Program Management News

The Lighting California's Future Program
October 24, 2007

The Lighting California's Future Program is a $3.7 million California Energy Commission Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Program focused on lighting technologies for buildings. The program, which is managed by Architectural Energy Corporation, features nine technical projects and a cross-cutting market connection project.

The goal of the program is to meet California's growing needs for energy efficiency and demand response by creating and introducing energy-efficient, advanced lighting technologies in 2008 and 2009. Visit the Lighting California’s Future website to learn more.

AEC Receives Press in Boulder Business Report on Xcel Energy Project
October 16, 2007

The Boulder County Business Report recently published a full page article on Architectural Energy Corporation's involvement with Xcel Energy's Colorado Energy Design Assistance (EDA) custom consulting program. The Energy Design Assistance program provides energy design and analysis services, through Architectural Energy Corporation, free-of-charge to Xcel Energy commercial and industrial electricity customers that meet certain eligibility requirements.

The article was published in the Journal's "Building Green" section in the September 28th-October 11th edition. To read the entire article, please click here. [7.3mb ] For more information about the program, please contact or email Ellen Franconi. [launch ]

AEC Selected by Xcel Energy to Lead its Colorado Energy Design Assistance Program
June 13, 2007

Xcel Energy has selected Architectural Energy Corporation of Boulder to lead its existing Colorado Energy Design Assistance custom consulting program. The Energy Design Assistance (EDA) program provides energy design and analysis services, through Architectural Energy Corporation, free-of-charge to Xcel Energy commercial and industrial electricity customers that meet certain eligibility requirements. Additionally, Xcel Energy commercial customers may receive a financial incentive to reduce the cost of installing energy efficiency measures into their proposed building designs.

For the full article please click here.

California Energy Commission Announces a 2.5 Million Award to AEC
May 1, 2007

In April 2007, the California Energy Commission announced a $2.5 million award to AEC and its project team for Compliance, Enforcement and Outreach Support for Efficiency Programs. The three-year program will address the need for timely training to increase compliance with existing Building Energy Efficiency Standards, and provide training to selected market participants to encourage energy efficiency upgrades whenever existing homes are sold and to promote increased energy efficiency in new homes that add solar generation.

Training: Virtual Workshops and Online Training
September 8, 2006

Energy Design Resources (EDR) Webinars Understanding that building professionals are very busy people, EDR presents 90-minute webinars given by individuals qualified in their respective fields as a convenient method for architects, designers, energy engineers, and consultants to continue their education. The webinars were free to participants. Four EDR Webinars Were Offered in Fall 2006 Webinar #1 Daylighting Design Monday, Sept 25, 2006- 9:30 am. PST to 11:00 Pacific time Caroline Clevenger, P.E., presented the basic concepts and strategies of effectively integrating daylighting design into a new building. She discussed daylighting design goals, the importance of daylighting controls, and how to balance daylighting with the electric lighting system. Additionally, case studies were provided. Webinar #2 Integrated Energy Design Thursday, Sept. 28, 2006 - 9:30 am. PST to 11:00 Pacific time Michael Holtz, FAIA, presented the basic concepts and benefits of integrating energy efficiency strategies into the design of a new building. He discussed each step of the IED process and provides insight on how to integrate IED into the architectural process, along with case studies. Webinar #3 The Basics and Benefits of Commissioning Thursday, Oct 5, 2006 - 11:00 am PST to 12:30 pm Pacific time Erik Jeannette, P.E., discussed the basics and benefits of integrating commissioning into new and existing buildings. Starting with basic definitions and goals, he explored how to outline clear objectives, why commissioning is necessary, and what tasks to use for new and existing buildings. In addition, Mr. Jeannette discussed typical costs and benefits, and provides examples. Webinar #4 LEED® Rating System and Linkages to Energy Efficiency Resources Thursday, Oct 12, 2006 - 10:00 am PST to 11:30 Pacific time Courtney France, LEED® A.P., shared timely information on LEED® (Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design) certification for new construction projects. Mrs. France discussed how to use utility-sponsored energy efficiency program resources to support the LEED® ® rating system.

Free Online Guide to Using LEED-NC® in Colorado
June 29, 2006

The Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC) announces the release of a new guide to help building owners and design teams build better, more energy efficient buildings in Colorado. "Using LEED-NC in Colorado: Tips, Resources and Examples" is now available at no cost, on the OEMC website link at the end of this article. LEED®, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is the standard for green building rating systems.

This Guide provides recent examples of green buildings in Colorado. It shows how building managers and designers can use the LEED® rating system to consider practical, cost-effective features for new construction and that incorporating smart design doesn't have to cost more than conventional buildings. Additionally, LEED® buildings can save money for decades to come through lower energy and water bills and are better places to work with benefits such as improved air quality, temperature control, and daylighting. Click Here for OEMC's Free Guide, "Using LEED-NC in Colorado: Tips, Resources & Examples"

Big Attendance at AEC's OEMC New Construction Commissioning Seminars
June 28, 2006

More than 100 people participated in the three commissioning seminars provided by Architectural Energy Corporation for the Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC). The training sessions, which met the intent of the Colorado legislature Senate Bill 05-066, were conducted in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Fort Collins.

Commissioning is a process where building systems are verified to meet both the design intent and owner's operational requirements. The process includes activities in the design, construction, acceptance, and warranty phases of the building delivery process as well as day to day operations. Commissioning provides robust quality assurance for the owners, the design team, the occupants, and the facility and maintenance staff to ensure a fully functional building. While the use of commissioning is growing rapidly among all types of building owners, it is still a misunderstood process. The three seminars encompassed the purpose and process of commissioning, as well as tools and techniques for specific commissioning testing activities. Case studies were presented including facts, problems, and solutions from commissioning projects involving K-12 schools, office buildings, and other building types. A panel discussion followed and featured local owners, commissioning providers, engineers, and contractors. Click here for information about AEC's Commissioning Services.