News

The news items below are added for your information:

EPA Free Webinar on August 16: Learning the Water Management System Builder Checklist
August 10, 2011

This webinar will provide an overview of the Water Management System Builder Checklist with a focus on key issues that have generated feedback and questions from partners, along with changes to the checklist which were incorporated in Revision 04. This webinar is geared towards builder partners, but Raters and other partners are welcome to attend.

Webinar registration link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/290240792

EPA Announces New Energy Star Requirements for Dishwashers and Furnaces
July 19, 2011

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is updating Energy Star requirements for home dishwashers and furnaces. The new requirements are a part of Energy Star’s overall commitment to protect people’s health and the environment by encouraging energy efficiency.

Effective January 20, 2012, both standard-sized and compact residential dishwashers meeting the new Energy Star requirements will be between 10 and 30 percent more energy efficient than conventional models, and about 8 percent more efficient than dishwashers that met the previous Energy Star requirement. If every dishwasher in the U.S. met the new requirements, consumer energy and water bill savings would grow to approximately $235 million per year, reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from more than 180,000 vehicles.

Distributors, contractors and consumers will also be able to identify and purchase Energy Star qualified furnaces that are appropriate to their particular climate zone beginning February 1, 2012. The furnaces that meet the new requirements for the southern half of the U.S. will be labeled with a specific U.S. South Energy Star mark. The qualified furnaces in the South, where homes require less heat, will be up to 12 percent more energy efficient than baseline units. Qualified furnaces in the northern half of the U.S. including Canada will bear the standard Energy Star logo and will be up to 16 percent more energy efficient than baseline models. If every gas furnace sold in the U.S. were to meet the new Energy Star requirements, which are up to 5 percent more efficient than the previous Energy Star requirement, consumer energy bill savings would grow to more than $170 million per year and reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent of those from approximately 175,000 vehicles.

In order to earn the Energy Star label under the new requirements, product performance must be certified by an EPA-recognized third-party, based on testing in an EPA-recognized laboratory. In addition, manufacturers of the products must participate in verification testing programs run by recognized certification bodies. The new requirements for residential dishwashers and furnaces are among the 20 revisions to product requirements expected to be completed this year.

Energy Star was started by EPA in 1992 as a market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the Energy Star label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products, as well as new homes and commercial and industrial buildings that meet strict energy-efficient specifications set by the EPA. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved about $18 billion on their energy bills while preventing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions from 33 million vehicles.

More information on Energy Star qualified dishwashers:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=revisions.residential_dishwashers

More information on Energy Star qualified furnaces:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=revisions.furnace_spec

New Energy Star Initiative Recognizes Cutting-Edge Products with Highest Energy Efficiency
July 14, 2011

“Most Efficient” designation will help shoppers reduce their energy bills, provide incentives for manufacturers to innovate, and protect Americans’ public health and environment."

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today are announcing for the first time products recognized as the most energy-efficient in their categories among those that have earned the Energy Star label. This pilot program is part of Energy Star’s overall commitment to protect people’s health and the environment by encouraging energy efficiency. The “Most Efficient” initiative also continues Energy Star’s work to provide consumers with the best efficiency information so they can make investments that will lower their energy bills and environmental impact. The new designation of Most Efficient aims to provide all manufacturers with an incentive for greater product energy efficiency while providing consumers new information about the products that comprise the top tier in the categories.

"This new designation will help Americans save money and cut pollution by quickly pointing them to the best Energy Star products have to offer. Highlighting Energy Star's Most Efficient products is a great way to encourage the strides in innovation that bring even more energy and money saving choices to our stores," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "We know American consumers are eager to make purchases that save them money on their utility bills and reduce the pollution in the air we breathe, and these labels will help them identify the best ways to find those purchases."

"Over the last two decades, the Energy Star program has consistently offered consumers energy choices that have helped families save billions of dollars on their energy bills,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. "The new Most Efficient designation is the next step towards encouraging new, more energy-efficient products to enter the market, so that consumers will have even more choices when it comes to high performance, high efficiency products that will save them energy and money.”

Products that receive the Most Efficient designation demonstrate exceptional and cutting-edge efficiency performance that environmentally-minded consumers and early adopters value. The Most Efficient recognition will represent approximately the top five percent of models on the market in the following categories: clothes washers, heating and cooling equipment, televisions, and refrigerator-freezers. The following Energy Star partners’ products are among the first to be recognized as Most Efficient: Electrolux Major Appliances, Sears’ Kenmore, LG, Samsung, Best Buy’s Insignia Brand, Panasonic, Nordyne, and Rheem. Later this year, EPA will initiate a process to consider additional product categories for potential inclusion in 2012.

Consumers will be able to identify Most Efficient products on the Energy Star website and in stores by looking for the Most Efficient designation. In addition to meeting established performance requirements, products must also be Energy Star qualified and certified by an EPA-recognized certification body. Manufacturers are encouraged to submit products that meet the requirements to EPA for recognition.

Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to help Americans save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices. Today, the Energy Star label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products as well as new homes and commercial and industrial buildings that meet strict energy efficiency specifications set by the EPA. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved $18 billion on their energy bills while preventing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to annual emissions of 33 million vehicles.

New Energy Star Initiative Recognizes Cutting-Edge Products with Highest Energy Efficiency
July 14, 2011

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today are announcing for the first time products recognized as the most energy-efficient in their categories among those that have earned the Energy Star label. This pilot program is part of Energy Star's overall commitment to protect people's health and the environment by encouraging energy efficiency. The "Most Efficient" initiative also continues Energy Star's work to provide consumers with the best efficiency information so they can make investments that will lower their energy bills and environmental impact. The new designation of Most Efficient aims to provide all manufacturers with an incentive for greater product energy efficiency while providing consumers new information about the products that comprise the top tier in the categories.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND OFFERS INCENTIVES TO PARTICIPANTS TO ENSURE PROPER INSTALLATION OF HEATING AND COOLING EQUIPMENT
June 22, 2011

Connecticut residents are among the first in the country to be given the chance to participate in an innovative new program that offers financial incentives. The Quality Installation and Verification (QIV) program certifies that new air conditioning and heating equipment is installed in accordance with standards recently created by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).

Participating customers of CL&P and UI will receive checks of $500 per household once results of air conditioning or heat pump installation are successfully verified. In addition, Yankee Gas, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas customers who replace a qualifying natural gas warm-air system, or install one for the first time, will be issued incentive checks of $100 per home.

The program is offered by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund in partnership with Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P), The United Illuminating Company (UI), and the state's three natural gas companies. To be eligible for the QIV program, all equipment must be ENERGY STAR®qualified. Participation is expected to be mandatory for ENERGY STAR-certified homes beginning next year.

"This Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund program is an excellent opportunity for homeowners to make energy-saving upgrades and to receive financial incentives for being environmentally conscious," said Richard W. Steeves, Chairperson, Energy Efficiency Board.

According to CL&P Operations Supervisor Joseph Swift, the program can significantly reduce a homeowner's air conditioning and heating bills while maximizing comfort levels.

"All too often, the installation of HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) equipment neglects a total systems approach and does not address proper equipment sizing or duct losses," Swift said. "Now we've developed a program to help solve that problem and we're in the process of implementing it for our customers."

The Cap family of Middletown participated in a similar ENERGY STAR® HVAC Quality Installation pilot program administered by CL&P through the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund and supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Caps estimated that the program resulted in a 20 percent reduction in their natural gas usage with no sacrifice in comfort.

"It was nice to know that the system was really doing what they said it would," said homeowner Michael Cap, whose contractor, Aiello Home Services, used the new criteria to install a central air conditioning system in place of window units and to replace a furnace that the technician determined was too large for the residence.

The contractor also performed ancillary services, including testing and sealing duct work to reduce air leaks, taking measurements throughout the home to ensure adequate air flow, and checking the refrigerant levels in the air conditioner.

On-the-spot improvements and computations like these, along with energy-saving recommendations and information on available rebates, are provided during an initial in-home assessment by a Home Energy Solutions (HES) approved contractor as a preliminary step in QIV program participation.

QIV participants may choose a contractor from an approved list provided by utility program administrators, which includes information on the level of experience each contractor has had in working with the program.

For more information on the QIV program, call 1-877-WISE USE (1-877-947-3873) or visit www.CTEnergyInfo.com, Connecticut's complete energy information resource.

DOE Awards $15 Million for Next Generation Energy-Efficient Lighting
June 8, 2011

DOE announced on June 7 nearly $15 million will go toward support of eight new research and development projects that will speed up development of high-efficiency solid-state lighting technologies such as light-emitting (LEDs) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The selected projects, in Arizona, California, New York, and North Carolina, will leverage an additional $4 million in private sector funding. LEDs and OLEDs, which use an emissive electroluminescent layer of organic compounds, have the potential to be ten times more energy-efficient than conventional incandescent lighting and can last up to 25 times as long.

