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Lithium Ion batteries have just entered the renewable energy field of play and are proving to be worth their weight in gold to harness and store valuable energy generated from renewable sources. 

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The world view of renewable energy remains strong with several countries implementing challenging goals and unprecedented projects to bring renewable energy to the rest of the world. 

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Energy efficient, great for the environment, and beautiful to look at, green roofs offer a great option for people looking to improve the air quality surrounding their building while reducing energy costs. 

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It takes a big idea to make changes in the world possible. Minnesota is happy to be at the forefront of construction with the next big idea. A new plan, called the MN Sustainable Building (SB) 2030 B3 program, is designed with the end goal of creating only net zero energy and carbon buildings in the state of Minnesota by the year 2030.

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Traditional fossil fuels have long been the standard for energy in the world. Though, with new technologies, renewable energy is giving traditional energy generators a run for their money. Renewable energy is closing the gap on cost effectiveness and efficiency at a rapid pace, and the technology only continue to improve every day. Let's take a closer look at the numbers to see exactly why renewable energy is the better energy choice.

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Typically, the engineer focuses on creating and improving innovative or renewable energy sources for electricity. This can come in the form of new solar power techniques and design, or ways to return renewable power back to the energy grid.

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A wind turbine consists of two or three giant blades that look like propellers attached to a rotor. The rotor is attached to a main shaft, which is then connected to a generator. When the wind blows, the large blades begin to spin. The rotational movement transfers to the shaft, which also spins. This transfers to the generator, which creates electricity.

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Many new buildings that are constructed have a LEED-certified label attached to them. Generally speaking, this means that these buildings were constructed with a green building mentality. To be able to do this, the architects and engineers who design these buildings usually carry a LEED Accreditation. Below, let's take a closer look at what goes into a LEED Accreditation and how it can be beneficial.

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Optimizing your building site is a great way to save money and keep your property sustainable. By considering building orientation, landscaping, and rehabilitating existing structures, you could help maximize your building's sustainable potential. 

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Chances are, you see the words, "LEED Certified" fairly often. It can be plastered on the wall of a building or listed as a benefit for a new structure. But what exactly does a LEED certification mean, and how does a building become LEED Certified? Below we will take an in-depth look at what exactly it takes to qualify as a LEED-Certified building and the benefits associated with LEED.

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The most significant component of sustainable building design is having a renewable energy source. Simply being able to create electricity from a renewable source is not only more energy efficient, but can save money over time. Plus, renewable energy sources are environmentally friendly and do not leave a big carbon footprint, if any at all. Below we will examine some of the more popular renewable energy sources.

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At the heart of Gausman & Moore we live and breathe sustainable design. Our team of engineers is dedicated to creating sustainable concepts and utilizing renewable energy as often as possible. While it may seem to be the new, trendy approach to building, we must still look at why sustainable engineering is important. Let's take a closer look as to why green design is both a practical option and necessary for a better future.

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One of our best renewable resources is available to us just outside our windows. Using natural sunlight in your building is a great way to stay green while using sustainable design concepts. Natural sunlight not only improves the mood and morale of the people residing within the building, but it can lower energy costs and reduce carbon emissions.

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Solar water heaters rely on the sun to heat the water provided to your home or building. These systems are reliable and relatively straightforward. At the core, a solar water heater is reliant on the solar collector and storage tank. The collector is an insulated box, usually with a dark interior, that contains tubes that allow for water flow. The solar collector catches the sun's rays and transforms them into heat. The storage tank simply holds the heated water. From here, the functionality of the solar water heater depends on the type.

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A Zero Energy Building, often seen abbreviated as ZEB, is a building where the amount of imported energy is offset by the amount of exported energy. The building can be a stand-alone building, part of a network, or even part of a larger campus or community. Typically, the amount of energy imported and exported is measured annually. The methodology used to import and export energy can come from various power sources.

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