Penn State University
Date: 2021-04-09
In the Keystone State, the Penn State University Office of Investments has announced it will eliminate greenhouse gas emissions associated with underlying investments, but not necessarily divesting fossil fuels, in Penn's $4.6 billion endowment by 2050.

The goal supports efforts outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement and the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to reduce the world's net anthropogenic emissions to zero by 2050. This announcement builds upon Penn State's annual Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 3.0 report, released on Dec. 1, 2020, which summarized the University's latest progress in environmental sustainability made from 2019 to 2024 with a commitment to achieve a 100 pct carbon-neutral campus by 2042.

Penn State has reduced its overall carbon emissions by 37.2 pct since 2009 and "greened" its physical footprint with 27 buildings achieving US Green Building Council LEED certification, 34 buildings having green roofs, and 14 acres of open space having been added through the creation of Penn Park. In 2020, the University signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the construction of two new solar energy facilities which will offset 75 pct of both the academic campus and the University of Pennsylvania Health System's electricity consumption through renewable energy. (Source: Penn State University, PR, The Pennsylvanian, Apr., 2021) Contact: Penn State University, 814-865-6528, www.bursar.psu.edu/endowments

More Low-Carbon Energy News New-Zero Carbon Emissions,  

USGBC
Date: 2021-04-05
India's "responsible luxury" hotel chain ITC Hotels reports its ITC Windsor Hotel in Bengaluru is the first hotel in the world to achieve LEED Zero Carbon certification from the US Green Building Council. ITC Hotels also notes its has more USGBC Platinum Certified Properties than any other hotel chain in the world.(Source: ITC Hotels, USGBC, PR, 1 April, 2021) Contact: ITC Windsor Hotel, www.itchotels.com/in/en/itcwindsor-bengaluru; US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

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

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

Date: 2021-03-24
Savannah-based Green Badger, the premier cloud-based LEED certification software solution for the construction industry, has reports release of the Jobsite Sustainability portal -- a platform for builders, general contractors and owners to benchmark and track carbon emissions, jobsite wellness, and energy and water consumption throughout the construction process. The new functionality allows construction projects to incorporate sustainability goals across all jobsites, while comparing to internal or industry standards.

Green Badger's software helps construction teams meet LEED certification goals and the new jobsite sustainability portal complements those efforts by: benchmarking construction energy and water consumption; tracking carbon emissions from energy use, product transit, and employee travel/commute; and providing in-field reporting for erosion control, indoor air quality and wellness

Green Badger is a comprehensive solution for equipping project teams of all levels of experience with the tools they need to automate green construction compliance. Green Badger pairs cloud-based technology with project specific training, LEED tips and tricks, and ongoing project team support. (Source: Green Badger, PR, 24 Mar., 2021) Contact: Green Badger, Tommy Linstroth, CEO, (912) 401-2888, www.greenbadger,com

Harvard,USGBC, Living Building Challenge
Date: 2021-03-19
In the Bay State, Harvard University reports it's new 544,000 square-foot Science and Engineering Complex (SEC) in Allston has been awarded US Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum certification. The complex also received the Living Building Challenge Petal certification.

The certifications are in line with the university's Sustainability Plan to be fossil-fuel neutral by 2026 and fossil-fuel free by 2050. (Source: Harvard University, Harvard Crimson, 18 Mar., 2021) Contact: Harvard University, Heather A. Henriksen, Office of Sustainability, www.green.harvard.edu; Living Building Challenge, www.living-future.org; US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Harvard University,  US Green Building Council,  LEED,  Living Building Challenge,  

USGBC
Date: 2021-03-17
In the Sunshine State, the city of Palm Coast -- pop. 81,000 -- reports its recently expanded 21,000 square feet Community Center has received US Green Building Council LEED Silver certification for environmental sustainability and resource efficiency. The project earned LEED qualifying points for:

Location and Transportation -- surrounding density and diverse uses, bicycle facilities, reduced parking footprint, green vehicles;

Sustainable Sites -- construction activity pollution prevention, site assessment, open space, rainwater management, heat island reduction (reduce effects on human and wildlife habitats by reducing the impact of heat retaining components);

Water Efficiency -- outdoor water use reduction, indoor water use reduction, building-level water metering;

Energy and Atmosphere -- fundamental commissioning and verification, minimum energy performance, building-level energy metering, fundamental refrigerant management, optimize energy performance, enhanced commissioning (verifying the training of the staff and testing to operate the energy and water systems), enhanced refrigerant management (reduce ozone depletion by minimizing the emission of harmful compounds), green power and carbon offsets (100 pct of the total building energy consumption is offset by the use of renewable energy sources);

Materials and Resources -- storage and collection of recyclables, construction and demolition waste management planning, building life-cycle impact reduction (reuse or salvage at least 25 pct of the materials for the building), product disclosure and optimization -- environmental product declarations (utilize products and materials that have environmental, economical, and socially preferred life-cycle impacts), product disclosure and optimization -- material ingredients (Install materials that have a minimum level of recycled content), construction and demolition waste management (reduce construction waste that is disposed of in landfills);

Indoor Environmental Quality -- minimum IAQ performance, environmental tobacco smoke control, enhanced IAQ strategies (utilize mechanically and naturally ventilated ideals to promote occupant comfort), low-emitting materials (reduce concentrations for chemical contaminants), construction IAQ management plan (promote the well-being of the construction workers during construction), thermal comfort (provide multiple controls of the mechanical system to the building occupants), interior lighting (provide multiple controls of the lighting to the building occupants);

Innovation -- achieved a higher level of low-emitting materials and use of environmentally sensitive cleaning products to maintain the building;

Regional Priority Credits -- surrounding density and diverse uses (extra credit granted on the location of the project), thermal comfort (extra credit granted on the location of the project). (Source: City of Palm Coast, Palm Coast Observer, Mar., 2021) Contact: City of Palm Coast, www.palmcoastgov.com; USGBC, www.usgbc.org

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

Canada Green Building Council
Date: 2021-03-10
Canadian rail carrier VIA Rail Canada reports its heritage building and flagship railway station in Ottawa has been awarded Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) LEED Gold v4.1 certification for Operations and Maintenance for Existing Buildings.

