Energy Resources
The energy crisis may be old news to many people, but conserving energy and resources is always a hot topic for architects. The following websites offer interesting and timely information on energy efficiency, sustainability, and other related topics:
- The American Institute of Architects' (AIA) Committee on the Environment provides resources to help architects increase sustainability through design.
- Southern California Edison (Edison)'s site gives energy conservation, rebate, and incentive information, and offers links to other energy-related sites.
- The California Energy Commission (CEC)'s website has a great deal of information on regulations, incentive programs, and publications of interest to architects.
- The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)'s website has a list of money saving tips for improving energy efficiency.
- The US Department of Energy (USDE) is the federal government's website for energy resources.
- Energy Upgrade California
- The Energy Star program (EPA) offers useful information on equipment ratings for the government's Energy Star program.
- The Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (LBL) provides consumers with energy saving tips on how to make their home more energy-efficient.
- The website for Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) provides information on rebates and incentives, and ideas on energy-saving measures including the PEC Heliodon. A heliodon or "sun machine" is a tool for identifying opportunities for energy savings and occupant comfort through more solar-responsive architecture.
- The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), a nonprofit organization, works exclusively on promoting environmentally friendly building and business practices. The site offers good information across all environmental issues.
- The Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC) website is a must-visit site for all architects involved or interested in sustainable design practice.
- The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)'s site offers sections on energy conservation and on energy and technology.
- Southern California Lighting Technology Center (SCLTC) is a joint partnership between the California Lighting Technology Center in Davis and Southern California Edison. The SCLTC's mission is to foster the application of energy-efficient lighting and daylighting in partnership with the lighting industry, lighting professionals and the design engineering community.
- The US Green Building Council (USGBC) offers information on creating buildings that are energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
- According to the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG)'s website, it is an Internet resource to a wide range of building-related design guidance, criteria, and technology.