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DOE Building Energy Codes Website
News about energy code implementation and support.
Jeffrey A. Johnson Award Announced!
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is pleased to announce the fifth recipient of the Jeffrey A. Johnson Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Building Energy Codes and Performance. The award recognizes a leader or team in the United States for sustained service of the highest caliber in the pursuit of energy efficiency goals.
DOE Announces $30 Million for Energy-Efficient Housing Partnerships
The U.S. Department of Energy today announced 15 research and deployment partnerships to help dramatically improve the energy efficiency of American homes.
Kaiser Coughs Up $1M for Green Health Clinic
$1 million grant from Kaiser Permanente helped to construct a community health clinic that could be the first of its kind to earn LEED certification.
Kohl's 500 Energy Star Stores Help Company Save $50M
Kohl's Department Stores has reached another milestone in its aggressive sustainability campaign: 500 stores in the retail chain have now earned the Energy Star label.
Energy Efficiency: 'Recharge Colorado' Still Handing Out Appliance Rebates
Coloradans have received about $11 million in rebates from the "Recharge Colorado" program, which encourages the purchase of energy-efficient appliances and home improvements.
DOE Announces Technical Assistance Program to Support Recovery Act Projects
The Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the launch of a technical assistance program that will support projects funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Funded with up to $25 million under the Recovery Act, the program will provide states, cities, and tribes with the tools and resources they need to implement successful and sustainable renewable energy projects.
DOE-Funded Clean Energy Projects Win Eight R&D 100 Awards for 2010
As vice president of global sustainability at Procter and Gamble, Len Sauers has had many experiences that have shaped how he views sustainable innovation, and how organizations can continue to improve their environmental performance.
Southern California Gets 1 Million Smart Meters
Southern California Edison (SCE) has installed one-fifth of the 5 million smart meters it plans to swap in for customers by 2012.
Alex Wilson Selected for the 2010 Hanley Award for vision and Leadership in Sustainable Housing
Annual $50,000 award from the Hanley Foundation and EcoHome recognizes visionary environmental building editor, educator, and advocate.
Hospitals More Likely to Invest in Efficiency Than Other Industries
Healthcare organizations are more likely to invest in energy efficiency upgrades and efforts at their facilities than other industries in North America, according to research from Johnson Controls Inc. and the American Society for Healthcare Engineering.
10 Things I've Learned About Making a Big Company a Green Giant
As vice president of global sustainability at Procter and Gamble, Len Sauers has had many experiences that have shaped how he views sustainable innovation, and how organizations can continue to improve their environmental performance.
PNNL Receives $2.54 Million Toward Buildings Energy Efficiency Research
The Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has received $2.53 million to improve the efficiency and test new refrigerants in a type of air conditioning unit that runs on waste heat.
Chicago and ICLEI Recognize Winners of Green Office Challenge
Friendly competition to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions saves 70 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and 54,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide - equal to removing more than 10,000 cars off Chicago streets.
Bangladesh Overhauls its Energy Needs with 1-Day Light Bulb Exchange
The mood was hopeful yesterday at the World Bank headquarters as specialists running the Efficient Lighting Initiative for Bangladesh, or ELIB, detailed their distribution of 5 million compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) -- in one day.
Climate Corps 2010: Giving Healthcare Facilities an Efficiency Check-Up
With the average hospital using more than twice the amount of energy as other commercial buildings, energy efficiency represents a huge opportunity for the healthcare industry.
Las Vegas Raises Its Stake in Energy Management with Hara Software
The glittering city of Las Vegas has become the latest local government to deploy Hara Environmental and Energy Management software to accelerate municipal sustainability initiatives.
Raising Energy Efficiency Highlighted at ASHRAE Meeting
Raising energy efficiency to new levels was the focus of the ASHRAE 2010 Annual Conference held in Albuquerque, N.M. Highlights of the meeting included ASHRAE's receipt of Energy Star for its Headquarters in Atlanta, celebration of the 35th anniversary of publication of the energy conservation standard now known as Standard 90.1 and an update on the ASHRAE Building Energy Quotient program.