As part of its certification process, the VIA Rail Station lowered energy and water consumption, waste diversion, and completed various other energy efficiency upgrades and improvements beginning in 2019 and ended in 2020 (Source: VIA Rail, Construction Canada, 9 Mar., 2021) Contact: Canada Green Building Council, (866) 941-1184, info@cagbc.org, www.cagbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Electriqpower,  VIA Rail,  LEED Certification,  Energy Efficiency,  Canada Green Building Council,  

More Low-Carbon Energy News VIA Rail,  LEED Certification,  Energy Efficiency,  Canada Green Building Council,  

Siemens
Date: 2021-03-08
Siemens is reporting the 30,000 sq-meter Circle at Zurich Airport, six-building building complex has been awarded the Swiss Minergie Certificate and US Green Building LEED Platinum certification, the USGBC's highest sustainability label.

Siemens installed over 30,000 energy efficiency and sustainability components in the building including: heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) components to ensure an optimized climate throughout the complex; "smart" fully automated and optimized building automation systems; and an end-to-end solution for the reliable supply of electricity. Power to the complex is supplied through approximately 1,000 meters of busbars from the main low-voltage supply systems. Integrated measuring devices make the power flows transparent, enabling operators to identify areas of potential savings. A total of 600 air circuit breakers and molded case circuit breakers are used in the main low-voltage distribution system and in the busbar tap-off units. The circuit breakers feature selective tripping, which contributes to a reliable energy supply and infrastructure. (Source: Siemens, PR, XNX Today, 8 Mar., 2021) Contact: Siemens, www.siemens.com/smart-infrastructure

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

City of Leeds
Date: 2021-03-05
In the UK, the City of Leeds -- pop. 780,000 -- City Council has announced plans to invest £100 million in residential energy efficiency upgrades and innovations over the next five years. The council has also partnered with University of Leeds to identify the best way to target these improvements and to maximise the benefits for residents and the environment.

To that end, the Council will invest in new ground and air source heat pumps, district heating networks, external wall insulation and solar panels, with the investment funded primarily through housing revenues.

The Council is committed to reduce the city's direct emissions to net-zero by 2030. Roughly 25 pct of the city's carbon emissions come from the energy used to heat homes, according to the Council release. (Source: Leeds City Council, PR, Construction News, Mar., 2021) Contact: Leeds City Council, Debra Coupar, +44 0 113 868 9747, www.leeds.gov.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

U.S. Green Building Council
Date: 2021-02-10
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has released its annual list of the Top 10 States for LEED green building with Massachusetts leading the country in 2020 with the most certified square feet per capita.

Across the top states, more than 60 pct of certifications were office, healthcare, higher education and K-12 projects.

This year, USGBC also released a ranking of states with the most LEED professionals with California taking the top spot. Collectively, the 2020 rankings represent 1,171 certified LEED buildings and spaces, and more than 100,000 green building workers.

"If we are to rebuild an economy that supports our health and our planet, we must lead with changing the way we design and build," said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of USGBC. "Last year was a stark reminder that the quality of our buildings impacts the quality of our life. Looking ahead, people want to trust that the spaces they occupy are good for them and their communities, and LEED has always been a tool to support those goals. Now is the time to ensure that every building is LEED certified as that is the only way we are accomplishing our goals of access to healthy, green buildings, homes and spaces."

While offices, education and healthcare projects accounted for a majority of certifications, warehouses, distribution centers, multifamily and retail projects represented almost 20 pct. Also, almost half of all projects were certified Gold, indicating a commitment to a high level of certification.

Top 10 States for LEED Green Building in 2020 are: Massachusetts, Washington, Illinois, Colorado, New York, Maryland, California, Virginia, Texas and Nevada in that order. (Source: US Green Building Council, PR, Feb., 2021) Contact: US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News LEED Certification,  U.S. Green Building Council ,  Green Building,  Energy Efficiency,  

South Dakota Bureau of Administration
Date: 2021-02-05
In Pierre, South Dakota Sen. Ryan Maher (R) has introduced Senate Bill 134 that id passed would scrap the state's "green building standard" building code for new construction on state lands -- including buildings on college campuses -- on the grounds that the codes ran up building project costs and stymie efforts to slim down the state college system's budget. The new Bill 134 would over ride 2008 state legislation requiring public buildings seek a LEED Silver certification for sustainability.

According to the Senator, "We aren't accomplishing anything other than spending a tremendous amount of money and government oversight and time wasted." By way of illustration, Maher noted the state spent over $480,000 to plant native grass that he said was eventually removed as the grass "looks like weeds."

Since 2008, the S.D. Bureau of Administration has sought silver or higher LEED certification for any new build or renovation project north of $500,000 that exceeds 5,000 square feet. Nearly 70 state construction projects have achieved LEED status over the last decade. (Source: S.D. Bureau of Administration, Mitchell Republic, 3 Feb., 2021) Contact: S.D, State Sen. Ryan Maher, www.sdlegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/1819/Detail; SD Bureau of Administration, www.boa.sd.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Building,  LEED Certification,  

Priority Power Management, Satori Energy Solutions
Date: 2021-02-01
Texas-based Priority Power Management, LLC, an independent energy management services and consulting firm, is reporting acquisition of Chicago-headquartered Satori Energy Solutions, LLC.

Satori provides expertise and service to more than 55,000 industrial, municipal, and residential clients in 25 states and the District of Columbia, Canada, and Mexico. The company's capabilities span the spectrum of Energy Structuring and Market Intelligence Operations, including: energy procurement, market price monitoring, contract administration, review, and negotiation, transaction due diligence, demand-side curtailment program evaluation, energy and invoice auditing, capacity PLC notification, budgeting and forecasting, and utility account and service setup.

Satori also has experience and expertise in energy transition, from sustainable energy and energy resiliency solutions, including community solar aggregation and behind-the-meter installations, to purchase of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and carbon offsets, LEED certification, and ENERGY STAR® Certification and energy benchmarking.

