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,  

PACE Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-10-14
Near Chicago, Lake County reports it will create a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program to let owners of commercial buildings finance renewable energy, energy conservation and efficiency improvements at reasonable rates secured by liens against the improved property. Lake County will receive a small fee from each financed project to offset the cost of whatever work the county staff incurs.

An independent program administrator will link potential borrowers with approved lenders.. The county would collect loan payments and interest over time through an assessment on the borrower's property tax bill to pay off the lien. The next step for Lake County officials is requesting proposals from companies interested in administering the program. Programs in DuPage County and Kane County are run by the not-for-profit Illinois Energy Conservation Authority . (Source: Lake County, Daily Herald, 14 Oct., 2019) Contact: Lake County Administration, 847-377-2250, www.lakecountyil.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News PACE,  Energy Efficiency,  PACE financing,  

US DOE
Date: 2019-09-06
The New York Times and other media are reporting the Trump administration DOE has released new rules that annul Bush-era requirements on energy-saving light bulbs. The Bush-era regulation was to come into force on Jan. 1, 2020.

. The new rules could make less-efficient bulbs for certain fixtures more common, potentially contributing to man-made climate change by increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Politically, it's part of the Trump administration's efforts to roll back climate and other environmental regulations. Energy conservation groups are expected to mount challenges to the Trump administration's move that is widely thought to border on "senseless." (Source: US DOE, NYT, 4 Sept., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficient Light,  Energy Efficiency,  

City of Brampton
Date: 2019-09-04
In southern Ontario, the city of Brampton -- pop. 594,000 +- -- reports the release of its strategy for lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy conservation, and the city's goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 20 pct by 2024. The Brampton Energy and Emissions Management Plan 201-2024: A Zero Carbon Transition outlines how the city plans to achieve a zero-carbon transition for new and existing corporate facilities over the next five years. The plan focuses on minimizing emissions intensity, minimizing energy consumption, and maximizing cost recovery.

Brampton is aiming foe a 30 pct emission reduction by 2030 and 80 pct by 2025. The interim target has been set to reduce GHG emissions by 20 per cent by 2024.

In a release, the city notes has recovered $5.8 million in costs through energy-efficient programs, third-party funding, energy procurement and water rebates since 2014 and has introduced more than 13 renewable energy projects implemented 50 energy conservation projects in its effort to address emissions and climate change. (Source: City of Brampton, Brampton Guardian, 3 Sept., 2019) Contact: City of Brampton, 905.874.2130, www.brampton.ca

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

DOE
Date: 2019-09-04
The New York Times and other media are reporting the Trump administration DOE has released new rules that annul Bush-era requirements on energy-saving light bulbs. The Bushera regulation was to come into force on Jan. 1, 2020.

. The new rules could make less-efficient bulbs for certain fixtures more common, potentially contributing to man-made climate change by increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Politically, it's part of the Trump administration's efforts to roll back climate and other environmental regulations. Energy conservation groups are expected to mount challenges to the Trump administration's move that borders on senseless. (Source: US DOE, NYT, 4 Sept., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficient Light,  

Architectural Association of Kenya
Date: 2019-08-30
The Nairobi-based Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) reports Kenya could have its own "green" buildings rating tool as early as next year. The new rating system would take Kenya's climate, building materials, materials availability and other related issues into account. The new Kenyan tool would cover water conservation, energy conservation, planning areas, design areas, innovation, use of local materials and buildings with historical value.

Kenya presently uses foreign based green building certification tools like Green Star Rating System, U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Environmental Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE). (Source: Architectural Association of Kenya, Kenya Standard, 29 Aug., 2019) Contact: Architectural Association of Kenya, Gideon Olawo, Environmental Design Chairman, +254 20 2224806, www.aak.or.ke

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

Propane Education & Research Council
Date: 2019-08-26
A recent survey by the Propane Education & Research Council of 2,200 U.S. adults planning to purchase, remodel or build a home, found most have a favorable opinion of Net-Zero Energy (NZE) homes. Of those surveyed, 83 pct of purchasers would consider an NZE home even if it meant paying more -- cost savings and environmental benefits of NZE homes being the prime motivation.

Of the survey respondents planning to remodel their existing homes, 81 pct said they'd be willing to pay 20 pct to 30 pct more on the cost of their projects to achieve NZE.

Construction professionals estimate, on average, that it would cost 36 pct more for a home to meet ZNE standards compared to a standard home. (Source: Propane Education & Research Council, Realty Business News, 25 Aug., 2019) Contact: Propane Education & Research Council, www.propane.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Energy,  Energy Conservation,  Energy Efficiency,  

Efficiency Manitoba
Date: 2019-08-19
On the Canadian prairies, the ruling Manitoba Progressive Conservative (PC) Party has announced that if reelected it will invest $25 million per year in energy efficiency programs and incentives to support residential and business energy efficient renovations on existing homes and commercial buildings.

The retrofit program would be managed by Efficiency Manitoba, a crown corporation focused on energy conservation, which was created to take over Manitoba Hydro's Power Smart program.

Rebates would apply to retrofit windows and doors, furnace conversions and appliances purchased to make homes and businesses emit less greenhouse gases. It would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 135,000 tonnes over the next three years. (Source: Efficiency Manitoba, CBC, 17 Aug., 2019) Contact: Efficiency Manitoba, www.efficiencymb.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Efficiency Manitoba,  Energy Efficiency,  Energy Efficiency Rebate,  

University of St. Andrews
Date: 2019-08-05
Scotland's University of St. Andrews has embarked on a £3.75 million energy conservation overhaul that is expected to cut £650,000 from the school's annual energy operating costs.