Standard 90.1: Setting the Energy Foundation in Buildings for 35 Years
While high-performance buildings are the obvious choice in today's sustainability-focused industry, it was only a short 35 years ago that the first standard for energy efficiency was established, setting the engineering engine of sustainability into motion.
DOE Announces Funding for R&D to Support U.S. Manufacturing of High-Efficiency Solid-State Lighting
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced the availability of up to $15 million in funding to advance research, development, and market adoption of Solid-State Lighting (SSL) technologies.
NYC Building Projects Affected by New Energy Code
The Department of Buildings has launched the New York City Energy Conservation Code, part of the city's plan to cut carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030. Lighting, power, and HVAC in new projects or renovations must comply.
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Selected by U.S. Department of Energy to Provide Expertise on Stimulus Grant Projects
MEEA has been selected by the U.S. DOE to assist communities that are conducting energy efficiency programs funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. MEEA will work with the grantees to assist them with their implementation of their energy efficiency programs funded under ARRA.
Green Office Challenge Named
A key strategy of the Chicago Climate Action Plan, the Green Office Challenge offers an opportunity for businesses to gain a competitive advantage in green innovations and to cut costs, while saving money and resources.
Smart Meters Alone Won't Reduce Energy Use, Study Says
Utilities need to go beyond the smart meter and use a range of energy-feedback tools to achieve significant reductions in customers' power consumption and their electricity bills, new research shows.
IEA Sees the First Early Signs of an Energy Technology Revolution Underway
IEA Sees the First Early Signs of an Energy Technology Revolution Underway across the globe but urges that much more needs to be done to achieve the necessary long-term CO2 cuts.
Affordable Housing Goes Green in the Bronx
Construction finally has begun on Vie Verde, a sustainable, mixed-income housing project in the South Bronx designed by Grimshaw Architects and Dattner Architects.
ASHRAE Earns EPA's Energy Star for Superior Energy Efficiency
ASHRAE has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) prestigious Energy Star, the national symbol for protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency, for its renovated Headquarters in Atlanta. This signifies that the building performs in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency.
ASHRAE Installs New Officers, Directors
ASHRAE installed new officers and directors at its 2010 Annual Meeting held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 26-30.
Energy Efficiency: The Incandescent Bulb Heads Offstage After Century-Long Performance
Earlier this month, when IKEA announced this will be its last year selling incandescent light bulbs, the retailer billed it as an early, pro-sustainability move before federal law "bans" the famously inefficient lamps.
DOE Announces Funding for Research and Development to Support U.S. Manufacturing of High-Efficiency Solid-State Lighting
As part of the ongoing effort to reduce national energy consumption through high-efficiency building technologies, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the availability of up to $15 million in funding to advance research, development, and market adoption of Solid-State Lighting (SSL) technologies.
July 2010 Setting the Standard Newsletter Released
The July 2010 publication of the Setting the Standard Newsletter is now available.
Top Ten Reasons for Building Energy Codes
Flyer outlining ten key reasons why energy codes are a central part of a sustainable future.
COMcheck 3.8.0 Now Available!
COMcheck version 3.8.0 introduces the Oregon state energy code. Multiple whole building types can now be specified under energy codes that allow such consideration. Track and low voltage lighting have been added to the interior lighting tab, and interior lighting reports have been consolidated into a single report. ASHRAE 90.1 envelope trade-off compliance index calculations now consider lighting energy use and daylight credit. An optional input for visible light transmittance has been added to the envelope tab. The ability to add customized descriptions of building and exterior use areas has been added. ASHRAE 90.1-1989 and 90.1-1999, and 1998 IECC are no longer supported in COMcheck. Numerous corrections to mechanical system requirements have been made.
ASHRAE Introduces iPhone App
Developed for Apple's iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, the ASHRAE Standard 62.1 app allows for convenient calculations while in the field, performing the outdoor air calculations found in the Ventilation Rate Procedure and the interactive 62MZCalc spreadsheets contained in the ASHRAE User's Manual for Standard 62.1, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality.
