Buildings Magazine - January 2018

BUILDINGS 01.18

ENERGYMANAGER

15 Best practices for reducing plug loads.

16 The world’s first gas-powered data center.

18 Lighting retrofits power Minneapolis energy savings.

20 Solar windows that deliver heat.

RESILIENT
BUILDINGS

25 3 tips for daylighting integration.

26 Emergency evacuation elevators.

27 4 HVAC tips to improve IAQ.

FMRESOURCE

10 EDITOR’S LETTER

What will the Year of the Dog mean for FMs?

30 BOMA FILES

Take the W2 challenge.

54 PRODUCTS &
SERVICES

This month’s section starts with a focus on Internet of Things devices and platforms.

58 FM TOOLBOX

Four free online tools for energy management and conservation projects.

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25
26

APPLE AMAZON GOOGLE

GET THE

BUILDINGS APP

THE EMERGENCE OF VRF AS A VIABLE HVAC OPTION THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF WIRELESS RETROFITS ARE YOU THROWING MONEY IN THE TRASH?

Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) is quickly becoming a top HVAC choice since its first stateside implementation in 2002. With its improved flexibility making it a viable choice for most types, sizes and locations of buildings, VRF has outpaced the growth of other HVAC technologies over the last decade. What makes VRF ideal for such a wide range of buildings?

The Internet of Things has opened a gateway to connectivity that facility managers are only beginning to harness. With the ability to add a wireless sensor or control to virtually any type of system, existing buildings are ripe for retrofits. The key is to start with a clearly defined strategy and then deploy your mesh network.

Waste management is prone to a number of potentially costly issues, from simple workflow inefficiency to workplace injuries and environmental contamination.

Every company produces waste, but not every company has to be vulnerable to injury claims and environmental fines. Take a closer look at your waste stream – a few simple changes could make a big impact.