Oregon
Date: 2020-03-11
In Salem, Oregon Governor Kate Brown (Dem) has issued a 14-page executive order aimed at sharply curbing greenhouse gas emissions with a full-court press by government agencies. The executive order comes less than a week after a Republican walkout killed Oregon Senate Bill 1530,

Under the order, the Department of Consumer and Business Services will set new building energy efficiency goals aimed at a 60 pct reduction in annual energy consumption, compared to 2006 building codes. Additionally, the Department of Energy will update home appliance energy efficiency standards "at least to levels equivalent to the most stringent standards among West Coast jurisdictions." In total, 18 state agencies and commissions directing a large portion of the state's bureaucracy are tasked under the order aimed reducing emissions and addressing climate change. (Source: Office of Gov. Kate Brown, OPB, 10 Mar., 2020) Contact: Office of Gov. Kate Brown, (503) 378-4582, www.oregon.gov/gov/pages/contact.aspx

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Oregon Climate Change
Date: 2020-03-11
In Salem, Oregon Governor Kate Brown (Dem) has issued a 14-page issued an executive order aimed at to sharply curbing greenhouse gas emissions with a full-court press by government agencies. The order comes less than a week after a Republican walkout killed Oregon Senate Bill 1530, the Democrats' proposal for a cap-and-trade system in Oregon.

The Governor's Executive Order updates the state's carbon reduction goals, setting targets of a 45 pct reduction below 1990 levels by 2035, and an 80 pct reduction by 2050

Under the order, carbon polluters in the industrial, transportation and natural gas sectors would have their emissions capped by the state's Environmental Quality Commission and Department of Environmental Quality, with allowable emissions reduced over time.

The Department of Environmental Quality and Environmental Quality Commission are directed to ratchet up restrictions for how emissions intensive fuel can be. The order set a go pct below 2015 levels by 2030, and 25 pct by 2035;

The Oregon PUC will place emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions and wildfire risk when regulating Oregon power companies

The Department of Consumer and Business Services will set new building energy efficiency goals aimed at a 60 pct reduction in annual energy consumption, compared to 2006 building codes

The Department of Energy will update home appliance energy efficiency standards "at least to levels equivalent to the most stringent standards among West Coast jurisdictions."

The Department of Admin. Services will develop a plan to transition the state's automobile fleet to zero-emissions vehicles and add charging stations at public buildings.

In total, 18 state agencies and commissions directing a large portion of the state's bureaucracy are tasked under the order aimed reducing emissions and addressing climate change. (Source: Office of Gov. Kate Brown, OPB, 10 Mar., 2020) Office of Gov. Kate Brown, (503) 378-4582, www.oregon.gov/gov/pages/contact.aspx

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emission,  Oregon Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  Energy Efficiency,  Cap-and-Tarde,  

Montana Climate Change
Date: 2020-02-14
The Montana Climate Solutions Council has published draft recommendations on how the Cowboy State should tackle climate change.

The Montana Climate Solutions Plan outlines dozens of possible initiatives that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help the state adapt to the changing climate, develop new technologies and transition to a low-carbon, greener economy. The plan also recommends expanding the state's research and monitoring of climate change, incorporating climate change into government planning efforts, investing in energy storage, supporting community-based renewable energy projects, creating tax breaks for low- and zero-emission vehicles and offering building energy efficiency incentives.

Download the Montana Climate Solutions Plan HERE. (Source: Montana Climate Solutions Council, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, 12 Feb., 2020) Contact: Montana Climate Solutions Council, (406) 444-2544, deq.mt.gov › DEQAdmin › dir › Climate

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

Cincinnati
Date: 2020-02-12
On the banks of the Ohio River, the city of Cincinnati's new "WarmUp Cincy" program aims to help low- and moderate-income -- less than $40,000 per year for a family of three -- renters in multi-family buildings with home energy assessments, energy efficiency upgrades, energy education and financial assistance as needed. Now in a pilot phase, the program will serve 65 families over a 90-day period.

Following the pilot, the City will work with program partners and participants to develop a strategy for enhancing the program including scaling up to reach more renters in need of these services. Additional plans to expand the program include addressing whole-building energy efficiency challenges of multifamily structures.

The City is working with the Community Action Agency, People Working Cooperatively, Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance, and American Cities Climate Challenge to implement the project. (Source: City of Cincinnati, PR, Feb., 2020) Contact: City of Cincinnati, www.cincinnati-oh.gov; WarmUp Cincy Program, www.facebook.com/warmup.cincinnati

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

New Mexico General Services Department
Date: 2020-01-03
In Santa Fe, the New Mexico General Services Department (GSD) reports it is now considering a building's energy efficiency, energy efficiency recycling programs, eco-friendly cleaning products, solar energy installations and other environmentally focused measures when leasing office space.

To that end, the agency asks prospective property managers to list eco-friendly attributes of their spaces. The environmental measures will be scored by an evaluation team, which also will consider lease costs, property locations, building quality and available parking. (Source: New Mexico General Services Department , WRAL, 2 Jan., 2019) Contact: New Mexico General Services Department, Ken Ortiz, Sec., 505-827-2000, www.generalservices.state.nm.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Building Energy Efficiency,  

Thailand's Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency
Date: 2019-12-30
In Bangkok, the Thailand Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) reports it will this year implement rules under which new buildings of 10,000 square metres or more will be required to comply with the National Building Energy Code (BEC), an internationally recognized energy-saving standard. The new BEC standard covers the level of thermal transfer and energy requirements of electronic equipment, particularly air conditioners and light bulbs.

The new rule, which is expected to come into force early in 2020, is part of the government's commitment to improve the energy-efficiency standard in new buildings and to cut energy consumption in older buildings by a minimum of 10 pct in 2020. (Source: Thailand DEDE, SDD, 18 Dec., 2019) Contact: Thailand Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency, Tel +66 2222 4102-9, +66 2223 0021-9 +66 2226 3943 - fax., weben.dede.go.th

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Grundfos
Date: 2019-12-16
Danish pump manufacturer Grundfos reports its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore has been awarded the Singapore Building and Construction Authority's (BCA) Gold Green Mark, a green rating system for assessing new and existing buildings operational energy efficiency and overall environmental performance.