Ra'anana Becomes the First City to Adopt Green Building Code
Ra'anana became the first city in Israel to adopt the Israeli green building standard for all new construction this month.
DOW Chemical Receives $2.9 Million in Funding from the U.S. DOE for Next Generation Insulation Solutions
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded The Dow Chemical Company $2,955,156 to develop the next-generation of advanced insulation for high-performance, energy-efficient, wall, roof, and foundation insulation systems.
ASHRAE Publishes 2010 Residential IAQ Standard
Changes to make requirements easier to use in home retrofits are covered in the newly published 2010 residential ventilation standard from ASHRAE.
Five More States Reach Major Recovery Act Weatherization Milestone
Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Utah reached a significant milestone under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - completing weatherization work for more than 30 percent of the homes they have planned.
Mayors Endorse Green Construction Code, Natural-Gas Vehicles
The U.S. Conference of Mayors is backing a mandatory "green" construction code that would slash the negative effects of commercial buildings on the natural environment.
Builders, Remodelers Invited to Education Conference in Charlotte
The 21st Century Building Expo and Conference to be held Sept. 15-17 in Charlotte, North Carolina, offers an exceptional line-up of courses and seminars for everyone in the home building industry.
A Game Changer for Commissioning Providers, Constructors and Engineers
Signed into law and effective January 1, 2011, California has adopted the California High Performance Green Standards Building code.
$68M in Grants Target Building Efficiency, Training
The Energy Department will provide $68.4 million for 45 projects aimed at developing energy-efficient building technologies, and $7.6 million for 13 projects to train technicians and others on commercial building operations, officials announced today.
DOE Announces More than $76 Million for Advanced Energy-Efficient Building Technologies and Commercial Building Training Programs
U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced awards totaling more than $76 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support advanced energy-efficient building technology projects and the development of training programs for commercial building equipment technicians, building operators, and energy auditors.
10 Tips for Operating Buildings More Efficiently
Here are 10 ways to make your buildings operate more efficiently and more cost effectively.
New Burger King Restaurant Powered by Wind and Solar Energy
A new Burger King restaurant in Germany features wind, solar, lighting, heating and cooling systems that are expected to produce whopping cuts in energy use and costs.
AIA Releases Tracking Tool For Sustainable Design
The American Institute of Architects has released an Excel-based tool that generates a report on predicted energy use and project modeling.
2010 ASHRAE Ventilation Standard Brings Breath of Fresh Air to Industry
New requirements regarding natural ventilation, exhaust systems and IAQ Procedure are included in the newly published 201 version of Standard 62.1.
June 13-19 is High Performance Building Week
The High-Performance Building Congressional Caucus Coalition (HPBCCC) has designated June 13-19 as High-Performance Building Week. The week is an opportunity to highlight the importance of high-performance buildings to federal, state, and local policymakers and the general public.
Resolution, Briefings, Congressional Visits Featured in High-Performance Building Week
While the importance of high-performance buildings to a sustainable future is noteworthy year-round, special recognition will be given during upcoming High-Performance Building Week, June 13-19.
More Than $60 Million in Recovery Act Funding to Expand Local Energy Efficiency
The U.S. Department of Energy announced today that 20 communities have been selected for more than $60 million in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to implement local energy efficiency and renewable energy programs that will reduce energy use by American homes, vehicles, and businesses.
Strategic Plan, Sustainable Products, and Codes Top Agenda at AAMA Summer Meeting
Topping the agenda at the American Architectural Manufacturers Association Summer Conference 2010, June 6-9, were talks about the associations strategic plan, work on the green products certification, and codes and standards discussions.
Tucson Might Let Developers Put Land-Use Rules on Hold
The proposal, aimed at making Tucson more business friends, could postpone compliance with all provisions of the building code that don't relate to health and safety.
DOE Awards $29 Million for Weatherization Training Centers
Thirty-four weatherization training centers in 27 states will receive $29 Million in DOE grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The energy efficiency funds will go toward expanding eight existing training centers and establishing 26 new ones.