Energy saving measures include: a new district heating network to supply heat and power to University buildings; new energy efficient LED lighting; installation of solar energy arrays on select buildings; smart building management systems; HVAC system upgrades, and others.

The project is funded through the Scottish Government Non-Domestic Energy Efficiency (NDEE) Framework and will be completed by sustainable energy, energy efficiency specialists Vital Energi. (Source: University of St. Andrews, Renewable Energy, Aug., 2019) Contact: University of St. Andrews, +44 (0) 1334 47 6161 , www.st-andrews.ac.uk; Vital Energi, +44 0 1254 296 000, sales@vitalenergi.co.uk, www.vitalenergi.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News 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,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-07-22
The Philippine Department of Energy (DoE) reports it aims to encourage energy efficiency and energy conservation by establishing guidelines for the accreditation of energy service companies (ESCOs) and strengthen the existing system. To that end, the DoE has created a "panel of experts" to formulate the guidelines on the accreditation process that will be subject to DoE approval.

Alexander Ablaza, president of the not-for-profit Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance, Inc. (PE2), said his group was preparing an industry position on the accreditation guidelines and other related issues.(Source: Philippines DoE, Jul 22, 2019) (Contact: Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance, www.pe2.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

U.S. Conference of Mayors
Date: 2019-07-19
On Wednesday in Washington, the full House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved HR 2088. The bill is aimed at renewing and re-funding the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, a legislative priority of The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM). As approved, this legislation would commit $3.5 billion annually -- $17.5 billion over five years -- in formula-based grants allocated directly to cities, counties, tribal governments and states.

The legislation, as existing law provides, continues to extend flexibility to local and state governments to invest these new resources across 14 categories of eligible projects and programs, including the development of comprehensive energy conservation and efficiency plans; conversion of street lighting to highly efficient LED lighting; installation of renewable energy technology (e.g., solar, wind, fuel cell and biomass energy) on municipal and other qualifying buildings; and weatherization of government buildings.

Under the bill, the Department of Energy retains responsibility for implementing the program, as it did in the 2009-2010 period when the first round of EECBG funding was appropriated and provided to local and state governments. The EECBG Program, which was authorized in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 enacted by President George W. Bush, was first funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). (Source: U.S. Conference of Mayors, 18 July, 2019) Contact: U.S. Conference of Mayors, www.usmayors.org; Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, www.energy.gov/eere/wipo/about-energy-efficiency-and-conservation-block-grant-program

More Low-Carbon Energy News U.S. Conference of Mayors,  Energy Efficiency,  Climate Change,  

Eastern Oklahoma PSO
Date: 2019-05-29
The Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) reports the selection of energy services provider Entegrity Energy Partners as the exclusive provider of its Small Business Program for the Eastern Oklahoma PSO Service Territory.

The PSO program offers rebates of up to 70 pct for LED lighting upgrades for eligible PSO customers.

Entegrity, through its Tulsa office, will begin marketing the program to small businesses to help them reduce operating cost through lower energy and maintenance expenses. Entegrity will perform a no-cost facility audit to generate a proposal based on the program's pre-negotiated pricing and access to the up to 70 pct rebates. Financing options for the upgrades are also available through the program.

Entegrity is a sustainability and energy services company specializing in the implementation of energy conservation and renewable energy projects. The company's service package includes energy savings performance contracting, commissioning, energy modeling, building testing, lighting solutions, renewable energy, water conservation, and sustainability consulting. (Source: Oklahoma PSO, Shawneee News Star, 27 May, 2019) Contact: Entegrity Partners, Rob Guthrie, Bus. Dev., (800) 700-1414, info@entegritypartners.com, www.entegritypartners.com; Public Service Company of Oklahoma www.psoklahoma.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Entegrity Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  LED Light,  

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

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

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,  

FacilityConneX
Date: 2019-04-12
In the Bay State, Plymouth-based FacilityConneX, a leading real-time facility data monitoring solution and service provider for increased operational efficiency, equipment optimization and energy savings, is reporting it will deliver its smart building technology to Dell Technologies campus in Hopkinton, Mass.

The project will provide real-time monitoring, fault detection & diagnostics and ongoing monitoring-based commissioning for a 313,679 square foot building and its 600+ assets including chillers, boilers, and HVAC equipment. Built on Dell's IoT Edge Gateway and FacilityConneX's Intelligent Building Solution the upgrades will propel energy savings, sustain operational efficiency and increase occupancy comfort within Dell's facilities.

FacilityConneX will take the lead in reporting measurements, verification of energy reduction and identification of energy conservation measures (ECMs) to Eversource. For additional cost savings, Dell Technologies will also work with local utility Eversource to evaluate energy conservation findings and identify additional incentives for the Company.

FacilityConneX is a real-time data monitoring solution and service provider for building operators and facility managers looking to proactively enhance operational efficiency, IIoT equipment optimization and energy savings through ongoing commissioning, fault detection, diagnostics and advanced predictive analytics. The company creates customizable turnkey solutions for customers in the healthcare, industrial, commercial, higher education and water & wastewater markets. (Source: FacilityConnex, PR, 11 April, 2019) Contact: FacilityConnex, Mark Pipher, VP & GM, (508) 507-1426, mpipher@facilityconnex.com, www.facilityconnex.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News FacilityConneX,  Energy Efficiency,  

Regional District of Central Kootenay
Date: 2019-04-08
In British Columbia, Canada, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) reports the availability of the Regional Energy Efficiency Program (REEP) Home Renovation program under which residents can access a subsidized EnerGuide home energy evaluation.