Priority Power is the #1 Independent Energy Solutions Provider focused on Energy Infrastructure, Energy Transition Program Management, Market Intelligence Operations, and Energy Structuring. Priority serves over 1,600 clients, totaling $2.4/BN in energy spend across 37 states. Priority is backed by Ara Partners, a private equity firm specializing in decarbonization investments in the industrial and manufacturing, chemicals and materials, energy efficiency and green fuels, and the food and agriculture sectors. (Source: Priority Power Management, LLC, PR, Feb., 2021) Contact: Ara Partners, (917) 439-3507, www.arapartners.com; Priority Power Management, LLC, John J. Bick, Managing Principal, (972) 314-9040, JBick@PriorityPower.net , www.prioritypower.net; Satori Energy Solutions, 312-850-2300, www.satorienergy.com

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

Princeton University
Date: 2020-12-23
In New Jersey, Princeton University has released its Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions to Net Zero program to achieve carbon neutrality by 2046. The program calls for:

Building new construction to higher standards including LEED and Passive House standards:

Phasing out nonrenewable energy sources, including natural gas used today to produce steam heat and power;

Expand solar array installations and geo-exchange technology;

Tightening the energy efficiency of existing buildings;

Installing a new, more efficient hot water distribution system;

Building highly efficient heat pump facilities;

Increased use of renewable energy, and other energy efficient and climate friendly initiatives.

Download the program HERE. (Source: Pronceton University, Dec., 2020)

USGBC
Date: 2020-12-21
In the Golden State, SoCalGas has praised the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for including the use of RNG in the latest beta version of its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system.

With the new system, a project may utilise RNG to earn LEED points by capturing and using biogas on-site, sourcing biogas from a third party, or purchasing biogas to store in the project's own storage system. The RNG can be used for heating, hot water, and cooking in commercial buildings, and for stoves, dryers, water heaters, fireplaces and heating in homes. (Source: SoCalGas, PR, Dec., 2021) Contact: US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org; SoCalGas, Jeff Walker, VP Customer Solutions, www.socalgas.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News LEED,  Energy Efficiency,  SoCalGas,  USGBC,  RNG,  Energy Efficiency,  

Earth Advantage
Date: 2020-12-16
Earth Advantage®, Inc. and RESNET are reporting a partnership to help deliver green and energy-efficient home data through the Green Building Registry® (GBR). Historically, important information on a home such as energy ratings, third-party building certifications or renewable power production estimates (solar panels) has not been included in For Sale listings. Thousands of dollars of value could be lost because trustworthy data was not available for a listing agent and potential buyers to react to at the time of sale. That lack of data has also prevented appraisers and lending institutions from accounting for those market reactions, according to the release.

Since 2017, GBR has provided green home data to the public and real estate multiple listing services. The DaaS (Data as a Service) platform provides verified data directly from sources such as U.S. DOE, ENERGY STAR Home Energy Scores, US Green Building Council LEED for Homes, National Green Building Services (NGBS), solar data, and other third-party verification programs. Nationwide values for the HERS Index, a scoring system for home energy performance administered by RESNET will now be included in GBR for the entire U.S..

The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) is the independent, national nonprofit organization that homeowners trust to improve home energy efficiency and realize substantial savings on their utility bills, according to RESNET's website. (Source: Green Building Registry, PR, Website, 15 Dec., 2020) Contact: Green Building Registry, Meg Garabrant , 503.310.9138 x62, meg@greenbuildingregistry.com, www.greenbuildingregistry.com; Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET, Steve Baden, Exec. Dr., www.resnet.us; Earth Advantage, David Heslam, Exec. Dir., www.earthadvantage.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Earth Advantage,  Green Building Registry,  Energy Efficiency,  

US Green Building Council
Date: 2020-12-11
Edmonds College in Lynnwood, Washington ,reports its recently completed Science, Engineering & Technology building has been awarded US Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Gold certification in recognition of the building's energy efficiency and sustainability.

The $41 million building met rigorous standards for sustainability metrics including sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy use and eddiciency, indoor environmental quality and more. Gold LEED is the second highest LEED rating level a building can achieve. (Source: Edmonds College, PR, 10 Dec., 2020) Contact: Edmonds College, www.edmonds.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News US Green Building Council news,  Energy Efficiency news,  LEED Certification news,  

GTC Real Estate Development Hungary
Date: 2020-12-07
Globe Trade Centre's Hungarian subsidiary, GTC Real Estate Development Hungary is reporting issuance of 792 senior unsecured 10-year term Green Bonds with a nominal value of approximately €140,000 and a total value of roughly €110 million. The bonds are to be amortised at 10 pct per annum starting from the seventh year.

Bond proceeds are to be used to finance and refinance acquisitions and the construction or refurbishment of buildings to meet BREEAM , LEED and other recognized efficiency standards.

GTC manages a real estate portfolio of 45 commercial buildings in Poland, Budapest, Bucharest, Belgrade, Zagreb and Sofia and has a retail and office development pipeline of around 354,000 sqm, of which 66,000 sqm is currently under construction, according to the release. (Source: GTC Real Estate, PR, Dec., 2020) Contact: GTC Real Estate Development Hungary, +48 22 16 60 700, www.gtc.hu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Eddiciency,  Green Building,  Green Bond,  

Canada Green Building Council
Date: 2020-12-04
In Edmonton, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is reporting its Productivity and Innovation Centre has achieved LEED Gold certification from the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC).

The building's LEED qualifying features include: green cleaning supplies and housekeeping program; low emissions paint, surfaces and floor coverings; low-flow plumbing fixture that deliver 30 pct reduction in water consumption; 90 pct of construction waste recycled; solar panel arrays; 40 pct reduction in energy costs, and others. (Source: NAIT, PR, Dec., 2020) Contact: NAIT, 780.471.6248, techlife@nait.ca, www.nait.ca; Canada Green Building Council, (866) 941-1184, info@cagbc.org, www.cagbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canadian Green Building Council,  LEED Certification,  Energy Efficiency,  

sdu, cANADA gREEN bUILDING cOUNCIL
Date: 2020-12-04
In Burnaby, British Columbia, Simon Fraser University (SFU) School of Sustainable Energy Engineering reports it recently completed 220,000 sq-ft Surrey Campus building has earned Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC) LEED Gold certification for sustainable design and operations.

