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Building experts say it’s no surprise that empty offices are burning so much energy. Electrical infrastructure like elevators consumes energy even when not in use, as do the pumps that maintain water pressure for faucets and toilets, said Eric Fournier, research director at UCLA’s California Center for Sustainable Communities. Turning these off would make it hard for buildings to “maintain a posture of openness.” A building is “kind of a living thing,” he said. “You can’t just cut the cord on it and expect it to carry on in good health for a long period of time.” Air conditioning systems are also kept on in empty buildings to avoid structural problems, mold and water-borne illnesses. The design of these large offices, many of which were built over a century ago, typically assumes a certain range of temperatures, Fournier explained. “If you deviate from that for a prolonged period, weird things happen that could be very expensive to fix.”

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UCLA professor Jon Christensen discusses the Dodger Stadium gondola project lawsuit for Dodger Blue, sharing how LAPA challenges the project’s environmental impact and community implications. LAPA’s lawsuit under CEQA aims…

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UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain discusses California’s upcoming weather for LA Times, sharing how the state is bracing for more rain and heavy snow. Swain notes that a large low-pressure…

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UCLA water equity and adaptation policy cooperative extension specialist Edith De Guzman discusses the impacts of extreme weather events on vulnerable communities in Los Angeles for LAist, sharing how water…

Awards

IoES Magazine has been recognized as one of the Top 15 Los Angeles Sustainability Blogs by Feedspot’s panelists, securing the number two spot on the list. The Top 15 list…