Following the EnerGuide home energy evaluation, both home owners and renters will be able to access current rebate offers, financing options, a local contractor, list and energy coaching to increase home energy efficiency, cut energy consumption and save on energy costs.

The program offers two streams: the energy efficient home renovation stream provides incentives that support energy audits and access to rebates. The energy efficient new-home education stream provides training and access to information for all new home builders. The New Home program will encourage a standard of energy efficient construction as outlined in the BC Building Step Code.

The program makes energy efficiency accessible by reducing the cost of EnerGuide home energy evaluations, installing free energy efficiency products such as LED lighting and water conserving fixtures and by supporting residents' participation in Fortis and BCHydro's income qualified Energy Conservation Assistance Programs (ECAP). (Source: RDCK, Media Release, Nelson Daily, 7 April, 2019) Contact: RDCK, Aimee Watson, Chairperson, www.rdck.ca/reep

More Low-Carbon Energy News EnerGuide,  Energy Efficiency,  Energy Conservation,  

Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-04-03
In the Bluegrass State, the city of Louisville (pop. 620,000) reports its 100 pct clean energy resolution of Sept., 2018, has died a natural death due to the Parks and Sustainability Committee's failure to act on the resolution within the mandated time frame.

The resolution called for city operations to source 100 pct clean energy by 2030, and the entire community to utilize 100 pct renewable energy by 2035, and revisions in building codes to require energy efficiency and energy conservation features in new construction.

Approximately two dozen concerned citizens reportedly plan to re-introduce the legislation and find a new sponsor. Louisville has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 pct by 2050. (Source: City of Louisville, WFPL, 1 April, 2019) Contact: City of Louisville City Council, (502) 574-5000, https://louisvilleky.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  Clean Energy,  

NRCAN
Date: 2019-04-02
Energy efficiency in industry strengthens competitiveness, lowers costs, maximizes profits and promotes a more sustainable environment. Promoting and rewarding energy-efficient practices are key components of Canada's approach to transitioning to a clean energy future.

To that end, Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN), facilitated by the Canadian Industry Partnership for Energy Conservation (CIPEC), has announced a $40,000 investment for London, Ontario-based Ingredion Canada Corporation for an energy management information system (EMIS) that will track and improve the company’s overall energy performance.

CIPEC includes more than 2,300 facilities representing 20 industrial sectors and over 50 trade associations. An award-winning partnership between the Government of Canada and Canadian industry, CIPEC advances industrial energy efficiency by promoting the uptake of energy management systems, best practices and technologies. (Source: Natural Resources Canada, 1 Apriil, 2019) Contact: CIPEC, www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/efficiency/industry/cipec/20341?utm_source=miragenews&utm_medium=miragenews&utm_campaign=news; Natural Resources Canada, www.nrcan.gc.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News NRCAN,  Energy Efficiency,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-04-02
In the Bluegrass State, the city of Louisville (pop. 620,000) reports its 100 percent clean energy resolution of Sept., 2018, has died a natural death due to the Parks and Sustainability Committee’s failure to act on the resolution within the mandated time frame.

The resolution called for city operations to source 100 percent clean energy by 2030, and the entire community to utilize 100 pct renewable energy by 2035. The resolution also called for revisions in building codes to require energy efficiency and energy conservation features in new construction.

Resolution co-coordinator Mark Steiner reports approximately two dozen concerned citizens plan to re-introduce the legislation and find a new sponsor. Louisville has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 pct by 2050. (Source: City of Louisville, WFPL, 1 April, 2019) Contact: City of Louisville City Council, (502) 574-5000, https://louisvilleky.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Ontario Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-03-25
The Conservative Ontario Government of Premier Doug Ford has directed the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to discontinue the Conservation First Framework, including the Heating and Cooling Incentive (HCI) program as part of an initiative intended to "reduce costs by centralizing and refocusing energy conservation programs."

Minister also noted the IESO "will be expected to present an nergy)Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) Plan to the government within one month of receiving the Directive. The IESO plan would provide details on the programs, budgets and expected electricity and demand savings for the balance of 2019 and 2020. The IESO's CDM Plan is expected to include the following CDM programs, or equivalent programs, centrally delivered by the IESO:

Retrofit Program to provide incentives to businesses for updating old or inefficient equipment (e.g. lighting, motors and variable frequency drives);

Small Business Lighting providing assessments and incentives for eligible lighting upgrades;

Energy Manager Program to provide funding for a portion of the salary of an energy manager to help identify energy saving opportunities & investments and help secure financial incentives;

Process and System Upgrades incentives, tools, and resources to help identify, implement, and validate energy efficiency projects from start to finish;

Industrial Accelerator Program to be merged with the Process and System Upgrades program under the new framework to expand the eligibility of that program to include transmission connected consumers;

Energy Performance Program providing incentives to businesses for whole building energy improvements;

Home Assistance Program providing free home energy assessment and installation of electricity savings measures for income eligible customers;

Targeted programs for on-reserve First Nation communities.

