Most people are surprised to learn that commercial buildings and industrial facilities account for 45 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. In fact, the EPA estimates we could save at least $20 billion a year if the energy efficiency of our commercial and industrial facilities were improved by just 10 percent. The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) reports that energy accounts for “30 percent of a typical building’s total costs” and is “the single largest and most controllable operating cost in an office building.” Experts expect the size of these numbers to grow as energy costs continue to climb faster than the rate of inflation.

Accurate assessment of your building’s current energy performance is the critical first step in any successful plan to reduce costs and improve business efficiency. Without a “big picture” understanding of the energy issues you’re trying to correct, repairs and retrofits can produce disappointing results, or even make the situation worse. Furthermore, if decision makers don’t understand the full scope of the problem, it can be difficult to access the finances and resources necessary to execute an effective plan.

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Infrared building envelope testing can also help “get everybody on the same page” by revealing expensive building energy losses with the dramatic visual evidence of full-color thermographic images. When chronic heat and energy losses become visible for all to see, the connection between energy management and financial responsibility becomes undeniable – and funding for effective action becomes available.

Air Barrier Association of America

American Indoor Air Quality Council

Build Green Schools - U.S. Green Building Council

Building Energy Codes Program - U.S. Department of Energy

Center for Building Science

Clean Energy Information - Massachusetts Technology Collaborative

Commercial Buildings: Energy Efficient Building Practices - U.S. Department of Energy

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network

Education and Outreach Resources - Massachusetts Technology Collaborative

Energy Performance of Buildings Group

Environmental Assessment Association

Green Building Basics - Nexus Green Building Resource Center

Green Building Links - U.S. Green Building Council

Green Buildings Overview - Massachusetts Technology Collaborative

Guidelines for Energy Management - Energy Star

Healthy and Affordable Housing: Practical Recommendations for Building, Renovating, and Maintaining Housing - Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (PDF format)

LEED® Online - USGBC*

Massachusetts Technology Collaborative

NEXUS Green Building Resource Center

The Green Home Guide - U.S. Green Building Council

BuildingGreen.com

Infrared building envelope analysis is the only proven, nondestructive and complete method for troubleshooting building heat loss and moisture problems. Building owners use envelope testing to save millions of dollars every year by reducing energy costs, minimizing structural damage, and enhancing occupant comfort and health. An Infra-red Analyzers heat loss survey can help you:

• Pinpoint missing, damaged or wet insulation
• Locate causes of frozen pipes and ice dams
• Prioritize and document heat loss problems
• Identify sources of air and water infiltration
• Detect conditions likely to support growth of mold and mildew
• Reduce heating and cooling costs
• Determine best options for energy-saving renovation and retrofits
• Identify cost-effective strategies for achieving LEED credits
• Increase energy efficiency and boost profits