National Grid
Date: 2020-01-15
In the UK, National Grid reports it is launching a €500 million green bond issuance to finance its expanded efforts in renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable energy management and climate related initiatives. The offer is the British utility firm's first foray into the green bonds market since publishing its Green Financing Framework in November last year.

Of the total €500 million issuance, 74 pct would be used for renewable energy, 13 pct for environmentally sustainable management, 11 pct for energy efficiency, and 2 pct for clean transportation and pollution prevention.

BNP Paribas is acting as the sole green structuring advisor and joint book runner. (Source: National Grid, Business Green, 14 Jan., 2019) Contact: UK National Grid, Kayte O'Neill, Head of Strategy and Regulation, www2.nationalgrid.com/uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Grid ,  Green Bond,  

Montana Climate Change
Date: 2020-01-15
In Big Sky Country, Climate Smart Missoula, along with Missoula County, is reporting work on the Missoula Climate Resilency Plan aimed at reducing the effects of climate change in the Missoula area is underway.

According to its website, the plan focuses on various areas -- energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable development, clean transportation, land and water management, forest and open land management, green buildings, education and outreach -- all of which are crucial to Missoula's climate mitigation and resiliency efforts.

Download Climate Resiliency Plan details HERE and HERE (Source: Climate Smart Missoula, 8KPAX, 13 Jan., 2020) Contact: Climate Smart Missoula, 406-926-2847, www.missoulaclimate.org

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

Minnesota Clean Energy Resource Team
Date: 2020-01-15
In Minneapolis, Minnesota Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) reports it is awarding Seed Grants to 35 innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in communities statewide.

The 35 projects received funding across a broad spectrum of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies including LED energy efficient lighting, components of energy education, outreach, community building, R&D and others.

These awards mark the tenth round of Seed Grants from CERTs, totalling over $1.3 million to 393 projects since 2006. (Source: Minnesota Clean Energy Resource Teams, Cookston Times, 13 Jan., 2020)Contact: Minnesota Clean Energy Resource Teams, 612-625-8759, info@cleanenergyresourceteams.org, www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org

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

Energy Efficiency,Community Foundation for the Alleghenies
Date: 2020-01-15
In the Keystone State, the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies (CFA) is reporting the availability of grant funding from the Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund for "projects and programs that support the development and use of clean energy technologies and energy efficiency."

The Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund, which is managed by the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies and the Berks County Community Foundation, will distribute a total of nearly $200,000 in funding ranging from $2,000 to $50,000, depending on the scope of the projects.

Grant funding is prioritized for nonprofits, but commercial and industrial organizations also may apply. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Eligible applicants must be located in and/or serve residents in territory served by Met-Ed or Penelec in Pennsylvania. (Source: Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Penna., 14 Jan., 2020) Contact: Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund, www.metedpenelecsef.org; Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, 814-536-7741, www.cfalleghenies.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  Energy Eficiency Funding,  Energy Efficiency Grants,  

Minneapolis
Date: 2020-01-15
The city of Minneapolis is reporting a city ordinance requiring one- and two-family homeowners to collect energy consumption and efficiency data before listing their homes for sale came into force Jan. 15, 2020.

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, 14 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,  

Clean Energy Finance Corporation
Date: 2020-01-13
In the Land Down Under, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is launching a green home loan program at 2.44 pct interest for borrowers who meet a minimum seven-star energy rating, which it says is the first loan to use energy efficiency measurement tools to determine eligibility. The Bank Australia -- the first lender to offer the scheme -- will draw on up to $60 million in CEFC finance, providing the interest rate discount to mortgages below $1.5 million

A minimum of seven stars under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) -- which rates the energy efficiency of a home based on its design -- exceeds the minimum standards of the National Construction Code, and homes built to this rating require less energy for heating and cooling.

At a later date, Bank Australia is expected extend the discounted loan program to finance green home improvements, including energy monitoring, energy storage systems, solar hot wate, energy efficient air conditioning and others. (Source: Clean Energy Finance Corp., Domain, 14 Jan., 2019) Contact: Clean Energy Finance Corporation, www.cefc.com.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Energy Finance Corporation,  Energy Efficiency ,  

ExxonMobil
Date: 2020-01-13
"As we wrap up 2019, it's useful to take stock of the past year and keep looking ahead to the future and what we need to do to accomplish our energy goals. We need to do a lot. We are at a crucial inflection point with climate change, as is all too clear from the regular stream of updates in our news feeds every day. ExxonMobil’s annual Energy Outlook, which came out recently, discusses how the world is still offtrack to meet certain climate goals without a lot of additional effort.

"That further work means continued technology innovation. We have to keep finding and inventing solutions to the myriad of individual problems posed by the dual challenge. These different efforts -- both within and outside of our own research labs -- are all essential to moving us forward. They include the important renewables work being done with wind, solar and geothermal by so many around the world; they also include research focused on carbon capture technology and biofuels -- and everything in between. On ExxonMobil’s end, we are proud of our portfolio of innovative emission-lowering projects that have led to more than 10,000 patents in the last decade. Since 2000, we've spent $16.5 billion on this kind of R&D.

"Moving into 2020, we need to stay focused on several key themes related to solving the dual challenge: scale, speed, collaboration and training the next generation of scientists, engineers and other problem solvers. Scale is everything in our efforts. Reducing carbon emissions to fight climate change as we simultaneously deliver more and more energy to a growing world is a big job. And it's not just one job. As I said earlier this year, 'Not only are the sizes we are talking about so big they are sometimes unfathomable, but we must deploy solutions globally AND across countless end uses. It's not one equation with one unknown, but multiple equations with multiple unknowns.'