CID Seeks Input on Proposed Codes
Comments from commercial and residential building trades professionals are being sought by the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department's Construction Industries Division on behalf of the proposed adoption of and amendments to the state's 2009 building codes.
Data Centers Can Now Earn the Energy Star Label
Stand-alone data centers and buildings that house large data centers can now earn the Energy Star label if they are in the top 25% of their peers in terms of energy efficiency. Those looking to earn that label should check out the best practices compiled by DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Builders Get Temporary Reprieve from New Energy Code
Just days after BIAW filed a lawsuit in federal court, Governor Gregoire has announced that she is requesting the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) delay the implementation of the new energy code for a period of nine months.
Sydney Code for House Building Provides Financing Advantages
Residents of Sidney, Montana are encouraged to adopt the area's house building code to make it easier for them to acquire financing for the residence they are planning to build.
Substantial Energy Efficiency Provisions in Lugar Energy Bill a 'Solid Foundation,' says Alliance
A new energy bill introduced by Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind) wisely uses energy efficiency as the core of its provisions, the Alliance to Save Energy said today.
California Saves Energy With Lights
Commonly referred to as Title 24, the Energy Code has rules for how houses are built. This is in addition to the general California Building Code. New houses, additions, and remodels all have to follow these rules.
DOE Requires Manufacturers to Halt Sales of Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners Violating Minimum Appliance Standards
Today, the Department of Energy announced that three manufacturers -- Aspen Manufacturing, Inc., Summit Manufacturing, and Advanced Distributor Products -- must stop distributing 61 heat pump models and 1 air conditioner model that DOE has determined do not comply with federal energy conservation standards.
Going to AIA? Don't Miss These Sights!
Local architect Allan Shulman shares tips on houses and historic properties of interest to visit during the 2010 AIA National Convention in Miami.
Washington Builders Sue to Stop New Green Law
Going green will cost too much green, according to Washington state builders, and they're suing to put the brakes on a new law.
New York State Adopts 2009 International Energy Conservation Code
On April 1, 2010, the New York State Building Code Council voted to adopt the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code, which will be known as the Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State.
Buildings Throughout California to be Some of the Greenest in the World
Development of the 2008 California Green Building Code (CGBC) included review and analysis of existing green building practices.
Protocols for Performance Measurement Offered by Leading Building Groups
It's long been realized in the building industry that you can't manage what you don't measure when it comes to building performance. But even if you measure, what ensures that those measurements are appropriate and meaningful?
COMcheck 3.8.0 Now Available!
COMcheck version 3.8.0 introduces the Oregon state energy code. Multiple whole building types can now be specified under energy codes that allow such consideration. Track and low voltage lighting have been added to the interior lighting tab, and interior lighting reports have been consolidated into a single report. ASHRAE 90.1 envelope trade-off compliance index calculations now consider lighting energy use and daylight credit. An optional input for visible light transmittance has been added to the envelope tab. The ability to add customized descriptions of building and exterior use areas has been added. ASHRAE 90.1-1989 and 90.1-1999, and 1998 IECC are no longer supported in COMcheck. Numerous corrections to mechanical system requirements have been made.
New Guidelines for ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes
The EPA recently released its New Version 3 Guidelines for new homes aspiring to earn the ENERGY STAR label which go into effect January 1, 2011. The executive summary provided includes details on the implementation timeline, and a list of changes made to the various ratings checklists (ENERGY STAR Reference Guide, Thermal Enclosure System Rater, HVAC System Quality Installation Rater, and Water Management System Rater).
Energy Efficiency: Nation's Biggest Energy Spender Tries to Lead by Example
The U.S. Energy Department raised the bar for government buildings last week, requiring more sustainable features for new and renovated facilities. DOE released a proposed rule in the Federal Register.
The 2009 IECC: Increased Inspections and Testing Lead to Increased Energy Savings
What's happening with energy efficiency in existing and new residential homes? The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is committed to improving the most popular model residential energy code by 30% by 2012 and moving to net zero energy homes by 2020. The first major step toward those goals is embodied in the 2009 International Energy Conservation
New Montana Energy Training Session Offered
A new residential and commercial energy code training session will be offered June 11 at the Sidney Fire Hall.
