Building Design

Energy Saver

The Challenge: Improving the Energy Efficiency of Buildings Across the Nation

Businesses across the country are also taking steps to improve their energy efficiency and reduce costs for American companies.

Energy Department Makes a Difference Helping Students’ Careers

To stay a top competitor in today’s global economy, we need to make sure that students who aspire to be the next generation of America’s scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs can get the hands-on experience and training they need to lead our industries and businesses.

What Do You Think About Solar Decathlon?

Did you get a chance to see the Solar Decathlon houses, or did you follow the teams on Facebook or their website? Tell us what you thought of the event.

Thoughts on a Two-Year Race

If you were in Washington, D.C. this past week, you probably heard about or even attended our biannual Solar Decathlon.

Solar Decathlon: Appalachian State Wins People’s Choice Award

Appalachian State University won the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 People’s Choice Award for its Solar Homestead today.

What Do You Wish You Knew About Home Solar Energy?

Solar Decathlon 2011 is in full swing, and the Energy Savers blog is all about home solar energy during the event!

Affordability Contest Adds New Dimension to Solar Decathlon 2011

The big buzz word in Washington, D.C., these days is budget. In the solar village at West Potomac Park, cost savings are top of mind for the decathletes as well.

Solar Decathlon 2011: The Visitor’s Perspective

Ride along as we visit the 2011 Solar Decathlon competition and explore the Solar Village with fellow sightseers!

Are You Attending Solar Decathlon This Year?

Are you planning to attend Solar Decathlon this year?

Solar Decathlon Technology Spotlight: Structural Insulated Panels

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are prefabricated structural elements used to build walls, ceilings, floors, and roofs.

See you Friday at the Solar Decathlon?

The Solar Decathlon (opening this week!) provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for members of the public to tour homes that save energy and money...and are powered by the sun.

This Month on Energy Savers: August 2011

See what we've been talking about in August.

Energy Today

The New Gold Standard: Environmental Management Introduces the First LEED Gold Industrial Facility

The building’s efficient design is expected to result in an energy cost savings of more than 70 percent over the life of the facility.

Partnering to Create an Energy Efficient Data Center

The Energy Department's National Lab builds one of the world’s most energy efficient data centers.

Morris, Minnesota: Creating a Sustainable College Campus and Local Jobs

The University of Minnesota, Morris is committed to creating a sustainable campus for its students and local residents, while creating job and growing the economy.

What Do Clean Energy Tax Credits Mean for Minnesota (and America)?

Clean energy tax credits are helping create jobs while boosting American manufacturing and innovation.

A Minority Serving Institution Leads the Way in Better Buildings

Delaware State University joins President Obama's Better Buildings Initiative.

Building Momentum

Earlier this week, 36 new states, local governments and school districts joined the President's Better Buildings Challenge.

Insulation for New Home Construction

Building a new energy-efficient home requires carefully selecting where you place and install insulation materials.

Better Buildings Challenge Continues to Grow

Last week at the 23rd Annual Energy Efficiency Forum, the Energy Department welcomed six new companies into the Better Buildings Challenge.

Chicago Joins Better Buildings Initiative

Secretary Chu joined Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to announce the city’s participation in the Better Buildings Challenge -- which aims to make America’s commercial and industrial buildings at least 20 percent more efficient by 2020.

Building on Efficiency

Two administration-led, industry-driven efforts marked milestones today. The first will put Americans to work on more than $2 billion in energy upgrades for federal buildings. The second will offer 30 million households and businesses more control over their energy bills.

Advanced House Framing

Advanced house framing, sometimes called optimum value engineering (OVE), refers to framing techniques designed to reduce the amount of lumber used and waste generated in the construction of a wood-framed house.

Passive Solar Home Design

Passive solar design takes advantage of a building’s site, climate, and materials to minimize energy use.

Energy Tomorrow

HVAC Efficiency Controls Could Mean Significant Savings

According to a new report from Pacific Northwest National Lab, commercial building owners could save an average 38 percent on their heating and cooling bills just by installing a few new controls onto their HVAC systems.

North Pole’s Holiday Wish for An Energy Efficient 2012

The city of North Pole, Alaska, is hoping to use $100,000 in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funds to improve the energy efficiency of several key city facilities.

Solar Decathlon Entry Uses iPad to Monitor Home

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is participating in its first Solar Decathlon 2011 competition, featuring its home, “Living Light.” Named for its very brightly sunlit double facade glass system, the home’s blueprint was inspired by the cantilever barns of Southern Appalachia, which feature giant eves to provide shade and a two-core design.  

Winning the Future Through Innovation and "Better Buildings"

Find out what President Obama means when he talks about his vision to "Win the Future".

Exciting White Lighting

Windows that emit light and are more energy efficient? Universal Display’s PHOLED technology enables windows that have transparent light-emitting diodes in them.

Initiative Guides Hawaii to the Path of Energy Independence

With 90 percent of its energy coming from oil, Hawaii is the most oil-dependent state in the nation. The Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative is an ambitious plan to reverse that. Outlining a combination of increased energy efficiency and renewable energy sources the HCEI maps out a path toward achieving the state’s goal of meeting at least 70 percent of its energy needs from clean energy by 2030.

Lumenhaus Shows Off Solar in Times Square

Solar Decathlon gets a spotlight!

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