Buildings Energy Efficiency
Researchers in building technologies work closely with industry to develop efficient technologies for buildings that increase energy efficiency, and improve the comfort, health and safety of building occupants.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will recognize architecture firms that participate in the ENERGY STAR Challenge. This effort actively supports the American Institute of Architects' commitment to reduce fossil fuel use through sustainable design.
Applications
The Applications Team transfers new energy-efficient building technologies from the laboratory to the real world, and stimulates the use of underutilized, high-performance technologies through innovative deployment programs.
Cool Roofs & Heat Islands
On warm summer days, a city can be 6 to 8°F warmer than its surrounding areas. This effect is called the urban heat island. Cool roof materials, pavements, and vegetation can reduce the heat island effect, save energy and reduce smog formation. The goal of this research is to develop cool materials to save energy and money.
Commercial Buildings
Commercial building systems research explores different ways to integrate the efforts of the other research areas (windows, lighting and simulations) with the goal of developing coherent and innovative building construction and design techniques.
Demand Response
Demand response (DR) is a set of time-dependent activities that reduce or shift electricity use to improve electric grid reliability, manage electricity costs, and provide systems that encourage load shifting or shedding during times when the electric grid is near its capacity or electric prices are high.
Demand Response Research Center's objective is to develop, prioritize, conduct, and disseminate research that develops broad knowledge to facilitate demand response.
Lighting Systems
Lighting research is aimed at improving the energy efficiency of lighting systems in buildings and homes across the nation. The goal is to reduce lighting energy consumption by 50% over twenty years by improving the efficiency of light sources, and controlling and delivering illumination so that it is available, where and when needed, and at the required intensity.
Simulation Tools
Researchers develop whole-building energy simulation software programs that allow architects and building engineers to design or retrofit buildings for maximum energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Windows & Daylighting
Windows research is aimed at improving energy efficiency in buildings and homes across the nation.
