Green Building Articles
Chicago Guide to Help Communities Plan Sustainable Energy Efficiency and Conservation
CNT recently helped to co-author a guide that will help cities and counties to develop a long term and sustainable energy efficiency and conservation plan and maximize the opportunity for cost savings, environmental benefits, financial leverage and economic development.
"Chicago's Guide to Completing an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy", was co-authored by the Chicago Department of the Environment, CNT Board Member Julia Parzen of Urban Sustainability Associates and CNT.
The guide introduces the energy efficiency and conservation strategy, gives a model outline, a process guide, execution options, and where to go for resources and help for communities receiving funding under "The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant" (EECBG) program, which was passed as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Within 120 days after receiving initial funding, eligible communities must submit a proposed Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy that describes the energy goals and proposed plan for the use of the EECBG grant.
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New wonder material, one-atom thick, has scientists abuzz
Wed Jul 8, 2:47 pm ET
WASHINGTON - Imagine a carbon sheet that's only one atom thick but is stronger than diamond and conducts electricity 100 times faster than the silicon in computer chips.
That's graphene, the latest wonder material coming out of science laboratories around the world. It's creating tremendous buzz among physicists, chemists and electronic engineers.
"It is the thinnest known material in the universe, and the strongest ever measured," Andre Geim , a physicist at the University of Manchester, England , wrote in the June 19 issue of the journal Science.
"A few grams could cover a football field," said Rod Ruoff , a graphene researcher at the University of Texas, Austin , in an e-mail. A gram is about 1/30th of an ounce.
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Local Climate and Energy Webcast Series
The next Local Climate and Energy Program webcast will be held in September 2009. Upcoming webcast topics may include combined heat and power, transportation control measures, smart growth, and urban heat islands.
Past Webcasts
Local Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Project Examples for ARRA Funds (June 11, 2009)
Integrating Energy Efficiency into New and Existing Homes (May 21, 2009)
Integrating Energy Efficiency into Affordable Housing (April 21, 2009)
Using EPA Resources to Maximize Clean Energy in Economic Recovery Spending (March 5, 2009)
Landfill Gas to Energy (February 5, 2009)
Green Power Procurement (May 28, 2008)
Energy Efficient Product Procurement (April 17, 2008)
Navigating the Grant Process for Local Governments (February 28, 2008)
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Energy Conservation Study ARRA Assistance
This Program Opportunity Notice (PON) provides funding to complete Energy Conservation Studies, which can be used to support applications to upcoming project implementation funding opportunities through NYSERDA's administration of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds. Eligible participants include: municipal governments, public K-12 schools, public universities or colleges (including SUNY, SUNY community colleges, CUNY, CUNY community colleges), hospitals, and not-for-profits (defined as 501(c)(3)).
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Green Construction Code Expected to Increase Energy Efficiency, Reduce Carbon Footprint for Commercial Buildings
The International Code Council launched its International Green Construction Code (IGCC) initiative today, which will reduce energy usage and the carbon footprint of commercial buildings. Entitled "IGCC: Safe and Sustainable By the Book," the initiative is committed to develop a model code focused on new and existing commercial buildings. It will focus on building design and performance. Buildings consume approximately 40 percent of energy used and produce about the same amount of the nation's carbon emissions.
The Code Council included a number of key organizations during its announcement, including noting special roles for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and ASTM as cooperating sponsors for this important project.
"We believe the time has come for us to develop a code that will stand as a useful and credible regulatory framework for creating a greener commercial building stock," said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Richard P. Weiland. "We applaud and plan to utilize the good work of those who have developed systems, guidelines and standards to address green buildings."
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The Green Building Initiative Presents:
Green Globes - Positions K-12 for Green Performance and Stimulus Dollars
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has provided unprecedented levels of federal funding for education and a unique opportunity for schools and school districts to make investments that will produce long-term sustainability impacts.
Schools built or remodeled with a recognized green building rating system like Green Globes, which is mentioned by name in the U.S. Department of Education's whitepaper, "Guidance Impact Aid Section 8007 School Construction Funds Made Available Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009", can save money on utility bills and improve indoor air quality - not to mention lessen the building's environmental footprint.
Please join a complimentary webseminar to learn more about Green Globes rating and assessment tool to help position your school to improve its environmental performance as well as qualifying for stimulus dollars. You'll also learn about two K-12 schools that have already taken the step to use Green Globes to ensure that their buildings are energy efficient and sustainable for generations to come.
Date: July 29th
Times: 9:00 am PDT; 11:00 pm CDT; and 12:00 noon EDT.
Register now...