"As we work to solve for these multiple unknowns, we are pursuing projects big and small. What they share in common is the strict requirement that they must lead to a scalable solution. Energy is gigantic, from the infrastructure that supports it to the markets that drive its supply and demand. Any solution we find in the lab, however brilliant, must be ready to immediately scale.

"And it needs to happen quickly. As we know, scientific discovery is an ongoing endeavor -- you can't put a deadline on invention. But we can accelerate innovation. First, we can follow the example of parallel processing from computer science. In our labs, we don't wait for the basic science to be definitively 'concluded' (if it even can be). We start the engineering while we're still doing the science and iterate between the two. That requires collaboration between different types of researchers and innovators – between our corporate lab and government and academic labs, for example -- and that's the other way we speed up scalable solutions: with partnerships. Partnerships are a force multiplier. They are absolutely key when it comes to solving the dual challenge. When I look back on the past year, I am proud of the scope and variety of partnerships we undertook as a company. To name just a few:

National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the National Energy Technology Laboratory (and other DOE-funded labs) -- in a 10-year, $100 million collaboration to bring advanced energy technologies to market at scale, focused on reducing carbon emissions.

IBM -- to collaborate on quantum computing that could help make energy exploration and extraction enormously efficient.

MIT Energy Initiative -- to extend our existing relationship supporting this project, which is committed to discovering new emission-reducing technology.

Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) locations in Madras and Bombay -- to continue our research with scientists and students working on the ground in India to address the energy needs and challenges on the subcontinent, including studying life cycle greenhouse gas emissions in India's power sector.

Clariant and Genomatica -- to convert residue left over from farming into biofuel that can power trucks, ships and more. Clariant has expert processes to extract sugars from agricultural leftovers like wheat straw, while Genomatica turns sugars into biofuels.

Global Thermostat -- to evaluate the scalability of their innovative carbon capture technology, which removes CO2 from the atmosphere and industrial sources.

Microsoft -- to digitally transform 1 million acres of unconventional oil and gas fields in the Permian Basin, making it the largest-ever oil and gas acreage to use cloud technology, and also making it more efficient. Energy efficiency is an often overlooked area when we think about the dual challenge.

(Source: ExxonMobil, PR, , 31 Dec., 2019) Contact: ExxonMobil, Dr. Vijay Swarup, VP Research and Development , www.linkedin.com › dr-vijay-swarup-120a95159, (972) 444-1107, www.exxonmobil.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  ExxonMobil,  Vijay Swarup ,  

Ameresco,New Bedford Housing Authority
Date: 2020-01-13
In the Bay State, Framingham-headquartered energy efficiency and renewable energy specialist Ameresco and the New Bedford Housing Authority are reporting a $12.7 million Energy Performance Contract (EPC) that is expected to save the Housing Authority $19.6 million in energy and water cost savings over its sixteen-year term.

The project, which involves 15 public housing developments encompassing close to 1,500 households, includes water conservation, exterior and common-area lighting upgrades, boiler replacements, and roof-top mounted solar installations in conjunction with significant incentives available from the Commonwealth's Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program.

With more than 30 years of experience, Ameresco has implemented improvements for over 130,000 households under performance-based energy and water services contracts, according to the company. (Source: Ameresco, New Bedford Housing Authority, Framingham Source, 12 Jan., 2020) Contact: New Bedford Housing Authority, 508-997-4829; Ameresco, Bob Georgeoff, VP, (508) 661-2288, www.ameresco.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ameresco,  Energy Efficiency,  

Clean Energy Group
Date: 2020-01-13
The Kresge Foundation, the Montpelier, Vermont-based not-for-profit Clean Energy Group (CEG) and New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation (NYCEEC) are reporting a $3.3 million commitment to accelerate the market development of solar PV plus battery storage (solar+storage) technologies in historically under-served communities. The multiyear financing program guaranteed by the Kresge Foundation includes:

A $3 million loan guarantee to reduce credit risk for solar+storage projects in low- and moderate-income areas. Structured as a 50 pct payment guarantee to help ensure borrowers' loan payments remain current, this innovative credit enhancement reduces the risk of a payment default to lenders and their investors who provided capital for solar+storage loans.

$170,000 in a capacity-building grant to accelerate the participating lender's ability to finance solar+storage projects, build project pipelines and actively engage in information sharing.

$120,000 in technical-assistance grants to enable eligible project owners and developers to assess the technical and financial feasibility of new solar+storage projects.

Clean Energy Group is a national, nonprofit advocacy organization working on innovative technology, finance, and policy programs in the areas of clean energy and climate change.

Established in 2010 as the nation's first local green bank, NYCEEC is a 501(c)(3) mission-driven lender focused exclusively on energy efficiency and clean energy in buildings. (Source: Clean Energy Group, Vermont Business, 9 Jan., 2020) Contact: NYCEC, Jessica Luk, Director of Development, www.nyceec.com; Clean Energy Group, Robert Sanders, rsanders@cleanegroup.org, www.cleanenergygroup.org; Kresge Foundation, www.kresge.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Energy Group,  Solar+Storage,  Energy Storage,  

Primary Energy,Fortistar,ArcelorMittal
Date: 2020-01-13
White Plains, New York-based Fortistar and its partners are reporting an agreement to sell 50 pct of the shares of Primary Energy to SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust (SEEIT).

Primary Energy Recycling has a 298 MW portfolio of waste heat-to-power (WHP) and combined heat and power (CHP) plants located at two of the most efficient steel mills in North America belonging to ArcelorMittal S.A. and United States Steel Corporation, selling discounted electrical and thermal energy to the mills under long-term stable contractual arrangements.

