May 1, 2020 by Puja Vohra
Minnesota codes and standards efficiency programs
What is the best way to accelerate the development and adoption of energy efficient technologies?
Codes and standards programs are the most cost-effective of all the program options utilities can choose, according to a recent LBNL report. Why? Because standards can impact all major equipment, and codes can impact all buildings, giving the program the widest possible deployment footprint. Continue reading
April 29, 2020 by Kevin Frost
Slipstream partners with local utility to make diverse multi-family community net-zero in Madison, WI
The Greenbush neighborhood is one of Madison’s most culturally diverse communities. Three hundred of its residents live in the Triangle/Monona Bay neighborhood in the heart of downtown Madison. The Bayview Foundation wanted to provide modern, affordable housing for their community - not only lower utility bills but build net-zero energy buildings. The Bayview Foundation partnered with Horizon Development to expand to 500 residents in two new apartment buildings and eight townhome buildings. Continue reading
April 23, 2020 by Jeannette LeZaks and Saranya Gunasingh
Illinois code advancement
Can utilities affect changes to building codes to improve energy savings?
How feasible is it for utilities to increase cost-effective energy savings by influencing state or local building codes? We worked with an Illinois utility to find out. We reviewed information on how other states, most notably California, incorporated code programs in their portfolio. We investigated methods for attributing savings from these programs and interviewed Illinois stakeholders for their perspective on opportunities for code programs. Continue reading
April 23, 2020 by Scott Pigg
Energy and new homes in Minnesota
About 13,000 new homes and several hundred multifamily buildings are built in Minnesota each year and many existing homes are added on to or renovated. How do these projects compare relative to energy code? What kinds of beyond-code energy savings opportunities are still out there and how might utility conservation programs help to capture them? Continue reading
April 23, 2020 by Saranya Gunasingh
Phase change materials
Should phase change materials be a part of your commercial building energy efficiency plan?
Would you like to reduce peak electricity demand by 4-7% through a non-invasive retrofit? Perhaps you should consider phase change materials (PCMs) as one of your efficiency measures. Continue reading
April 11, 2020 by
Refrigeration condenser fan VFD pilot
This field study evaluated the performance of variable frequency drives retrofitted to condenser fans in supermarket refrigeration systems.
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April 11, 2020 by Joe Zhou
Refrigeration in commercial and industrial settings
Refrigeration is a massive energy consumer in commercial and industrial buildings. According to the International Institute of Refrigeration's Role of Refrigeration in the Global Economy, it consumes around 17 percent of all electricity in the commercial sector alone. Rising demand and a warming climate mean almost certain expansion for refrigeration. This also means tremendous opportunity for energy savings; effort has gone into implementing many measures to reduce energy use in refrigeration across the country. Continue reading
April 11, 2020 by Connor Jansen
Retrofitting a Chicago historical landmark
Retrofit for energy efficiency without compromising aesthetics, productivity or historic landmark status.
Does your historic building need an upgrade, but you’re worried an energy efficient retrofit could compromise the look? Slipstream worked closely with the Perkins + Will team to design a five-floor new office space in the iconic Wrigley Building—and to enhance energy performance. Continue reading
April 11, 2020 by Jennifer Li
Light level analysis in Minnesota commercial buildings
How much lighting energy do commercial buildings use annually? What building types are ideal for adjusting light levels? We partnered with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources through the Conservation Applied Research and Development (CARD) program to answer these questions and discover the best program offerings and resources so Minnesota can optimize their light levels and save on costs. Continue reading
April 11, 2020 by Scott Schuetter
U.S. Department of Defense Cree lighting demonstration
Does smart lighting deliver on its promises? We test lighting and controls performance to find out.
Occupancy sensors. Daylight harvesting. Simple, automated commissioning. AND significant energy savings. Smart lighting developers promise they can do it all—but how do these technologies deliver when installed in real buildings? Continue reading
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