As a non-residential building, the Grundfos headquarters was evaluated across a number of areas -- energy efficiency, air-conditioning, LED lighting, water efficiency, environmental protection, indoor environmental quality, and other green features. The buildings air-tight design incorporates double walls and double-glazed windows, 100 pct natural ventilation on the production floor, enhanced natural daylight in the office from a high-efficiency lighting system and high-efficiency air-conditioning system, and 30 pct recycled building materials. (Source: Grundfos, Bangkok Post, 15 Dec., 2019) Contact: Grundfos, www.grundfos.com; Singapore Building and Construction Authority, www.bca.gov.sg

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Building,  Building Energy Efficiency,  Building Sustainability,  

California Energy Commission
Date: 2019-12-13
In Sacramento, the California Energy Commission (CEC) is reporting approval of six applications from the cities of Menlo Park, San Jose, San Mateo, and Santa Monica; County of Marin and West Hollywood.cities of Menlo Park, San Jose, San Mateo, Santa Monica, West Hollywood and Marin County for local energy ordinances that exceed statewide requirements of the 2010 CalGREEN green building standard and the 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

The CEC also approved the 2019 California Energy Efficiency Action Plan, which addresses building energy efficiency, efficiency in the industrial and agricultural sectors, barriers to energy efficiency for low-income and disadvantaged communities, and using efficiency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in buildings. The 2019 standards take effect 1 January 2020.

Statewide standards focus on smart residential photovoltaic systems, updated and cost effective insulation standards, residential and nonresidential ventilation requirements, and nonresidential lighting updates to take advantage of the rapid improvement in LED lighting technology. (Source: California Energy Commission, Green Car Congress, 12 Dec. 2019) Contact: California Energy Commission, (916) 465-4500, www.energy.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News California Energy Commission,  Green Building,  Energy Efrficiency,  

Clean Energy DC Plan
Date: 2019-12-11
In the nation's capital, DOEE reports the June, 2019, awarding of grant funding to a team led by the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) to develop and operate a High-Performance Building Hub. The Hub will support owners, developers, builders, and designers as they seek to comply with the District's new green building requirements and related policy objectives.

The Hub will advance the Clean Energy DC Plan and the Clean Energy DC Omnibus Act of 2018, as well as provide education on the District's Building Energy and Green Construction Codes. The Hub will draw from examples such as the New York City Building Energy Exchange, the Vancouver Zero Emission Building Exchange, and BloxHUB in Copenhagen to support the building and building energy efficiency industries. IMT.org to sign up for updates. (Source: DC.gov, Department of Energy & Environment, Dec., 2019) Contact: High-Performance Building Hub, Kate Johnson, katherine.johnson@dc.gov, IMT, www.imt.org; Clean Energy DC Plan, www.doee.dc.gov › cleanenergydc

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Building,  Building Energy Efficiency,  

Helsinki
Date: 2019-12-06
The Finnish capital city of Helsinki (pop. 632,000) reports it has joined the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment developed by the World Green Building Council.

The commitment, which has been adopted by both private companies and public authorities, pledges participants to ensure that the portfolios of buildings for which they are responsible produce net zero carbon emissions by 2030. And, since buildings generate more than half of Helsinki's carbon emissions, reducing heating consumption and increasing energy efficiency is central the city's effort. Accordingly, the city has set a range of targets and initiatives aimed increasing building energy efficiency.

Helsinki has also introduced Climate Watch, an online tool for assessing the city's progress on each of the 147 measures outlined in its Carbon Neutral Helsinki 2035 Action Plan. (Source: City of Helsinki, Government Europa, 6 Dec., 2019) Contact: World Green Building Council, www.worldgbc.org; City of Helsinki, Esa Nikunen, Director Environmental Services, https://fi.linkedin.com/in/esa-nikunen-560b9a78

More Low-Carbon Energy News Building Energy Efficiency,  Energy Efficiency,  Climate Change,  

Green Wall
Date: 2019-11-22
In the UK, plans have been submitted to the City of London to build Citicape House, including a 40,000 square feet exterior "green" wall incorporating more than 400,000 plants -- Europe's largest.

The "green" wall is projected to capture over 8 tpy ofcarbon, produce 6 tpy of oxygen, lower the local temperature by three to five degrees Celsius, and significantly improve local air quality by trapping approximately 500 kg per year of particulate matter.

Citicape House, designed by architecture firm Sheppard Robson, will feature a five-star hotel, 40,000 square-feet of workspace, a sky bar, meeting and events space, a spa, a restaurant, and various other spaces. (Source: Shepard Robson Architects, electrek, 20 Nov., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Wall,  Building Energy Efficiency,  

Sheppard Robson
Date: 2019-11-11
In the UK, London-headquartered national architect and design firm Sheppard Robson is reporting the unveiling of Europe's largest living "green wall" at its recently completed commercial mixed-use Citicape House in London.

The building's green facade will be wrapped with 400,000 plants for low ultraviolet values and to capture over eight tonnes of carbon and produce six tonnes of oxygen annually. Other energy efficiency related features include a "green roof" garden, efficient window glazing to minimize heat gain, a rainwater collection system, external air heat pumps and a focus on incorporating renewable energy. (Source: Sheppard Robson, dezeen, 11 Mov., 2019) Contact: Sheppard Robson, Dan Burr, Partner, www.sheppardrobson.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Wall,  Building Energy Efficiency,  

City of Evanston
Date: 2019-11-08
In Illinois, the city of Evanston, in coordination with several public interest organizations, is reporting the progress of the city's 2018 Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP), a comprehensive guide against climate change.

CARP objectives include building energy efficiency requirements, making the city of roughly 75,000 residents zero-waste by 2050 through recycling and composting programs and urging the federal government to impose a national carbon tax. (Source: Evanston City Council, The Daily Northwestern, 7 Nov., 2019) Contact: City of Evanston, Kumar Jensen, Sustainability and Resiliency Officer, www,cityofevanston.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation
Date: 2019-11-08
The Efficient World Scenario presented in the IEA's 2018 Energy Efficiency Market Report, demonstrates how increasing the global rate of energy efficiency from 1.6 pct per year to 2.2 pct per year can result in flat energy demand in the buildings sector, despite a projected 60 pct increase in floor area. Building codes and appliance standards are fundamental drivers of increased energy efficiency, and continued progress -- and expansion of coverage -- will be a priority. At the same time, these policies alone are unlikely to deliver the level of savings needed.

"In this context, it is important to consider the role that market-based instruments can play in improving the energy efficiency of buildings. Market-based instruments have gained attention in the past few years as effective tools in the policy portfolio to deliver energy efficiency. The most prevalent market-based instrument, energy company obligations, has become particularly widespread. In 2017, 47 obligation programmes were in operation in 21 countries in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America."