The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2020 with Fortistar continuing to manage the company.

Fortistar's portfolio of associated companies includes Generational Power, TruStar Energy, Primary Energy Recycling, Fortistar Methane Group, Fortistar Biomass Group, Carbonfree Chemicals, Golden Renewable Energy and ClockIN.

SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust plc is the first London Stock Exchange-listed company of its kind to invest exclusively in the energy efficiency sector. (Source: Fortistar, PR, Jan., 2020) Contact: SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust plc, www.sdcleeit.com; Primary Energy, Mo Klefeker, CEO, 630-371-0505, www.primaryenergy.com Forttistar, Mark Comora, CEO, (914) 421-4937, MComora@fortistar.com, www.fortistar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Primary Energy,  ArcelorMittal,  Fortistar,  Energy Efficiency,  

PACE, City of Guelph
Date: 2020-01-10
In Ontario, Our Energy Guelph (OEG), a public interest group has proposed the city of 132,000 residents adopt the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program to assist property owners with energy efficiency retrofit and renewable energy loans through OEG.

OEG is looking to administer approximately $100 million per year -- from private entities like financial institutions or insurance companies looking for investments in energy efficiency projects -- to finance projects under the PACE program, (Source: Our Energy Guelph, Guelph Mercury Tribune, Jan., 2020)Contact: Our Energy Guelph, Alex Chapman, Exec. Dir., www.ourenergyguelph.ca

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

Equinor
Date: 2020-01-10
Oslo-headquartered Norwegian oil and gas major Equinor -- fka Statoil -- reports it aims reduce the absolute greenhouse gas emissions from its operated offshore fields and onshore plants in Norway by 40 pct by 2030, increasing to 70 pct by 2040 and to near zero by 2050, using 2005 as a baseline.

The GHG reduction goal will cover all of the company's Norwegian offshore fields and onshore plants, including both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions of CO2 and methane, levels of which are very low at the Norwegian continental shelf.

The reductions will be achieved through large scale industrial measures, including energy efficiency, digitalization and the launch of several electrification projects at key fields and plants, including the Troll and Oseberg offshore fields and the Hammerfest LNG plant, at an estimated cost NOK 50 billion ($5,630,500,000 US) or more. (Source: Equnior, Smart Energy Jan., 2020) Contact: Equinor, Eldar Saetre, CEO, Pal Eitrheim, VP New Energy Solutions, www.equinor.com

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

US Green Building Council
Date: 2020-01-10
Following up on our November 9, 2018 coverage, in the Windy City, Equity Office, the U.S. office arm of private-equity giant Blackstone Group, reports its 1974-vintage, 110-story Willis Tower -- fka the Sears Tower -- has became the largest building in the U.S. to reach the US Green Building Council's LEED Platinum certification for energy efficiency. The building received a $500 million energy efficiency and sustainability upgrade in 2018.

As previously reported, the building scored LEED Gold in 2018. In moving up to Platinum, building efficiency was improved via upgrades to heating and cooling systems, hot water generators, lighting, plumbing and an ongoing major overhaul of the elevator systems which make more than 46,000 trips daily and serve about 5.8 million people every year. (Source: USGBC, Star Tribune, 19 Dec., 2019) Contact: US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Willis Tower,  Energy Efficiency,  US Green Building Council,  LEED Platinum,  

BP Ventures
Date: 2020-01-10
BP Ventures, the venture capital unit of energy giant BP is reporting a $3.6 million investment in Hong Kong-headquartered energy management AI company R&B Technologies. The move is intended to support BP Alternative Energy s focus on low-carbon power, storage, the digital energy value chain and wider energy as a service offers.

R&B's software as a service (Saas) applies AI techniques to energy diagnostics and optimization in the commercial and industrial sector, processing data to generate insights and recommendations for improving energy efficiency and enhancing predictive maintenance in buildings.

BP Ventures is actively seeking direct investment opportunities in China in the areas of advanced mobility, power and storage, carbon management, bio- and low carbon products and digital transformation, according to a release. (Source: BP Ventures, PR, Current +-, 9 Jan., 2019)Contact: R&B Technologies, Glenn Wu, COO & CTO, info@rnbtech.com.hk, www.rnbtechgroup.com; BP Ventures, www.bp.com › global › bp-ventures BP Alternative Energy, www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/what-we-do/alternative-energy.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News BP Alternative Energy ,  BP Ventures,  Energy Management,  Energy Efficiency,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2020-01-10
In the nation's capitol, U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.) has released the legislative framework of the draft Climate Leadership and Environmental Action for the (CLEAN) Future Act -- an ambitious new plan to ensure the U.S. achieves net-zero greenhouse gas pollution and 100 pct clean energy no later than 2050. The draft bill incorporates both proven and novel concepts, presenting a set of policy proposals that will put the U.S. on the path to a clean and prosperous economy.

Specific to energy efficiency, the draft legislation aims to improve the efficiency of new and existing buildings, equipment and appliances as well as establishes national energy savings targets for continued improvement of model building energy codes, leading to a requirement of zero-energy-ready buildings by 2030. (Source: Office of Congressman Frank Pallone Jr., Jan., 2020) Contact: Congressman Frank Pallone Jr , Chairman, Energy and Commerce Committee, (202) 225-4671 (202) 225-9665 - fax, https://pallone.house.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine
Date: 2020-01-10
Reporting from Kiev, the Ukrainian State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine is claiming €3.7 billion was invested in record high 4,500 MW of renewable energy capacities in Ukraine in 2019.

