New ammonia refrigeration systems come smaller and save more energy. Manufacturers devise resourceful solutions for wastewater and biogas recovery. Building envelopes, thicker wall insulation and white roofs have tipped from optional to standard because of stricter building codes.
Experts from architecture, design and engineering firms have seen sustainability projects in these areas, among others, in recent years. On the other hand, clients mostly stopped asking about attaining a dominant indicator of green design: LEED certification.