LEED EA credits to require proof of reduction
The U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design require proof that certification really translate into energy savings.
Changes in the newly updated standards of LEED 3.0 Certification call for tougher energy reduction standards and the requirement to monitor and record how much energy a building actually uses are just two of the changes that will go into effect June 27. LEED 3.0 also tightens the energy savings requirements to 10 percent over the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standard for 2007 for new buildings, and over 5 percent for renovations. Simple BAS systems will give way to complex Facilities Integration Systems that not only operate the Building's HVAC and controls but also have the power to manage lighting, access, as well as monitor and manage the overall power consumption for the building. Many BAS systems alone can not facilitate this function, so engineers are turning to systems like Automated Logic's WebCtrl. With WebCtrl building owners can harness the power of total facilities integration with the cost affective energy reduction capabilities complete with reporting and real-time data management. To review an energy savings case study, read La Porte Independent School District.
(6/11/2009)
$3.2 billion of federal grant to reinvent small towns
City officials all across the country are racing to find ways to spend billions of federal dollars that could reduce their carbon footprint, create jobs, promote efficiency and fight global warming.
$3.2 billion in federal climate-related block grants are incentivizing smaller communities to re-invent themselves into a more energy-efficient metropolises. They have until June 25 to submit their plans, but even that presents it's own challenge since most have never received federal grants for energy projects before and are not sure how to apply. The Department of Energy recently extended the deadline for cities to submit their grant applications. Meanwhile, many cities are enacting layoffs amid the worst economic collapse in decades.
(6/02/2009)
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