The five-storey building incorporates 330 precast white cement panels with reflective surfaces organized around the light filled atrium and live trees at varying levels. The building incorporates various LEED qualifying energy efficiency features and underground parking, modern wet and dry teaching labs, classrooms, study spaces, faculty offices, meeting rooms and a 400-seat lecture hall. The project was partially funding through the federal government's Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) and matched by the Province of British Columbia. (Source: Simon Fraser University, PR, Construction Business, 1 Dec., 2020) Contact: Simon Fraser University, Larry Waddell, Chief Facilities Officer, www.sdu.ca; Canada Green Building Council, (866) 941-1184, info@cagbc.org, www.cagbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canada Green Building Council,  Energy Efficiency,  LEED Certification,  

Ambient Energy,International WELL Building Institute
Date: 2020-12-02
Denver-based energy consulting specialist Ambient Energy reports receipt of International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) WELL Silver Certification for their 3.400 sq-ft Denver office space. The company is one of only six in Colorado and among the first in the nation to achieve this important certification.

Ambient Energy works with owners, facility managers, and design teams to save money, improve a building's total cost of ownership, optimize productivity, and maximize performance in the design, construction, and operations of buildings . With offices in Denver and in San Francisco, Ambient has to date completed : more than 20 million sf of Commissioning Projects; 15 Zero Net Energy Projects; 20+ LEED Platinum Projects; 200+ LEED Certified and Registered Projects and 4 WELL Registered Projects. (Source: Ambient Energy, Contact: International WELL Building Institute, 646.883.5001, Fax -- 646.607.1058, info@wellcertified.com, www.wellcertified.com; Ambient Energy, 303-278-1532, www.ambient-e.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ambient Energy,  International WELL Building Institute ,  

USDGBC, ENERGY Star
Date: 2020-11-20
Dublin-based Wattics Energy Management Ltd. and Washington, DC-headquartered US Green Building Council affiliate Arc Skoru, are touting the recent integration of the two software platforms that together will deliver the following features and benefits:

Automate building data collection and management to monitor, improve, and steer toward energy efficiency certification;

Leverage real-time data monitoring toward a project's performance score in ARC -- eg. electricity, water, gas, air quality data, GHG data, etc.;

Scale green building certification for large building portfolios;

Analyze and compare performance across building portfolios and/or individual buildings within a portfolio;

Compare the performance of certified buildings to non-certified buildings and determine US Green Building Council LEED, ENERGY Star, BREEAM and other third party certification "readiness" for buildings

The software platform enables the collection, management, and analysis of utility/IoT/sub-meter data to conduct energy audits, forecast savings, benchmark building portfolios and analyse KPIs, measure and verify efficiency and renewable energy projects, analyse tariffs and create sustainability reports at scale.

The ARC platform allows buildings, city and community projects to collect data, manage and benchmark progress, measure impact and improve sustainability and calculates a performance score based on global building data and action-oriented strategies across five categories, including energy, water, waste, transportation and human experience. (Source: Wattics Ltd, PR, 19 Nov., 2020) Contact: Wattics Energy management, Antonio Ruzzelli, CEO, Amy Ryan, +353 1 415 1241, amy.ryan@wattics.com, www.watics.com; Arc Skoru, Dave Witek, COO, www.arcskoru.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Building,  USGBC,  ENERGY Star,  BREEAM,  Energy Eddiciency,  

US Green Building Council
Date: 2020-11-18
The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) has released the architecture firm LMN Architects and Booth Hansen's USGBC LEED Gold certification qualifying design for a new 135,000 sq-ft Computer, Design, Research, and Learning Center.

Construction is slated to get underway in Spring 2021 for completion in Spring, 2023. (Source: University of Illinois-Chicago, School Construction News, 17 Nov., 2020) Contact: University of Illinois-Chicago, 312-996-7000, www.uic.edu; LEED, US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

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

Houston Advanced Research Center,International Living Future Institute,
Date: 2020-11-16
In the Lone Star State, the Woodlands-based not-for-profit Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) reports recept of Zero-Energy status from the Seattle-headquartered International Living Future Institute, making it the first commercial building in Texas to accomplish the feat.

Today, 100 pct of HARC's energy is sourced from on-site renewable energy, made possible by a $136,000 Green Mountain Energy Sun Club grant that supported the purchase and installation of additional solar panels, associated inverters and hardware on the roof of HARC's LEED® Platinum building.

The HARC building and campus grounds is 50 pct more energy efficient when compared to LEED® base targets and employs several sustainable features in its design. The building footprint and impervious paving are minimized, bioswales are designed to retain and filter water on-site to reduce the impact to nearby waterways, and the site’s biodiversity is preserved by protecting and restoring native vegetation. The building is also oriented to maximize the daylight reaching the building's interior spaces and rooftop solar installation. Other sustainable strategies include an added high-performance building envelope and rain screen that performs 2.5 times better than a typical enclosure and low-flow fixtures to conserve water while mechanical systems utilize a geothermal heat exchange system for optimal energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and thermal comfort. (Source: Houston Advanced Research Center, PR, Nov., 2020) Contact: Green Mountain Sun Club , Diana Maddock, diana.maddock@greenmountain.com, 713-703-4989 www.gmesunclub.org; International Living Future Institute, 206 223 2028, www.living-future.org; Houston Advanced Research Center, Kacey Wilkins, kwilkins@harcresearch.org , 281-364-6092, www.harcresearch.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Houston Advanced Research Center,  International Living Future Institute,  ,  

USGBC, COastal Risk
Date: 2020-11-13
Geospatial modeling, data analytics, and risk assessment technology specialist Coastal Risk Consulting (CRC) reports it is partnering with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to deliver a RiskFootprint™ for buildings, communities and cities that provides a climate risk analysis. The service will integrate with LEED's vulnerability to physical climate risks.

Coastal Risk's automated assessments add to a project's due diligence and risk management. The RiskFootprint Dashboard and property-specific RiskFootprint Reports are an important part of a rigorous underwriting process and research-driven market analysis. The RiskFootprint Dashboard provides customers with a secure web portal, an interactive map of the US, and portfolio spreadsheet scoring for 14 columns of risk. This includes 6 current flood risks, 4 current, natural hazard risks (wind, tornado, earthquake and wildfire), and 4 future (2050) climate change impacts (tidal/sea level rise, extreme heat, extreme rainfall, and risk of drought). Contact: Coastal Risk Consulting, RiskFootprint, Albert Slap, Pres., www.riskfootprint.com; US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

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

USGBC, Vanderbilt University
Date: 2020-11-13
In Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University has been honored with a 2020 Leadership Award from the U.S. Green Building Council for achievements in green building and its commitment to creating a healthy, sustainable future. The university was among 10 companies, projects and individuals across the nation to be spotlighted during the Greenbuild Virtual conference on Nov. 12.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system, known as LEED, has become the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of energy efficient, high-performance sustainable buildings.