In addition to the Heating-Cooling Incentive Program, the following programs will be discontinued:

Business Refrigeration Incentive that provides businesses incentives for the direct installation of product refrigeration equipment upgrade;

Audit Funding Program funding for a portion of the cost of a facility energy audit;

High Performance New Construction provides design assistance and incentives for building owners and planners who design and implement energy efficient equipment within their new space;

Existing Building Commissioning incentives for improving the efficiency of the chilled water system, including, audit, purchase and installation of equipment;

Monitoring and Targeting incentives to purchase and install a monitoring and targeting system operational Incentives;

Instant Discounts point of purchase incentives at participating retailers for qualifying energy efficient products, including LED light bulbs, light fixtures and power bars;

Residential New Construction incentives to improve energy performance and install energy efficient products in new builds. (Source: Ontario Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, Ontario News, HRAI, 22 Mar., 2019) Contact: Ontario Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, Hon. Greg Rickford, www.mndm.gov.on.ca/en

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

Carbon Emissions, Climate Change
Date: 2019-03-22
"People say Republicans are deniers and Democrats want to do something about it. Republicans like me want to do something about it too. And we've done things about it. We actually have a reduction in CO2 emissions in this country at a time when other countries are increasing their emissions. We have done it through a lot of different ways through having more alternative fuel vehicles out there -- including using ethanol -- and through energy conservation and efficiency." -- Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) Mar., 2019 Contact: Sen. Rob Portman, (R-Ohio), (513) 684-3265, https://twitter.com/robportman, www.portman.senate.gov

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

Abu Dhabi Department of Energy
Date: 2019-03-18
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) reports the launch of the 'Saving Energy and Water at Home' initiative -- one of three sustainable initiatives in collaboration with the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs (ZHO), Abu Dhabi Distribution Company, and Al Ain Distribution Company.

The DoE is the official partner of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. As part of the initiative, participating Emirati athletes will serve as "Energy Ambassadors" to the community. Forty-five families of Emirati athletes will compete to make their respective homes more energy- and water-efficient, adhering to sustainable behaviour and energy conservation practices throughout the duration of the Games. The daily consumption of each participating household will be measured and updated daily throughout the campaign. The top three winners will be revealed and awarded at the conclusion of the Games.

DoE is launching three sustainability initiatives as In addition to the "Saving Energy and Water at Home" effort, the DoI is also launching the "Clean Energy on The Move" to encourage the public to use electric cars, and "Sustainable Energy at the Venues", which seeks to promote efficient energy technologies and use at the various games venues. (Source: Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, WAM, 17 Mar., 2019) Contact: Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, Ramez Hamdan, Director of Sustainability and Energy Efficiency, www.doe.gov.ae/en

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Snohomish County Public Utility District
Date: 2019-02-25
In Everett, Washington, the Snohomish County Council reports it has unanimously approved transitioning to 100 pct "clean, renewable" energy for government operations by 2045. To that end, the Council has committed to reducing energy consumption through retrofits, upgrades to LED lighting, improved energy efficiency and the installation of solar panels with energy storage capacity on county buildings. The PUB will also develop a clean energy plan and adopting a construction policy that will require all new county facilities be built to US Green Building Council LEED gold energy efficiency standards. The PUD resolution also calls for establishing a fund to pay for energy conservation retrofits and upgrades.

To tackle the county's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, the transportation sector according to the resolution, the county plans to develop a policy to build a "green" vehicle fleet.

The move was proposed and supported by the Snohomish County chapter of The Climate Reality Project, Sierra Club, 350 Everett and the statewide group Environment Washington.

Snohomish County is the fifth government in Washington state to set a goal of 100 pctclean energy, after Edmonds, Whatcom County, Bellingham and Spokane, according to Environment Washington. (Source: Snohomish County Public Utility District, HeraldNet, Everett, Washington, 23 Feb., 2019) Contact: Snohomish County Public Utility District, www.snopud.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Snomish PUD,  Renewable Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  

Ameresco
Date: 2019-02-22
In the Golden State, National City -- in the San Diego metropolitan area -- reports it is set to launch a citywide energy and water conservation project expected to save $5.6 million in energy costs over the next 25 years.

The project is being funded by a $1.8 million bond designed to allow public agencies to finance renewable energy projects and took out a $3.7 million tax-exempt lease to pay for the project upfront. The city plans to pay off the lease and bond over the next 25 years with the savings generated by the lower consumption of energy and water at the 12 city facilities included in the project.

The project work to be completed includes:

Rooftop solar panels installed at City Hall, the police station, the public library, a fire station, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Community and ARTS centers;

Low-flush toilets and urinals put in place in restrooms at almost all of the 12 facilities, including Las Palmas and Kimball parks and the Kimball Senior and Manuel Portillo Casa de Salud Youth centers;

Upgraded heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment at almost all locations, excluding Las Palmas and Kimball parks;

Irrigation controllers at eight facilities, excluding the Kimball Senior Center, Fire Station 34, the Public Works Department and the Casa de Salud Center.

The project , which is expected to get under before the month end, has been in the works since 2014, when the city partnered with Framingham, Mass.-based energy efficiency specialist Ameresco , which will carryout the project work. (Source: San Diego Union Tribune, 21 Feb., 2019) Contact: Ameresco (508) 661-2288, www.ameresco.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ameresco,  Energy Efficiency,  Energy Conservation,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-02-15
In the Bay State, the City of Springfield -- pop. 154,700 -- is promoting its Strong, Healthy and Just Climate Action and Resilience Plan aimed at increasing energy efficiency. The plan, which offers free home energy audits and financial aid for energy efficiency improvements, provides a blueprint for the city to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 pct by 2050, according to the city's release.

As part of the plan, thermal images were taken of more than 6,500 single-family homes in Springfield to detect heat leakage. Home owners were then notified of the imaging's findings and advised where their homes were wasting energy and money. With the scanning results in hand, omeowners can apply for an energy audit and then consider energy conservation incentives available from utility companies. (Source: City of Springfield, MassLive, 14 Feb., 2019) Contact: Ener-G-Save, www.ener-g-save.com, www.springfield-ma.gov

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

Constellation
Date: 2019-02-06
Houston-headquartered thermal energy storage specialist Viking Cold Solutions reports it will work with energy provider Constellation to offer its commercial and industrial refrigeration customers access to Constellation's unique Efficiency Made Easy® (EME) energy conservation program.