According to the agency, 3,537 MW of solar power, 243 MW of wind power, 637 MW of biomass, 73 MW of biogas and 15 MW of mini hydropower facilities were installed in 2019. With these installation, Ukraine's total green energy capacity now stands at 6.8 GW, according to the agency's report. (Source: State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine, UNKRINFORM, Jan., 2020) Contact: State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine, www.saee.gov.ua

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2020-01-10
In Harrisburg, Governor Tom Wolf (D) reports the issuance of an executive order under which the Keystone State will aim for a 3 pct reduction in state government electricity, natural gas and steam use for commonwealth facilities. That executive order also established the inter-agency GreenGov Council, which is implementing new and analyzing existing state agency energy and sustainability strategies.

A key contributor to the initial 3 pct reduction is investments through the state's Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA) program, which allows public entities to fund energy efficiency projects with the savings from reduced energy costs. The GESA program expanded to 13 projects investing over $124 million in energy efficiency upgrades, saving $6.8 million each year. Action is also being taken to meet the executive order’s high-performance design criteria into its facility design and construction practices. To date, 11 state-owned buildings, along with one build-to-suit leased building, are being designed or in construction to meet or exceed the high-performance building standards. (Source: Office of Penna. Gov. Tom Wolf, PR, 8 Jan., 2020)Contact: Office of Penna. Gov. Tom Wolf, 717-787-2500, www.facebook.com › governorwolf, www.governor.pa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Hecate Energy, Greenbacker Renewable Energy
Date: 2020-01-08
Kansas City, Missouri-based Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company, an externally managed energy company that acquires and manages income-generating renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and other energy-related businesses, reports that through a wholly-owned subsidiary, it has signed the rights to a 110 MW portfolio of solar projects located in Greene and Albany counties, New York, from Chicago-based Hecate Energy. Closings to take place throughout 2020 and the facilities are slated to be fully operational in 2021.

The portfolio will sell a portion of the renewable energy credits generated to an investment grade off taker through a 20-year fixed price contract and will sell the remaining portion of energy and Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) attributes generated to two utilities through fixed price 20-year contracts. (Source: Greenbacker Renewables, Energy Global, 7 Jan., 2020) Contact: Greenbacker Renewable Energy, 888-292-3178 www.greenbackerrenewableenergy.com;Hecate Energy LLC, Chris Bullinger, CEO, Solutions@HecateEnergy.com, www.hecateenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hecate Energy,  Greenbacker Renewable Energy,  Solar ,  

PSEG Long Island
Date: 2020-01-08
PSEG Long Island is reporting its energy efficiency initiatives and energy efficiency improvements have saved its business and residential customers an estimated $280 million on their energy bills in the last six years. According to the utility, energy savings are the result of upgraded lighting, appliances, heating and cooling systems, and other energy-efficiency modifications that resulted in $265 million in rebates, in addition to the $280 million in estimated energy savings.

The utility claims the effort saved 1.6 billion kilowatt hours of energy since Jan. 1, 2014, the equivalent of powering 191,530 homes for one year. Business customers saved money in the past six years by completing 20,000 energy efficiency projects, which earned them a collective $161 million in rebates and incentives, according to PSEG Long Island. The installed energy conservation measures are expected to save 633 million kWh in annual energy savings. (Source: PSEG, PR, Long Island Bus. News, 6 Jan., 2020) Contact: PSEG Long Island, , Michael Voltz, Director of Energy Efficiency and Renewables, www.psegliny.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News PSEG Long Island,  Energy Efficiency ,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2020-01-08
In the Badger State, the cities of Edina and St. Louis Park are reporting the adaptation of energy benchmarking to help landlords reduce natural gas and electricity consumption. They join more than 30 cities across the country that have benchmarking ordinances to reduce energy consumption and cut related costs.

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,  

Maine Energy Storage
Date: 2020-01-08
In Augusta, a panel of Maine State lawmakers and stakeholders is recommending the state set an initial goal of adding 100 MW of energy storage by 2025. The panel is calling for "achievable" near-future policy actions, paired with further study and investigation to inform future policy action.

The panel's report noted energy storage could help Maine reach its renewable energy goals, which climb to 80 pct of retail sales by 2030 and 100 pct by 2050. To that end, the report recommended offering incentives for energy storage to be included with renewable energy procurements. The report also recommends the Efficiency Maine Trust, which oversees the state's energy efficiency programs, be given the authority to use energy storage to lower peak demand, and that the Maine PUC should consider time-of-use rates to support energy storage as well as clarify utility ownership for energy storage facilities. The report also suggested the Governor's Energy Office conduct an in-depth study on the costs and benefits of energy storage and propose future energy storage targets based on its study. (Source: Maine State Legislature Energy Storage Commission, American Public Power Assoc., 6 Jan., 2020) Contact: Maine State Legislature Energy Storage Commission, http://legislature.maine.gov/energy-storage-commission

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Storage,  

US Green Building Council
Date: 2020-01-06
In the Bay State, the Boston-based U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is claiming the LEED energy efficiency certification of more more the 100,000 commercial projects.

The widely recognized LEED green building rating system, which is available for virtually all building and interior space types, provides a framework for highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings. Certification signifies a building has gone above and beyond to ensure it is designed, constructed, operated and performing to the highest level of sustainability. (Source: US Green Buildings Council, Green Buildings, NEREJ, Dec., 2019)Contact: US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

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

City of Grand Rapids,
Date: 2020-01-06
The city of Grand Rapids, Mich, (pop. 200,000 +-) is reporting construction of its $57 million wastewater treatment plant anaerobic biodigestion facility is nearing completion and commissioning.