The selected research is focused on advancing core technology, developing new products, and expanding domestic manufacturing capacity. For example, Arizona State University Tempe will attempt to demonstrate an efficient, stable white OLED using a single emitter, which will simplify the device structure and in turn reduce costs for the consumer. And, Philips Lumileds Lighting Company, LLC in California will use high-voltage, low-current LED designs, to simplify driver requirements, improve driver efficiency, and reduce system cost. This is the seventh round of DOE funding for solid-state lighting core technology research and product development, and the second time that DOE has funded solid-state lighting manufacturing projects.

FHA, Fannie Mae Launch Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program
June 8, 2011

The U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) announced on May 31 its Green Refinance Plus, a program between HUD's Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Fannie Mae to boost energy efficiency in older affordable housing. The program will allow owners of existing affordable rental housing properties to refinance into new mortgages that include funding for energy- and water-saving upgrades, along with other needed property renovations.

Under the program, FHA and Fannie Mae will share the risk on loans to refinance existing rent-restricted projects while permitting owners to borrow additional funds to make energy-saving improvements to their properties. Owners of existing multifamily affordable properties typically refinance their mortgages every 10 to 15 years. In older apartment buildings, however, owners are often hard-pressed to find additional financing to maintain or improve the physical condition of their properties, including making energy-efficient upgrades. Soon, Fannie Mae and its participating lenders will begin accepting applications to refinance owners' debt and improve the energy efficiency of their properties.

The initiative is intended to refinance the expiring mortgages of Low Income Housing Tax Credit properties, and other affordable projects, and to lower annual operating costs by reducing energy consumption. Fannie Mae and HUD anticipate approximately $100 million in initial refinance volume with an average loan amount of $3.5 to $5 million.

Secretary Chu Announces Nearly $15 Million for Next Generation Energy-Efficient Lighting
June 7, 2011

Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced nearly $15 million to support eight new research and development projects that will accelerate the development and deployment of high-efficiency solid-state lighting technologies like LEDs and OLEDs. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have the potential to be ten times more energy-efficient than conventional incandescent lighting and can last up to 25 times as long. The projects selected today are located in four states across the country and are focused on advancing core R&D goals, developing new products, and expanding domestic manufacturing capacity to help the U.S. remain competitive in this growing technology market.

DOE Announces Guide for 50 % More Energy Efficient Office Buildings
May 11, 2011

The U.S. Department of Energy today announced the release of the first in a new series of Advanced Energy Design Guides (AEDGs) to aid architects and engineers in the design of highly energy efficient office buildings. The 50 % AEDG series will provide a practical approach to commercial buildings designed to achieve 50 % energy savings compared to the commercial building energy code used in many areas of the country. This 50 % AEDG for Small and Medium Office Buildings is the first in a series of four to be released in the coming months. These commercial building guides support President Obama’s goal to reduce energy use in commercial buildings 20 % by 2020 and will help drive demand for energy-saving products made in the United States.

DOE and HUD Launch Pilot Home Efficiency Financing Program
April 27, 2011

DOE and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) unveiled on April 21 a list of 18 lenders that will participate in a new two-year pilot program offering homeowners low-cost loans to make energy-saving improvements to their homes. These new "PowerSaver" loans, backed by the Federal Housing Administration, will offer homeowners up to $25,000 to make energy efficient improvements of their choice. Applicants can use the loans for the installation of insulation, duct sealing, replacement doors and windows, HVAC systems, water heaters, solar panels, and geothermal systems.

Initially, the PowerSaver pilot program will assist approximately 30,000 homeowners in their financing of energy efficient upgrades. According to HUD projections, more than 3,000 jobs will be created through this pilot program and the impact could be larger if market demand for the loan program increases over time. Loans will be offered to areas across the United States, including regions participating in DOE's BetterBuildings program. Loans are only available to borrowers with good credit, manageable debt, and at least some home equity.

Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund Announces Public Input Session
April 26, 2011

New Britain, Conn. -- The Connecticut Energy Efficiency Board cordially invites you to a public input session for the 2012 Conservation and Load Management Plan. The session will be held in the Phoenix Auditorium at the Department of Environmental Protection, Wednesday, May 11, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. to noon, 79 Elm Street in Hartford, fifth floor.

The board, led by Chairperson Richard W. Steeves, welcomes input as part of its collaborative process with utility companies, interested stakeholders, and the general public for formulating the annual draft Conservation and Load Management Plan. The plan will include recommendations about the allocation of Energy Efficiency Fund resources for energy efficiency programs and related activities, and will be submitted by September 1 to the Department of Public Utility Control for approval. In 2012 the plan will be implemented by the electric distribution and gas utility companies. Earlier plans may be reviewed at www.ctsavesenergy.com.

The Energy Efficiency Fund was established in 1998 as part of electric industry restructuring legislation. The Energy Efficiency Fund promotes efficient energy use, helps residents and businesses save on their electric and natural gas bills, advances economic development, reduces electric demand, and helps reduce air pollution. Energy Efficiency programs are funded by a charge on utility bills and are delivered via a partnership with Connecticut Light and Power, United Illuminating, Yankee Gas, Connecticut Natural Gas, and Southern Connecticut Gas. The Fund is overseen by the Energy Efficiency Board, comprised of 14 members representing business and consumer interests as well as state agencies.

A record of public input becomes part of the plan itself. The board's analysis of suggestions and feedback on the input will appear in a special section of the plan. For this reason, it is very important that you provide documentation of your comments, and advise us of your intent to share them. Presentations during the public input session should be about seven minutes long, with possible leeway depending on the number of participants. Slideshow and electronically based presentations will not be accommodated, but supplementary paper handouts are encouraged.

The board looks forward to hearing from you during the public input session. Please provide electronic copies of your remarks no later than Monday, May 9. While there is no formal advance registration, to facilitate processing through building security, please confirm your intention to attend via email or standard mail to the following address:

ct_eeb@att.net

West Wind Consulting, attn: Timothy Cole

157 Whitney Street, 2nd Floor

Hartford, CT 06105

860-874-7134

Energy Star Video Challenge Launched to Show Easy Ways to Save Energy and Money
April 21, 2011

WASHINGTON – As Earth Day approaches, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is launching a nationwide effort to help families learn about energy saving actions that can be taken while protecting the environment and their health. EPA is encouraging Americans to take part in the “Be an Energy Star” video challenge by picking up their home video cameras and documenting the energy-efficient actions they are taking in their home, school, workplace and community.

The videos will be featured on the Energy Star website and social networking websites where the public will view and vote for their favorite videos in the fall. The winning entries will be showcased on the Energy Star website during Energy Awareness month in October.

In addition to the video challenge, Americans can take the “Change the World, Start with Energy Star” pledge. The pledge is a way for individuals to commit to taking action on energy efficiency in their homes and daily activities such as switching to more efficient lighting, choosing Energy Star products, sealing and insulating homes, and using power management features on home computers and monitors.

To date, more than 2.7 million Americans have taken the Energy Star pledge, resulting in a reduction of more than 8 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the emissions from using more than 400 million gallons of gasoline. In 2010, more than 400 local and national organizations led efforts to encourage their communities to take the pledge and do their part to protect the environment. The top five pledge drivers for 2010 are: Sears Holdings, Georgia Power Company, Ameren Illinois, Lockheed Martin and Nissan North America.

Energy Star was started by EPA in 1992 as a market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the EPA Energy Star label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products as well as new homes and commercial and industrial buildings that meet strict energy-efficient specifications. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved $18 billion on their energy bills while preventing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions of 33 million vehicles.

More information on how to “Be an Energy Star”, the video challenge, and the pledge: http://www.energystar.gov/changetheworld

EPA Scores 100 Percent on Sustainability and Energy Goals
April 19, 2011

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released its fiscal year 2010 scorecard on sustainability and energy performance. EPA is meeting or exceeding all the federal goals to decrease energy use per square foot; reduce potable water use per square foot; lessen fleet petroleum use; establish inventories of direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions; incorporate sustainable building practices; and increase renewable energy use.

The agency’s energy consumption has dropped by 22.8 percent compared with the 18 percent required federal target. Water usage has gone down by 18.7 percent vs. the six percent target. Petroleum usage in the agency’s vehicle fleet has declined by 24.9 percent measured against the 10 percent target. Additionally, EPA purchases 100 percent green power for all of its electric power needs. EPA was the first agency to submit greenhouse gas targets and agency inventory to the meet the requirement of Executive Order 13514.