Download the IPEEC Energy Company Obligations: Energy Efficiency in Buildings and Future Trends report HERE. (Source: International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC) Building Energy Efficiency Task Group, Nov., 2019) Contact: IPEEC, www.ipeec.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Building Energy Efficiency,  

CBRE
Date: 2019-11-08
According to the 2019 National Green Building Adoption Index published by CBRE Group Inc., Maastricht University and the University of Guelph, Chicago is the nation's leader in energy-efficient office buildings for the third year in a row. The city added a near 2 pct gain over 2018, outranking San Francisco, Atlanta, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Los Angeles.

The index analyzed green-certified office space across America's 30 largest office markets and found the highest in the index's history at 42.2 pct -- up from 41.9 pct from 2018. According to the report, 71.1 pct of Chicago's office buildings are market-certified green and hold either an EPA ENERGY STAR® label, USGBC LEED certification, or both.

(Source: CBRE, Lawndale News, 7 Nov., 2019) Contact: CBRE, National Green Building Adoption Index www.cbre.com/about/corporate-responsibility/pillars/environmental-sustainability/green building adoption index; CBRE, Corpcomm@cbre.com, www.cbre.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Building Energy Efficiency,  Energy Benchmarking,  CGRE,  

NYSERDA
Date: 2019-10-21
In Albany, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is touting the release of it new NYStretch Energy Code -- 2020 to advance the development of energy-efficient buildings.

The new code will help both consumers and municipalities interested in voluntarily adopting higher efficiency standards for new and renovated building construction projects.

NYStretch is expected to deliver roughly 11 pct in energy savings over the model energy codes that will be the basis for the 2020 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State (2020 ECCC-NYS), with ROI ranging from 6to 12 years. (Source: NYSERDA, 11 Oct., 2019)Contact: NYSERDA, Alicia Barton, Pres., CEO, (518) 862-1090, www.nyserda.ny.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News NYSERDA,  Energy Efficiency,  Building Energy Efficiency,  

State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
Date: 2019-10-21
The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) maintained by the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center at North Carolina State University provides summaries of state and federal renewable energy and building energy efficiency incentives.

The data includes programs offered by U.S. territories, local governments, and electric and gas utilities. Incentives can include tax incentives, grants, loans, rebates, industry recruitment/support, performance-based incentives, technical resources, feed-in tariffs, renewable energy credits, solar renewable energy credits and green building incentives.

DSIRE also includes information on rules, regulations and policies related to the incentives, including public benefit funds, building energy codes, appliance/equipment efficiency standards and energy standards for public buildings.

The database is limited to incentives and policies from only investor-owned utilities in the U.S., and electric cooperatives and municipal utilities with more than 30,000 customers. (Source: DSIRE, Arizona Business Daily Reports, Oct., 2019) Contact: Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency, www.dsireusa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Building Energy Efficiency,  

Arlington County
Date: 2019-09-27
In the Old Dominion State, Arlington County (pop. 235,000 +-) reports it has updated its Community Energy Plan to incorporate goals for carbon neutrality by 2050; increased building energy efficiency and a 38 pct drop in building energy consumption; greater building resilience; increased reliance on renewable energy; a move to efficient and low-emissions transportation; and other related initiatives.

The policy targets 50 pct renewable electricity for government operations by 2022 and 100 pct by 2025, rising to 100 pct renewable electricity by 2035.

The energy plan has specific targets for reducing the amount of per capita carbon produced each decade through 2050. The County also will produce a plan to transition away from internal combustion engines and increase the use of alternative and public transportation. (Source: Arlington Connection, 25 Sept., 2019)Contact: Arlington County, www.arlingtonva.us

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Management,  Energy Efficiency,  

Morocco
Date: 2019-09-20
In Rabat, the Moroccan Ministry of National Territorial Development and Urban Planning is reporting receipt of €20 million in funding from the Berlin-based NAMA Facility, an international climate finance program. The funding will be used for building energy efficiency projects.

According to the Ministry, the building sector is "one of the major energy-consuming areas in Morocco, it represents 33 pct of the final energy consumption and records a strong growth of the annual energy consumption." Morocco's energy efficiency strategy aims to achieve energy savings of around 20 pct. (Source: Morocco World News, 19 Sept., 2019) Contact: NAMA Facility, www.nama-facility.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

San Jose
Date: 2019-09-18
In the Golden State, the city of San Jose (pop. 1.2 milluon +-) reports the adoption of the San Jose Reach Code Ordinance which includes new building codes designed to "increase building efficiency, mandate solar readiness, and increase requirements related to electric vehicle charging stations." The new building code will apply to all new residential and non-residential construction in the city.

More than 45 cities and counties are considering adopting reach codes that require building and transportation electrification. Nineteen cities in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, and Fremont, have adopted similar ordinances. (Source: City of San Jose, San Jose Spotlight, 16 Sept., 2019) Contact: City of San Jose, www.sanjoseca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Building Energy Efficiency,  

Climate Change
Date: 2019-09-16
In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CD) governing coalition is reportedly expected to release it latest plan to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 55 pct by 2030 compared to the 1990 levels. The government's package of measures, which could cost well over €40 billion ($44.6 billion) until 2023, is slated to be released on Friday, September 20.

The government's plans are expected to include a broad range of issues such as extending grants for electric car buyers, expanding a network of charging stations, raising road taxes for polluting vehicles, improving building energy efficiency, raising a green surcharge on air travel and a possible carbon tax.

As previously reported, Germany is expected to miss its own emissions goals for 2020. (Source: DW, 15 Sept., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  German Climate Change,  

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar)
Date: 2019-09-13
At the World Energy Congress in Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and French low-carbon electricity leader EDF are reporting an agreement to launch a new joint venture energy services company in order to expand into non-utility scale building energy efficiency, solar technology below 50 MW and others. The agreement is in line with Masdar's global clean energy ambitions and further supports the UAE's Energy Strategy 2050 objectives to increase renewable energy usage and energy efficiency across the UAE region, according to a release. (Source: Masdar, EDF, Trade Arabia News, Sept., 2019) Contact: Masdar, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO, Shaima Al Jarman, Marketing & Communications, +971 02 8109365, saljarman@masdar.ac.ae, www.masdar.ca.ae; EDF Renewables, www.edf-re.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News EDF Renewables,  Masdar,  Energy Efficiency,  

Dubai Supreme Council of Energy
Date: 2019-09-11
The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy reports it has joined the Building Efficiency Accelerator (BEA) Initiative, which is pledged to double the rate of energy efficiency improvement in the building sector by 2030.