The Vanderbilt campus has 21 LEED certified buildings, as well as WELL and PETAL projects. WELL is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and well-being, while PETAL is a green business certification program for making organizations sustainable and healthy.

Examples of Vanderbilt's sustainable architecture includes six "green roofs" that cut building energy consumption, urban heat island effects, improve storm water management, increase roof longevity and improve aesthetics, according to the release. (Source: Vanderbilt University News, 13 Nov., 2020) Contact: Vanderbilt University, Mike Perez, Chief Faccilities officer in the Division of Administration, 615-322-7311, www.vanderbilt.edu; WELL Building Institute, +646.883.5001, +646.607.1058, info@wellcertified.com, www.wellcertified.com; US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

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

USGBC, Coastal Risk
Date: 2020-11-13
Geospatial modeling, data analytics and risk assessment technology specialist Coastal Risk Consulting (CRC) reports it is partnering with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to deliver a RiskFootprint™ climate risk analysis for buildings, communities and cities. The service will integrate with LEED, Arc and GBCI rating systems to help assess a project's vulnerability to physical climate risks.

Coastal Risk's automated assessments add to a project's due diligence and risk management. The RiskFootprint Dashboard and property-specific RiskFootprint Reports are an important part of a rigorous underwriting process and research-driven market analysis.

The RiskFootprint Dashboard provides customers with a secure web portal, an interactive map of the US, and portfolio spreadsheet scoring for 14 columns of risk. This includes 6 current flood risks, 4 current, natural hazard risks (wind, tornado, earthquake and wildfire), and 4 future (2050) climate change impacts (tidal/sea level rise, extreme heat, extreme rainfall, and risk of drought). (Source: COastal Risk Consulting, PR, 13 Nov., 2020) Contact: Coastal Risk Consulting, RiskFootprint, Albert Slap, Pres., www.riskfootprint.com; LEED,US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org;

More Low-Carbon Energy News USGBC,  LEED Certification,  

CenterPoint Properties
Date: 2020-11-04
Oak Brook, Illinois-headquartered industrial real estate company CenterPoint Properties is reporting closure of its inaugural $250 million green bond issuance.

The bond proceeds will be used to finance projects such as green building construction, the development and operational maintenance of green buildings and to acquire new, refurbished, or existing buildings that receive LEED, ENERGY STAR® and other industry-leading certifications. Bond proceeds will also be used to fund energy-efficient projects within the company's current portfolio, including operational enhancement and other sustainable maintenance. (Source: CenterPoint Properties, PR, Mercom, 3 Nov., 2020) Contact: CenterPoint Properties, (630) 586-8000, www. centerpoint.com; LEED,US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org; US DOE, ENERGY STAR, www.energystar.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News CenterPoint Properties,  LEED,  ENERGY STAR,  Energy Efficiency ,  

Aramark,US Green Building Council
Date: 2020-11-04
Philadelphia-headquartered food services and facilities provider Aramark Corp. is reporting its global headquarters office space in Philadelphia has scored US Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Silver certification for sustainable workspace design and construction.

Specific LEED qualifying sustainability highlights include:

Water saving fixtures that reduce water consumption by 35 pct;

Efficient LED lighting that decreases lighting power density to 40 pct below code;

Over 90 pct of all appliances hold Energy Star certifications;

Locally sourced and manufactured materials and certified Forest Stewardship Council's (FSC) wood used throughout;

75 pct of waste construction materials were diverted from landfills; and others. (Source: Aramark Corp., PR, Oct., 2020) Contact: Aramark Corp., www.aramark.com; LEED, US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

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

Michelin, US Green Building Council
Date: 2020-10-07
Greenville, South Carolina-based tire manufacturing giant Michelin North America, Inc. reports its southeast distribution center in Woodruff, S.C. has been awarded US Green Building Council LEED Gold certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in areas including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficient materials, zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells solution to power its material handling lift trucks, and other energy efficiency features.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Association (EIA) buildings account for roughly 40 pct of national CO2 emissions. LEED-certified buildings have 34 pct lower CO2 emissions, consume 25 pct less energy and 11 pct less water, and have diverted more than 80 million tons of waste from landfills, according to the USGBC. (Source: Michelin North America, Inc., PR, Oct., 2020) Contact: Michelin North America, www.michelinman.com; US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Michelin,  LEED Gold,  USGBC,  Energy Efficiency,  

US Green Building Council,Energy Efficiency
Date: 2020-10-05
In Alabama, Auburn University reports its Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center has been awarded US Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Gold certification. The Center's energy efficiency and sustainability features include:

Reduced construction waste and pollution;

Reinforced use of public transportation, bicycles and fuel-efficient vehicles;

Improved storm water management for Auburn University and the city of Auburn through reduced rainwater surface runoff;

Reduced water and energy usage achieved with the use of high-efficiency fixtures and equipment and innovative building design;

Use of local and/or recyclable materials, and others. (Source: Auburn University, PR, Oct., 2020) Contact: Auburn University, Office of Communications and Marketing, www.auburn.edu; USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

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

LPA,American Institute of Architects
Date: 2020-09-28
Irvine, California-headquartered integrated design firm LPA was the largest firm in the country to meet the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2030 Commitment target in 2019 for reducing energy use in new buildings, according to data released this week by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). It was the second year in a row that LPA met the 2030 Commitment, the industry's largest initiative to address climate change, which calls for new buildings to be carbon neutral by 2030. In 2019, 27 companies met the Commitment's target of a 70 pct reduction in a project's predicted net energy use compared to a baseline standard, up from 16 in 2018, the AIA reports.

LPA's integrated design process emphasizes research and collaboration across more than 6 million square feet of projects in California and Texas, including civic, education and healthcare facilities. LPA reduced energy use by an average of 73.2 pct, compared to an average of 49 pct from all the reporting firms.

