Energy in Action!

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems are critical components of modern commercial buildings. They are responsible for maintaining the indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality to provide a comfortable and healthy environment for occupants. However, poorly maintained or unbalanced HVAC systems can cause numerous problems, such as occupant discomfort, pathogen transmission, and energy waste. This is why testing and balancing HVAC systems (TAB) is essential to ensure that they operate optimally and deliver maximum benefits. In this article, we will explore the benefits of testing and balancing HVAC systems for commercial buildings. Occupancy ComfortOne of the most significant benefits...

Net metering is a utility accounting or billing system that allows individuals or businesses with renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to sell their excess energy back to the utility grid.

A building's digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical building that can be used to simulate and analyze the building's performance in various scenarios. Digital twins use data from sensors, building management systems, and other sources to accurately represent the building's characteristics, such as its layout, systems, and materials. Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to help manage a building's digital twin by analyzing the data from the digital twin and identifying opportunities to increase energy efficiency, optimize systems performance, and improve building occupancy comfort. For example, AI algorithms can be used to analyze the data from a...

The Hong Kong Energy Savings Plan policy sets a pathway for driving energy saving through a combination of educational, social, economic and regulatory means, especially for buildings and inhabitants to become highly energy efficient by 2025 (reducing energy intensity 40% from 2005 base levels).  To achieve this goal, the government has introduced several measures, including the promotion of energy efficient buildings through retrofits as well as new construction standards.  The plan also promotes the use of renewable energy sources. For example, the government has introduced financial incentives for businesses that invest in energy efficient technologies such as LED lighting, building automation, efficient HVAC systems and solar panels to name a few. Measurement and Verification and the validation of energy efficiency savings will play an important role in helping Hong Kong meet its energy reduction goals.

The Philippines is a country that has experienced significant economic growth in recent years. Its gross domestic product (GDP) has grown at an average annual rate of around 6 percent since 2010, making it one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia. The Philippines has also made strides in renewable energy. The government has set a goal of increasing the share of renewable energy in the country's total energy mix to 30 percent by 2030. To achieve this goal, the government has implemented a number of initiatives, including the creation of a feed-in tariff program that encourages the development of renewable energy projects.