The biodigester facility includes 3 tanks with a total capacity of 1.4 million gallons. Two tanks will be used for municipal biosolids and the other tank is an anaerobic membrane bioreactor to quickly reduce food waste and other organic waste to energy and increase energy efficiency. The project is part of the city's effort to use 100 pct renewable energy to power city buildings by 2025. (Source: City of Grand Rapids, WasteWater Management, Jan., 2019)Contact: City of Grand Rapids, Mike Lunn, Utilities Director, 616-456-3166, www.grandrapidsmi.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Anerobic Digestor,  Bioreactor,  

City of Vancouver
Date: 2020-01-06
In British Columbia, the city of Vancouver has released its Greenest City 2020 Action Plan (GCAP) which builds on the 2009 work of Mayor Gregor Robertson's Greenest City Action Team -- local experts researched best practices from leading green cities around the world.

According to the GCAP overview, Vancouver aims to cut community-based greenhouse gas emissions to 5 pct below 1990 levels, even though the city's population has jumped 27 pct and jobs have increased more than 18 pct. Vancouver secured 93 pct of it's electric power from British Columbia-based renewable sources. The city has implemented the greenest building code in North America, stresses energy efficiency and other measures aimed at encouraging and support a low-carbon economy and addressing climate change.

Download the Greenest City Action Plan HERE. (Source: City of Vancouver, CBC, 3 Jan., 2020) Contact: City of Vancouver, (604) 873-7000, www.vancouver.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  City of Vancouver,  

Tarshid,Siemens Saudi Arabia
Date: 2020-01-06
In Riyadh, the Saudi Arabia National Energy Services Company (TARSHID) reports it has inked an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) with Siemens Saudi Arabia. The deal is a holistic building performance, energy efficiency and sustainability solution expected cut the Saudi National Information Center's annual energy consumption by 28 percent, reduce the building's CO2 emission by 4,300 tpy.

This agreement is in line with the Kingdom Vision 2030 and its continuous efforts to rationalize energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, accelerate smart building performance initiatives and reduce national domestic energy usage. (Source: TARSHID, Asharq Al-Awsat, 5 January, 2020) Contact: TARSHID, www.tarshid.com.sa; Siemens Saudi Arabia, www.new.siemens.com/sa/en.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency ,  Siemens,  TARSHID,  CO2,  Carbon Emissions,  

Franklin County Regional Housing & Redevelopment Authority
Date: 2020-01-03
In the Bay State, the Franklin County Regional Housing & Redevelopment Authority is touting its Housing Rehabilitation Program. The program is designed to provide income-eligible homeowners with interest-free, deferred payment loans to correct health and safety code deficiencies and to improve home energy efficiency. The program is partially through Community Development Block Grants. Eligibility is based on household annual gross income and occupancy.

Eligible home improvements include: electrical and plumbing upgrades, structural repairs, accessibility modifications, septic repairs or replacement, heating and hot water system repairs or replacement, replacing windows, roof repairs or replacement, wells, lead paint abatement, insulation and weatherization and other energy efficiency upgrades. (Source: Franklin County Regional Housing & Redevelopment Authority, Town of Hawley, Greenfield Recorder, 31 Dec., 2019) Contact: Franklin County Regional Housing & Redevelopment Authority, 413-863-9781, www.fcrhra.org

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,  

Date: 2019-12-31
A proposal that would require new commercial construction projects in Massachusetts to use only renewable energy has opponents and proponents drawing a line in the sand. Supporters say the net zero net energy proposal is needed to address global warming more quickly. Opponents argue that there is not sufficient technology and capacity to increase electrification to meet the demand. Opponents also say the proposal would greatly diminish housing development during the state’s housing crisis and that electricity bills for tenants would skyrocket. “As housing costs continue to skyrocket, we need more housing. To add an additional cost to housing production is essentially a barrier ... We’ll see a slowdown in housing production,” said Tamara Small, CEO of Needham-based NAIOP, the state’s commercial real estate development association. NAIOP has about 1,700 members in Massachusetts. The proposal basically requires new commercial construction and significant commercial renovations to generate as much renewable energy as needed on-site. What can’t be generated on-site can be purchased off-site. Only energy from solar, wind and hydro would be allowed. The use of all fossil fuels, including natural gas, propane, oil, coal and wood pellets, would be banned. While the proposal is primarily for commercial construction, it would affect some housing as well. The exemptions are single-family houses, multifamily homes of three stories or less, and mobile and modular homes. The proposal was written by the American Institute of Architects and submitted to the International Code Council to be considered for codes being compiled for 2021. All 50 states adopt some version of ICC’s residential, commercial and other codes. The AIA’s Massachusetts Chapter in November also submitted the proposal to the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards for consideration for inclusion in the 10th edition of the state’s building code. Massachusetts in 2009 became the first state to adopt a “stretch code,” an enhancement to its base building energy code that provides for more energy-efficient construction. To be designated as a Green Community, municipalities have to comply with the stretch code. While the stretch code initially resulted in a 10% jump in energy efficiency, that has decreased after two subsequent editions of the code, in part because the base energy code has gotten more efficient. “Now about 80% of the 351 cities and towns have become designated as Green Communities. A good majority are saying we need to take the next step, which is net zero,” Nunnari said. This would be another tool in their quest toward mandating a higher level of energy efficiency, he added. The hope, he said, is if ICC agrees to include the proposal in its 2021 documents, all 50 states would have the opportunity to adopt the net zero regulation or amend it to their liking. California, he noted, has already imposed a net zero energy requirement for new residential and commercial buildings by 2030. Similar regulations are being considered by several other states and regions, he said. The proposal has the backing of several hundred organizations. (Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 28 Dec., 2019)

Credit Agricole,Daiwa Securities
Date: 2019-12-30
Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (Credit Agricole CIB) and Daiwa Securities Group have jointly announced the issuance and sales of Green Securities. This is the first time that Credit Agricole CIB will issue index-linked structured uridashi as green bonds denominated in Japanese yens and distributed by Daiwa Securities Co Ltd to Japanese individuals and institutional investors.

