EETD News #5, Spring 2000
Table of Contents

Electrochromic Window Tests in U.S. Office Show Promise

Electrochromic glazings promise to be the next major advance in energy-efficient window technology, helping to achieve the goal of transforming windows and skylights from an energy liability in buildings to an energy source for the nation's building stock. The glazing can be reversibly switched from clear to a transparent, colored state by applying a low voltage, resulting in dynamically controllable thermal and optical properties ("smart windows"). Incorporating electrochromic glazings could reduce peak electric loads by 20 to 30% in many commercial buildings and increase daylighting benefits throughout the U.S., as well as improve comfort and potentially enhance productivity in our homes and offices.

CLASP Helps Developing Nations Implement Energy Standards

A new organization, in which Berkeley Lab's EETD is a founding partner, has received United Nations funding to help developing nations implement energy performance standards and therefore meet rising energy demand. The Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP), formed in 1999, is a collaboration between Berkeley Lab, the Alliance to Save Energy, and the International Institute for Energy Conservation.

EETD Scientists Aid Research Efforts Leading to MTBE Ban

In a recent action, California Governor Gray Davis banned the use of the gasoline-oxygenating additive MTBE (methyl tertiary-butyl ether) because it poses a serious threat to groundwater. Following this action, the U.S. EPA has also opposed the use of MTBE.

Power Outage Study Team Examines Electricity Reliability

During the summer of 1999, six major power outages and two serious electrical system disturbances throughout the United States led Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson to charter a group of experts to study what happened and how it could be prevented in the future.

Research Highlights

Download PDF version here | EETD Newsletter Home Page