"The scorecard is an important tool for us to develop targets for waste reduction and energy efficiency for our facilities at EPA," said Craig Hooks, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Administration and Resources Management. "EPA is doing what the President envisioned us to do, 'lead by example,' by being good stewards of the environment, all the while realizing substantial savings to the government."

Using the scorecard as a benchmark, EPA has identified and is tracking opportunities to reduce pollution, improve efficiency, and cut costs. Under the executive order, President Obama directed federal agencies to lead by example in clean energy and to meet a range of energy, water, pollution, and waste-reduction targets. Based on scorecard benchmarks, EPA will update its sustainability plan, which is required by the executive order. The plan is due in June, and is posted publicly on the agency’s website.

The agency continues to strive for additional energy and water reductions, upgrade new and existing buildings with green and energy-efficient technologies, and identify ways to decrease greenhouse gas emissions including green travel, green conferencing, and employee teleworking opportunities.

EPA’s Sustainability and Energy Scorecard is at: http://epa.gov/aboutepa/ombscorecard.html

EPA Recognizes Leaders in Energy Efficiency - 2011 Energy Star Award winners announced
April 12, 2011

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is honoring 111 Energy Star partners who have demonstrated leadership and commitment in protecting American’s health and the environment through energy efficiency achievements. 2011 Energy Star award winners include manufacturers, retailers, public schools, hospitals, real estate companies and home builders. Organizations are recognized in one of three award categories: Sustained Excellence, Partner of the Year, and Excellence.

“Year after year, Energy Star award winners reflect American ingenuity at its highest level,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “The innovations at work in the Energy Star program are cost-effective ways to reduce pollution, improve our health and grow our economy all at the same time. Those who have invested in these energy saving technologies display economically-sensible solutions that are good for our communities and our future.”

The forty-six Sustained Excellence winners have continued to exhibit leadership year after year in the Energy Star program while remaining dedicated to environmental protection through energy efficiency. 2011 Sustained Excellence award winners include 3M, Bosch Home Appliances, Ford, GE, J.C. Penney, KB Home, Lowe’s, and PepsiCo.

Forty-four organizations have received Partner of the Year for strategically and comprehensively managing their energy use. These organizations promote Energy Star products and practices in their own operations, and provide efficient products and services to consumers within their community. 2011 Partner of the Year award winners include Boeing, Cleveland Clinic, Colgate-Palmolive, Hanesbrands, HEI Hotels & Resorts, Kohl’s, Panasonic, Sears, and Staples.

Twenty-one organizations are recognized with an Excellence award for a specific activity for promoting energy-efficient products, homes, or buildings, helping to expand the reach of the Energy Star program. 2011 Excellence award winners include Canon, DirectTV, Lennox, Menards, and Sharp Electronics.

Last year alone, Americans, with the help of the Energy Star program and its 20,000 partners, saved approximately $18 billion on their energy bills while preventing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions of 33 million vehicles. To date, nearly 1.2 million new homes and more than 12,600 office buildings, schools, hospitals and public buildings have earned the Energy Star. Since 2000, approximately 3.5 billion Energy Star qualified products have been sold.

More information and a full list of 2011 award winners: http://www.energystar.gov/awards

Northeast Sustainable Energy Association Green Buildings Open House Saturday, October 1, 2011 Call for Participation!
April 12, 2011

Mark your calendars for NESEA's Green Buildings Open House, part of the ASES National Solar Tour. From Maine to Pennsylvania, doors will open to the public to showcase green design, energy efficiency and renewable technologies. We invite you to be a part of this exciting event.

NESEA is currently looking for the following:

First Senior Care Communities Earn EPA’s Energy Star
April 7, 2011

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing 30 Sunrise Senior Living communities as the first senior care facilities to earn EPA’s Energy Star for superior energy performance. The communities have upgraded to more efficient lighting and improved operations of heating and hot water systems to improve their energy efficiency and save money while contributing to cleaner air and protecting people’s health.

The 30 communities, located in eight states across the country, join more than 12,600 Energy Star certified commercial buildings that are performing in the top 25 percent for energy efficiency when compared to similar buildings nationwide. The certified buildings typically use 35 percent less energy and produce 35 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Sunrise Senior Living owns 277 senior care communities in the United States, of which 11 percent are now Energy Star certified.

Nursing homes, assisted living communities, and certain types of continuing care retirement communities are now eligible to earn EPA’s Energy Star, in addition to 14 other commercial building types, such as schools and retail stores. There are more than 38,000 residential care communities in the United States and together they spend more than $1.5 billion annually on energy use. If each community reduced its energy use by just 10 percent, Americans could save more than $150 million per year.

Energy Star was started by EPA in 1992 as a market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today the Energy Star label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products, as well as new homes and commercial and industrial buildings that meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by EPA. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved approximately $18 billion on their energy bills while preventing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions of 33 million vehicles.

EPA Announces Updated Energy Star Standards for Lighting
April 5, 2011

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing updated standards for light fixtures to qualify for the Energy Star label – an efficiency program that has saved consumers money on their energy bills while contributing to cleaner air and protecting people’s health since 1992. Effective October 1, 2011, to qualify for the Energy Star label light fixtures will need to increase efficiency 30 percent above currently qualified fluorescent-based fixtures. In 2013, performance requirements will increase further, providing 40 percent higher efficiency compared to currently qualified models.

Light fixtures that earn the Energy Star save consumers money on their energy bills and reduce the costs and hassle associated with bulb replacement. The bulbs in Energy Star qualified fixtures last at least 10 times longer than standard light bulbs. The fixtures will continue to meet other strict performance requirements that ensure quick start-up and high quality light output, as well as reduced toxics in the fixture materials. Additionally, the fixtures will come with a 3-year warranty, which is above the industry practice.

Consumers can expect to see a range of technology options qualifying under the new Energy Star requirements -- including fluorescent and LED lighting -- each held to the same high standard. In order to earn the Energy Star label under the new requirements, product performance must be certified by an EPA-recognized third-party, based on testing in an EPA-recognized laboratory. In addition, manufacturers of the products must participate in verification testing programs run by recognized certification bodies.

Energy Star was started by EPA in 1992 as a market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the Energy Star label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products as well as new homes and commercial and industrial buildings that meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by EPA. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved $18 billion on their energy bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 33 million vehicles.

Better Homes, Better Buildings, Better Communities
March 30, 2011

Martha Stewart created an empire by inviting Americans into her home to show how one small improvement could dramatically transform a room or how tweaking an old recipe could surprise your palette. Martha Stewart, however, is not an engineer—so why would she take a personal interest in BetterBuildings, a DOE program to reduce energy waste in homes and businesses?

Stewart's attendance at the BetterBuildings program launch in Bedford, New York, earlier this year actually makes perfect sense. BetterBuildings programs are based on the same basic notion as Martha Stewart's work—that a small change can make a huge difference in your home. Stewart and BetterBuildings share a common goal: improving quality of life. By saving energy, families can save money and live in more comfortable homes.

The 41 grant recipients of the BetterBuildings program were awarded a total of $508 million in federal funding to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, and they're already passionately bringing about change in their communities. These projects are creating jobs, boosting local economies, and helping consumers save money on their energy bills. By the end of March, almost all program recipients will be offering energy upgrades for homes and businesses throughout the country. For example, this week Clean Energy Works of Oregon is expanding their Portland pilot program to 17 communities throughout the state. Other programs scheduled to launch soon include Connecticut, Wisconsin, and Camden, New Jersey. The program is ramping up fast and soon all BetterBuildings communities will realize its benefits.

Resolving to Make Earth Day Last All Year
March 30, 2011

What was your New Year's resolution this year? Maybe you resolved to get back into the gym and finally lose those last pesky pounds. Maybe, like me, you resolved to finally break down and buy that new furnace. Or maybe you resolved do whatever you could to save energy and money this year.

When we talk about saving energy throughout the year, it's easy to forget that we're not just energy users when we're at home. Many of us spend a large part of our days at work, and the energy we use there is significant. According to Energy Star, the energy needed to support just one office worker for a day produces twice as much greenhouse gas emissions as that person's drive to work. Handily, there are a lot of resources available to help you tackle that energy usage at work, and Earth Day (coming up on April 22nd) can be the perfect time to launch a campaign to make the change.

EPA Announces U.S. Cities with the Most Energy Star Certified Buildings
March 14, 2011

Third annual list shows dramatic growth, savings of energy efficient buildings

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing a list of U.S. metropolitan areas with the greatest number of energy-efficient buildings that earned EPA’s Energy Star certification in 2010. The list of 25 cities is headed by Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; San Francisco; Chicago; New York; Atlanta; Houston; Sacramento; Detroit; and Dallas-Fort Worth. The growth in Energy Star certified buildings across the country has prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the emissions from the energy use of nearly 1.3 million homes a year, protecting people’s health, while saving more than $1.9 billion.