An amount equal or equivalent to the net proceeds of the Green Securities will be used to finance and/or refinance one or more of the new or existing loans and investments including renewable energy -- wind and solar projects, bioenergy, energy efficiency, waste and water management, building sustainability, clean transportation and other "green" projects.

Credit Agricole Group, sometimes called "la banque verte" due to its historical ties to farming, is the world's largest cooperative financial institution. It consists of a network of Credit Agricole local banks, the 39 Credit Agricole regional banks, and a central institute, the Credit Agricole S.A.. Credit Agricole supports environmentally engaged companies and projects which implement best practices in terms of energy transition and climate change strategies in line with the COP25 Paris Agreement. (Source: Daiwa Securities, Credit Agricole, PR, 23 Dec 2019) Contact: Daiwa Securities , www.daiwa-grp.jp › english; Credit Agricole, www.credit-agricole.fr

More Low-Carbon Energy News Credit Agricole,  Green Bond,  Green Securities,  Daiwa Securities ,  

Siemens, Tarshid
Date: 2019-12-30
In Riyadh, the Saudi Arabian National Energy Services Company, Tarshid, and Siemens Saudi Arabia are reporting the signing of a smart energy, Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) that will help the National Information Center (NIC) cut annual energy consumption by 28 pct and accelerate holistic building performance and energy efficiency initiatives.

Siemens notes it has expanded its investment in Saudi Arabia by transferring its know-how in energy efficiency, as well as its regional competency centers and global know-how to enable the Kingdom to reduce its dependency on oil and cut power consumption of its critical facilities, like the NIC. (Source: Siemens, Middle East Utilities, 29 Dec., 2019) Contact: Tarshid, (+966) 920012370, www.tarshid.com.sa; Siemens Middle East, www.new.siemens.com/mea/en.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Siemens,  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,  

Indianapolis Power & Light
Date: 2019-12-30
In the Hoosier State, Indianapolis Power & Light (IPL)Co., a utility unit of Arlington, Virginia-based AES Corp, is reporting plans to scuttle two of the four coal-fired units at its 1,700-MW Petersburg Generating Station south of Indianapolis.

The shutdown is part of the utility's 20-year strategy for power generation that all electric utilities are required to file every three years.

The Petersburg station has been described as a "super polluter" of sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide particulate matter and sulfuric mist and has accumulated more than a dozen environmental violations in the past five years, according to the Indianapolis Business Journal.

In 2017, the Indianapolis City-County Council passed a resolution that called for a reduction in carbon emissions, increased energy efficiency and renewable energy use. City officials later created a plan for the city to be powered by 100 pct renewable energy by 2050. (Source: Indianapolis Power & Light, Journal Review, 28 Dec., 2019) , Contact: City of Indianapolis, City Council, (317) 327-4242, www.indy.gov; Indianapolis Light & Power, Vince Parisi, CEO, www.iplpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Indianapolis Power & Light,  Carbon Emissions,  Coal,  

ACEEE,Alliance to Save Energy
Date: 2019-12-23
The recently released Energy Efficiency Impact Report conducted by the Alliance to Save Energy, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy looks at the energy savings, job growth, and reduced carbon emissions that have resulted from energy efficiency initiatives.

The report, which examines the impacts of energy efficiency investments, policies, and innovation across a variety of sectors, including residential and commercial buildings, industry, and transportation, found that investments in energy efficient measures have prevented a 60 pct increase in energy consumption and carbon emissions. The report identifies fuel economy standards, appliance and equipment energy efficiency standards, ENERGY STAR, utility sector efficiency programs, federal research and development, and building energy codes as the policies and programs saved an estimated 25 quadrillion BTUs -- roughly 23 pct of the total U.S. energy consumption in of energy in 2017. The report identifies the growth in smarter technologies and more responsive energy management as major new energy savings opportunities and notes that technologies alone could deliver more than 40 pct of global carbon reductions necessary to meet Paris Agreement climate targets.

The report uses 54 indicators to quantify energy efficiency impacts. Further, it examines progress in a variety of sectors, including utilities, buildings, industry, and transportation. (Source: ACEEE, Alliance to Save Energy, Dec., 2019)Contact: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Steven Nadel, Exec. Dir., (202) 507-4000, (202) 429-2248 - fax, www.aceee.org; Alliance to Save Energy, 202.857.0666, www.ase.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  ACEEE,  Alliance to Save Energy,  Alliance to Save Energy,  

Rutgers University,USGBC
Date: 2019-12-23
In the Garden State, Piscataway-based Rutgers University reports its 106,000 sq-ft Richard Weeks Hall of Engineering -- Busch campus, was recently awarded LEED™ Gold Certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

The Richard Weeks Hall energy efficiency features include: energy cost savings of 29 pct through solar orientation and superior envelop design; mechanical systems include active chilled beams; ventilation with 100 pct outdoor air with energy recovery; occupancy controled LED lighting; a 38 pct reduction of potable water use; diversion of 97 pct of construction waste from landfills, and other energy efficiency and sustainability features. (Source: Rutgers University, School Construction News, 18 Dec., 2019) Contact: US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Rutgers University,  LEED Certification,  USGBC,  Energy Efficiency,  

BuildSmartNY ,New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Date: 2019-12-20
In Albany, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) Board of Trustees reports approval of $1.5 billion over seven years in additional program funding for energy efficiency as part of the Governor's BuildSmartNY program.