The BEA Initiative was launched by The World Resources Institute (WRI) and Johnson Controls (JCI) to increase awareness and adoption of building energy efficiency programs. The Initiative aims to build market awareness and action on local government leadership by example, particularly in the developing world, local benchmarking and sustainable building certification and labeling approaches, innovative financing to support efficiency investments and distributed energy systems at the building and community scale. (Source: Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, DEWA, Aug., 2019) Contact: Dubai Supreme Council of Energy , Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman, DEWA CEO, www.dubaisce.gov.ae ; World Resources Institute, www.wri.org; Johnson Controls, Clay Nesler, (855) 324-3650, www.johnsoncontrols.com; Building Efficiency Accelerator Initiative, www.buildingefficiencyaccelerator.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Johnson Controls,  World Resources Institute ,  Energy Efficiency,  Dubai Supreme Council of Energy,  DEWA,  

TEAM ZERO,Net Zero Energy Coalition
Date: 2019-08-07
According to the recently released Zero Energy Residential Buildings Study from Richmond, California-based TEAM ZERO -- fka Net Zero Energy Coalition -- the market for residential zero energy buildings grew 59 pct across the United States and Canada in 2018,

The report findings include:

Larger multifamily buildings are increasingly dominating the zero energy housing stock;

More projects are seeking zero energy performance with integrated renewables;

The report shows a 7.2 pct increase in the percent of projects pursuing zero energy over zero energy-ready -- 73.8 pct and 21.7 pct in 2017, now 66.6 pct and 29 pct, respectively);

California leads in number of projects with 6,828 followed by New York with 3,022;

The Southwest is a stronghold with California, Arizona, Colorado, and Texas claiming a total of nearly 9,600 units;

In Canada, there was a 240 pct increase in the number of zero energy units over 2017. The study notes a city or region's dominance is often driven by a single major project;

Multifamily projects now represent 71 pct of the total zero energy residential stock. Although multifamily zero energy has shown steady gains over single-family since 2015;

In Canada, multifamily is even more dominant than in the U.S., with 90 pct of its zero energy units in multifamily projects, versus 67 pct in the U.S;

future trends to watch include community micro-grids, electrification, grid integration and harmonization, and zero carbon.

TEAM ZERO is working to unify stakeholders involved in promoting different 'paths to zero' with a common agenda and collaborative efforts that accelerate market adoption of zero energy and zero carbon homes, commercial buildings, developments, communities, and retrofits across North America. The goal is to build awareness about the value of zero energy and ensure zero harm homes and buildings are accessible and affordable to home buyers, renters and businesses in all communities.

Download the Zero Energy Residential Buildings Study 2018 Inventory of residential projects on the path to zero in the U.S. and Canada HERE. (Source: TEAM ZERO, PR, Aug., 2019) Contact: TEAM ZERO, Richard Willingham, (416) 524-2380, 219371@email4pr.com, www.teamzero.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net Zero Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  Building Energy Efficiency,  Net Zero Energy Coalition,  

Bresaer
Date: 2019-08-05
According to the Eu news agency Cordis, buildings account for around 40 pct of energy consumption and revamping existing building envelopes -- facades and roofs -- for maximum energy-efficiency, when combined with a smart energy management system, can significantly cut energy consumption and costs.

One expert who has been working at the heart of this topic is Gonzalo Pinto Quijano, an architect specializing in sustainable buildings at Acciona. As part of the EU project BRESAER, he has helped design and test a pioneering lightweight structural mesh to boost the energy-performance building facades.

The BRESAER building mesh system is modular and flexible, allowing it to adapt to different climatic conditions and architectural constraints. The lightweight structural mesh allows other components to be easily integrated into an energy efficient building facade .

Download BRESAER system details HERE. (Source: UN Cordis, Aug., 2019) Contact: UN Cordis, www.cordis.europa.eu; BRESAER, www.bresaer,eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Building Energy Efficiency,  Energy Management,  Bresaer,  

Carlton University
Date: 2019-08-02
In Ottawa, the Hon. Catherine McKenna, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change has awarded $5.1M in funding to Carlton University's Building Performance Research Centre (CU-CABER) and Prof. Cynthia Cruickshank's building energy efficiency work. The Minister also awarded $510,000 for Prof. Burak Gunay's Centre for Advanced Building Envelope Research project related to data analytics and energy performance metrics.

Cynthia Cruickshank, Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Director of the Solar Energy Systems Lab will lead the CU-CABER project to develop and evaluate new building envelope technologies. The six-year project has $3 million support from Natural Resources Canada's Energy Innovation Program and $2.1 million from the Ontario Research Fund.

Prof. Burak Gunay is working to develop an open source software platform that will help building managers identify energy efficiency issues. Gunay and his team received $510,000 through Natural Resources Canada's Green Infrastructure Fund for his Next Generation: Actionable Building Energy Performance Metrics, Data Analytics and Visualization research effort. The researchers are partnering with CopperTree Analytics, Delta Controls, and Sensible Building Science, and BentallGreenOak will develop a suite of diagnostic algorithms and methods to help facility managers pinpoint problems, and solve them. (Source: Carlton University, July, 2019)Contact: Carlton University Building Performance Research Centre, 613-520-7838, vpri@carleton.ca, www.carleton.ca/bprc

More Low-Carbon Energy News Building Energy Efficiency,  ,  

DOE SBIR
Date: 2019-07-31
American small businesses received a near-$44 million boost from the U.S. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, according to an SBIR release. Five buildings-focused, Phase II Release 2 grants awarded approximately $5 million to five small businesses. The projects, which are making advancements in building envelopes, building energy efficiency and modeling, and lighting, have already demonstrated a level of commercial feasibility for further innovations in the second phase of research. The five projects:

Innovations in Opaque Building Envelope Performance -- Lightweight and Thermally Insulating Nanowood -- (Inventwood LLC., College Park, Maryland) Inventwood LLC is using delignified wood to create a new, bio-derived cellulose thermal insulation material that could be used in window frames, exterior insulating cladding, or prefabricated panels for new building construction or retrofit applications.

Transparent Conductive Anodes for Solid-State Lighting -- Printed Anodes and Internal Light Extraction Layers on Flexible Glass to Create Cost-Effective High-Efficacy Bendable OLED Lighting Panels -- (OLEDWorks LLC, Rochester, New York) OLEDWorks LLC will further develop and commercialize a highly energy-efficient lighting product in the form of uniquely thin and beautiful curved sheets of light to accelerate organic light-emitting diode (OLED) market growth.

High Performance Substrate Embedded Microgrids for High-Efficiency, Flexible Organic Light-Emitting Diodes -- (Electroninks Inc, Austin, Texas) -- Electroninks Inc. is developing an alternative, transparent conductor for optical-electronic applications like touch sensors, displays, and OLEDs that significantly outperforms today's indium, tin, and oxygen (ITO) conductors.

Building Energy Modeling -- Portfolio-Level Energy-Efficiency Simulation (PLES) -- (Maalka, Brooklyn, New York) Maalka is extending its customizable framework for energy efficiency program development and management. The framework leverages the increasing availability of building energy data and DOE's open-source data standards and platforms and energy analysis tools (EnergyPlus, OpenStudio). The project targets the large and growing energy-efficiency program market of cities, utilities, larger owners, and energy service customers with a focus on supporting a move from individual energy conservation measures to packages and deep retrofits.

CAD-Integrated Web-Based Performance Simulation -- (Ladybug Tools LLC, Fairfax, Virginia) -- Ladybug Tools will use DOE's open-source EnergyPlus and Radiance tools, as well as OpenStudio's new elastic cloud capabilities, to deliver a greater range of analysis services (and subsequent revenue streams) for architects. Phase I of this project involved creating a working radiance-based daylighting simulation service; Phase II work will focus on energy simulation. (Source: U.S. DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Small Business Innovation Research, PR, July, 2019) Contact: SBIR, EERE.SBIR@ee.doe.gov, www.energy.gov/science/sbir/small-business-innovation-research-and-small-business-technology-transfer

More Low-Carbon Energy News DOE SBIR,  Energy Efficiency,  Energy Management,  

Building Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-07-29
Architects and engineers are reportedly calling for all-glass skyscrapers to be banned because they are too difficult and expensive to cool. Although glass-fronted offices let in lots of natural light the sunlight also brings heat creating "greenhouse effect" that in sealed buildings ha nowhere to escape.

To avoid this greenhouse effect, air conditioning has been the standard solution, but, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy used on air condition has doubled since 2000 and presently accounts for about 14 pct of all energy consumed.

In obvious agreement with the IEA, in April NYC mayor Bill de Blasio said he would ban all-glass buildings and force developers to retrofit existing buildings to make them more energy-efficient, although the "ban" was later clarified to mean "excessive use of glass and steel." In the UK, London's mayor Sadiq Khan ruled out a similar plan but released regulations requiring construction firms to assess a building's energy use across its whole life-cycle and to use special types of glass that can block sunshine in hot weather, or even generate electricity themselves, such as the Edge building in Amsterdam. (Source: Various Media, Guardian, July, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Energy Consumption,  Building Energy Efficiency,  

inteGRIDy
Date: 2019-07-24
Researchers from the EU-funded inteGRIDy -- Integrated Smart GRID Cross-Functional Solutions for Optimized Synergetic Energy Distribution, Utilization Storage Technologies -- project report they've developed a cloud-based platform to reduce energy use in buildings and battery energy storage systems.

Launched in 2017, inteGRIDy is running 10 pilot schemes in 8 European countries focused on electricity demand response, enhancing the operation of the distribution grid and energy storage.

Download one of the 10 projects -- A Demonstration of an Integrated Battery Energy Storage System in Residential and Commercial Buildings -- HERE. (Source: Cordis News, July, 2019) Contact: inteGRIDy, www.integridy.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Storage,  Building Energy Efficiency,  Energy Consumption,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-07-12
In Montpelier, the mayor of Vermont's capital city and the City Council report they are creating mandatory residential building energy efficiency standards that homes and apartments will have to meet before they can be listed for sale or rent.

Under the city's proposed standard, real estate agents and landlords will be required to inform potential purchasers and renters how the property they're interested in compares with other similar properties in terms of energy consumption and energy related operating costs. (Source: City of Montpelier, mychamplainvalley.com, 10 July, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Energy Consumption,  

US DOE,
Date: 2019-07-10
Today, Energy Secretary Rick Perry kicked off the Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit by recognizing more than 20 Better Buildings, Better Plants Challenge partners and allies who achieved their energy, water, or financial goals for 2019 and five who have recently set new Challenge goals after meeting their initial goals. These goal achievers are part of the hundreds of organizations that work with the U.S. DOE in the Better Buildings Initiative and are featured in the annual Better Buildings Progress Report.. The Secretary also announced the launch of the Better Buildings, Better Plants Waste Reduction Pilot.

In 2018, Better Buildings Initiative partners and allies saved 1.38 quadrillion BTUs and $8.4 billion in total energy costs. These organizations are leading the U.S. in energy efficiency by adopting emerging technologies, advancing the American workforce, and sharing their innovative approaches to energy and water efficiency.

The Better Buildings, Better Plants Waste Reduction Pilot was launched to address the 2.7 billion tons of industrial solid waste and more than 260 million tons of municipal solid waste the U.S. generates annually. By reducing waste, organizations also save energy. Manufacturers, companies, schools, and governments across the country can strengthen their competitiveness and sustainability by setting and realizing robust waste reduction goals. DOE will work with organizations who have signed up for the pilot to determine the appropriate metrics, goals and opportunities for different sectors.

Through the Better Buildings Initiative, DOE aims to make commercial, public, industrial, and residential buildings 20 pct more energy efficient over the next decade. Greater energy efficiency saves billions of dollars, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and creates U.S. jobs.

Download the Better Buildings Progress Report HERE. (Source: US DOE, PR, 10 July, 2019) Contact: Better Buildings Solution Center., betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov

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Building Controls Industry Association
Date: 2019-06-26
In the UK, the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) is reporting the launch of its One Small Change Campaign to drive a shift towards lower energy demand in buildings at an individual, as well as organizational level.

BCIA is seeking to encourage initiatives that increase energy efficiency; bring building performance in line the UK government's recent commitments to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050; and cut building energy waste. To that end, BCIA is calling on the buildings control industry to share knowledge on different means of saving energy in buildings. (Source: Building Controls Industry Association, PR, 24 June, 2019) Contact: Building Controls Industry Association, Jon Belfield, CEO, +44 0 118 940 3416 www.bcia.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Building Energy Efficiency,  Energy Management,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-06-12
Projects in six Minnesota cities participating in the Climate-Smart Municipalities program are being reviewed this week by visiting German climate and energy leaders as part of multiyear collaborations between Minnesota cities and their German counterparts seeking to expand the use of renewable energy and increasing building energy efficiency.

The western German city of Arnsberg was paired up with Warren, Minn., three years ago as part of the Climate-Smart Municipalities program. It was using planes equipped with thermal imaging cameras to see which buildings were losing the most energy.

Related Minnesota programs and initiatives include the use of drones to measure building emissions and heat loss, solar energy installations, energy-efficient lighting, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and others. The program is directed through the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment in St.Paul. (Source: MPR News Update, June, 2019) Contact: University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment, Jessica Hellman, Dir., (612) 624-6973Fax: (612) 626-5555 -- fax, ione@umn.edu, www.environment.umn.edu Climate-Smart Municipalities, environment.umn.edu/grant/climate-smart-municipalities

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Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-06-03
In Washington, U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (D-NJ) and Mike Kelly (R-PA) have introduced the Commercial, Low Emissions and Net Energy Reduction (CLEANER) Buildings Act of 2019 which would extend the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings. If this incentive is renewed, the deduction -- aka 179D -- could generate thousands of new design and construction jobs and contribute millions to the gross domestic product, according to the release.

Section 179D of the tax code offers a tax deduction to building owners and businesses for energy efficiency improvements such as lighting, heating and cooling, hot water systems, ventilation, or the building envelope like insulation or windows. It offers incentives for upgrades at new or existing buildings that cut the total energy and power cost by at least 50 percent compared to a building meeting the ASHRAE codes baseline for energy efficiency.

Jason Hartke, CEO, Alliance to Save Energy states, "This is a key tax incentive for encouraging energy efficiency in commercial buildings, which account for about 20 percent of U.S. energy consumption. It is important that Congress extend this incentive to give building owners and designers the certainty they need to make these investments." (Source: Office of Rep. Jeff Van Drew, PR, Cap May Herald, 31 May, 2019) Contact: Office of Rep. Jeff Van Drew, www.vandrew.house.gov; Rep Mike Kelly, https://kelly.house.gov; Alliance to Save Energy, (202) 857-0666, www.ase.org

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US Green Building Counci, LEED Certification
Date: 2019-05-17
Englewood Cliffs, N.J.-headquartered consumer goods giant Unilever North America reports it headquarters building has been awarded US Green Building Council LEED Platinum certification sustainable buildings. he project was also recognized by the New Jersey Business & Industry Associate New Good Neighbor Award in support of the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan to reduce its carbon footprint by 50 pct while doubling its business.

The HQ building design incorporates smart technologies by EDGE that record data and automate the building's features and functions, including Internet of Things (IoT) systems enabling the building to learn from occupants' behaviors and remember their preferences. (Source: Unilever, PR May, 2019) Contact: Unilever, Catherine Reynolds MediaRelations.USA@unilever.com, (201) 894-7760, www.unileverusa.com; USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News USGBC,  LEED Certification,  Building Energy Efficiency,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-05-17
In the nation's capital, in a rare display of bi-partisan cooperation, Rep.. Earl L. Carter (R-GA) and Marc Veasey (D-TX) have tabled the All-of-the-Above Federal Building Energy Conservation Act designed to enhance federal building energy efficiency.

The Act, if passed into law, would remove the present ban on the use of fossil fuels in federal buildings while implementing energy efficiency targets. Under the legislation, federal facility managers could choose the energy mix that best meets their efficiency goals and saves on a building's operating costs as well as ensure significant renovations to existing facilities achieving 30 pct less energy use than the current requirements. (Source: Various Media, Energy Insider, 15 May, 2019) Contact: Rep. Earl L. Carter, (202) 225-5831, www.congress.gov/member/earl-carter/C001103; Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX), (202) 225-9897, https://veasey.house.gov

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Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Date: 2019-04-29
In London, the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) reports it will launch a consultation aimed at identifying actions that would drive improved energy efficiency and reduced emissions in the commercial built environment sector.

According to the BEIS release, around 60 pct of the built sector is rented, creating barriers to improve energy efficiency due to complex contracts between landlords and commercial tenants which often clash with the ownership, maintenance and long lifetimes of technological improvements. Roughly 40 pct of the UK's carbon emissions come from energy consumed in buildings, according to the release. BEIS estimates a 20 pct cut in building emissions will reduce energy costs for businesses by £6 billion, £2.7 billion of which will be saved by SMEs, with a new energy efficiency targeting scheme set to be introduced to assist smaller businesses. The government's Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) came into effect on 1st April 2018, imposing new rules on both domestic and commercial properties within the private rental sector. The new rules prohibit landlords from granting a tenancy to new or existing tenants if the property has an inefficient Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. (Source: UK BEIS, edie News, 25 April 2019, Contact: BEIS, Ben Golding, Director of Energy Efficiency, +44 0 20 7215 5000, enquiries@beis.gov.uk,www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-energy-and-industrial-strategy

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Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Date: 2019-04-26
In London, the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) reports it will launch a series of consultations on the commercial buildings sector's energy efficiency which the Ministry describes as a "huge untapped area" for improvements. The consultation is intended to identify actions that would drive improved energy efficiency and reduced emissions in the commercial built environment sector.

Approximately 60 pct of the sector is rented, creating barriers to improve energy efficiency due to complex contracts between landlords and commercial tenants which often clash with the ownership, maintenance and long lifetimes of technological improvements.

The Ministry notes its Clean Growth Strategy includes a "package of measures" to support business to improve energy efficiency and productivity by at least 20 pct by 2030 and lead to the establishment of an Industrial Energy Efficiency scheme to help large companies cut energy use and bills in commercial properties.

BEIS estimates that the 20 pct target will significantly cut energy costs for businesses and, to that end, has also launched a £315 million Industrial Energy Transformation Fund to support high energy consumption businesses with the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Elsewhere, the UK Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) came into effect in April 2018, imposing new rules on both domestic and commercial properties within the private rental sector. The rules prohibit landlords from granting a tenancy to new or existing tenants if the property has a sub-standard Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. (Source: BEIS, edie Newsroom, 25 April, 2019) Contact: BEIS, Ben Golding, Director of Energy Efficiency and Local Department, +44 0 20 7215 5000, enquiries@beis.gov.uk, www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-energy-and-industrial-strategy

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US DOE
Date: 2019-04-24
The U.S. DOE has announced the Buildings Energy Efficiency Frontiers & Innovation Technologies (BENEFIT) 2019 Funding Opportunity (FOA) for up to $47 million for innovative technologies to make energy more affordable.

According to the DOE, residential and commercial buildings account for approximately 40 pct of the Nation's total energy demand and about 75 pct of all electric power consumption. In addition, growing peak electricity demands are challenging the electrical grid, exacerbated by stresses from transmission and distribution infrastructure constraints and the increasing number of variable renewable electricity power generation sources. However, integration of more flexible and even dispatchable loads through building automation can optimize energy use leading to decreased energy costs while maintaining occupant preferences. Even greater optimization of energy supply, storage, and demand results in a more resilient and reliable grid that simultaneously improves energy affordability.

The DOE Building Technologies Office (BTO) designed the 2019 BENEFIT FOA to increase energy productivity -- both within and beyond a building's walls -- by supporting the R&D and performance verification of flexible and energy-efficient technologies for residential and commercial buildings across the following topic areas:

Flexible Buildings Technologies: This topic supports early-stage R&D that integrates advanced sensing, controls and communication with flexible, energy efficiency technologies to advance the role buildings can play in the modernizing power grid. The subtopics include cybersecurity through adaptive building controls, performance verification for flexible building loads, advanced actuators and thermal energy storage.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technologies: This topic supports the development of highly efficient technologies for thermal end-uses in buildings, including space conditioning, water-heating and refrigeration. Subtopics include non-vapor compression heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technologies and fuel-driven building equipment.

Solid-state Lighting Technologies: This topic supports the development of highly efficient lighting technologies and systems to improve lighting energy efficiency. The subtopics address the green gap and droop in LEDs, quantum dot optical down-converters, stable and efficient white OLEDs, light extraction and utilization for OLEDs, and advanced lighting systems.

The BTO's demand flexibility strategy, called Grid-interactive Efficient Building, is a unique addition to this funding opportunity which has traditionally focused on R&D for the next-generation of energy efficient building technologies. The DOE's vision integrates advanced sensing, controls, and communication with flexible, energy efficiency technologies to advance the role buildings can play in modernizing the power grid.

Buildings have historically been passive consumers of energy, but next-generation flexible technologies give buildings and equipment the potential to provide a host of grid services that utilities currently receive from other, more traditional grid assets. Further research will help achieve this vision at-scale.

Download FOA details and application materials HERE. Information on the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Building Technologies Office is HERE. (Source: USA DOE, BLOG, 23 April, 2019) Contact: US DOE, www.energy.gov

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Building Owners and Managers Association of British Columbia
Date: 2019-04-15
The Building Owners and Managers Association of British Columbia (BOMA BC), with support from Natural Resources Canada, has launched a new service for buildings to identify low-cost energy and emissions savings through recommissioning. BOMA BC endorses recommissioning as a tool to analyze building equipment and control systems to ensure they perform together effectively and efficiently.

The BOMA BC Building Tune-Up Program provides a free detailed assessment of operational energy conservation measures, a fixed value amount to implement the identified measures, along with the full cost to verify the measures after implementation.

The program is geared towards Class B and C buildings that are older than five years, a market segment with significant opportunities for energy savings. ESC Automation, a long-time BOMA BC member, was selected to conduct the assessments after a competitive bidding process. (Source: BOMA BC, REMI Networks, 15 April, 2019) Contact: BOMA, BOMA Green Buildings Program, www.boma.bc.ca/green-buildings/building-tune-up-program

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Building news,  Building Energy Efficiency news,  

Food & Water Watch
Date: 2019-03-27
A just released report from the national advocacy group Food & Water Watch demonstrates the role improved building energy efficiency standards can and must play. The report focuses on what is by far the largest source of energy demand in the country -- 40 pct -- related to powering commercial buildings, homes, offices, schools and others.

The analysis finds that a $500 billion investment over 15 years in improving building energy efficiency would net: $1.3 trillion in savings on consumer utility bills; 1.3 million jobs created annually -- 20 pct more than current job creation rates; a 36 pct decline in building energy consumption from current projected demand; 300 million metric ton reduction in CO2 emissions from current projections; and completely eliminate the need to build new fossil fuel power plants.

Download the Building Climate Justice: Investing in Energy Efficiency for a Fair and Just Transition report HERE. (Source: Food & Water Watch, Mar., 2019) Contact: Food & Water Watch, www.foodandwaterwatch.org

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Green for Growth Fund
Date: 2019-03-15
The Luxembourg-headquartered Green for Growth Fund (GGF) reports it has loaned €2 million ($2.3 million) Bosnia's microcredit company Mikrofin.

The loan is intended for "on-lending" by Mikrofin for building and building energy efficiency improvements, equipment upgrades for micro agri-businesses, the development of energy efficiency lending products, and related initiatives and projects, according to the GGF release.

The GGF invests in measures which lead to reduced energy use and CO2 emissions and improvement of resource efficiency in Southeast Europe, the Caucasus, Ukraine, Moldova, the Middle East and North Africa. It provides financing to local partners that on-lend to enterprises and private households, and it invests directly in renewable energy projects. Mikrofin, a microfinance market leader in Bosnia, financially supports more than 57,000 clients, mostly low-income micro and small entrepreneurs. (Source: GGF, PR, SeeNews, 15 Mar., 2019) Contact: Green for Growth Fund, +49 (0) 69 271 035, www.ggf.lu

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Nature Conservancy
Date: 2019-03-15
In the Empire State, the Nature Conservancy, working with partners in the Green Roof Researchers Alliance, has released a comprehensive estimate of green roofs in New York City. The project merges publicly available data with remote sensing technologies to create data and maps that help better understand this asset and can be used to guide policymaking and city planning.

Green roofs absorb heavy rains, give buildings an extra layer of insulation, increase building energy efficiency, lower carbon footprints, combat urban heat island effect and improve air quality . About 730 buildings covering roughly 40 acres in the Big Apple presently have green roofs.

Download Green Roofs in NYC data HERE. (Source: Nature Conservancy, Mar., 2019) Contact: Nature Conservancy, www.nature.org; Green Roof Researchers Alliance, www.greenroofalliance.com, www.greenfoofs.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Nature Conservancy ,  Green Roof,  Energy Efficiency,  Green Building,  

Universal mCloud
Date: 2019-03-13
In British Columbia, Vancouver-based Universal mCloud Corp. is reporting it will launch new industry-leading energy savings technology for its Smart Buildings segment through mCloud's flagship AssetCare platform. The technology, using proprietary AI capabilities, targets up to 20 pct reductions in wasted energy in commercial buildings.