LPA designed the first LEED-NC building in the country, the Premier Automotive Group headquarters in 1998; the largest LEED-NC Gold office campus in California, Toyota's campus expansion, in 2003; and the first LEED Platinum project in Orange County, the net-zero Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach, according to the release. (Source: LPA, PR, Sept., 2020) Contact: LPA, Dan Heinfeld, Pres., www.lpadesignstudios.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Institute of Architects,  Energy Consumption,  Energy Efficiency,  

Date: 2020-09-28
In Saudi Arabia, the King Salman Energy Park (SPARK) reports it is the world's first industrial city to receive US Green Building Council (USGBC) Silver level accreditation for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

SPARK aims to be the primary gateway to the regional energy sector. Its technologically-advanced ecosystem offers investors supply-chain efficiency and an ultramodern "plug and play" infrastructure. As well as targeting large corporations, SPARK also caters to small and medium-sized enterprises and provides support through its SPARK SME Hub, creating a tailored microcosm for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). (Source: SPARK, Design Middle-East, 28 Sept., 2020) Contact: King Salman Energy Park, info@SPARK-KSA.com, www.spark-ksa.com

USGBC
Date: 2020-09-11
In Dubai, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Gate Avenue has been awarded US Green Building Council LEED Gold accreditation and Green Building Certification Inc. for energy efficiency and building excellence from integrative design to human health to material use.

DIFC LEED qualifying features included: water conservation fixtures; extensive recycled content -- including concrete, steel and glass; energy efficient lighting; occupancy sensors; CO2 sensors; and others. (Source: Design Middle East, 10 Sept., 2020)

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

Green Building, Energy Efficiency
Date: 2020-09-04
In Jerusalem, the Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection (MoEP) is reporting the passage of new mandatory sustainable construction legislation under which all new buildings will be constructed according to the national green standards, starting March 2022.The new legislation was originally passed in 2005 as a voluntary standard that was periodically updated.

According to the Ministry, Israel has roughly 1.3 million buildings, 450 of which hold green certification. An additional 1,000 are currently being examined, and another 50 comply with the US Green Building Council's LEED rating systems or BREEAM, the internationally recognized comprehensive and holistic environmental assessment method with over 2,250,000 registered projects and 565,000+ certified buildings in more than 83 countries. (Source: Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection, Xinhua, Sept., 2020) Contact: Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection, Ran Avraham, Green Building Unit Head, www.sviva.gov.il/English/Pages/HomePage.aspx: BREEAM, www.breeam.com; USGBC LEED, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News BREEAM,  LEED,  Green Building,  Energy Efficiency,  Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection ,  

USGBC
Date: 2020-08-30
In India, Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt reports its SRK House, the 2,25 million sq. ft. crafting unit of one of the largest diamond companies, has been awarded US Green Building Council LEED Platinum certification -- the US GBC’s highest rating for sustainable and environment-friendly building operations .

SRK House scored 86 points out of 100 in LEED certification eligibility eith energy efficiency initiatives that included: addressing the increasing demand of energy due to growth with the ISO 50002 Energy Audit; improved waste management practices; increased use of renewable energy sources; increased recycling; energy benchmarking; regular CIO2 disinfection for the indoor areas ; Natural Cooling through out; low-flow plumbing fixtures for water conservation; rainwater harvesting and other energy conservation and efficiency initiatives and features. (Source: SRK House, PR, Instore Mag., 25 Aug., 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News LEED Platinum news,  Energy Efficiency news,  

More Low-Carbon Energy News LEED Platinum,  Energy Efficiency,  

USGBC
Date: 2020-08-26
In India, Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt reports its 2,25 million sq. ft. SRK House diamond manufacturing unit has scored US Green Building Council LEED Platinum certification for energy efficient, sustainable and environment-friendly building operations.

SRK House scored 86 points out of 100 in LEED certification eligibility with energy efficiency initiatives that included: addressing the increasing demand of energy due to growth with the ISO 50002 Energy Audit; improved waste management practices; increased use of renewable energy; increased recycling; energy benc-hmarking; regular CIO2 disinfection for the indoor areas; natural cooling and lighting; low-flow plumbing fixtures for water conservation; rainwater harvesting and other energy conservation and efficiency initiatives and features. (Source: SRK House, PR, Instore Mag., 25 Aug., 2020) Contact: USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org; Shree Ramkrishna Exports, +91 261 404 0544, www.srkexport.com

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

Brookfield Properties,USGBC
Date: 2020-08-24
In Dubai, real estate services firm Brookfield Properties reports its ICD Brookfield Place building has achieved US Green Building Council (UEGBC) LEED® Platinum certification for green building design, construction, operations and performance. ICD Brookfield Place is the tallest and largest office building in the EMEA region to achieve the rating, and is among the top 20 of the world's largest LEED® Platinum projects.

The 53-story, 1.1 million square foot office and retail complex in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is designed to be energy efficient and minimize its ecological footprint, and has reduced its energy consumption by 28 pct above industry standards. (Source: ICD Brookfield, MENAFN , 22 Aug., 2020) Contact: Brrokfield Properties, www.brookfieldproperties.com; USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News LEED Platinim. Energy Efficiency,  USGBC,  

US Green Building Council
Date: 2020-08-05
In North Carolina, the City of Greensboro is reporting receipt of US Green Building Council LEED Silver®certification for its sustainability efforts. The City began the process in May 2019 when it was one of 15 US cities to receive a grant to participate in the USGBC LEED for Cities and Communities Program, supported by Bank of America.

Throughout the LEED certification process, the City worked to track and verify performance on a wide variety of sustainability indicators including energy, water, transportation, education, health and more. LEED for Cities provides a consistent rating system and independently verified data analysis, allowing comparison with local, regional and global peer cities.

LEED-certification helps Greensboro advance City Council's goal of becoming a leading city in resilience, sustainability and energy independence, and to meet or exceed the state's commitment to address climate change and transition to clean, renewable energy. (Source: City of Greensboro, City News Release, 5 Aug., 2020) Contact: City of Greensboro , David Parrish, City Manager, www.greensboro-nc.gov

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

SUNY New Platz, USGBC
Date: 2020-07-27
In the Empire State, the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz is reporting it's new, 2-story, 19,500 sq-ft Engineering Innovation Hub (EIH) building has been awarded US Green Building Council LEED Gold Certification.