The funding will support a wide variety of energy technology and renewable energy services, including energy audits, project engineering, design, installation and construction management. This strategic support will ensure that NYPA continues to meets its goal of substantially reducing energy usage by investing $300 million annually on energy efficiency and renewable measures at public facilities.

BuildSmartNY energy efficiency projects include high efficiency lighting retrofits, occupancy and day-lighting and lighting sensors, building and energy management systems, boilers, chillers, air-handling systems, thermal storage, micro-grids, solar photovoltaic systems, digester gas systems, and emerging energy technologies.

Over the last 20 years, the NYPA has approved nearly $4 billion in spending on energy efficiency and energy saving projects statewide. (Source: Office of NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo, RE Mag., 19 Dec., 2019)Contact: NYPA, Gil C. Quiniones, CEO , Pres., www.nypa.gov; BuildSmartNY, www.buildsmart.ny.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News BuildSmartNY,  NYPA,  Cuomo,  Energy Efficiency Funding,  Energy Efficiency,  

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Date: 2019-12-20
According to a 2019 study by the nonprofit American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Wyoming ranked 51st -- dead last -- in the ACEEE's state-by-state energy efficiency scorecard.

The scorecard ranks states on 33 metrics in six policy areas including utilities, transportation, building policies, state government-led initiatives, and appliance standards. (Source: ACEEE, Laramie Live, 19 Dec., 2019) Contact: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Steven Nadel, Exec. Dir., (202) 507-4000, (202) 429-2248 - fax, www.aceee.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy ,  

US Green Building Council
Date: 2019-12-20
In the Windy City, Equity Office, the U.S. office arm of private-equity giant Blackstone Group, reports its 1974-vintage, 110-story Willis Tower -- fka the Sears Tower – has became the largest building in the U.S. to reach the US Green Building Council’s LEED Platinum certification for energy efficiency.

As previously reported , the building scored LEED Gold in 2018. In moving up to Platinum, building efficiency was improved via upgrades to heating and cooling systems, hot water generators, lighting, plumbing and an ongoing major overhaul of the elevator systems which make more than 46,000 trips daily and serve about 5.8 million people every year. (Source: USGBC, Star Tribune, 19 Dec., 2019) Contact: US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

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

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2019-12-18
In the capital city of Ljubljana, the Slovenian Ministry of Economic Development and Technology has published a call for tenders for tourism industry micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in a push to increase material and energy efficiency.

The €22.6 million scheme is for cofinancing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects undertaken by registered companies, proprietorships and limited liability cooperatives engaged in the hotels, inns and similar accommodation industries. The program covers costs in energy renovation of buildings and material efficiency, information and communication and outsourcing services. Funds are awarded as "de minimis" state aid, as regulated by the European Union. (Source: Slovenian Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, Balkan Green Energy News, 17 Dec., 2019) Contact: Slovenian Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, www.gov.sl

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Date: 2019-12-18
Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are reporting discovery of a novel oxygenate molecule that can be produced from biomass to be used as a blend for diesel fuel. The initiative focuses on improving fuel economy and vehicle performance while reducing emissions.

The team used corn stover-derived molecules as the starting point for a range of potential fuel candidates. From here, the researchers relied on predictive models to determine which molecules would be best to blend with and improve traditional diesel. With the goal of developing drop-in biofuels that work with existing infrastructure. The intention is to blend the 4-butoxyheptane molecule into diesel fuel at a mixture of 20 - 30 pct Initial results suggest the potential to improve ignition quality, reduce sooting and improve fuel economy of the base diesel at these blend levels.

NREL is working with Yale University, Argonne National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory as part of the US DOE Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines (Co-Optima) initiative which is funded by the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Bioenergy Technologies.

Performance-Advantaged Ether Diesel Bioblendstock Production by a Priori Design, the initiative's research paper was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. (Source: NREL,PR, Dec., 2019) Contact: NREL, Derek Vardon, Senior Research Engineer, (303) 384-7763, Derek.Vardon@nrel.gov, www.nrel.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Renewable Energy Laboratory,  

Passive House Institute,Bright Power
Date: 2019-12-18
Bright Power, a provider of energy and water management services for real estate owners, investors, and operators, along with its partner Omni New York, LLC, was recognized by Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) for the $48.4 million, 15-story, 154-unit mixed-income community development in the South Bronx. Park Avenue Green, the largest certified Passive House in North America, also received honorable mention recognition in the Multifamily category.

Bright Power's work on Park Avenue Green included: 34 kW solar photovoltaic design & installation; Passive House Certification (PHIUS+); Passive House Verifier; Enterprise Green Communities Certification; energy efficiency and cogeneration consulting; commissioning and qualifying for $138,000 anticipated NYSERDA MPP NC incentives.

Park Avenue Green is also is the recipient of the 2019 Downstate Project of the Year from the New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH) Awards for Excellence and is a 2019 New York Energy Consumers Council (NYECC) Energy New York Award (ENYA) honoree. (Source: Passive House Institute, Env. & Energy Leader, 16 Dec., 2019) Contact: Bright Power Inc., Andrea Mancino, Dir. New Construction, 212.803.5868, 415.914.7171, www.brightpower.com; Passive House Institute US, (312) 561-4588, info@phius.org, www.phius.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Bright Power,  Passive House Institute,  

Noresco
Date: 2019-12-16
Westborough, Mass.-based energy services firm Noresco is reporting receipt of a 21-year, $169.3 million task order to update and maintain infrastructure at the U.S. Navy's submarine base in Groton, Conn. to help the service branch achieve its energy efficiency goals.

