--- title: Utility Tracking and Benchmarking Blog | WegoBlog | Nate Brevard (2) description: WegoWise is site that allows you to track and compare your energy use in order to move towards efficiency. This blog is devoted to related topics such as tips for responsible energy use, cutting costs, and local laws that may effect you. (2) --- [![Wegowise](https://sites.wegowise.com/hubfs/www.wegowise.com/Image/Header_logo.svg "Wegowise")](https://www.wegowise.com/) [Try WegoWise](https://www.wegowise.com/signup) [signup](https://www.wegowise.com/signup) # Utility Tracking and Benchmarking Blog | WegoBlog ## Nate Brevard ### Recent Posts ## [Investment Grade Energy Audits 101](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/121531/Investment-Grade-Energy-Audits-101) Posted by [Nate Brevard](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/author/nate-brevard) on Wed, Mar 21, 2012 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://sites.wegowise.com/hs-fs/file-16373296-jpeg/1_images/wegowise_energy_audit.jpeg) ](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/121531/Investment-Grade-Energy-Audits-101) An energy audit is an examination of a building for energy efficiency improvement purposes. Through analysis of energy usage, building characteristics, weather data, and the typical usage of the building, an energy audit can recommend energy conservation measures.  The measures are assessed for their savings potential, as well as their ability to maintain or improve the quality of life within the building. [Read More](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/121531/Investment-Grade-Energy-Audits-101) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/121531/Investment-Grade-Energy-Audits-101#comments-listing) Tags: [Energy efficiency](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/energy-efficiency), [Funding](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/funding), [Building science](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/building-science), [Water Conservation](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/water-conservation) ## [The Greener Side of the Fence - Native Plants Landscaping](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/118559/The-Greener-Side-of-the-Fence-Native-Plants-Landscaping) Posted by [Nate Brevard](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/author/nate-brevard) on Tue, Feb 21, 2012 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://sites.wegowise.com/hs-fs/file-16367248-jpg/1_images/versailles_lawns_wegowise.jpg) ](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/118559/The-Greener-Side-of-the-Fence-Native-Plants-Landscaping) #### Native plants and grasses in the place of traditional lawns can save resources, cut landscaping costs and significantly reduce pollution. The Palace of Versailles. [Read More](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/118559/The-Greener-Side-of-the-Fence-Native-Plants-Landscaping) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/118559/The-Greener-Side-of-the-Fence-Native-Plants-Landscaping#comments-listing) Tags: [Renewables](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/renewables), [Energy efficiency](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/energy-efficiency), [Water Conservation](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/water-conservation) ## [Green DIY Projects: Save Energy while Saving Money](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/113973/Green-DIY-Projects-Save-Energy-while-Saving-Money) Posted by [Nate Brevard](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/author/nate-brevard) on Fri, Jan 13, 2012 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://sites.wegowise.com/hs-fs/file-16316707-jpg/1_images/nest_thermostat_wegowise.jpg) ](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/113973/Green-DIY-Projects-Save-Energy-while-Saving-Money) ### If you'd like to kill some time during your weekend while saving money and shrinking your carbon footprint, try a couple of the projects below.   **Install a Programmable Thermostat** [Read More](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/113973/Green-DIY-Projects-Save-Energy-while-Saving-Money) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/113973/Green-DIY-Projects-Save-Energy-while-Saving-Money#comments-listing) Tags: [Energy efficiency](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/energy-efficiency), [Water Conservation](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/water-conservation) ## [The Green Drinks Cheat Sheet](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/112386/The-Green-Drinks-Cheat-Sheet) Posted by [Nate Brevard](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/author/nate-brevard) on Wed, Dec 28, 2011 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://sites.wegowise.com/hs-fs/file-16271395-jpg/1_images/blink_charging_wegowise.jpg) ](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/112386/The-Green-Drinks-Cheat-Sheet) ### The Green Drinks Cheat Sheet: Sustainability and Clean Tech talking points for 2012 Here are some goings-on in the world of Green for you to casually drop as you schmooze your way through the next networking event for the environmentally minded. [Read More](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/112386/The-Green-Drinks-Cheat-Sheet) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/112386/The-Green-Drinks-Cheat-Sheet#comments-listing) Tags: [News and Policy](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/news-and-policy), [Energy efficiency](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/energy-efficiency) ## [Red