DOE Launches the High Efficiency Windows Volume Purchase Program
The U.S. Department of Energy today announced the launch of the Highly-Insulating R-5 Windows and Low-e Storm Windows Volume Purchase Program, part of a multi-year integrated strategy to transform the market for high efficiency windows. The initiative will facilitate the broader deployment of these windows by pairing manufacturers with buyers looking to purchase large volumes of windows and by setting performance expectations for two new types of energy efficient windows.
DOE Webinar June 22, 2010: Cost-Effective Triple Pane (R-5) and Low-e Storm Windows
Windows in the United States account for 30% of building heating and cooling energy loss, and represent a key opportunity for improving the energy efficiency of buildings. This webinar will provide information about DOE's effort to bring affordable triple pane and low-e storm windows to the marketplace. Through the launch of a new DOE-sponsored volume purchase program, builders and distributors can buy these windows at a competitive price.
Smart House Developed Through ASHRAE Grant
From smart home controls to solar powered gas refrigeration, undergraduate HVAC&R students in their senior year are able to gain hands-on experience in their field thanks to the 2010-2011 ASHRAE Undergraduate Senior Project Grant.
Building Makeover? Keep the Codes in Mind
The key is knowing how the codes apply, and the Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) is here to help with this challenge. Here, you'll find tools and insights to help make today's retrofit compliance easier.
EU agrees mandate for "nearly zero energy" homes
All new buildings constructed in Europe after 2020 will have to be virtually carbon-neutral after the European Parliament gave new energy standards the last approval they needed on Tuesday.
NASEO Building Energy Code Coordination and Strategic Implementation Workshop Final Report
On April 26-27, 2010, NASEO, in conjunction with the Energy Foundation, hosted the "Building Energy Code Coordination and Strategic Implementation Workshop" in Washington, DC. The meeting of approximately 65 attendees from around the nation included facilitated discussion of building energy code issues and consideration of a path forward to address such topics as code adoption, implementation, and enforcement. The final report from the workshop is now available.
May 2010 Setting the Standard Newsletter Released
The May 2010 publication of the Setting the Standard Newsletter is now available.
Energy Codes 2010 Jeffrey A. Johnson Award Call for Nominations
Nominations are now being accepted for the Jeffrey A. Johnson Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Building
Energy Codes and Performance. The Jeffrey A. Johnson award will honor a recipient who is recognized as a leader for sustained service in the pursuit of energy efficiency. This annual award will be presented at the Energy Codes 2010 event in Charlotte, NC the week of July 19, 2010.
Energy Codes 2010 Registration is Now Open!
Registration for Energy Codes 2010 is now open. Energy Codes 2010 will provide hands-on training and face-to-face networking through various training activities with other members in the energy codes community... Register Now!
BECP Fiscal Year 2009 Annual Report now available
The Building Energy Codes Program FY09 annual report is now available online. This report summarizes BECP's progress and accomplishments throughout FY09.
Energy Codes 2010 Hotel and Travel Information Now Available!
Information about hotel reservations, rates, guest amenities and cut-off dates, as well as travel directions are now available for Energy Codes 2010. Make your reservations soon!
Building Energy Codes Program Website Gets a Facelift!
The U.S. Department of Energy's Building Energy Codes Program website has been updated to help site users find information faster and easier than ever before. Check it out!
Energy Codes 2010 location and promotional opportunities announced
Energy Codes 2010 will take place July 19-22, 2010 at the Westin Charlotte Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina. The energycodes.gov website now includes a link to a Promotional Opportunities page and a Speaker/Topic Interest Form. Registration will be available soon!
NASEO Building Energy Code Webinar Slides and Audio Available
Presentation slides and an audio file of the February 26, 2010 NASEO Webinar on Building Energy Code Training, Compliance and Enforcement are available.
2010 State Energy Program Competitive Funding Opportunity Announcement
This competitive announcement allows States to compete for funding designed to meet EERE nationally focused initiatives for the fundamental and permanent transformations of markets across all sectors of our economy.
