Technology Primers

Overview

These Technology Primers are intended to introduce an array of audiences to high-performance technology in buildings. These solutions can help cut energy costs and improve comfort in your building. 


The Tech Primers are meant to serve as building blocks to understand how different high performance technology works and its path to implementation. 


The Tech Primers were developed in partnership with the Building Energy Exchange.

Air to Water Heat Pumps


Air to water heat pumps (AWHPs) are a deep energy retrofit option to electrify a building’s domestic hot water system.


By either replacing or supplementing a traditional gas, oil, or steam system, AWHPs can significantly reduce carbon emissions and save energy.

Download the Tech Primer

Chilled Water Plant Optimization


Cooling with chilled water is a centralized air conditioning method common in large buildings.


Chilled water plant optimization can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, extends equipment life, reduces utility costs, and provides high turn down and heat recovery.

Download the Tech Primer

Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs)


An enhanced mechanical ventilation system with an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) provides controlled and conditioned ventilation that improves indoor air quality and occupant health, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving energy.


Learn more about how enhanced ventilation and ERVs can improve your air quality while optimizing energy performance.

Download the Tech Primer

Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems


Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) provide controlled and conditioned ventilation that improves indoor air quality and occupant health, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving energy.

Download the Tech Primer

High Performance Windows


As part of a building’s envelope, windows play an important role in moderating indoor temperature.


Upgrading to high performance windows improves comfort and lowers operating costs by reducing demand on the building’s heating and cooling systems.

Download the Tech Primer

LED Lighting Retrofits


LED lighting upgrades are a low-cost, high impact opportunity to improve the performance of a building's lighting system, reduce energy use, enhance occupant comfort, and save money.

Download the Tech Primer

One-Pipe Steam Optimization


Although one-pipe steam is commonly associated with overheating and energy waste, optimizing these systems with a few high-efficiency upgrades can reduce energy bills and improve resident comfort.

Download the Tech Primer

Plug Loads and Tenant Energy Use Reduction


Energy use in tenant spaces can be significantly reduced by adopting simple user engagement strategies, upgrading to efficient appliances and equipment, sub-metering tenant spaces, and installing smart lighting controls.

Download the Tech Primer

Two-Pipe Steam Optimization


Although two-pipe steam is commonly associated with overheating and energy waste, optimizing these systems with a few high-efficiency upgrades can reduce energy bills and improve resident comfort.

Download the Tech Primer

Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems


Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) is an efficient heating and cooling technology that saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions while greatly improving resident comfort.


VRF systems offer multifamily buildings a path to electrification.

Download the Tech Primer

Wall Insulation


Insulation, in tandem with other enclosure elements, plays a critical role in moderating indoor comfort.


Optimizing the type, amount, and location of insulation can hugely improve comfort and lower utility bills.

Download the Tech Primer
Share by: