SRK House scored 86 points out of 100 in LEED certification eligibility eith energy efficiency initiatives that included: addressing the increasing demand of energy due to growth with the ISO 50002 Energy Audit; improved waste management practices; increased use of renewable energy sources; increased recycling; energy benchmarking; regular CIO2 disinfection for the indoor areas ; Natural Cooling through out; low-flow plumbing fixtures for water conservation; rainwater harvesting and other energy conservation and efficiency initiatives and features. (Source: SRK House, PR, Instore Mag., 25 Aug., 2020)
More Low-Carbon Energy News LEED Platinum news, Energy Efficiency news,
More Low-Carbon Energy News LEED Platinum, Energy Efficiency,
The Nova Scotia pilot, which is funded by Natural Resources Canada and NSDEM, plans to enroll 25 buildings in year one, 150 in year two, and 200 in its third year.
By using the free and secure web-based tool, ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager®, owners of mixed-use, residential, commercial, and institutional buildings can discover the operational efficiencies of their properties, and benchmark against others in the sector to find ways to optimize energy and save money. (Source: Canada Green Building Council, July, 2020) Contact: Canada Canada Green Building Council, (866) 941-1184, info@cagbc.org, www.cagbc.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Benchmarking, Energy Efficiency, Canada Green Building Council ,
The Nova Scotia pilot is funded by Natural Resources Canada and NSDEM, supports building owners The Program plans to enroll 25 buildings in year one, 150 in year two, and 200 in year three.
By using the free and secure web-based tool, ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager®, owners of mixed-use, residential, commercial, and institutional buildings can discover the operational efficiencies of their properties, and benchmark against others in the sector to find ways to optimize and save money. (Source: Canada Green Building Council, July, 2020)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Canada Green Building Council news, Energy Benchmark news, Energy Efficiency news,
Pitkin County will require that homes receive a score of 60 or lower HERS score before on-site renewable energy lowers that score to 30 or lower. Pitkin County calls this effort Net-30, a play on net-zero, which is expected to be the county's requirement by 2030. Pitkin County has long required that energy-intensive construction, including driveways with snow-melt systems, be offset with onsite renewable energy or payments to the Renewable Energy Mitigation Program. Now, the county also will require that homeowners with large solar systems that produce 10 or more kWh, install home batteries to store as much as 25 pct of that energy that can be fed back into the grid.
The new building requirements, which go into effect in late July, this year, lay the groundwork for the county to require net-zero buildings by 2030.. (Source: Pitkin County, Aspen Journalism, 27 May, 2020)
Contact: Pitkin County, Cindy Houben, Community Dev. Dir., 970-920-5097, Cindy.Houben@pitkincounty.com, www.pitkincounty.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency, Energy Benchmarking,
The ordinance, which will be phased in over three years, requires building owners to report data on building size, energy usage and utility bills using an EPA energy manager program.
Under the ordinance, city buildings and non-city properties greater than 100,000 square-feet must file their first reports by June 1, 2021. Other covered properties greater than 50,000 square-feet are due to report by the following June. Public data disclosures for each group will begin in 2022 and 2023, respectively. (Source: City of Columbus, Energy News, April, 2020)
Contact: City of Columbus, Anthony Celebreeze, Dept. of Building and Zoning, (614) 645-5661, (614) 645-7433, www.columbus.gov › bzs
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Benchmarking, Energy Efficiency,
Participants will receive detailed energy and carbon performance data and a clear picture of how their building's performance relative to similar buildings. This information will help them make more informed decisions on capital investments, upgrades and energy efficiency rebates.
The pilot was developed by OPEN Green Building Society with funding from Natural Resources Canada and BC Hydro. (Source: Building Benchmark BC, HPAC, 21 Jan., 2020) Contact: Building Bench,ark BC, www.BuildingBenchmarkBC.ca
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Benchmarking, Energy Efficiency,
Homeowners can comply with the ordinance by having a Truth In Sale of Housing (TISH) inspector collect the data during the mandatory pre-listing evaluation or by getting an energy audit from Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy's Home Energy Squad program.
In either case, an inspection evaluates a home's windows, heating system and attic and wall insulation and compiles the data into an "energy score" of the home's energy efficiency. The inspector will also prepare a report detailing the improvements a homeowner or homebuyer could -- but is not required to -- make, how much those improvements typically cost and how much could be saved annually by making them.
The Minneapolis Climate Action Plan calls for 75 pct of houses to undergo energy retrofits by 2025, and notes the city offers no financing for energy efficiency improvements.
(Source: City of Minneapolis, Southwest Journal, Jan., 2020) Contact: www.minneapolismn.gov/ccs/ccs_tish;
Home Energy Squad, www.homeenergysquad.net
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency, Building Energy Benchmarking,
In adopting energy benchmarking, both suburbs sought assistance from the Efficient Buildings Collaborative, a Hennepin County program that helps Minnesota municipalities develop energy benchmarking policies. Next summer, both cities will ask commercial, government and apartment owners to submit data that will eventually include properties of 25,000 square feet or larger. The suburbs will use the U.S. EPA's ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, a free online tool, and receive technical assistance from Denver-based Overlay Consulting.
According to St. Louis Park's director of Building and Energy, Brian Hoffman, benchmarking should be a significant asset in helping his city achieve its goal of cutting energy consumption by 30 pct in large commercial buildings by 2030.
(Source: City of Edina, City of St. Louis Park, Finance & Commerce, 6 Jan., 2019) Contact: City of Edina, www.edinamn.gov; St. Louis Park, Brian Hoffman, Director of Building and Energy, 952.924.2584, bhoffman@stlouispark.org, www.stlouispark.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Benchmark, Energy Efficiency,
The program requires non-residential buildings of 50,000 square feet or larger to undergo a high-energy performance inspection, submit a certification to the Office of Sustainability and conduct recommended improvements and upgrades. Non compliant building owners could face a fine of $2,000 or more.
Download the Philadelphia Building Energy Benchmarking , 2019 Report
HERE. (Source: City of Philadelphia, Dec., 2019)
Contact: City of Philadelphia Building Codes, www.phila.gov › codesandregulations › Pages › codes
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Benchmark, Energy Efficiency,
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,
The CaGBC statement also noted that Canada's building stock contributes up to 17 pct of the country's greenhouse gas emissions and that Investing in a low-carbon workforce transition would be a key driver to help Canada's construction workforce develop, construct and manage high-performing energy efficient green buildings. The CaGBC also called for the government to
Stimulate the country's retrofit economy through the Canada Infrastructure Bank and to establish
national building energy benchmarking and disclosure requirements. (Source: The Canada Green Building Council, Commercial News, 28 Oct., 2019)Contact: Canada Green Building Council, Thomas Mueller, Pres. and CEO, (866) 941-1184, info@cagbc.org, www.cagbc.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Canada Green Building Council, Building Energy Bechmarking, Energy Efficiency,
The plan establishes goals for greenhouse gas emission reduction for government operations and as a city based on: increased operating energy efficiency; building energy bench-marking; energy efficient upgrades in 11 municipal buildings resulting in over $100,000 per year in energy costs savings; LED street and traffic lighting; a commitment to 100 pct renewable energy and various other upgrades and initiatives. The city of 56,000 +- residents has also reaffirmed its commitment to exceeding the goals of the Paris Climate Accord.
(Source: Hoboken Patch, 23 April, 2019) Contact: City of Hoboken, (201) 420-2000, www.hobokennj.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency, LED Light, Energy Benchmarking, Renewable Energy,
The ordinance, which was passed in 2015, requires owners of large buildings of 100,000 square-feet or more, to report energy and water use data to the city, which posts the information online so it can be used by tenants, investors and others. City officials had expected an 80 pct compliance rate, but just over 60 pct have reported data to the city.
Kansas City building owners' 60 pct compliance significantly lags behind Chicago's at 92 pct and Minneapolis, which began at began at 87 pct then rose to 93 pct for the 2017 calendar year.
(Source: Kansas City Star, Mar., 2019) Contact: City of Kansas City,
Dennis Murphey, Chief Environmental Officer, 816-453-1492, www.kcmo.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Benchmarking, Energy Efficiency,
Specifically, the ACEEE noted that the state should set stronger energy savings goals for their utilities. By setting energy savings at a mere 1 pct per year, they said that alone could give the state more than 100,000 jobs. (Source: ACEEE, Energy Insider, Mar., 2019)
Contact: ACEEE, (202) 507-4000, www.aceee.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News ACEEE, Energy Efficiency,
The ordinance also requires owners of sub-50,000-square-foot apartment buildings that meter each unit's energy consumption to submit data to a utility-created portal that will be available in 2021. The result will allow renters to compare the energy performance of buildings, using an annual per-square-foot measurement. The city's energy ordinance aims to upgrade 75 pct of the city's homes by 2025.
City officials believe building owners with low-performing properties would be more open to utility and city efficiency programs to reduce their energy use. Portland, Oregon; Austin, Texas; Berkeley, California; and Boulder, Colorado are among the cities with similar programs. (Source: City of Minneapolis, Finance & Commerce, 5 Feb., 2019) Contact: City of Minneapolis,
Kim Havey, Sustainability Manager, 612-673-3666, Kim.Havey@minneapolismn.gov, www.minneapolismn.gov/www/groups/public/@citycoordinator/documents/webcontent/wcmsp-215081.pdf
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Benchmark, Energy Efficiency, ENERGY STAR,
The tool helps identify under performing buildings with the highest potential for energy savings and provides input to help understand the way buildings are using their energy.
The B3 tool works by customers inputting basic data about facilities, such as what the building is used for, overall square footage, number of floors/rooms, hours of use and number of employees, among other data.
The information is then uploaded to B3 and then compared to similar buildings within its database. A results report is then generated.
(Source: Black Hills Energy, Pueblo Chieftain 16 Dec., 2018) Contact: Black Hills Energy, Jim Dillon, Senior Manager, Energy Efficiency, www.blackhillsenergy.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Black Hills Energy news, Energy Benchmark news,
The partners aim to highlight the role that buildings can play in improving environmental and to encourage buildings and the built environment globally to raise sustainability standards and deliver greater value. The partnership also aims to promote their joint and separate expertise and a new approach to building energy benchmarking and building performance solutions.
BRE offers advisory services, innovative research, sets and monitors industry standards, develops and delivers professional training courses, and provides independent, third-party certification services related to built environment issues.
(Source: USGBC, BRE, Construction Index, 14 Nov., 2018) Contact: BRE, Niall Trafford, CEO, +44 (0)333 321 8811, enquiries@bregroup.com, www.bregroup.com; USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News US Green Building Council,
The EnergyCompass is a free data visualization platform that will streamline energy benchmarking and reporting during the design phase of building development projects. This tool seeks to accelerate the understanding and adoption of energy-saving solutions, improve conservation program delivery, reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from every proposed building development in Ontario.
Users will be able upload energy models to Compass which will automatically extract more than 400 variables and complete the submission requirements for six building standards, including US Green Buiolding Council LEED, TGS, and Ontario Building Code (OBC) The data visualization platform will allow users to see the modeled building against a database, which will then inform the design. "Previously, data available through energy simulation studies has not been leveraged en masse to analyze performance trends or to benchmark similar buildings to improve energy performance," according to RWI principal Mike Williams.
The RWDI EnergyCompass was developed in partnership with the Ontario Association of Architects and Toronto's Architecture 2030 District. (Source: RWDI, Nov., 2018) Contact: RWDI, Mike Williams, www.rwdi.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News RWDI, Green Building, Energy Efficiency,
Pittsburgh will use the money to create and implement a building energy benchmarking policy, develop a statewide clean energy financing program, scale renewable power through community solar programs, encourage a shift in transportation energy use operation, and reduce over-all energy consumption by 50 pct.
About 100 of America's largest cities applied to the challenge, submitting bold plans to cut carbon emissions, Bloomberg said. All aimed to reduce air pollution and citywide emissions with specific projects to reform transit and buildings sectors -- two areas traditionally responsible for 80 pct of all citywide emissions.
Atlanta, Los Angeles, Portland, San Diego, San Jose and Seattle were also Challenge winners. (Source: Bloomberg Philanthropies, TRIB Live, 21 Oct., 2018) Contact: Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge, www.bloomberg.org/program/environment/climatechallenge
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency, Building Energy Benchmark, Climate Change,
Founded in 1994, the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation and its state-wide supporters as well as energy companies, work to provide businesses with energy rebates and grants for more energy-efficient materials.
(Source: Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation, Eco Press, 6 17, 2018) Contact: Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation, Jill Curran, Exec. Dir., (651) 292-4662, www.mnwastewise.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation, Energy Benchmarking, Energy Efficiency,
The $16 million Clean Energy Communities initiative provides grant funding to eligible municipalities to implement energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable development projects in their communities. To earn the Clean Energy Community designation, The Town of Westport:
Program funds are provided through the NY Clean Energy Fund and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). (Source: NYSERDA, Town of Westport, June, 2018) Contact: NYSERDA,
www.nyserda.ny.gov/cec: Town of Westport, www.westportny.net
More Low-Carbon Energy News NYSERDA, Energy Efficiency, Building Energy Benchmarking, Clean Energy Community,
The BEA project is a global initiative led by World Resources Institute (WRI) under the UN program Sustainable Energy for All (SEforAll), which aims to double the global rate of building energy efficiency by 2030. Dubai is the first and only city in the Middle East committed to the BEA, and EmiratesGBC is serving as the BEA City Liaison in partnership with Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) to measure energy performance of 100 buildings in Dubai across hotels, schools and malls.(Source: Emirates Green Building Council, ME Construction News, 3 June, 2018) Contact: Emirates Green Building Council, bea@emiratesgbc.org, www.emiratesgbc.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Emirates Green Building Council, Energy Efficiency, Energy Benchmarking,
Under the program, municipalities or towns can implement ten impact items to promote energy efficiency or renewable energy. Recently, the town of Elmira passed resolutions on solar energy permitting and on building energy benchmarking. The town is also considering the installation of electric vehicle charging stations and the conversion of city street lighting to LED.
Building a more sustainable New York starts with building more sustainable communities. Local governments affect energy choices in their communities, from government operations to homes, businesses, and community institutions.
Local governments in New York State can use the Clean Energy Communities program to implement clean energy actions, save energy costs, create jobs, and improve the environment. In addition to providing tools, resources, and technical assistance, the program recognizes and rewards leadership for the completion of clean energy projects, according to the program website.
(Source: Town of Elmira, WENY, 1 May, 2018) Contact: NYSERDA, www.nyserda.ny.gov; Clean Energy Communities Program, www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Clean-Energy-Communities
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency, Building Benchmarking, LED, Energy Efficiency,
The program will provide building energy benchmarks and help owners track changes in building energy use.
Ten city-owned buildings are enrolled in the program. (Source: City of Providance, AP, Bristol Herald, 30 April, 2018)
Contact: City of Providence, www.providenceri.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency, Building Energy Benshmarking,
The first and major resolution passed by both Hanover and Silver Creek involves establishing building energy benchmarking using the EPA's internet-based Energy Star Portfolio Manager to track and assess the relative energy consumption and performance of community owned buildings of 1,000 square feet or larger. The aim is to identify energy consumption and cost cutting opportunities.
Other approved resolutions include the New York State Unified Solar Permit program; energy and building code upgrades, training and enforcement; and electric vehicle charging stations.
(Source: NYSERDA, Observer, 2 April, 2018) Contact: NYSERDA, Alicia Barton, Pres., CEO, (518) 862-1090, www.nyserda.ny.gov;
Clean Energy Communities Program, www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Clean-Energy-Communities
More Low-Carbon Energy News NYSERDA, Energy Benchmarking, Energy Efficiency,
Milwaukee Better Buildings Challenge (BBC) partners have achieved particular energy-efficiency success by securing PACE financing for energy efficiency projects.
The city encourages local businesses and K-12 schools to implement energy efficiency projects and to participate in the city's comprehensive energy efficiency program which aims to assist 200+ buildings, particularly Class B & C commercial buildings, small commercial buildings, and K-12 schools, in every aspect of energy efficiency projects, including assessment, financing, and implementation. To date, more than 100 non-city buildings are participating in BBC-MKE.
The City of Milwaukee has committed to reduce the energy used in city buildings by 20 pct by 2022.
(Source: City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Better Buildings Challenge, Energy Manager, 29 Mar., 2018) Contact: Milwaukee Better Buildings Challenge
Download Better Buildings Challenge details HERE
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency, Building Benchmarking,
With the designation, Livonia is now eligible to apply for up to $50,000 in state grant funding which it will use for the conversion of tradition street lighting to energy efficienct LED models.
(Source: NYSERDA, Various Media, ec., 2017) Contact: NYSERDA. Clean Energy Communities, www.nyserda.ny.gov/cec; Livonia, www.livoniany.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News NYSERDA, Energy Efficiency, LED Light, Energy Benchmarking,
In 2010, buildings accounted for 36 pct of the country's total annual power consumption and emitted 33.28 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. In seven years, rapid urban migration is expected to increase the number of new buildings by 20 pct annually.