"When it's more important than ever to cut energy costs and reduce pollution in our communities, organizations across America are making their buildings more efficient, raising the bar in energy efficiency and lowering the amount of carbon pollution and other emissions in the air we breathe," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "Through their partnership with Energy Star, metropolitan areas across the U.S. are saving a combined $1.9 billion in energy costs every year while developing new ways to shrink energy bills and keep our air clean."

EPA debuted its list of cities with the most Energy Star certified buildings in 2008. Los Angeles remains in first place for the third year; the District of Columbia and San Francisco hold second and third respectively for the second year; and Detroit and Sacramento are new to the top ten. New York City climbed five spots to claim fifth in the rankings and California boasts more cities on EPA’s list than any other state in the country with a total of five.

Surpassing the growth of the past several years, in 2010 more than 6,200 commercial buildings earned the Energy Star, an increase of nearly 60 percent compared to 2009. Since EPA awarded the first Energy Star to a building in 1999, more than 12,600 buildings across America have earned the Energy Star as of the end of 2010.

Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for nearly 20 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of more than $100 billion per year. Commercial buildings that earn the Energy Star must perform in the top 25 percent of buildings nationwide compared to similar buildings and be independently verified by a licensed professional engineer or registered architect each year. Energy Star certified buildings use 35 percent less energy and emit 35 percent less carbon dioxide than average buildings. Fourteen types of commercial buildings can earn the Energy Star, including office buildings, K-12 schools, and retail stores.

Obama Administration Announces Launch of i6 Green Challenge to Promote Clean Energy Innovation and Economic Growth
March 11, 2011

The U.S. Department of Energy joined with the U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) and its Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship today to announce the opening of the $12 million i6 Green Challenge, which will also be conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Science Foundation, and Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The funding will support awards for six teams around the country with the most innovative ideas to drive technology commercialization and entrepreneurship in support of a green innovation economy, increased U.S. competitiveness and new jobs. The Department of Energy will invest up to $2 million to support the $12 million multi-agency i6 Green Challenge, which will establish or expand Proof of Concept Centers across the U.S. In order to be eligible for DOE funding, applicants will be required to demonstrate innovation in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, or green building technology.

EPA Announces New Energy Star Requirements for Televisions and Cable/Satellite Boxes
March 10, 2011

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the completion of updates to the Energy Star requirements for televisions and cable and satellite boxes. Effective in September 2011, these products must be 40 percent more efficient than conventional models in order to qualify for the Energy Star label. The updates are the first of more than 20 revisions to product requirements the Energy Star program is expected to complete this year.

The new television requirements reflect an acceleration of pending changes made possible by a rapid market response to the current Energy Star requirements. Sustained consumer demand and strong retailer support for the program could lead to sales of the current Energy Star qualified televisions representing as much as 70 percent of the market this year. With more than 19 million large screen (greater than 40 inches) televisions expected to ship this year, this means substantial overall energy bill savings and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reductions. For example, under the new requirements, a 60 inch television must use less than 108 watts, compared to the average 282 watts used by a standard model that size.

The new Energy Star requirements for cable and satellite boxes specify that they enter a deep sleep mode while not in use, dropping their energy consumption from about 16 watts to 2 watts or less. The new requirements also encourage the deployment of multi-room “thin client” devices to transmit programming from one central DVR to other televisions in the home.

In order to earn the Energy Star label under these new requirements, product performance must be certified by an EPA-recognized third-party based on testing in an EPA-recognized lab. In addition, manufacturers of the products must participate in verification testing programs run by recognized Certification Bodies. If all televisions, cable and satellite boxes in the U.S. were to meet the new Energy Star requirements, consumer energy cost savings would grow to more than $5 billion each year and reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions equal to those of more than 7 million cars.

More information on TVs: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=revisions.television_spec

More information on cable/satellite boxes:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=revisions.settop_box_spec

Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser.

Peter Vargo Appointment to the NAHB Research Center Task Group for the 2012 Update of the National Green Building Standard
March 4, 2011

Pete Vargo was recently appointed by the NAHB Research Center to serve on a Task Group for the 2012 Update of the National Green Building Standard. Task Groups will perform an important role in reviewing and developing proposed changes to the Standard and making recommendations to the Consensus Committee. Task Group rosters and the Consensus Committee roster are posted online at www.nahbrc.com/ngbs. Task Group Chairs will be announced in the coming days. The first Task Group sessions will take place on March 29 and 30 in Washington D.C.

EPA’s Energy Star Leaders Drive Greater Energy Efficiency
February 23, 2011

WASHINGTON – Thousands of buildings across the country are saving energy while reducing harmful air pollutants and protecting the health of Americans with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star program. EPA recognized 74 leading Energy Star organizations for their achievements in energy efficiency across their entire building portfolios in 2010, 50 of which were recognized as first time Energy Star Leaders. Through their commitment to superior energy management, these organizations together have prevented the equivalent of more than 460,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually and saved more than $100 million a year.

To be an Energy Star Leader, an organization must meet one of two energy efficiency improvement milestones. The first milestone requires a 10 percent improvement in energy performance across the entire building portfolio, and subsequent recognition is given for each 10 percent improvement thereafter. The second milestone, known as “top performer,” requires the buildings in an organization’s portfolio, on average, to perform in the top 25 percent of similar buildings nationwide.

Two organizations have taken Energy Star Leaders to new heights, becoming the first to improve energy efficiency across their building portfolios by 40 and 50 percent. These organizations are Blue Mountain School District in Pennsylvania and DeKalk County Central Unified School District in Indiana, respectively.

The complete list of Energy Star Leaders includes more than 150 school districts, commercial real estate companies, healthcare systems, supermarket operators, hotel managers, and government organizations. These organizations represent more than 6,790 buildings covering nearly 540 million square feet across 36 states and the District of Columbia.

List of Energy Star Leaders as of December 31, 2010: http://www.energystar.gov/2010_Leaders_list.pdf

DOE Webinar February 22: Residential Building Energy Codes – International Energy Conservation Code 2012 and Beyond
February 16, 2011

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Building Technologies Program is offering a Webinar on Tuesday, February 22, 2011, from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Eastern titled "Residential Building Energy Codes - IECC 2012 and Beyond." Register now to attend this free Webinar.

The 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will incorporate major changes from the 2009 IECC. Don't miss this overview of the role that DOE's Residential Building Energy Codes Program played in the development of the 2012 edition of the IECC, and a forecast of the future of energy codes.

Stakeholders include residential builders, architects, building engineers, building energy code officials, and contractors.

DOE Webinar February 22, 2011: Residential Building Energy Codes - IECC 2012 and Beyond
February 15, 2011

Major changes will be made in the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as compared to the 2009 IECC. Don't miss this overview of the role that DOE's residential Building Energy Codes Program played in the development of the 2012 edition of the IECC, and a forecast of the future of energy codes.

Target audiences include residential builders, architects, building engineers, building energy code officials and contractors.

President Sets Better Buildings Initiative for Energy Efficiency
February 9, 2011

Following his call in his State of the Union for clean energy advances, President Obama proposed on February 3 new efforts to improve energy efficiency in commercial buildings across the country. His "Better Buildings Initiative" will aim to make commercial buildings 20% more energy efficient over the next decade, and it could reduce energy bills by about $40 billion at today's prices. Through a series of incentives, the plan will encourage private-sector investment to upgrade all types of buildings ranging from offices and schools to universities and hospitals. In 2010, commercial buildings consumed roughly 20% of all energy in the U.S. economy.

The President's budget, subject to Congressional approval, will propose to make U.S. businesses more energy efficient through a series of new initiatives: new tax incentives for building efficiency would transform the current deduction to a credit that is more generous and that will encourage building property retrofits; more financing opportunities for those commercial retrofits, with the Small Business Administration working to encourage existing lenders to take advantage of recently increased loan size limits to promote new energy efficiency retrofit loans for small businesses; a new DOE pilot program to guarantee loans for energy efficiency upgrades at hospitals, schools, and commercial buildings.