The project's $13.5 million energy efficiency features include: building envelope and mechanical systems that have cut energy costs 28 pct; landscape water conservation and reuse features; SUNY New Platz, white reflective TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) membrane roof system with added insulation to improve the R-value; energy efficient LED lighting with motion sensors; proximity to public transportation; water saving plumbing fixtures; and low-VOC emission locally sourced building materials. (Source: School Construction News, July, 2020) Contact: SUNY New Platz, www.newplatz.edu; USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News SUNY New Platz,  USGBC,  LEED Gold,  Energy Efficiency,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2020-07-15
In the Keystone State, Council Rock School District in Newton reports receipt of a $1,641,916 matching-fund grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority's Alternative and Clean Energy High Performance Building program. The money will be used to upgrade portions of two schools to USGBC LEED Gold certification for greater energy efficiency reduced energy costs.

The planned energy saving features include geothermal heating and cooling, energy-efficient lighting, automated energy control systems, low-flow water fixtures, occupancy-based temperature and lighting, an 85 kW solar PV array, and an improved thermal envelope.

The High Performance Building Program provides financial assistance in the forms of grants and loan funds to underwrite the cost premiums associated with the design and construction or major renovation of high performance buildings across Pennsylvania. The program is managed within the DCED Office of Business Financing. (Source: Newton Patch, 14 July, 2020) Contact: Pennsylvania Commonwealth Financing Authority Alternative and Clean Energy High Performance Building program, dced.pa.gov/programs-funding/commonwealth-financing-authority-cfa/energy-programs; USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  USGBC,  

Arizona State University
Date: 2020-07-13
In Tempe, Arizona State University (ASU), home of the world's first school of sustainability and the first university-issued sustainability degree, reports its new $120 million Biodesign Institute C R&D center has been awarded Lab Manager magazine's Excellence in Sustainability prize, part of the first annual Lab Design Excellence Awards.

Biodesign Institute C, which is also LEED Platinum certified by the US Green Building Council, is the third building in a set of four ASU scientific complexes focused on bio-inspired research for global impact. The building's sustainability and energy conservation features include: active chilled beams, which permit decoupling of space cooling loads from the required ventilation air; an enhanced run-around loop (ERAL) system in the air handling units; and other energy efficiency features.(Source: ASU, Lab Manager, July, 2020) Contact: ASU Biodesign Institute C, www.cfo.asu.edu/biodesign-c, USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

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

US Green Building Council
Date: 2020-07-13
In Washington, DC, City View, a three-story, 58-unit affordable community in the Anacostia neighborhood has received U.S Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Gold certification.

The $12 million project's LEED qualifying sustainable features include: a rooftop solar panel array. Energy Star rated windows; individual energy efficient HVAC and hot water heater units; low-consumption plumbing fixtures and appliances; and others. (Source: USGBC, Multi Housing News, 13 July, 2020) Contact: USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

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

University of Toronto
Date: 2020-07-13
In Ontario, the University of Toronto (UT) has announced that Pomerleau Construction has been awarded a design-bridge-build contract for the construction of a new 265,000 sq-ft residence hall to be built to ultra energy efficient Passive House standards in Toronto's Scarborough community. Pomerleau will construct and own the building which is expected to break ground this summer.

Unlike a program like LEED, which features a checklist with parameters such as proximity to transit, Passive House focuses on energy efficiency. For the U of T project, attention will be paid to minimizing the potential for thermal bridging and selecting the best materials for high performance, stuffing the exterior cladding with extra insulation, installing triple-glazed windows and ensuring the clips used to fasten the cladding are as efficient as possible. (Source: University of Toronto, Daily Commercial News, 13 July, 2020) Contact: Pomerleau Construction, www.pomerleau.ca; University of Toronto, www.utoronto.ca; Passive House, International Passive House Association www.passivehouse-international.org, www.passivehousecanada.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Passive House,  Energy Efficiency,  

ACEEE
Date: 2020-06-29
In the Garden State, Maplewood Township (pop. 25,250) reports it is joining thirty communities in five states in taking the Sustainable States Community Energy Challenge.

The challenge offers technical assistance, tools and support to assess clean energy and energy efficiency goals and initiatives, and compares related energy achievements across similarly-sized cities, assess future initiatives, and provide project implementation assistance.

The challenge is a partnership of the Sustainable States Network, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), and five state-level sustainability programs, including Sustainable CT, Green Cities California, Sustainable Maryland, Minnesota GreenStep Cities, and Sustainable Jersey.

Maplewood Township is certified at the silver-level with Sustainable Jersey and has undertaken a number of initiatives to reduce energy use. For example, Maplewood Township: installed public electric vehicle charging stations; implemented an energy aggregation program which reduces costs and increases renewable energy use for residents; completed energy audits of all main buildings; upgraded lighting for energy efficiency in the Municipal Building, the Public Works building and Memorial Library; achieved LEED certification for the police and courts building; replaced old traffic signals with LEDs; participated in a cooperative buying agreement for cheaper and greener energy for buildings and purchased hybrid vehicles when replacing township fleet vehicles. (Source: Maplewood Township, PT, TAPinto.net, July, 2020) Contact: Sustainable States, www.SustainableStates.us Maplewood Township, www.twp.maplewood.nj.us Sustainable States Community Energy Challenge, www.sustainableconnections.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News ACEEE,  Energy Efficiency,  

LEEDCo
Date: 2020-06-24
Following up on our 27th May report, Cleveland-based Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo) is calling for the Ohio Power Sitting Board (OPSB) to reconsider its ruling that the 20.7 MW Lake Erie (offshore) Icebreaker Wind demo project cease operations every night from March until November, which renders the project "financially untenable", according to LEEDCo.

As previously reported, the project was reviewed by more than a dozen state and federal agencies including U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Ohio EPA, and others. It has the support of many environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, the Environmental Defense Fund, and the Ohio Environmental Council. (Source: LEEDCo, Offshore Wind, 23 June, 2020) Contact: LEEDCo, Dave Karpinski, Pres., (216) 241-9201, www.leedco.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lake Erie Energy Development Corp,  LEEDCo,  Offshore Wind,  

Jersey City
Date: 2020-06-12
In the Garden State, Jersey City officials are touting the Sustainability Incentive Program (SIP), a voluntary dual-pronged approach to development designed to reduce pollution while promoting sustainable development.