Since 2005, the IFC has invested $18.3 billion in long-term funding for climate-smart projects and mobilized an additional $11 billion from other investors. (Source: World Bank, International Finance Corp., ProudGreenBuilding, 29 Nov., 2017) Contact: World Bank IFC, www.ifc.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Building, Energy Efficiency, Building Energy Benchmarking, World Bank International Finance Corp., Green Building, Energy Efficiency,
MACH's survey of building professionals including property managers, asset managers, engineers and others found: 78 pct would be concerned if ENERGY STAR funding was reduced/removed; 75 pct are not familiar with building energy benchmarking tools aside from ENERGY STAR; 64 pct reported Portfolio Manager usage; 61 pct are required to benchmark their facility/portfolio's energy consumption.
In the US, buildings account for 40 pct of total energy consumption. With increased sensitivity to energy costs as well as adoptions of building energy benchmarking regulations, ENERGY STAR is a more important tool than ever to help improve energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR certified products and buildings helped Americans save $34 billion in energy costs in 2015 alone, according to the EPA.
MACH counts hundreds of commercial, REIT, hotel, and corporate building owners as customers, encompassing hundreds of millions of square feet.
(Source: MACH Energy, 15 Nov., 2017) Contact: MACH Energy, Jon Moeller, CEO, www.machenergy.com; ENERGY STAR, www.energystar.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News MACH Energy, ENERGY STAR, Energy Efficiency, Energy Benchmarking,
While a building's energy expense is typically up to 30 pct of its operating cost, energy intensity and cost have not historically been included in the building appraisal or pro forma. As a result, mortgage underwriters have not generally included this information in the underwriting process. With building energy data and benchmarking data becoming more and more available -- 25 of the largest U.S. cities and California presently require energy disclosure -- it will be easier for appraisers and underwriters to include these data in their evaluation process. If energy efficiency can be correlated to mortgage default rates, it could have a significant impact on energy disclosure and possibly even mortgage interest rates.
Download the full Impact of Energy Factors on Default
Risk in Commercial Mortgages
report HERE. (Source: LBL, UC-Berkeley, Oct., 2017)
(Contact: City Energy Project , www.cityenergyproject.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Building Energy Efficiency, Energy Benchmarking,
WegoWise is focused on improving the operational and sustainability performance of multifamily and commercial real estate. The company's software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform is used to benchmark utility and water usage in more than 58,000 buildings, comprising 2.4 million square-feet of multifamily housing in the United States.
(Source: WegoWise, PR, GlobeNewsWire, 31 Oct., 2017).
Contact: WegoWise, Laila Partridge, Pres., CEO, (617) 367-7346, info@wegowise.com; www.wegowise.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News WegoWise, Energy Efficiency, Energy Benchmarking,
The city of approx. 25,000 residents tracks energy use in seven buildings totaling 160,000 square feet. The city is also 8 pct lower on energy-use intensity than the benchmark, for a 19 pct decrease from 2016. (Source: City of Prior Lake, Prior Lake American, 30 Oct., 2017)
Contact: City of Prior Lake, www.cityofpriorlake.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency, Energy Benchmarking,
In 2013, Minneapolis adopted its Commercial Building Benchmarking and Transparency ordinance requiring large buildings to track and disclose their energy consumption.
All buildings subject to the benchmarking ordinance may participate in the Building Energy Challenge and are eligible for milestone awards. Buildings can qualify as challenge leaders by publicly committing to a 15 percent greenhouse gas reduction.
The Building Energy Challenge aligns with the city's Clean Energy Partnership in support of the Minneapolis Climate Action Plan.
(Source: Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership, minneapolismn.gov, Oct 27, 2017
Contact: Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership, https://mplscleanenergypartnership.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency, Energy Benchmarking,
Consistent with previous year's studies, investments in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment were the most popular energy efficiency- related improvement made last year. Investments in "smart" buildings, energy management, energy efficient lighting (LED), energy storage and energy security were also on the rise among survey respondents. Building energy benchmarking and certification, along with government policy were found to be the key drivers for energy efficiency upgrades and investments.
(Source: Johnson Controls, Facility Exec, Oct., 2017)
Contact: Johnson Controls, Bill Jackson, Pres, Building Efficiency, www.johnsoncontrols.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency, Johnson Controls,
The report provides the following policy recommendations for the Federal Government: include a GHG metric in Canada's future retrofit building code; develop regional retrofit roadmaps; prioritize investments in scalable retrofit projects; and supporting mandatory energy benchmarking. http://www.cagbc.org/retrofitroadmap.
A Roadmap for Retrofits in Canada details HERE.
(Source: CaGBC, Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia., 20 Sept., 2017)
Contact: CaGBC, www.cagbc.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Canada Green Building Council ,