IECC Compliance Guide for New Homes in Maine
This pamphlet contains three generic packages designed to simplify compliance with the IECC as it relates to Maine. Each county is assigned to one of the three packages (A through C), which vary according to the different climate zones in Maine.
Commercial Building Partnerships oppportunities
The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Commercial Building Partnerships (CBP) initiative engages commercial businesses interested in constructing new buildings or retrofitting existing buildings that are significantly more energy efficient than the current building stock.
Energy code training
Washington State University and partners will offer a duct testing certification training from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday May 21 at the Snohomish County PUD building, 2320 California St. in downtown Everett.
Washington State Non-Residential Energy Code Webinar Series
The Northwest Energy Efficiency Council is offering a three-part webinar series about the 2009 Non-Residential Energy Code. Experts from the industry will discuss significant changes in the upcoming code and address frequently asked questions.
Steel Buildings Go Green
Gone are the outdated corrugated metal buildings of the past. The new generation of pre engineered steel buildings are finding use in an ever growing variety of Green building projects. Steel buildings are leading the way in the Green building revolution, meeting Green building design goals with innovative building design, engineering and use of materials.
2009 Washington State Energy Code Training
The WSU Energy Program is offering a half-day training on the residential sections of the 2009 Washington State Energy Code on June 14, 2010. The course will focus on the changes to the energy code, but will also discuss energy basics, code layout and use, and application to projects during the design, review, and construction phases. The discussion will also include how various WSU compliance forms are used and practical matters of code compliance documentation and inspection will be emphasized. This is an excellent course for building department employees, builders, sub-contractors or designers.
Free Energy Code Training
The City of Lewiston will be hosting a free energy code training seminar on July 27th and July 28th at the Lewiston Community Center.
New Oregon commercial building code aims at efficiency
The Department of Consumer and Business Services Building Codes Division adopted a new energy code for commercial buildings this week designed to improve energy efficiency. The 2010 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code for commercial buildings, effective July 1, will achieve a 15 percent reduction in energy use in new commercial construction, according to the division.
Denver Completes 2009 IECC Amendments; City Council Ordinance Next Up
On December 1, 2009, the City and County of Denver Development Services Department began the public consideration of the 2010 Denver Building Code, comprised of the 2009 International Code Council (ICC) Codes - including the 2009 IECC - and proposed Amendments. During a series of seven public hearings early this year, the Combined Board of Appeals (CBOA) heard stakeholders' statements and selected the amendments to include in the 2010 Denver Building Code.
Construct 2010: 54th Annual CSI Convention
CONSTRUCT2010 and the 54th CSI Annual Convention is your most cost effective strategy for combining educational opportunities with product and service solutions for your business success. Co-located with The Total Facility Management Show, an event for the senior executive facility manager, this event is dedicated to the institutional, industrial and commercial building industry. If you design, build, specify, engineer, renovate or operate in the built environment, this is your event.
Delaware to Offer Model Energy Code Training in May and June
To prepare the state for its upcoming new energy codes (2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007), the Delaware Energy Office (partnering with BCAP and Newport Ventures) will be offering six training sessions in three locations throughout the state in May and June.
DOE Awards $452 million in Recovery Act Funds for Building Retrofits
Vice President Joe Biden announced on April 21 the selection of 25 states, communities, and organizations that will receive up to $452 million in DOE Recovery Act funding to "ramp-up" energy efficiency building retrofits. DOE's Retrofit Ramp-Up initiative will allow communities, state and local governments, private-sector companies, and non-profit organizations to work together on pioneering programs for concentrated and broad-based retrofits of neighborhoods.
American Home Inspectors Training is Now Offering a Home Energy Audit Certification Course
American Home Inspectors Training Institute, the nation's premier home inspection training school, is pleased to announce that AHIT is now offering a Home Energy Audit Certification Course.
Merged "green building code" announced
After months of discussion and development, the building industry appears close to achieving a unified "green code" that would harmonize various ideas and be enforceable by jurisdictions, vs. the voluntary LEED standard and other voluntary systems. The International Code Council (ICC), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and the Illuminating Energy Society of North America (IES) announced in early March that parallel ICC and ASHRAE code efforts will now be merged. The planned result is the International Green Construction Code (IGCC), intended to accelerate construction of high-performance buildings nationwide.
