Energy Efficient Building Design at NREL

It never ceases to amaze me that right here in our own backyard, nestled up against the Rocky Mountain foothills are modest men and women of science working together to make our energy future renewable, sustainable, and efficient. The National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) is putting their money (and brains) where their mouth is. Set to open this summer, NREL has been developing the de facto standard for energy efficient commercial office buildings. From a building that tells you when to open the windows because it's too hot inside to windows that tint (electrochromic) when direct sun hits them, the folks at NREL know how to analyze every aspect of a structure to ensure efficient energy use. Hopefully they'll have tours of this building after it opens!