management system (EMS) is a computer that controls the operation of all major building systems, in order to run the building efficiently and effectively. An EMS can reduce a building's overall energy use by about 10 percent.

Many of the lighting upgrades that reduce energy consumption also improve the visual environment and provide maintenance savings. Lighting systems offer extraordinary opportunities for cost-effective energy savings. In addition, many strategies for reducing lighting energy use often can improve the visual environment.

Workers tend to be more productive in a well-lit space that fosters better visual comfort. Lighting controls can increase the value of commercial buildings by making them more comfortable, productive, and energy efficient. These controls work either by turning lights off when they are not needed or by dimming light output so that no more light is produced than necessary.

With so many factors influencing glazing selections, whole-building lifecycle analysis is the best tool for determining the most costeffective solution. Few decisions that a designer makes have more impact on the appearance and utility of a building than the glazing selection.

Using building integrated photovoltaic technology, design teams may supply solar energy to building systems, integrate the technology seamlessly into the building design, and provide an economical renewable energy source for building owners.

New high-intensity fluorescents outshine their high-intensity discharge competitors. They are often more efficient and feature lower lumen depreciation rates, better dimming options, instant start-up, and better color rendition.

By using recommended design methods for rooftop heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, significant improvements in operational savings, energy efficiency, and indoor comfort can be achieved.

Underfloor air distribution and access floor systems can provide energy savings, improved indoor air quality, and a technology ready environment for today's commercial buildings.

Radiant cooling systems are more efficient, more comfortable, more attractive, and more healthful than systems that circulate air. Unlike most cooling systems in California, which circulate cold air to maintain comfort, most radiant cooling systems circulate cool water through ceiling, wall, or floor panels. "Coolth" from that water is then absorbed by occupants and interior spaces according to the dynamics of thermal radiation.