Utility Tracking and Benchmarking Blog | WegoBlog

As the first major city to pass Energy Star benchmarking and disclosure laws, Washington DC led the country. However New York City left DC behind with NYC Local Law 84 implementation.  Now the DC energy disclosure rules are final and the time has arrived to report your Energy Star score for your commercial building.  Multi-family buildings also have to submit their energy usage to the EPA through Energy Star Portfolio Manager, though they don’t have to collect tenant data (yet). 

Whether you're looking to become a more informed citizen, or just kill some time before five on a Friday, WegoWise has got you covered. With winter storm Nemo barrelling down on the northeast as we write, it only seems appropriate to prep our faithful blog readers with the information they need to ride out the storm comfortably, efficiently, and without going stir-crazy from boredom.  So, peruse our best links, FWD them to your coworkers, and be sure to share some of the information you've just learned with other interested parties at the parties you're snowshoeing to this weekend!

Trying to stay warm is perpetually on the minds of New Englanders during the winter months (or at least those native to more southern states). However, climate change considerations and heating bills keep many of us from cranking up the thermostat. While the occasional jumping jacks in your apartment can help stave off the shivers, there are other options to maximize energy efficiency while keeping your home or apartment cozy when temperatures drop below freezing.

Whether you're looking to become a more informed citizen, or just trying to kill some time before 5 on a Friday, WegoWise has got you covered!  Superbowl weekend is upon us and depending on the level of your fandom, that might entail anything from a weekend of hype, shouting, and nachos to overhearing Jon Stewart talk about the winner on Monday.  Either way, you should be happy to hear that the organizers of Superbowl XLVII are aiming for this to be the most sustainable Superbowl yet.  What with this being the most-watched and highest-profile few hours of television of the year, we're excited to see green features integrated into the planning of this massive event.  So peruse our best links, leave us some feedback, and be sure to share any interesting new info you learn with other interested parties at the parties you're hopefully attending this weekend.  Brought to you by Catherine, Casey, Joanna, Sam and Adam.

Whether you drive, bike or ride the subway or bus each day, public transportation almost certainly affects both your daily commute to work and personal travel. For some of us, it can be a headache -- causing traffic congestion and wasting tax payer dollars -- but for others, public transit can serve as the most cost effective and convenient way to reach a desired destination.

Tidal Power has been in the news this month, but for at least 1500 years we have been harnessing the power of the ocean’s tides to improve our lives. Since the Middle Ages, tide mills have been used to grind grain, and beginning in 1966, we have been using tidal generators to generate renewable electricity.

Active old-style tide mill, Portugal

Whether you want to be a more informed citizen, or just want to kill some time on a Friday before 5, WegoWise has got you covered!  You've got apps for making faux-polaroids, apps for flinging birds, and apps for finding restaurants, but do you have any apps that are saving you energy?  Here are a few apps for your smartphone that will help you green up your pocket-warmer.  So peruse our best links, give us some feedback, and be sure to share some of the information you've learned with other interested parties at the parties you're hopefully attending this weekend. Brought to you by Catherine, Casey, Joanna, Sam and Adam.

As flagship buildings, skyscrapers are powerful symbols of what we value as a country. Throughout the past century, prominent buildings from the Chrysler to the Sears have helped tell the story of our nation through architecture.  Looking forward, the 21^st century is no different, and when it comes to the environmental impact of buildings, looking to notable buildings can help frame the important issues at play.  

Actually following up with that New Year's resolution to clear out your creepy basement or getting the urge to do some (not yet) spring cleaning? Make sure to remember to recycle! Here's a look at a couple of the best infographics on the web to convince you that sorting your trash is worth the effort.

You’re hungry. You want to visit your local favorite restaurant, but you’ve heard rumors that it’s awful for your carbon footprint to eat anyplace other than home.  Which is true depending on where you dine.  According to a USA Today article, the average restaurant annually uses 500,000 kWh of electricity, 20,000 therms of natural gas, and 800,000 gallons of water.  That's a lot of energy and water!

However, fear not! Restaurant owners worldwide are improving the sustainability of their cuisine and the establishments where their cuisine is served, so that we can enjoy some good, and green, eats.  But how can you know? Many restaurants boast of their local ingredients, but there are multiple factors that contribute to a restaurant’s being “green.” In addition to ingredients and how dishes are prepared, there’s water efficiency, waste management, cleaning methods, interior design and heating, just to name a few.  Thankfully, several organizations have undertaken the task of helping consumers identify eco friendly restaurants with green restaurant certifications or guidelines to helping consumers eat green, no matter where they are. Championing the cause in the US is the Green Restaurant Association.