The EME program helps businesses implement optimal energy conservation measures, such as Viking Cold's TES systems, with no upfront capital expenditure. The cost for the upgrades is included in the monthly charges that appear on their Constellation power and gas supply bills.

In 2018, Constellation EME customers collectively saved 80,000 MWh of electricity and prevented the emissions of 36,000 metric tons of CO2, according to Constellation.

Viking Cold's application of Phase Change Materials combined with intelligent controls and 24/7 remote monitoring increases energy efficiency an average of 26 pct and adds time-of-use flexibility to avoid demand-based pricing for up to 13 hours. (Source: Viking Cold, Constellation, PR, 5 Feb., 2019) Contact: Viking Cold, James Bell, CEO, Collin Cooker, VP Sales, ccoker@vikingcold.com, (281) 687-0919, www.vikingcold.com; Constellation, Dave Snyder, (410) 470-9700, david.snyder@constellation.com, www.constellation.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Thermal Energy Storage,  Energy Efficiency,  Constellation,  

Energy Efficiency,Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-02-04
In New Hampshire, the city of Concord Energy and Environment Committee reports the release of the first draft of its renewable energy and energy efficiency plan calling for the city to source 100 pct of it energy from renewables by the year 2030.

Highlights of the draft plan include: Energy efficiency -- "the cheapest unit of energy is the one you don't use" -- is the guiding principle behind the plans for energy efficiency in the Capital City of 43,000 +- residents. As a whole, Concord consumes 390 million kWh of energy each year. To bring that figure down, the plan calls for the city and its community to cut consumption by encouraging and incentivizing weatherization. The plan also encourages the city to prioritize energy conservation efforts, like switching the streetlights to LED and having all city buildings US Green Building Council LEED certified or meet LEED standards without going through the certification process. (Source: City of Concord, Concord Monitor, 2 Feb., 2019) Contact: USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org; City of Concord, Tom Aspell, City Manager, 603-225-8570, www.concordnh.gov/288/City-Manager

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

India
Date: 2019-01-14
The Indian Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) are reporting the signing of a 5-year MoU for cooperation on the development of a "Star Rating" Energy Efficiency-Conservation Building Code (ECBC) for new construction.

BEE is a statutory body under Ministry of Power mandated to implement policy and programmes in energy efficiency and conservation with CPWD, the Indian government's principle construction agency.

The Star Rating Programme for buildings is based on the actual performance of a building in terms of its specific energy usage in kwh/sqm/year. This programme rates office buildings on a 1-5 Star scale, with 5 Star being the most efficient. (Source: India Bureau of Energy Efficiency, 10 Jan., 2019) Contact: India Bureau of Energy Efficiency, www.beeindia.gov.in

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

Carbon Emissions, India
Date: 2018-12-19
The Indian Bureau of Energy Efficiency reports India has achieved a 20 pct reduction in its emissions intensity against the 33 pct level India committed to attain by 2030 at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The government's programmes on energy conservation and efficiency including the star labelling programme, energy savings scheme for industrial units, LED lamps distribution and efficient buildings code are being credited for the reduction in carbon emissions. Other energy saving initiatives include a campaign to make default temperature setting of air conditioners at 24 degrees Celsius and a push for cleaner transportation.

At COP15 in Paris, India committed to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35 pct by 2030 from the 2005 level. It also pledged to shift 40 pct of its installed power generation capacity to non-fossil-fuel-based energy resources. (Source: Indian Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Economic Times India, 14 Dec., 2018) Contact: Indian Bureau of Energy Efficiency, www.beeindia.gov.in

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Emissions Intensity,  UNFCCC,  

Green Business Certification,USGBC
Date: 2018-12-17
Atlanta-headquartered Cox Communications reports that its area fulfillment center (AFC) in Phoenix has scored Gold level under the Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) certification system for waste reduction efforts.

Administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), TRUE helps facilities define, pursue and achieve zero waste goals while becoming more resource and energy efficient. The program aims to change the way materials flow through society so that all products are reused and diverted from landfill, incineration (waste-to-energy) and the environment. TRUE provides best practices and training that helps businesses, property managers, schools, government agencies and nonprofits rethink how resources are used.

Cox Conserves is Cox Enterprises' national sustainability program focused on reducing waste and energy consumption, as well as conserving water. The program engages each of the company's major subsidiaries -- Cox Communications, Cox Automotive and Cox Media Group -- and encourages eco-friendly practices. The company's sustainability goals are to send zero waste to landfill by 2024 and become carbon and water neutral by 2044.

GBCI is the premier organization independently recognizing excellence in green business industry performance and practice globally. Established in 2008, GBCI exclusively administers project certifications and professional credentials and certificates within the framework of the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED green building rating systems, as well as the Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES), TRUE Zero Waste Certification, Parksmart, the PEER standard for power systems, the WELL building standard, EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), Investor Confidence Project (ICP) for energy efficiency retrofits and the GRESB benchmark, which is used by institutional investors to improve the sustainability performance of the global property sector. www.gbci.org. (Source: Cox Enterprises, PR, 17 Dec., 2018) Contact: Cox Enterprises, Cox Conserves, Meredith Lindvall, Recycling Waste Diversion Program Manager, www.coxenterprises.com; GBCI, www.gbci.org; : USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Energy Conservation,  Cox Enterprises,  Green Business Certification ,  USGBC,  

Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
Date: 2018-12-14
After two years of study, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER)on Wednesday released its long-awaited Comprehensive Energy Plan, to achieve a "clean, affordable, and resilient" in-state energy future by 2030.