The firm-fixed-price task order covers construction, refurbishment, maintenance and operation of infrastructure such as energy control systems, microgrids, heat and steam distribution systems and light fixtures and energy efficiency at Naval Submarine Base New London.

Noresco offers a range of services encompassing energy infrastructure modernization, sustainability consulting and program development to support customers in the public and private sectors. (Source: US DOD, GovConWire, 16 Dec., 2019) Contact: Noresco, (508) 614 1000, (508) 836 9988 [ fax, www.noresco.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Noresco,  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,  

ACEEE
Date: 2019-12-16
A recent CommercialCafe study ranking the top 50 U.S. cities on CO2 emissions reductions, air quality improvements, improvements in air quality, the number of US GReen Building Council LEED certifications, growth in environmentally focused occupations, ratings given by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) and other related factors has rated top ten 10 U.S. cities making the most progress toward sustainability. According to the study , Washington, D.C. leads followed by New York City, Denver, Boston, Los Angeles, Seattle, Baltimore, Atlanta and Portland, Oregon, in that order. (Source: CommercialCafe, KATU News, 14 Dec., 2019) Contact: CommercialCafe, www.commercialcafe.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy,  ACEEE,  Energy Efficiency,  

World Green Building Council
Date: 2019-12-13
Investment banker Goldman Sacks is among seven private sector companies -- Hudson Pacific Properties, Lendlease, Funds Management Australia, and Petinelli -- that have signed on to the World Green Building Council's (WorldGBC) Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment. The pledge calls for "urgent action" to ensure buildings operate at net zero carbon by 2030 or sooner.

The Commitment positions renewable energy and energy efficiency as a central components to achieving decarbonisation across building portfolios. This represents the most cost effective, best practice approach to ensuring buildings are future-proofed against climate impacts. (Source: World Green Building Council, Circular, 12 Dec., 2019) Contact: World Green Building Council, The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment, www.worldgbc.org/thecommitment, www.worldgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News World Green Building Council,  Net-Zero Carbon,  

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Date: 2019-12-13
ASHRAE -- the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers -- reports the availability of its nely published guides on designing K-12 and small to medium office buildings that achieve net-zero energy consumption without compromising quality.

Building on previous guides targeting deep energy savings, the first two new guides were developed in partnership with the American Institute of Architects, Illuminating Engineering Society, and U.S. Green Building Council.

Additional information on the new guides is HERE. (Source: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning EngineersFacilitiesNet, 12 Dec., 2019)Contact: ASHRAE, (404) 636-8400, www.ashrae.org

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

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,  

USDA Rural Developement
Date: 2019-12-13
In the Cornhusker State, USDA Rural Development Nebraska is reporting nearly $925,000 in grant funding to 14 ag producers and rural-based businesses for renewable energy and energy efficiency efficiencies projects.

The individual grants, which range from $381,750 to $2,421, are being funded through the Rural Energy for America Program. (Source: USDA Rural Development Nebraska, PR Dec., 2019) Contact: USDA Rural Development Nebraska, Karl Elmshaeuser, Dir., 402-437-5551, www.rd.usda.gov; Rural Energy for America Program, www.ggs-greenhouse.com/blog/reap-energy-grant?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIs8_m44mz5gIVC1YMCh0jKgeOEAAYASAAEgL_8_D_BwE

More Low-Carbon Energy News USDA Rural Development ,  Energy Efficiency,  Energy Efficiency Grants,  

Philadelphia
Date: 2019-12-13
In the city of Brotherly Love, following on its Philadelphia Building Energy Benchmarking , 2019 Report, the city of Philadelphia has enacted legislation creating a Building Energy Performance Program that will impact about 2,000 buildings .

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,  

ASHRAE
Date: 2019-12-13
ASHRAE has released a revised version of its energy standard for data centers. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 90.4-2019, Energy Standard for Data Centers, establishes the minimum energy-efficiency requirements for data center design and operation, with special consideration to their unique load requirements compared to other buildings.

Standard 90.4 applies to data centers with a conditioned floor area greater than 20 W/ft2 and IT equipment loads greater than 10 kW and contains specific requirements for mechanical and electrical systems installed in new data centers or in data center additions/alterations that require new mechanical or electrical systems. Updates to the standard include:

Mechanical efficiency requirements based on yearly energy calculations and no longer include a power calculation option. Included table values are also aligned with the newest ASHRAE Climate Zones

Significant improvements are made to uninterruptible power supply (UPS) technology. Mechanical and electrical infrastructure elements are addressed. Updated UPS segment tables reflect available hardware, and average outputs are also included. (Source: ASHRAE, PR, 11 Dec., 2019)Contact: ASHRAE, Sheila Hayter, Pres, (404) 636-8400, www.ashrae.org More Low-Carbon Energy News ASHRAE,  Data Center,  Energy Efficiency,  

More Low-Carbon Energy News ASHRAE,  Data Center,  Energy Efficiency,  

Trump
Date: 2019-12-11
"It (standard light bulb) gives you an orange look, I don't want an orange look. Being a vain person, that's really important to me." -- Trump commenting on his administration's move to kill Obama administration's light bulb energy efficiency standards.

The President was equally candid in his comments on new automobile quality, emissions and efficiency; "Frankly they don't work very well (because of standards which California put in place). Right now the cars are made out of papier-mache, and ours are actually, we allow steel content." -- the President stumbled.

More Low-Carbon Energy News Trump,  Light Bulb Efficiency,