Universal mCloud's AssetCare solution offers an innovative zero-upfront subscription model that creates operational savings for the customer by analyzing numerous data sources such as space temperatures, outdoor weather, expected occupancy, and HVAC unit efficiency to pinpoint where a building's energy is being wasted. The data is integrated into a real-time intelligence model that enables AssetCare to make decisions on how to best respond moment-to-moment to changing comfort conditions in a building while simultaneously curbing unnecessary energy use.

These new AI-powered features are expected to go live to all current and new AssetCare for Smart Buildings customers later this year. (Source: Universal-mCloud Corp., PR, 12 Mar., 2019) Contact: Universal mCloud Corp, Russ McMeekin, CEO, (415) 635-3500, www.mcloudcorp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Management,  Universal mCloud ,  Building Energy Efficiency,  

Willdan Group
Date: 2019-03-08
Anaheim, California-headquartered consultancy and energy efficiency specialist Willdan Group Inc. reports the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) to acquire The Weidt Group -- the energy practice of Albany-based design and engineering firm EYP.

EYP offers services in the areas of utility programs, energy design assistance, benchmarking, building performance, energy software and energy analysis data to help clients optimize their building energy efficiency investments.

Within its energy practice, Willdan helps utilities clients upgrade their grids and supports facility owners with the development of energy efficient buildings and other offerings. The acquisition is slated to close later this month. (Source: Wildan, consulting.us, 6 Mar., 2019) Contact: The Weidt Group, Jim Douglas, Pres., (877) 938-1588, info@twgi.com,www.theweidtgroup.com; WildanGroup Inc., Stacy McLaughlin, CFO, (714) 940-6300, smclaughlin@willdan.com, www.wildan.com

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Climate Change
Date: 2019-02-25
In the Bay State, House Speaker Representative Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop) on Friday announced GrrenWorks, a plan to invest $1 billion over 10 years to help Massachusetts cities and towns adopt climate-friendly technology. If the plan is approved by the Legislature, the money would be bonded, which means it would be borrowed, then paid back over a period of years.

The program is being tagged GreenWorks after a similar program called MassWorks which funds local infrastructure projects. Under the GreenWorks program, cities and towns would apply for competitive grants for specific projects related to energy efficiency, clean energy and climate change resiliency -- ie school building energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy and energy storage projects. (Source: Mass. Representative, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, MassLive, 22 Feb., 2019) Contact: Mass. Speaker Robert DeLeo , malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/RAD1

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Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council
Date: 2019-01-23
In the Land Down Under, the recently released Built to Perform: An Industry Led Pathway to a Zero Carbon Ready Building Code prepared by the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) and ClimateWorks Australia, calls for a Zero Carbon Ready building code.

According to the report, improved energy efficiency and performance of buildings presents a win-win-win opportunity, reducing stress on the electricity network, offering bill savings, supporting a least-cost pathway to a zero carbon built environment, and improving health and resilience outcomes for households and businesses.

The National Construction Code is a ready-made policy instrument to influence the operational energy use of new buildings and major renovations. The Code regulates the building envelope and fixed equipment, including heating and cooling equipment, lighting and hot water. Built to Perform shows that setting strong energy standards for new buildings in the Code could, between now and 2050, reduce energy bills by up to $27 billion, cut energy network costs by up to $12.6 billion and deliver at least 78 million tonnes of cumulative emissions savings.

The ASBEC report was produced with the support of the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living, the RACV and dozens of building industry and government partners. The project has been delivered in partnership with CSIRO, Energy Action (EA), Strategy. Policy. Research. (SPR) and the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre at the University of Wollongong (UOW). (Source: ASBEC, PR, Jan., 2019) Contact: ASBEC, Suzanne Toumbourou, Exec. Dir., (02) 8006 0828, admin@asbec.asn.au, www.asbec.asn.au; ClimateWorks Australia, www.climateworksaustralia.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-01-16
As previously reported, the recently passed Washington D.C. Council bill aimed at addressing climate change by reducing the city's greenhouse gas emissions will force the owners of hundreds of buildings across D.C. to improve their building's energy performance. The bill, which is being widely lauded as the "strongest climate legislation" in the nation, calls for cutting D.C.'s greenhouse gas emissions by 50 pct by 2032.

According to the D.C. Green Building Advisory Council 50 pct of the city's buildings will need to improve their energy performance to meet as yet undermined standards. The bill gives the D.C. Department of Energy & Environment until 2021 to establish a standard Energy Star score that buildings must meet, and it requires that standard to be at least at the level of D.C.'s current median score. The new law will also establish a task force of commercial real estate industry representatives to help with the implementation.

Building Owners needing to make upgrades will be able to utilize multiple financing methods, including low-interest PACE bonds and the D.C. Green Bank, a new fund that allows owners to borrow money for building upgrades and pay it back out of their future energy savings. (Source: Bisnow Washington, 14 Jan., 2019) Contact: DC Green Bank, www.doee.dc.gov/greenbank

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  Building Energy Efficiency,  Building Sustainability,  

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
Date: 2019-01-14
In the Golden State, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Board of Directors is reporting approval of a new Green Building Policy. The policy, which will apply to all VTA owned infrastructure and programs, is intended to encourage greater energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

VTA instigated a Sustainability Program and established a goal to incorporate green building principles into VTA projects in 2008. The program included new or renovated buildings or other facilities such as parking garages or bus rapid transit stations. VTA has since constructed and renovated several buildings with renewable energy, water and energy efficient fixtures, drought-tolerant landscaping, and other green building features.

The new VTA Green Building Policy is intended to help reduce energy consumption and costs and to formalize green building principles into all aspects of its infrastructure for greater environmental, social and economic responsibility. To date, the Santa Clara County VTA has implemented sustainability features such as solar panels at bus terminals, EV charging stations, low-flow plumbing equipment, solar-powered trash and recycling containers, transit platforms lit by natural light and water recycling as well as repurposing cut trees into retaining walls and mulch. (Source: Santa Clara County VTA, Silicon Valley Voice, 12 Jan., 2019)Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, www.vta.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Building,  Energy Efficiency,  Building Energy Efficiency,  

US Green Building Council
Date: 2019-01-11
In the Sunshine State, City officials in St. Petersburg are considering an ordinance that would require newly constructed and renovated city buildings and new city infrastructure costing more than $2 million to meet a "green" standard. The ordinance would "codify" 2017 vintage rules and further the city's commitment to "green" and energy efficiency standards.

Specifically, the ordinance would require all new and significantly renovated city buildings of more than 5,000 square feet to be U.S. Green Building Council LEED Gold certified. (Source: City of St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay Times, Jan., 2019) Contact: USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News USGBC,  US Green Building Council,  Energy Efficiency,