The plan calls for aggressive and technology-based energy conservation, building energy efficiency, an increased reliance on renewable energy, increase transportation electrification, energy storage and other related measures. The plan also recognizes climate and energy achievements to date, but suggests more work to meet mandated emissions reduction goals and prevent winter price spikes in the power sector.

Access Massachusetts Comprehensive Energy Plan details HERE. (Source: Commonwealth of Massachusetts, MassLive, Dec., 2018)Contact: Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, www.mass.gov/doer

More Low-Carbon Energy News Mass DOER,  Clean Energy,  

Southern California Gas Company
Date: 2018-12-10
Southern California Gas Company (SoCal Gas) is touting the launch of its "Dial it Down" program designed to teach customers how to conserve energy and natural gas this winter when heat is in high demand. SoCalGas will release the "Dial It Down" alerts through either social media or the radio as the weather dictates.

According to SoCalGas, the program will increase energy reliability, save customers money, and reduce emissions related to climate change.

SoCalGas is also launching a "Smart Therm Program" under which participants set their "Smart Thermostat" to automatically adjust when energy conservation is needed; rebates are available for purchasing the thermostat.

SoCalGas offers more than 90 energy efficiency programs to keep natural gas consumption and costs low and realistic for Southern Californians.(Source: Southern California Gas Co, Santa Barbara Independent, 9 Dec., 2018)Contact: Southern California Gas, www.socalgas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News SoCal Gas,  Energy Consumption,  Energy Efficiency,  Energy Management,  Smart Thermostat,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2018-12-07
The Press Trust of India is reporting the Indian Union Cabinet has approved an energy efficiency and energy conservation technology cooperation agreement with France.

The pact , which involves knowledge exchange, technical assistance and cooperation , is expected to advance the exchange of information on policies, programmes and technologies relating to enhanced energy efficiency and demand side management. It will lead to awareness creation on energy efficiency, development of tools for collection, use and analysis of CO2 emissions and GHG data for tracking global emissions . It will promote research and development and demonstration of energy efficient technologies, the development of sustainable mobility with specific focus on electric transportation. (Source: PTI, 6 Dec., 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency news,  Energy Conservation news,  

Taiwan EPA
Date: 2018-11-16
In Taipei, the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) reports it will fund its first climate change mitigation research project aimed at raising public awareness of climate-related issues and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration on environmental protection. Approximately NT$15 million ($485,405) has been earmarked for the project.

While the agency previously subsidized projects for energy conservation and carbon reduction, this is its first funding project for climate action research in line with the Taiwanese government's 2015 Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act. (Source: Taiwan EPA,Taipei Times, Nov., 2018)Contact: Taiwan EPA, www.epa.gov.tw/mp.asp?mp=epaen

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change Mitigation,  

International Green Construction Code
Date: 2018-11-14
The 2018 International Green Construction Code (2018-IgCC) was released today by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), International Code Council, ASHRAE and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). The IgCC is a model code that has wide applicability for incorporating resilient, high-performance green building strategies into building codes.

The 2018-IgCC update will help governments streamline code development and adoption, and improve building industry standardization by combining the technical requirements developed by the ASHRAE Standard 189.1 with the model code administrative provisions by the Code Council. As a result, the 2018-IgCC is now a unified code that emphasizes adoption, ease of use and enforcement for building projects.

The IgCC is a part of the Code Council's suite of comprehensive, coordinated and contemporary model codes -- including the International Building Code, International Existing Building Code, International Energy Conservation Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code and International Fire Code -- and is suitable for use in building codes world wide. (Source: USGBC, ICC, PR, Nov., 2018) Contact: ICC, Dominic Sims, CEO, www.iccsafe.org; USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org; ASHRAE, www.ashrae.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News International Code Council,  International Green Construction Code,  Green Building,  Energy Efficiency,  USGBC ,  

World Bank
Date: 2018-11-12
In Minsk, Belarus News reports the World Bank will grant Belarus an additional $160 million loan to implement energy conservation projects. The country's Standardization of the Republic of Belarus Department for Energy Efficiency notes that “Work is underway to raise additional financing to the tune of $160 million."

The World Bank loan will be used to build facilities running on local fuel and to improve energy saving and efficiency in apartment houses." (Source: Belrus News, 9 Nov., 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News World Bank,  Energy Conservation,  

Date: 2018-11-05
In metropolitan New York, the Bronx Jacobi Medical Center is reporting its planned $11 million, two-phase energy conservation and efficiency project is expected to be completed within 18 months.

The project will include: interior and exterior energy efficient LED lighting upgrades; energy efficient lighting controls; HVAC and chiller plant upgrades; minor boiler plant upgrades; and the incorporation of renewable energy and other upgrades expected to have a positive impact on patients, staff and visitors as well as cut energy costs. (Source: Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx Times, 3 Nov., 2018) Contact: Jacobi Medical Center, www.jacobimed.org

Energy Efficiency, Solar
Date: 2018-10-31
In the Granite State, recent energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrades at the Whole Village Family Resource Center and the neighboring Bridge House shelter in Plymouth are projected to save $25,000 per year in energy costs and an overall 80 pct reduction in annual electricity consumption, the Whole Village Family Resource Center reports.

