Current Directions

The Deringer Group combines over 30 years of technical experience in building and energy analysis with cutting-edge skills in (1) energy analysis, (2) interactive computer-based education (CBE) software, and (3) sustainable building design. The TDG staff is LEED certified by the US Green Building Council.

TDG's vision is to assist buildings to achieve the maximum level of occupant productivity, comfort, and ecological efficiency (minimizing environmental impacts while maximizing efficiency of the production processes) using the principles of smart design. 

TDG emphasizes team efforts, and has routinely worked with a number of strategic partners in its aim to implement Best Practices.  The firm is currently collaborating with:

• Laurence Berkeley National Lab on two projects.  The first involves developing a computer-based education (CBE) tool to help train air-conditioning technicians at Laney College in Oakland, CA, and the second is developing a visualization tool for building performance monitoring. An example of other training and design tool software developed by TDG to enhance building performance can be seen at www.EcoAdvisor.com.

• A group of 20+ private sector and government experts producing a guideline for the commissioning of building exterior enclosures to improve performance. Mr. Deringer chairs this NIBS committee.

Strategy for Growth

TDG's long-term sustainability goal is to become a model company that embodies sustainability in all of its own operations as well as assisting in the sustainable design and operations of buildings occupied by others.  Our strategies include transforming our own policies and operations, and forming a nonprofit entity to help expand into a broader range of sustainability services.  Our two primary initiatives at this point in time are (1) to reduce our largest direct negative environmental impacts, which are transportation-related, and (2) to expand our services to other organizations relative to sustainability. 

A CERES Sustainability Report was undertaken by TDG in 2005.  Annual CERES reporting can create a working model of how entrepreneurial businesses can prosper using proven green business principles. Through this process, TDG realized there is a great lack of tools available to small businesses (20 employees or fewer). Therefore, our vision is to expand the range of tools and services available to businesses aspiring to become sustainable. 

Green Office Initiatives

TDG is seeks to become a leader in environmental entrepreneurship for small businesses through green office initiatives. A partial list of these initiatives include:

• certified Bay Area Green Business, and acting as a process mentor for other small businesses going through this certification process

• use of natural lighting control using a dual-Venetian blind system

• compact florescent task lighting throughout office suite

• natural ventilation of office through stack effect

• participation in urban development through Berkeley Neighborhood Association

• implementation of office products re-use/ no disposables program

• exploration of electric scooter purchase for local commuting

• exploration of PV array installation on leased office building

• exploration of using Green Tags to offset business-related CO2 emissions

Last edited 12 June 06