Listed below are all documents and RMI.org site pages related to this topic.
Built Environment - Buildings--Commercial, 26 Items
Conference Proceedings, 2010
http://www.rmi.org/rmi/Library/2010-12_PullingLeversExistingBuildings
Comprehensive building retrofits require an investment grade audit in conjunction with a calibrated hourly energy model. Even with the most thorough audit processes, uncertainty still remains when identifying and modeling building parameters. This uncertainty propagates throughout the final calibrated model and affects the quality of the energy saving estimates. This paper, geared towards the typical energy analyst, provides a step-by-step process for achieving more reliable results by calibrating an energy model based on actual utility data.
Conference Proceedings, 2010
http://www.rmi.org/rmi/Library/2010-11_WholeBuildingRetrofits
This paper discusses creative elements of deep whole building retrofits. It discusses process and technique, how to select suitable buildings, the key players that must be involved, project development tasks the design team must complete, and tools and skills that engineers will need to acquire to comprehensively and cost- effectively retrofit the existing commercial building stock.
Conference Proceedings, 2010
http://www.rmi.org/rmi/Library/2010-13_RadicallyEnergyEfficientRetrofits
In order to avoid reaching unsustainable levels of atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations, we must reduce GHG emissions by 75% by 2050. “Deep” commercial building retrofits are an essential part of the solution. A “deep” retrofit is 1) a package of integrated, whole-building energy efficiency measures that 2) is coordinated with planned equipment replacement and that 3) optimizes cost and GHG reductions. Developing deep retrofits requires changes to the typical approach to building retrofits (which generally result in only ~15-30 percent energy savings). This paper highlights differentiators between the Empire State Building retrofit process and the typical approach to retrofits. These differentiators are likely not the precise or only changes needed to the typical retrofit process; however, they form a starting point for driving greater energy savings in building retrofits.
Journal or Magazine Article, 2009
http://www.rmi.org/rmi/Library/2009-03_AcceleratingSolarPowerAdoption
This paper discusses common barriers to solar power adoption and techniques for getting around those barriers. The authors explain how to overcome the barriers by saving money at multiple points in the solar value chain.
Journal or Magazine Article, 2009
http://www.rmi.org/rmi/Library/2009-04_BioclimaticDialogueOfPlace
This paper analyzes human's historical and contemporary responses to the biological environment.
Conference Proceedings, 2009
http://www.rmi.org/rmi/Library/2009-11_CrystalizedPedagogySustainabilityEducation
The notion that human behavior is influenced by environmental conditions is not novel, though this dynamic is often overlooked and underappreciated in the construction of buildings and cities. As described in this paper, this relationship offers a powerful opportunity for designers to create a crystallized pedagogy that encourages and informs occupants in sustainable patterns of living.
Report or White Paper, 2008
http://www.rmi.org/rmi/Library/2008-12_BreakthroughsMultiTenantDevelopments
This paper reports on the complex issues surrounding multi-tenant developments by analyzing current industry practices and the perceived hurdles associated with them. Key financial benefits of high-performance multi-tenant buildings are presented. A selection of structural solutions that distribute these financial benefits to tenants and owners so as to accelerate the adoption of high-performance building in the multi-tenant industry is provided.
Presentation, 2008
http://www.rmi.org/rmi/Library/E08-06_SystemsThinkingDataCenters
This presentation shows how to apply a whole-system approach to the energy use in data centers in order to provide 95-99% energy savings. The authors present strategies for saving energy that have been applied effectively to data centers.
Guide, 2007
http://www.rmi.org/rmi/Library/NC07-12
The RMI Visitor's Guide details the design and engineering of Amory and Judy Hill Lovins' house. The Visitor's Guide explains the strategy and economics underlying the design and construction of the house.
Presentation, 2007
http://www.rmi.org/rmi/Library/M07-01_HealthCareAnalogiesLessons
This keynote address to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement suggests links between lessons learned in decades of energy reforms. In the presentation, Amory Lovins argues that fundamental changes are needed in the way that Americans receive healthcare.