Other elements of the proposal are a "Race to Green" for state and municipal governments that streamline regulations and attract private investment for retrofit projects, using new competitive grants to states and local governments that streamline standards; a Better Buildings Challenge to spur CEOs and university presidents to make their organizations leaders in saving energy; and more training for the next generation of commercial building technology workers by launching a Building Construction Technology Extension Partnership modeled on the successful Manufacturing Extension Partnership at the Department of Commerce, and by providing more workforce training in areas such as energy auditing and building operations. The White House said the Better Buildings Initiative will complement programs already launched for government and residential buildings, including the $20 billion in funding for building energy efficiency in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

300,000 Homes Weatherized in Recovery Act Milestone
January 26, 2011

More than 300,000 low-income homes have been weatherized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, DOE announced on January 19. The milestone reached in November means that states are now more than half way toward meeting President Obama's goal of weatherizing approximately 600,000 homes under the Recovery Act. The weatherization program is helping low-income families save money on their energy bills by improving home energy efficiency with upgrades like insulation, air sealing, and more efficient heating and cooling systems. The program has also trained a new generation of clean energy workers and is employing more than 15,000 workers nationwide.
More than 300,000 low-income homes have been weatherized so far under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Additionally, the pace of the work accelerated, as a network of state offices, local agencies, and weatherization providers completed more than 100,000 jobs in the last four months of the survey. Weatherization assistance reduces energy consumption for low-income families on average 35%, saving families on average more than $400 each on their heating and cool bills in the first year alone. Nationwide, the weatherization of 300,000 homes is estimated to save $161 million in energy costs in just the first year.

Secretary Chu Announces Major New Recovery Act Milestone: 300,000 Homes Weatherized
January 20, 2011

U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced that states and territories across the country have now weatherized more than 300,000 low-income homes under the Recovery Act, a major milestone in the Department’s efforts to reduce home energy bills for families. This means that states are now more than 50 percent of the way toward meeting President Obama’s goal of weatherizing approximately 600,000 homes under the Recovery Act. The weatherization program is helping families save money on their energy bills by improving home energy efficiency with upgrades like insulation, air-sealing, and more efficient heating and cooling systems. The program has also trained a new generation of clean energy workers and is employing more than 15,000 workers nationwide.

The New American Home Incorporates Energy-Saving Technologies
January 19, 2011

The National Council of the Housing Industry and Builder Magazine have revealed the 2011 edition of "The New American Home," which aims to use 42% less energy than would a similar house built to the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code. Each year, The New American Home provides a demonstration of current innovations in architecture, construction techniques, and new products, including the latest energy-saving technologies. The current model, near downtown Orlando, Florida, highlights DOE's Building America strategies to conserve energy and building materials. The builder deconstructed existing homes on the site rather than demolishing them, recovering the maximum amount of materials for reuse. The new house features an airtight, energy efficient thermal shell, including concrete block exterior walls insulated with spray foam.

The home also uses solar energy for a portion of its space conditioning. This new HVAC offering bundles the space conditioning system with four dedicated photovoltaic panels, so that when the system is not running, other electrical devices in the home can use the solar power instead. A solar thermal hot water system with an 80-gallon storage tank provides most of the home's hot water. And, 60% of all interior and exterior lamps are energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps, linear fluorescent lamps, and LEDs. Energy Star appliances are used throughout the structure. The home's energy performance helped it achieve the "emerald" level, the highest score under the National Green Building Program of the National Association of Home Builders. IBACOS, Inc., a member of the Building America program, worked with the National Council of the Housing Industry to help ensure energy innovations in the home.

Building America is an industry-driven research program, sponsored by DOE and designed to accelerate the development and adoption of advanced building energy technologies in new and existing homes. The New American Home is the official showcase home of the annual International Builders' Show (IBS), which this year was held January 12-15 in Orlando.

DOE Webinar January 18: National Residential Efficiency Measures Database Unveiled
January 10, 2011

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Building Technologies Program is offering a Webinar on Tuesday, January 18, 2011, from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Eastern titled "National Residential Efficiency Measures Database Unveiled." Register now to attend this free Webinar: https://www.mymeetings.com/emeet/rsvp/index.jsp?customHeader=mymeetings&Conference_ID=2155167&passcode=7170033

The National Residential Efficiency Measures Database project aims to provide a national unified database of residential building retrofit measures and associated costs. This Webinar will provide an overview of the measures database project, progress to date, and planned enhancements for the future.

Don't miss this opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the database. Target audiences include residential efficiency program managers, Home Energy Rating System (HERS)/audit software developers, home performance contractors, efficiency product representatives, and building science researchers.

President Signs Bill Extending Energy Efficiency, Renewable Provisions
January 5, 2011

President Obama on December 17 signed a bill that temporarily extends through 2011 various energy efficiency and renewable energy provisions, including Section 1603 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which provides cash assistance to energy producers in place of tax credits. Under this program, the federal government provides a cash payment in lieu of a tax credit totaling 30% of the qualifying cost of the project. The measure, passed by the U.S. House and U.S. Senate and hailed by renewable energy industry associations, extends for one year the start-of-construction deadline for projects such as wind and solar power that are eligible under Section 1603.

Other provisions extended through 2011 include a $1-per-gallon production tax credit for biodiesel as well as diesel fuel created from biomass; credit for manufacturers of energy-efficient residential homes; a 50-cent-per gallon alternative fuel tax credit; the existing per-gallon tax credits and outlay payments for ethanol; credits for U.S.-based manufacture of energy-efficient washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators; certain credit for energy-efficient improvements to existing homes; and a 30% investment tax credit for alternative vehicle refueling property.

DOE to Provide $7 Million to Support Updated Building Codes in 24 States
December 17, 2010

The Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that it has selected 24 states to receive a total of $7 million to support the adoption of updated, energy-efficient building codes. The funding will expand the existing partnerships between states and the federal government and help states to more rapidly adopt new residential and commercial building codes, as well increase compliance with those codes. As part of the Administration’s broad efforts to help families and businesses save money by saving energy, these awards will help states and local communities significantly cut the energy intensity of the nation’s buildings sector, which accounts for more than 40 percent of the energy consumed in the U.S.

This technical assistance through the Department’s Building Energy Codes program is being funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) will provide the selected states with up to $350,000 in technical assistance that include activities such as code trainings for the building community and adoption outreach to policy makers. Each state has committed to work with DOE to advance adoption, training, and compliance for the updated building codes.

The Recovery Act provided a new goal for DOE's building codes efforts: 90 % compliance with energy code requirements for each state by 2017. The Recovery Act specifically references two target building codes for states to adopt: Standard 90.1-2007 from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), and the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (2009 IECC), which collectively address residential and commercial buildings. Overall, the codes outline a multitude of energy efficiency measures related to the building envelope, HVAC systems, service water heating, power, and lighting.

The Building Energy Code program has resulted in an estimated $16 billion in savings since the program’s start 20 years ago. It is helping to save money for U.S. consumers, dramatically reduce energy use and carbon pollution, and create jobs as part of America’s clean energy economy.

The following states have been selected to receive technical assistance to help them adopt updated building energy codes:

Alabama—$329,665

Arizona—$324,500

Colorado—$257,376

Georgia—$337,532

Idaho—$245,263

Illinois—$332,707

Kentucky —$347,463

Maine—$348,264

Massachusetts—$350,000

Michigan—$350,000

Mississippi—$85,735

Missouri—$158,565

Montana—$141,705

Nebraska—$276,417

Nevada—$347,504

New Jersey—$346,018

New Mexico—$308,237

North Carolina—$346,126

South Carolina—$256,520

Texas—$300,415

Utah—$265,202

Virginia—$244,799

Washington—$349,937

Wisconsin—$349,989

The Building Energy Codes Program is part of the Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Program, which works to develop technologies, techniques, and tools for making buildings more energy efficient, productive, and affordable. DOE works with other government agencies, state and local jurisdictions, national code organizations, and industry partners to promote more efficient building energy codes and provide assistance to those who are impacting energy code adoption and compliance.

Energy Efficiency Fund Presented with Leadership Award for Pioneering Energy Programs in Connecticut
December 8, 2010

The Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund today announced that it has received the Association of Energy Engineers-Connecticut Chapter's (AEE-CT) "Leadership Award in Energy Efficiency". The Energy Efficiency Fund is being recognized for its work in helping Connecticut organizations advance the efficient use of energy, reduce air pollution and negative environmental impacts, and promote energy security, resulting in cost savings and greener, more sustainable organizations.

The AEE-CT, an organization that promotes energy education and fosters action for sustainable energy efficient development, presented the award to the Energy Efficiency Fund at a ceremony at the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford on November 30, Mark Twain's 175th birthday.

"The Fund was chosen for this leadership award because of its involvement in our award-winning energy efficiency projects. In fact, they are typically involved in all of our projects," said Certified Energy Engineer and AEE-CT President Dan Wheatley. "The Energy Efficiency Fund is supported by utility customers with a small charge on their monthly bills and is used for qualified projects that have a major impact on the energy usage of businesses and residences in Connecticut. Additionally, the Fund helps create jobs, stimulates local businesses, saves fresh water from the mechanical cooling process, and reduces emissions, to name just some of the benefits."