The project initially focused on improving the energy efficiency of the buildings by retrofitting indoor and outdoor lighting with LED fixtures and timers, a new central air conditioning unit, reducing standby power loss, adjusting HVAC controls, educating the building occupants on the efficient use of energy, and the addition of a 33-KW rooftop solar PV array to an existing 25-KW solar PV array at the Bridge House. The combination of energy conservation, new energy-efficiency upgrades, and solar array resulted in an annual electricity consumption drop from 122,610 kWh to 47,537 kWh in July.

The project was funded by local and statewide businesses that purchased $321,875 in state tax credits through the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority and more than $20,000 in incentives from the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative. (Source: Whole Village Family Resource Center, Laconia Daily Sun, 30 Oct., 2018) Contact: Whole Village Family Resource Center, (603) 271-4525, http://nhfv.org/resources/whole-villiage-family-resource-center-lakes-region

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Energy Efficiency,  

Energy Conservation
Date: 2018-10-22
In India, the Andhra Pradesh state government reports it has made compliance with the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) mandatory from October 22 and, to that end, has incorporated a clause in the process of giving permissions through the Development Permission Management System of the Directorate of Town and Country Planning.

The ECBC, which aims to ensure energy savings in the buildings applies to all commercial buildings or complexes with plot areas exceeding 1,000 square metres and built-up area of more than 2,000 square metres. Buildings such as multiplexes, hospitals and hotels have to comply with the ECBC, irrespective of their built-up area. The government is also contemplating making the ECBC compulsory for residential buildings The Andhra Pradesh Bureau of Energy Efficiency has offered technical and financial support to the State Energy Conservation Mission for achieving the goal. (Source: Andhra Pradesh Bureau of Energy Efficiency, The Hindu, 22 Oct., 2018) Contact: Andhra Pradesh, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, www.nedcap.gov.in

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

KBC Global
Date: 2018-10-22
In Singapore, energy software and services provider KBC Global is reporting the launch of a subscription-based service that in effect acts as a "second pair of expert eyes" on a subscribing firm's facilities and energy efficiency and consumption. The resulting information is upload on KBC's secured cloud platform. The service provider will be able to monitor the plant and thereafter analyse plant performance, identify possible improvement opportunities and formulate a plan that will optimize energy efficiency , cut costs and in turn reduce carbon emissions.

The subscription fee is paid for from a portion of the energy savings that are achieved. The KBC service follows on the heels of Singapore's Energy Conservation Act mandating large industrial emitters to report greenhouse gas emissions from 2021. The KBC measures will help Singapore achieve its pledge under the Paris Agreement on climate change to reduce emissions intensity by 36 pct from 2005 levels by 2030. The industrial sector currently accounts for about 60 pct of Singapore's GHG emissions, according to the National Environmental Agency. (Source: KBC Global, CAN, 22 Oct., 2018) Contact: KBC Global, +65 6735 5488, www.kbc.global

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

Ameresco
Date: 2018-10-03
Framingham, Mass.-based energy efficiency and renewable energy specialist Ameresco, Inc. reports it has secured a 22-year, $143 million contract to support energy conservation efforts within Joint Base San Antonio in Texas.

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) Civil Engineer Center said Friday the contract covers the installation of 20 MW of renewable energy systems within JBSA's fence line and modernization of energy security through microgrid control technologies. The company will also modernize heating, ventilation, air conditioning energy management control systems and additional HVAC thermal energy storage, among other things, at 900 buildings across the military installation.

The work is expected to reduce energy consumption in JBSA facilities by 24 pct. (Source: Ameresco, GovCon Wire, 1 Oct., 2018) Contact: Ameresco, (508) 661-2288, www.ameresco.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ameresco,  Energy Consumption,  Energy Conservation,  Renewable Energy,  

Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation
Date: 2018-09-17
In Beruit, the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC) reports receipt of 75 Expressions of Interest (EoIs) for three 100 MW solar PV plus storage projects. LCEC has unveiled the names of the 75 consortiums that have expressed interest in building one or more of the three 100 MW solar PV plus battery storage projects.

In each project, the minimum power capacity is 70 MW and the maximum power capacity is 100 MW with Battery Energy Storage of minimum of 70 MW power with a minimum of 70 MWh of storage capacity, regardless of the solar PV sizing. (Source: Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation, PV, 17 Sept., 2018)Contact: Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation, +961 1 565 108, www.lcec.org.lb

Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited
Date: 2018-09-05
In India, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) in Andhra Pradesh, reports receipt of Confederation of Indian Industry-Godrej Green Business Centre award for energy efficiency. The award recognizes efforts to reduce energy consumption, energy conservation, waste recycling and various innovative projects implemented during the 2017-18 fiscal year. (Source: Visakhapatnam Steel, The Hindu, 4 Sept., 2018) Contact: Visakhapatnam Steel, www.vizagsteel.com Confederation of Indian Industry-Godrej Green Business Centre, www.greenbusinesscentre.com

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

Siemens
Date: 2018-08-31
In the Empire State, the East Syracuse Minoa (ESM) Central School District is reporting the near completion of a seven school, 18-year energy efficiency-energy savings performance contract (ESPC) with Siemens. To date, the ESPC energy efficiency upgrades have delivered approximately $598,000 in energy savings -- exceeding annual guaranteed savings by more than $4,000.

Under the ESPC, Siemen's provided a district-wide energy management system with direct digital controls allowing for implementation of energy conservation strategies and room occupancy scheduling; HVAC and chilled water plant upgrades; LED lighting retrofits; new high efficiency, condensing gas-fired hot water boiler plants in four ESM buildings and other upgrades.