ASHRAE Lends Support to Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act of 2010
Federal legislation introduced Thursday, on Earth Day, will provide training for Federal building personnel in the areas of building operations and maintenance, energy management, safety and design functions.
Vice President Biden Kicks Off Five Days of Earth Day Activities with Announcement of Major New Energy Efficiency Effort
Vice President Biden will today kick off five days of administration events around the 40th anniversary of Earth Day with the announcement of the selection of 25 communities for up to $452 million in Recovery Act funding to "ramp-up" energy efficiency building retrofits. Under the Department of Energy's Retrofit Ramp-Up initiative, communities, governments, private sector companies, and non-profit organizations will work together on pioneering and innovative programs for concentrated and broad-based retrofits of neighborhoods and towns-and eventually entire states. These partnerships will support large-scale retrofits and make energy efficiency accessible to hundreds of thousands of homeowners and businesses. The models created through this program are expected to save households and businesses about a $100 million annually in utility bills, while leveraging private sector resources, to create what funding recipients estimate at about 30,000 jobs across the country during the next three years.
Department of Energy Announces $28 Million to Support State Efforts to Increase Building Energy Retrofits and Develop State Energy Savings Goals
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that up to $28 million in funding is available to help states lower the cost and increase the availability of energy efficiency retrofits. These programs will reduce energy use and save money for families and businesses across the country.
DOE Announces New Opportunities to Improve Commercial Building Energy Efficiency
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced support for energy-saving commercial building projects as part of an ongoing effort by DOE to improve the energy efficiency of buildings in the United States. With money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, DOE's national laboratories will select and fund technical experts to provide technical guidance to commercial building owners and operators. The goal of this Commercial Building Partnerships (CBP) initiative is to increase the energy efficiency of selected new and existing buildings.
Green Building Tax Credit would help create jobs, lower energy costs and protect clean air
In order to create jobs, spur construction and protect clean air, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), a member of the Finance Committee, today introduced legislation to provide tax incentives for the construction of green buildings. The Green Building Tax Credit would offer a refundable 30 percent tax credit for the construction of buildings that are energy-efficient and are location-efficient by being situated in an area conducive to walking and public transportation. The legislation is supported by the non-profit Reconnecting America.
Changes to Decrease Energy Use in Elevators, Parking Garages Proposed for Standard 90.1
Going down? Energy use in buildings could drop with a proposed requirement to Standard 90.1 regulating ventilation and cab lighting in elevators.
Tennessee Fire Division Files Residential and State Building Code Rule
After the passage of legislation in June requiring the state to update its building energy standards, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance's Division of Fire Prevention filed a rule doing so with the Secretary of State on March 29. Pending review by the Attorney General's office, the rule will enact statewide standards for certain types of residential and state-owned building construction.
ASHRAE Rises to the Occasion in Albuquerque
From the soaring Sandia Mountains to peacefully floating hot air balloons, at almost 5,000 feet above sea level, Albuquerque, N.M. is a city of great heights. Since ASHRAE is always striving to reach the highest levels of energy efficiency and sustainability, Albuquerque serves as the perfect site for the 2010 ASHRAE Annual Conference.
Architecture 2030 campaign presses Washington for green buildings
United States based green building initiative Architecture 2030 is leading a campaign for the U.S. Congress to push for reductions in building energy consumption.
State Building Code Council Adopts New Rules Promoting Energy Conservation And Building Safety
New codes to ensure New York buildings will be among nationwide leaders in energy efficiency.
DOE tightens water-heater standards, promises major emission cuts
The Energy Department will tighten energy efficiency standards for water heaters and other appliances, a move it says could ultimately slash 164 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent of taking 46 million cars off the road every year.
North Carolina Home Guide to Energy Code Compliance
The 2003 IECC and 2006 North Carolina Amendments together comprise the North Carolina Energy Conservation Code. This guide contains five packages designed to simplify compliance with the code.