"In 2010 alone, approximately 2,500 businesses in Connecticut participated in a Fund program along with nearly 25,000 residents who received in-home services and thousands more who purchased compact fluorescent lamps at a discount provided by the Fund or redeemed a rebate for a new ENERGY STAR® appliance," said Rich Steeves, Chairman of the Energy Efficiency Board.

Connecticut businesses, families and municipalities are projected to save nearly $51 million in energy costs in 2010 as a result of energy saved through Fund programs. The programs are administered by CL&P, UI and the natural gas utilities with guidance from the Energy Efficiency Board and oversight by the Department of Public Utility Control.

"The Energy Efficiency Fund's relationships with professional trade organizations like the AEE and other trade allies are vital to the Fund," said Ron Araujo, of Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P), who accepted the award on behalf of the Fund. "We partner with trade allies on thousands of projects a year to promote energy efficiency and improve the competitive business environment in Connecticut."

At the event, the Mark Twain House & Museum also received an "Excellence in Design and Engineering Energy Award" for its participation in the Energy Efficiency Fund's Small Business Energy Advantage program. The Fund provided incentives and CL&P provided technical expertise that enabled the museum to switch all its lighting to super-efficient LEDs, saving them approximately 50 percent on their electricity costs each year.

EPA Administrator and NAS President Recognize EPA 40th Anniversary, Announce Groundbreaking National Research Council Study
November 30, 2010

WASHINGTON – Today, at an event recognizing the Environmental Protection Agency’s 40th anniversary, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson and National Academy of Sciences (NAS) President Ralph Cicerone announced that EPA has commissioned a National Research Council (NRC) study that will help the agency build upon its expertise in protecting human health and the environment. The study will define how to incorporate sustainability concepts into EPA programs.

The event is part of EPA’s week-long commemoration of the agency’s 40th anniversary. The week began with an event at the Aspen Institute, which unveiled a list of 10 ways EPA has strengthened America. The administrator and EPA offices across the country will be participating in events to highlight the impact of its efforts to clean up the air Americans breathe, the water they drink and the communities they live in. These events will also focus on some of the unfinished business of the environmental movement.

The agency has asked the NRC to develop the Green Book, a groundbreaking effort to incorporate sustainability into the way the agency approaches environmental protection. This tool will assist EPA in its work to find links and coordinate among its various functions, including air, water and land protection. The announcement signifies an important step toward building a society that can meet its needs while preserving the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

The effort parallels the 1983 Red Book, published by the NRC in an effort to systematize risk assessment and risk management into EPA’s work. At that time, EPA Administrator William D. Ruckelshaus delivered a landmark speech to the National Academies, calling for the development of the risk framework and emphasizing its critical role in improving the agency’s effectiveness.

Historically, environmental programs have largely focused on reducing air pollution and water pollution, and how to identify and monitor chemical and environmental risks to human health and the environment. Today’s challenges depend on the sustainable use of energy, water, materials and land, and require solutions that stress the linkages between energy use, water use, environmental protection, human health, quality of life, and the global economy. The Green Book will provide recommendations to EPA that will support the agency’s shift toward viewing this complex set of modern-day environmental challenges through a sustainability lens.

The recently announced Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves Initiative exemplifies this type of thinking. The initiative does not merely focus on reducing risk, but it forges a sustainable solution linking environmental issues such as air quality and deforestation to health and quality of life issues for women and girls. The Green Book will provide the foundation for the agency’s shift toward a sustainability framework.

EPA Recognizes Nation’s First WaterSense Labeled Homes
November 24, 2010

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the first WaterSense labeled homes in the country. WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by EPA that seeks to protect the future of our nation’s water supply by offering people a simple way to use less water.

The program is helping homebuyers cut their water and energy use while at the same time saving money on utility bills. Four WaterSense labeled new homes have been built by KB Home in Roseville, California, and will help families save an average of 10,000 gallons of water and at least $100 on utility costs each year.

“To meet the environmental and economic needs of homes and communities, it’s important that we’re doing everything we can to conserve water and energy and shrink costs for American consumers,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “The construction of the first WaterSense labeled homes, and the plans to build more, mark the beginning of an innovative approach that gives homeowners the chance to cut their water and energy bills and protect a vital environmental resource.”

Since signing on as the first national builder to partner with WaterSense, KB Home has agreed to build three communities of homes that will earn the WaterSense label, which will be the first in the nation to meet WaterSense criteria for newly built homes. Each house includes WaterSense labeled plumbing fixtures, an efficient hot water delivery system, water-efficient landscape design, and other water and energy-efficient features.

Each WaterSense labeled new home is independently inspected and certified to ensure EPA’s criteria are met for both water efficiency and performance. A WaterSense labeled new home is built to use about 20 percent less water than a typical new home.

EPA estimates that if the approximately 500,000 new homes built last year had met WaterSense criteria, the homes would save Americans 5 billion gallons of water and more than $50 million in utility bills annually.

More information on WaterSense:
http://www.epa.gov/watersense

New Versions of EnergyPlus and OpenStudio Plug-in for Google SketchUp
November 19, 2010

DOE released updated versions of its popular EnergyPlus simulation software and OpenStudio Plug-in for Google SketchUp. EnergyPlus models heating, cooling, lighting, and other building energy flows. OpenStudio Plug-in makes it possible to perform EnergyPlus simulations with Google's user-friendly 3-D drawing interface. EnergyPlus and OpenStudio Plug-in work together to help engineers and architects design better functioning, more energy-efficient buildings.

Interview with David Lee, Supervisor of Residential Integration Program
November 19, 2010

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Building Technologies Program (BTP) residential efforts focus on improving the efficiency of new and existing homes in the United States. In 2010, David Lee moved from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to manage BTP's residential buildings research and deployment strategy. In this interview, Mr. Lee provides an overview of BTP's residential program goals, research focus areas for the coming year, and challenges faced in improving the efficiency of U.S. homes.

The focus of the Building America research program is to improve the efficiency of new and existing homes. What are the specific goals for this program?
The goals continue to focus on relative efficiency improvements, either over code or above the efficiency of an existing home. For new homes, we are seeking ways to demonstrate efficiency improvements by 20%, 30% and finally 50% over the next six years. We have similar goals for existing homes, with targets stretching out to 2017.

What are the key research areas that the Building America teams will focus on in the coming year?
As you know, we have reoriented the Building America teams to focus more on retrofits, although research on new homes will continue. As the teams address the existing housing stock, we will be looking for ways to increase the energy efficiency of homes while trying to decrease the cost of retrofits. Cost of improvements is one barrier to adoption. At the same time, we will examine potential safety hazards to both contractors and homeowners that may occur during or after retrofits, such as asbestos removal, lead abatement, and other risks. We will want to minimize indoor air pollution that may occur from retrofits, as well as from efficient new home construction.

How will the Building America research program integrate with the new BetterBuildings initiative? Are there other efforts underway in BTP related to residential building efficiency?
The management of the Building America teams is working very closely with the BetterBuildings initiative on collaboration opportunities. While some of the BetterBuilding grantees are experienced with implementing retrofit and home improvement programs, there are many who are unfamiliar with not only the programmatic details related to implementation, but also with the technical issues they will face in the field. Building America teams can offer technical solutions to these problems. At the same time, the BetterBuildings grantees offer a real world laboratory for the Building America teams to investigate many of the issues that complicate and hinder the expansion of a vibrant retrofit market.

Low-cost retrofits that address air sealing and insulation as well as easy access to home assessments are definitely needed. The BetterBuildings initiative provides the opportunity for the teams to investigate such challenges.

The BetterBuildings program is directed toward retrofits. However new home construction remains an important part of BTP's objectives. We have started work with EPA's ENERGY STAR® New Homes Program to better harmonize ENERGY STAR and the Builders Challenge program. I would like to minimize any confusion that may exist in the market about these two programs, so that the government can speak with one voice.

Finally, BTP will continue to work at the national level to ensure consistent standards, certifications, and worker qualifications across the country in both the retrofit and new homes market.

What do you see as the biggest energy-saving opportunity for homeowners today?
From my experience at EPA, through Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, as well as my observations of DOE's Weatherization Assistance Program, air sealing, insulation and duct sealing are likely the largest energy-saving opportunities, in addition to lighting. Programmable thermostats hold promise, yet homeowners need to be better educated about how to use these thermostats effectively in lowering energy bills. There is some interesting work underway to determine whether homeowner comparison of their energy bills to others provides an incentive to take action to improve their home efficiency level.

What is the greatest challenge to implementing widespread home efficiency measures in existing homes?
As we all know, households face a wide range of needs and demands in their daily lives, and they must prioritize their expenses. It appears that energy efficiency is not that high of a priority, given the demands of daily life. Getting homeowners' attention is probably the greatest challenge for any energy efficiency program. I think we are making progress in this area as we see large builders interested in promoting the Builders Challenge EnergySmart Home Scale (E-Scale) and ENERGY STAR. The big box retailers are also beginning to come to the table connecting energy efficiency with home improvement.