ESPCs are part of Siemens' Total Energy Management approach to reducing energy costs and funding building energy efficiency improvements through energy savings (Source: Siemens USA, 28 Aug., 2018) Contact: Siemens, www.usa.siemens.com/k12. Siemens Building Technologies, w3.usa.siemens.com/buildingtechnologies/us/en/Pages/buildingtechnologiesusa.aspx

More Low-Carbon Energy News Siemens,  Energy Efficiency,  ESPC,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2018-08-27
In its latest report, the not-for-profit ALIGNNY organization contends that large buildings owned by Donald Trump and his son-in-law Jared Kushner's family, are some of the biggest polluters and emitters of greenhouse gases in the city. ALIGNNY says New York City can and must take bold steps to fight climate change by requiring energy efficiency improvements at Trump's and Kushner's buildings, as well as other large buildings that are contributing to the crisis.

According to The Environmental Impact of Trump Tower -- No LEED, a report by the Urban Green Council, the average Energy Star scores for residential and office buildings in New York City are 60 and 75, respectively. In 2015, Trump Tower's last recorded year available on public record, the building received an Energy Star score of 48 out of 100, which means the tower is in the bottom half of its category for energy conservation. (Eleven of his 15 properties at the time fell below 50.) As president, Trump has asked Congress to eliminate $42 million in federal funding for the ENERGY STAR program, which is led by the EPA.

According to a 2015 study by the Alliance for a Greater New York, Trump Tower uses more energy than 93 pct of other large residential buildings in New York City. In 2018, HuffPost also reported the tower's average energy use intensity is 208, while the average office building uses 186. Luxury properties in New York, which include the tower, make up 2 pct of buildings in the city but produce nearly 50 pct of its climate-altering emissions.

Download ALIGNNY details, Climate Works for All Report HERE. (Source: ALIGNNY, MIC, 25 Aug., 2018) Contact: Align New York, (646) 676-4300, contact@alignny.org, www.alignny.org; ENERGY STAR, www.energystar.gov/updates, www.energystar.gov; Urban Green Council, (212) 514-9385, www.urbangreencouncil.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Carbon Footprint,  Trump Tower,  ENERGY STAR,  

Indian Bureau of Energy Efficiency
Date: 2018-08-24
In Kolkata, the Indian Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) reports it will introduce an energy efficiency and energy conservation building code for residential buildings to help reduce domestic consumption.

The codes would include design instructions like what sort of bricks to use and how rooms should be planned. For the new residential code, the BEE energy conservation building code for commercial buildings and complexes will be "fine tuned" for residential applications.

BEE notes it has been working with household equipment manufacturers including air-conditioner makers to bring down domestic and commercial power consumption. It hopes to achieve power savings of 40 GW by 2030 with the help of stricter conservation norms for ACs. (Source: Indian Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Economic Times India, Aug., 2018) Contact: Indian Bureau of Energy Efficiency, www.beeindia.gov.in

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

Albuquerque
Date: 2018-08-22
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller has issued an Executive Instruction for the city to meet updated energy efficiency standards in its buildings.

Under the mayor's order, new city buildings will be subject to a more recent energy conservation code that is estimated to save 20 to 25 pct in energy costs. The city currently uses the 2009 New Mexico Energy Conservation Code, which is significantly behind national standards, according to the city release. Initially, the city will adopt the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code for city facility projects, but will eventually adopt the 2018 version. (Source: City of Albuquerque, Albuquerque Business, 21 Aug., 2018) Contact: City of Albuquerque, Planning Dept., (505) 924-3860, www.cabq.gov/planning

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Date: 2018-08-20
Effective October 1, the Keystone State is adopting a new energy conservation code through an update of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). The 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will be the new building efficiency standard statewide except in the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, which is adopting the newer 2018 IECC standard.

These energy efficiency upgrades are expected to deliver a better then 26 pct increase in building energy efficiency over the current standard.

Under the 2015 IECC as adopted by the state are requirements for automatic daylight-responsive controls for windows and skylights; a new automatic lighting shut off provision requiring the use of occupancy sensors in 12 building space types including classrooms, conference rooms, lunch rooms, private offices, and restrooms; and exterior lighting control provisions that now require building façade and landscape lighting to be controlled independently of all other site and parking lighting.

The more stringent 2018 IECC in Philadelphia includes: occupancy sensor control of lighting in open plan office areas with control zones limited to 600 square feet; occupancy sensor shut-off time delay decreased to 20 minutes from the 30 minutes under the prior code; and use of Luminaire Level Lighting Control technologies as an alternate lighting control compliance option. (Source: LeGrand, EC&M, 17 Aug., 2018)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

D+R International
Date: 2018-08-13
A recently released report from independent auditor D+R International notes consumers have saved $3.5 billion, and more than 20 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have been avoided, as a result of the voluntary set-top box (STB) energy conservation agreement among pay-TV providers.

The report found that the Voluntary Agreement has reduced national set-top box annual energy consumption by 34 pct since 2012. Year-over-year energy savings increased by nearly 50 pct from 2016 to 2017 as the companies successfully completed their commitment to meet an even more rigorous set of energy-efficiency levels that became applicable in 2017 under the terms of the agreement developed with the energy efficiency advocates and endorsed by the Department of Energy in 2013.

Signatories of the Voluntary Agreement include all of the major multichannel video service providers representing more than 93 pct of the US multichannel video market -- AT&T/DIRECTV, COMCAST and others -- major manufacturers and energy-efficiency advocates such as the Natural Resources Defense Council, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) and the Consumer Technology Association. (Source: D+R International, Rapid TV News, 12 Aug., 2018} Contact: D+R International, (301) 588-9387, www.drintl.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,