States Going Green: Careers in Clean Energy and Green Investment](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/108464/Red-States-Going-Green-Careers-in-Clean-Energy-and-Green-Investment) Posted by [Nate Brevard](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/author/nate-brevard) on Thu, Dec 01, 2011 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://sites.wegowise.com/hs-fs/file-16373093-jpg/1_images/wegowise_convinced_dismissive.jpg) ](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/108464/Red-States-Going-Green-Careers-in-Clean-Energy-and-Green-Investment) Climate change is a politically volatile issue, often polarizing the left and right as “believers" and “deniers” respectively. However, recent polls have shown that despite a person’s given stance on the science of climate change, the concept of energy independence through clean energy can line up very well with [traditional conservative thought](http://thegreenmarket.blogspot.com/2010/11/conservatism-is-green.html). For instance, there has been a [recent explosion of energy saving sentiment](http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/19/science/earth/19fossil.html?pagewanted=all) in small towns and rural areas of conservative Kansas, including awareness programs for kids, new geothermal and wind energy projects and energy conservation competitions between towns with significant results (up to a 5% decrease). This may be surprising to some, as this trend seems to clash with how conservatives are commonly viewed by liberals, but the phenomenon is real.  [Read More](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/108464/Red-States-Going-Green-Careers-in-Clean-Energy-and-Green-Investment) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/108464/Red-States-Going-Green-Careers-in-Clean-Energy-and-Green-Investment#comments-listing) Tags: [Energy efficiency](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/energy-efficiency) ## [Reduced Emissions and Improved Quality of Life through Urban Cycling](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/104349/Reduced-Emissions-and-Improved-Quality-of-Life-through-Urban-Cycling) Posted by [Nate Brevard](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/author/nate-brevard) on Tue, Nov 01, 2011 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://sites.wegowise.com/hs-fs/file-16305688-jpeg/1_images/hubway_wegowise.jpeg) ](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/104349/Reduced-Emissions-and-Improved-Quality-of-Life-through-Urban-Cycling) ##### **Another North American bicycle sharing success:** ****Since late July, riders of Boston’s [Hubway](http://www.thehubway.com/) bicycle sharing program have traveled well over 100,000 miles on the system’s 600 bicycles. This figure has exceeded expectations, and the City’s enthusiasm has been reflected in Hubway’s expansion from 41 to 61 bicycle stations in under three months time. [Read More](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/104349/Reduced-Emissions-and-Improved-Quality-of-Life-through-Urban-Cycling) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/104349/Reduced-Emissions-and-Improved-Quality-of-Life-through-Urban-Cycling#comments-listing) Tags: [News and Policy](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/news-and-policy), [Energy efficiency](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/energy-efficiency) ## [WegoWise's Top 5 Links For an Energy Conscious Friday](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/91918/WegoWise-s-Top-5-Links-For-an-Energy-Conscious-Friday) Posted by [Nate Brevard](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/author/nate-brevard) on Fri, Aug 26, 2011 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://sites.wegowise.com/hs-fs/file-16313692-png/1_images/mascot.png) ](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/91918/WegoWise-s-Top-5-Links-For-an-Energy-Conscious-Friday) Whether you want to be a more informed citizen or just want to kill some time before 5 on a Friday afternoon, WegoWise has got you covered. So peruse our best links, give us some feedback and be sure to share some of the info you just gleaned with other interested parties at the parties you are hopefully attending this weekend. Brought to you by [Dan](http://blog.wegowise.com/blog2/?Author=Dan+Teague), [Nate](http://blog.wegowise.com/blog2/?Author=Nate+Brevard), [Sean](http://blog.wegowise.com/blog2/?Author=Sean+Shanley) and [Lily](http://blog.wegowise.com/blog2/?Author=Lily+Perkins-High). 1. [100 Million Smart Meters in Europe by 2016](http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/100-million-smart-meters-to-be-installed-in-europe-by-2016-but-are-end-user/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+greentechmedia-all-content+%28Greentech+Media%3A+All+Content%29&utm_content=Google+Reader) 2. [LEED Certifies First Multifamily Residential Apartments](http://greenbuildingelements.com/2011/07/18/leed-certifies-first-multi-family-residential-apartments/) 3. [Climate Change Can Make Hurricanes More Intense](http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/08/climate-change-can-make-hurricanes-more-intense.php) 4. [Boosting the Economy Through Food](http://citiwire.net/post/2893/) 5. [1,000,000,000 Cars Worldwide](http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/18/world-vehicle-population-tops-1-billion/)   ### This week's Friday Links Mascot: [Read More](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/91918/WegoWise-s-Top-5-Links-For-an-Energy-Conscious-Friday) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/91918/WegoWise-s-Top-5-Links-For-an-Energy-Conscious-Friday#comments-listing) Tags: [Renewables](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/renewables), [News and Policy](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/news-and-policy), [Energy efficiency](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/energy-efficiency), [Affordable housing](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/affordable-housing), [Building science](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/building-science) ## [Washington D.C.'s Clean and Affordable Energy Benchmarking Act](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/89859/Washington-D-C-s-Clean-and-Affordable-Energy-Benchmarking-Act) Posted by [Nate Brevard](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/author/nate-brevard) on Thu, Aug 18, 2011 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://sites.wegowise.com/hs-fs/file-16368094-png/1_images/washington_dc_energy_benchmarking_-resized-600.png) ](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/89859/Washington-D-C-s-Clean-and-Affordable-Energy-Benchmarking-Act) ## **Are you ready to comply by October 1st?** Starting this October, all owners of commercial and multifamily buildings in Washington D.C. over 200,000 square feet will be required to annually report the energy performance of their properties to the District Department of the Environment. By 2014, any building greater than 50,000 square feet must comply. (See below for the full schedule.) [Read More](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/89859/Washington-D-C-s-Clean-and-Affordable-Energy-Benchmarking-Act) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/89859/Washington-D-C-s-Clean-and-Affordable-Energy-Benchmarking-Act#comments-listing) Tags: [Renewables](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/renewables), [News and Policy](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/news-and-policy), [Energy efficiency](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/energy-efficiency) ## [WegoWise's Top 5 Links For an Energy Conscious Friday](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/87467/WegoWise-s-Top-5-Links-For-an-Energy-Conscious-Friday) Posted by [Nate Brevard](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/author/nate-brevard) on Fri, Aug 05, 2011 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://sites.wegowise.com/hs-fs/file-16348275-jpg/1_images/shark-pet-resized-600.jpg) ](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/87467/WegoWise-s-Top-5-Links-For-an-Energy-Conscious-Friday) Whether you want to be a more informed citizen or just want to kill some time before 5 on a Friday afternoon, WegoWise has got you covered. So peruse our best links, give us some feedback and be sure to share some of the info you just gleaned with other interested parties at the parties you are hopefully attending this weekend. Brought to you by [Dan](http://blog.wegowise.com/blog2/?Author=Dan+Teague), [Nate](http://blog.wegowise.com/blog2/?Author=Nate+Brevard) and [Lily](http://blog.wegowise.com/blog2/?Author=Lily+Perkins-High). [Read More](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/87467/WegoWise-s-Top-5-Links-For-an-Energy-Conscious-Friday) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/87467/WegoWise-s-Top-5-Links-For-an-Energy-Conscious-Friday#comments-listing) Tags: [Renewables](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/renewables), [News and Policy](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/news-and-policy), [Energy efficiency](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/energy-efficiency), [Building science](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/building-science) ## [Insparisk and WegoWise team up for Local Law 84 Energy Benchmarking!](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/84856/Insparisk-and-WegoWise-team-up-for-Local-Law-84-Energy-Benchmarking) Posted by [Nate Brevard](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/author/nate-brevard) on Mon, Jul 25, 2011 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://sites.wegowise.com/hs-fs/file-16374249-png/1_images/wegowise_isparisk.png) ](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/84856/Insparisk-and-WegoWise-team-up-for-Local-Law-84-Energy-Benchmarking) From PR Newswire: [Read More](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/84856/Insparisk-and-WegoWise-team-up-for-Local-Law-84-Energy-Benchmarking) 2 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/bid/84856/Insparisk-and-WegoWise-team-up-for-Local-Law-84-Energy-Benchmarking#comments-listing) Tags: [Renewables](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/renewables), [News and Policy](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/news-and-policy), [Energy efficiency](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/topic/energy-efficiency) [Previous Page](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/author/nate-brevard/page/1) [All Posts](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/all) [Next Page](https://sites.wegowise.com/blog2/author/nate-brevard/page/3) [![New Call to action](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/107469/37986de4-f7a0-4b24-a3de-0f3f2f4a96d1.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/107469/37986de4-f7a0-4b24-a3de-0f3f2f4a96d1) [![Receive our quarterly newsletter](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/107469/7978ced2-deff-479a-b4b3-f8710e567987.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/107469/7978ced2-deff-479a-b4b3-f8710e567987) ### Subscribe by Email ### Browse by Tag - 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