Energy

Electrification is often pitched as a straightforward swap: replace boilers with heat pumps, reduce on-site combustion, and move on. In large buildings—especially those with central plants, complex distribution, and tight comfort requirements—electrification is rarely that simple. The question in 2026 isn’t “can we electrify?” It’s “can we electrify without creating operational risk?” Large-building boiler electrification has moved from theory to practice, and guidance has ma

The AI boom isn’t just a tech story—it’s an electricity story. In 2026, large loads are reshaping grid planning, rate structures, and infrastructure timelines. That’s not abstract. It affects commercial real estate in two direct ways: (1) electricity demand and pricing volatility, and (2) the increasing value of buildings that can operate efficiently, flexibly, and resiliently under grid constraints. EIA analysis has highlighted how commercial computing electricity consumptio

For years, efficiency was treated as the goal: reduce energy use, lower costs, improve ratings. In 2026, the grid has changed—and the goal has expanded. Buildings are increasingly expected to be flexible: capable of adjusting demand, participating in programs, and maintaining performance under volatile conditions. That’s why grid-interactive efficient buildings (GEBs) are becoming a practical advantage, not a research concept. The definition is worth stating plainly. A grid-i

Operational emissions used to dominate building conversations: energy use, fuel switching, electrification, demand management. That focus remains, but the market is widening. Embodied carbon—the emissions associated with materials and construction—is moving from “nice-to-measure” to “required-to-document,” especially as public procurement and major owners tighten standards. The signal is clearest in federal work. GSA has published requirements related to Inflation Reduction A