The first green initiative incentivizes new and existing development to divert storm water from the sewer system by installing green infrastructure, as well as meeting strict energy and water conservation standards provided in US Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines. If the building is built to LEED certifications, it will receive a discount on water and sewer connection fees based on that level of LEED accreditation.

The second initiative is the Flood Overlay Zone Program, which will require new developments in FEMA-designated flood hazard zones to incorporate green infrastructure to help control localized flooding and minimize pollution runoff into local waterways. New developments will implement green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, green roofs, bioswales, and permeable pavement, to absorb and filter storm water runoff, which will help avoid combined sewage overflows in which sewage and wastewater overflow and pollute local waterways. (Source: Jersey City, PR, Hudson Reporter, 10 June, 2020) Contact: Jersey City Office of Sustainability, Kate Lawrence, Director(201)-547-4632, www.erseycitynj.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=6189744&pageId=12571658, www.jcmakeitgreen.org; USGBC, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Sustainability,  Energy Efficiency,  Green Infrastructure,  USGBC,  

US Green Building Council,Virginia Energy Efficiency Council
Date: 2020-06-01
In the Old Dominion State, Henrico County and the University of Virginia are being lauded by the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council and the US Green Building Council for innovation in their efforts to improve energy efficiency in schools, libraries, university construction and government buildings. The two green-building programs received the council's fifth Virginia Energy Efficiency Leadership Awards last month.

The county program included building or renovating 16 government buildings and schools to LEED certification standards since 2011, and the county is pursuing certification of LEED Silver or higher on six current projects. The efforts are credited with reducing energy consumption by approximately 30 pct, according to a release. (Source: Virginia Energy Efficiency Council, Richmond BizSense, June, 2020) Contact: Virginia Energy Efficiency Council, 804-464-8233, www.vaeec.org; US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News US Green Building Council,  LEED Certification,  ,  

Lake Erie Energy Development Corp
Date: 2020-05-27
The Ohio Power Siting Board last week approved non-profit Lake Erie Energy Development Corp. (LEEDCo) pilot six-turbine Lake Erie offshore wind project with 33 -- including one that the turbines could not turn at night between March 1 and November 1, to limit risk to birds and bats. The developer claims the limits may kill the demonstration project which , as previously reported, received $40 million in grant funding from the U.S. DOE.

The Icebreaker pilot project has been approved by U.S. DOE, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers which last year signed off on an environmental assessment that found no significant environmental impact from the project. The project is also supported by the Ohio Environmental Council and Sierra Club. (Source: LEEDCo, Cleveland.com, 23 May, 2020) Contact: LEEDCo, Lorry Wagner, Pres., (216) 241-9201, www.leedco.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lake Erie Energy Development Corp,  

Lake Erie Energy Development Corp
Date: 2020-05-27
In Columbbus, the Ohio Power Siting Board last week approved non-profit Lake Erie Energy Development Corp. (LEEDCo) pilot six-turbine Lake Erie offshore wind project with 33 restrictive conditions, including one that the turbines could not turn at night between March 1 and November 1, to limit risk to birds and bats. The developer claims the limits may kill the demonstration project which , as previously reported, received $40 million in grant funding from the U.S. DOE.

The Icebreaker pilot project was previously approved by U.S. DOE, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers which last year signed off on a 180-page environmental assessment, that found no significant environmental impact from the project which is supported by the Ohio Environmental Council and Sierra Club (Source: LEEDCo, Cleveland.com, 23 May, 2020) Contact:

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lake Erie Energy Development Corp news,  LEEDCo news,  Offshore Wind news,  

Virginia Energy Efficiency Council
Date: 2020-05-19
In the Old Dominion State, the Richmond-based Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) reports it has recognized Henrico County and the University of Virginia with its fifth annual Virginia Energy Efficiency Leadership Awards.

Henrico County was recognized the construction or renovation of 16 government buildings and schools to LEED certification standards since 2011. The county is also pursuing certification of LEED Silver or higher on six current projects that will cut energy consumption by approximately 30 percent.

The University of Virginia's Delta Force Program was recognized for achieving energy efficiency and for its $17.4 million in energy efficiency projects for a savings of $28.7 million in energy costs and 180,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions since 2009. (Source: VAEEC, NBC12, 17 May, 2020) Contact: VAEEC, Cheslea Mamish, Exec. Dir., 804-464-8233, www.vaeec.org

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

US Green Building Council
Date: 2020-05-15
The US Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced a new strategy intended to leverage LEED -- and the communities implementing the rating system -- to support buildings and neighborhoods in a post-pandemic world.

The Healthy People in Healthy Places Equals a Healthy Economy strategy promotes the idea that prioritizing the health of people, communities, and the planet is the fastest way to rebuild a healthier, more sustainable economy. USGBC is launching emergency guidance and upgrades to the LEED green building program to ensure that it reflects the realities that buildings, and more importantly, the people inside them, will face in the near future.

Under the new initiative, USGBC will update current LEED strategies in LEED v4.1 that support indoor environmental quality, cleaning, occupant comfort, operations, better materials, and risk management, while finding opportunities to introduce new approaches given the current public health crisis.

Introduce new LEED strategies and launch new pilot credits to support social distancing, nontoxic surface cleaning, air quality, and infection monitoring.

Form CEO Advisory Councils to advise and support USGBC's CEO on how the organization, its programs, and the building and construction industries can prioritize sustainability in a post-pandemic world.

Accelerate the implementation of its USGBC Equity program to better address the social, health, and economic disparities within communities.

Call for ideas and perspectives from the broader market on how LEED and healthy spaces can evolve given the current public health crisis.

Adapt a review process for LEED and other green business certification programs, and amend its LEED process to incorporate the lessons learned.

Publish a series of best practice guidance reports to help project teams assist their occupants as they re-enter their spaces.

According to USGBC, refining LEED strategies and providing guidance that clearly communicates the economic, health, and environmental benefits of sustainable buildings, communities and cities to people -- especially during this time of uncertainty -- will be a priority. (Source: USGBC, Env..Energy Leader, 13 May, 2020) Contact: US Green Building Council, Mahesh Ramanujam, Pres., CEO, (202) 552-1500, www.usgbc.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News US Green Building Council,