We do need to make a better case that energy efficiency leads not only to lower energy bills but also to greater comfort, and in some cases improved health. Homeowners need to feel the benefits of energy efficiency improvements, as well as see the drop in energy bills.

Lastly, there needs to be a credible workforce that can deliver on the promise of energy improvements. Such organizations as the Building Performance Institute (BPI), North American Technical Excellence (NATE), and Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), as well as others are very important to raise the bar on the level of entry into this market by contractors.

What are some of the key lessons you learned at EPA that you will apply to your work at BTP?
Well, first I would say that the close cooperation between Building America teams and ENERGY STAR has proven invaluable, and I believe that the success of ENERGY STAR-qualified homes has a lot to do with the work that the teams have done over the years. Its success has also had a lot to do with utilities picking up ENERGY STAR as a rebated program, as well as the leadership of Sam Rashkin. This kind of cooperation across governments programs is essential.

Secondly, at ENERGY STAR I learned the importance of effectively communicating to the homebuilder as well as the homeowner about the benefits of an energy efficient home. It must be easy to understand and to implement.

What is the most effective way to motivate homeowners to implement energy efficiency measures when they are updating and remodeling their homes?
The current administration has just released a quick Home Energy Score assessment tool for existing homes. This tool will assist homeowners in understanding how efficient their homes are, at a much lower cost and effort than a HERS rating. In addition, there are other Web-based tools, such as EPA's Yardstick, that uses utility bills to compare a homeowner's energy consumption to neighbors' bills.

I believe that real estate agents as well as remodelers are important partners to communicate the message of energy efficiency to homeowners at time of sale. Indeed, I believe that a remodeler can offer to improve the overall appearance of the home, or expand its living space, while at the same time reducing the energy bill of the homeowner, if allowed to conduct a comprehensive home assessment and perform energy improvement measures.

DOE Announces Historic Strides in Energy Efficiency for Residential and Commercial Building Codes
November 15, 2010

Late last month, members of the International Code Council (ICC) met in Charlotte, North Carolina and voted to increase the energy efficiency levels for the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), the energy section of the building safety and fire prevention codes that set minimum safeguards for U.S. buildings. The 30 percent improvement in energy savings over the 2006 IECC means that homes and businesses across the country will be built to use less energy, saving Americans potentially billions of dollars on energy bills.

The ICC is comprised of state and local energy and safety code officials, building industry representatives and relevant stakeholders, and is responsible for setting safety, efficiency and fire prevention requirements for U.S. residential and commercial construction. At the ICC final action hearing in October, members overwhelmingly passed a series of energy saving code changes, including residential and commercial proposals sponsored by the Department of Energy. The final package is anticipated to achieve DOE’s 30 percent goal of energy savings in both residential and commercial buildings compared to the 2006 baseline. The ICC is expected to publish the new building code in early 2011. At the time of publication most states and municipalities adopt or revise their building code regulations for new buildings and major renovations to achieve the maximum energy saving potential within their local communities. However, once the 2012 IECC publication is released, DOE will undertake a formal rulemaking determination for energy efficiency over the 2009 codes. The results will be published in the Federal Register. If the analysis shows that the revised code is more energy efficient than its predecessor, then each state is required to certify that it has reviewed its residential building energy code regarding energy efficiency and made a decision as to whether it is appropriate for that state to revise its residential building code to meet or exceed the revised code.

Key highlights of the IECC 2012 code include:

Increased standards in envelope efficiency
Increased duct performance requirements
Increased air exchange requirements (decreased infiltration)
Added efficiency requirements for cooling towers and HVAC systems in commercial buildings.

Members also voted to eliminate the Energy Chapter of the International Residential Code, replacing it with the IECC. By removing confusion and contradiction within the codes, the ICC has provided a more efficient path to residential code compliance.

These monumental strides in efficiency represent a significant milestone towards the Department of Energy’s goal of achieving 50 percent increase in energy savings compared to the 2006 energy code baseline by 2015.

DOE and EPA Release 2011 Annual Fuel Economy Guide
November 4, 2010

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) today released the 2011 Fuel Economy Guide, providing consumers with information about estimated mileage and fuel costs for model year 2011 vehicles. Choosing the most fuel efficient vehicle in a class will save consumers money and reduce carbon pollution.

"Increasing fuel efficiency is important for our environment, our economy and our health - and it helps families save money at the pump," EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said. "This guide will help consumers make the right choice for the environment and for their wallets when buying a car."

"This year's Fuel Economy Guide will allow consumers to choose fuel efficient vehicles that will save them money at the pump, while helping to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and limiting carbon pollution," said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. "Fuel efficient vehicles help reduce driving costs for American families while continuing to deliver the highest standards of vehicle performance."

Fuel-efficient models come in all types, classes, and sizes. The 2011 Fuel Economy Guide can help consumers easily identify the most fuel efficient vehicles that meet their needs. Overall, the best fuel economy performers are hybrids, but the 2011 fuel economy leader list also includes fuel efficient clean diesels as well as gasoline models.

Each vehicle listing in the guide provides an estimated annual fuel cost. The estimate is calculated based on the vehicle's miles per gallon (mpg) rating and national estimates for annual mileage and fuel prices. The online version of the guide allows consumers to input their local gasoline prices and typical driving habits to receive a personalized fuel cost estimate.

For the first time, the guide includes medium-duty passenger vehicles, which are generally large sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and passenger vans. These vehicles were not previously subject to fuel economy measurement and labeling requirements.

EPA and DOE will provide additional fuel economy information online as more 2011 vehicles, including electric and plug-in hybrid cars, become available.

In addition to being available on the EPA/ DOE Web site and in automobile dealer showrooms, the Fuel Economy Guide is also readily accessible from many mobile devices at fueleconomy.gov/m.

More information, including a complete version of the guide, is available at Fueleconomy.gov.

FTC Will Require EnergyGuide Labels for Televisions
November 3, 2010

Televisions manufactured after May 10, 2011 must display EnergyGuide labels, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said on October 27. A recent amendment to the FTC's Appliance Labeling Rule will require the familiar yellow-and-black labels on new TVs. The removable labels, which have long been used on home appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators, are designed to provide energy cost information.

In March 2009, the FTC sought comments on whether EnergyGuide labels should be required on a range of consumer electronics, including televisions. Based on the response, in March 2010, the agency proposed requiring the labels on televisions sold in the United States. The FTC is requiring a label with two main disclosures on new TVs: the television set's estimated annual energy cost and a comparison with the annual energy cost of other televisions with similar screen sizes. The new rule requires that the new labels be visible from the front of the televisions. Beginning in July 11, 2011, the amended rule will require Web sites that sell televisions to display an image of the full EnergyGuide label.

EPA Announces Winners of First National Building Competition to Save Energy
October 26, 2010

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star program has announced that Morrison Residence Hall at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) has won the first EPA National Building Competition. The competition, launched on April 27, 2010, challenged teams from 14 buildings across the country to measure their building’s energy use and reduce waste with help from the Energy Star program. Morrison Residence Hall at UNC reduced its energy use by 35.7 percent in one year, saving more than $250,000 on their energy bills and reducing more than 730 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity use of nearly 90 homes for a year.

"The amazing results of the first-ever National Building Competition prove that any building can take simple steps to slash energy use, save thousands of dollars and protect the environment," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "Our top participants together saved nearly a million dollars by cutting energy use, and that's just in the first year. We look forward to seeing even greater savings and energy innovations in the years ahead."

A Sears store in Glen Burnie , Md. came in second place with a 31.7 percent energy reduction, and a JCPenney store in Orange , Calif. , with energy savings of 28.4 percent, came in third place. Together, the 14 competitors reduced their energy use by more than 44 million kBtu, saved more than $950,000 in utility bills, and reduced carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to those from the electricity use of approximately 600 homes for a year.

Morrison Residence Hall reduced its energy use through a combination of energy efficiency strategies, including improved operations and maintenance as well as outreach to dormitory residents. A computer touch-screen monitor in the dormitory's lobby helped residents keep track of energy consumption. Competitions between dorm floors encouraged students to turn off lights and computers, and reminders were posted in elevators, bathrooms, and common areas. Improvements to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, as well as lighting improvements, helped to increase the building’s energy efficiency and maximize savings.

The National Building Competition measured energy performance from September 1, 2009 through August 31, 2010. The energy use of each building was monitored through EPA’s Energy Star online energy measurement and tracking tool, Portfolio Manager. Buildings were evaluated on the greatest percentage-based reduction in energy consumed by a building relative to its size and adjusted to account for changes in weather. Third-party utility statements were required at the conclusion of the competition to verify the energy performance of each competitor.

Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for nearly 20 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of more than $100 billion per year. On average, 30 percent of the energy used in commercial buildings is wasted. Thousands of businesses and organizations work with the EPA’s Energy Star program and are saving billions of dollars and preventing millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering our atmosphere each year. Many of the methods used by each of these facilities to reduce their energy usage can be easily adopted by all types of facilities across the nation.

2010 ACEEE Energy Efficiency Scorecard Cites State Leaders
October 20, 2010

States across the country made strides in energy efficiency, according to the 2010 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard released on October 13 by the nonprofit American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Among the highlights in the fourth edition of the scorecard are: a near doubling of state energy efficiency budgets from 2007 spending levels from $2.5 billion to $4.3 billion; the adoption or active consideration by more than half the states of energy efficiency resource standards that establish long-term, fixed efficiency savings targets; and a one-year doubling of the number of states that have either adopted or have made significant progress toward the adoption of the latest energy-saving building codes for homes and commercial properties.

California retained its first place ranking for the fourth year in a row, outperforming all other states in its level of investment in energy efficiency across all sectors of its economy. Massachusetts again placed second. The four most-improved states were Utah (up 11 spots from 2009 to number 12), Arizona (up 11 spots to 18), New Mexico (up 8 spots to 22), and Alaska (up 8 spots to 37). California, Massachusetts, and Washington have implemented transportation-specific greenhouse gas reduction targets while several other states have adopted policies to encourage the creation of compact and transit-oriented communities.

The fourth edition of ACEEE's State Energy Efficiency Scorecard examines six energy efficiency policy areas: utility and public benefits programs and policies; transportation policies; building energy codes; combined heat and power; state government initiatives; and appliance efficiency standards.
The full report and scorecard can be found on the ACEEE website.

EIA: Home Heating Costs to Increase Slightly This Winter
October 20, 2010

A warmer heating season this year will somewhat offset increased costs for heating fuels, causing most U.S. households to experience only a 3% increase in home heating costs, according to DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA). The EIA expects the lower 48 states to be 3% warmer than last year during the October-March winter heating season, although the projections vary by region. For instance, the Northeast is expected to experience a colder heating season than last year, resulting in a 5% increase in energy consumption for heating. The region is also the dominant user of fuel oil for home heating, and price increases for the heating fuel will drive up the average cost of home heating in the region by 13%, or about $259 on average. Households using electricity for heating are on the opposite end of the scale, as an expected decrease in both prices and consumption will yield a 2% savings in home heating costs relative to last year. The majority of U.S. households falls between these extremes, with homes heated with natural gas experiencing a 4% increase in heating costs, while those using propane will spend an average of 8% more this winter.

The EIA's "Short-Term Energy and Winter Fuels Outlook," released on October 13, projects an average crude oil price of about $80 per barrel this winter, up by $2.50 per barrel over last winter. The EIA forecasts crude oil prices rising gradually to $85 per barrel by the fourth quarter of 2011 as U.S. and global economic conditions improve. Spot prices for natural gas are also expected to increase, rising from $3.95 per million Btu in 2009 to $4.47 this year and $4.58 in 2011. And although the U.S. residential retail price of electricity was down nearly 1% in the first half of this year, relative to the first half of 2009, the year-to-year electricity prices are expected to increase by 1.5% for the second half of this year. In 2011, electricity prices are expected to increase by another 1.4%. Renewable generation is projected to increase by 13% in 2011, and along with a 1.4% increase in nuclear power generation, that will result in declines in coal and natural gas generation of 2% and 1.2%, respectively. So even though U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from the burning of fossil fuels are expected to increase by 3.9% in 2010, they are expected to remain essentially unchanged in 2011.

DOE Proposes Higher Efficiency Standards for Refrigerators
September 28, 2010

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the release of a new proposed energy efficiency standard for residential refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers. The standard, as proposed, could save consumers as much as $18.6 billion over thirty years. The Obama Administration has made efficiency standards a major priority as a way to save energy and money for American families and businesses. Since January 2009, the Department of Energy (DOE) has finalized new efficiency standards for more than twenty household and commercial products, which will cumulatively save consumers between $250 billion and $300 billion through 2030. DOE has also dramatically ramped up enforcement of appliance standards with nearly 70 different non-compliant products already removed from the market.

DOE Takes Action to Stop the Sales of Air-Con Air Conditioner Models Shown to Violate Federal Energy Efficiency Appliance Standards
September 23, 2010

The Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that it has taken action against Air-Con, International, requiring the company to stop selling certain air conditioning systems in the U.S. that have been shown to violate minimum energy efficiency appliance standards. DOE is proposing a civil penalty of more than $230,000 for importing and distributing these inefficient cooling products. This action and the proposed penalties are part of the Department's continued commitment to act aggressively to remove unlawful products from the market. To date, nearly 70 different non-compliant products have been removed from commerce since 2009.

"Nothing is more important to our enforcement efforts than removing products from the market that violate our minimum energy efficiency standards," said DOE General Counsel Scott Blake Harris. "The sale of these products is unlawful, imposes unnecessary costs on American consumers, and wastes energy."

In March 2010, the Department issued a subpoena requiring Air-Con to submit detailed information about the energy consumption of its products and how the company marketed and sold them in the United States. Based on Air-Con's responses to the subpoena, the Department has found that the company imported and distributed nearly 2,000 air conditioning units that are rated at 10 SEER, while the federal standard requires a minimum 13 SEER rating. The following two air conditioning unit models are covered by today's announcement: ACN-09/12/18/24-GCH and ACN-MTS-09CO/12CO/09EV/12EV.

Today's notice proposes the maximum penalty for selling non-compliant products and requires Air-Con to immediately cease further U.S. sales and provide written notification to its customers that purchased these units. Air-Con is also required to update the information it has provided to the Department, including a record of the company's U.S. sales since it last responded to DOE. If Air-Con fails to cease distribution of these models in the United States, the Department will seek a judicial order to prevent further sales.

View the full Notice of Noncompliance Determination and Proposed Civil Penalty <http://www.gc.energy.gov/documents/AirCon_Notice_of_Noncompliance_and_Penalty.pdf> document.

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News

EPA Free Webinar on August 16: Learning the Water Management System Builder Checklist August 10, 2011

EPA Announces New Energy Star Requirements for Dishwashers and Furnaces July 19, 2011

New Energy Star Initiative Recognizes Cutting-Edge Products with Highest Energy Efficiency July 14, 2011

New Energy Star Initiative Recognizes Cutting-Edge Products with Highest Energy Efficiency July 14, 2011

ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND OFFERS INCENTIVES TO PARTICIPANTS TO ENSURE PROPER INSTALLATION OF HEATING AND COOLING EQUIPMENT June 22, 2011

DOE Awards $15 Million for Next Generation Energy-Efficient Lighting June 8, 2011

FHA, Fannie Mae Launch Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program June 8, 2011

Secretary Chu Announces Nearly $15 Million for Next Generation Energy-Efficient Lighting June 7, 2011

DOE Announces Guide for 50 % More Energy Efficient Office Buildings May 11, 2011

DOE and HUD Launch Pilot Home Efficiency Financing Program April 27, 2011

Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund Announces Public Input Session April 26, 2011

Energy Star Video Challenge Launched to Show Easy Ways to Save Energy and Money April 21, 2011

EPA Scores 100 Percent on Sustainability and Energy Goals April 19, 2011

EPA Recognizes Leaders in Energy Efficiency - 2011 Energy Star Award winners announced April 12, 2011

Northeast Sustainable Energy Association Green Buildings Open House Saturday, October 1, 2011 Call for Participation! April 12, 2011

First Senior Care Communities Earn EPA’s Energy Star April 7, 2011

EPA Announces Updated Energy Star Standards for Lighting April 5, 2011

Better Homes, Better Buildings, Better Communities March 30, 2011

Resolving to Make Earth Day Last All Year March 30, 2011

EPA Announces U.S. Cities with the Most Energy Star Certified Buildings March 14, 2011

Obama Administration Announces Launch of i6 Green Challenge to Promote Clean Energy Innovation and Economic Growth March 11, 2011

EPA Announces New Energy Star Requirements for Televisions and Cable/Satellite Boxes March 10, 2011

Peter Vargo Appointment to the NAHB Research Center Task Group for the 2012 Update of the National Green Building Standard March 4, 2011

EPA’s Energy Star Leaders Drive Greater Energy Efficiency February 23, 2011

DOE Webinar February 22: Residential Building Energy Codes – International Energy Conservation Code 2012 and Beyond February 16, 2011

DOE Webinar February 22, 2011: Residential Building Energy Codes - IECC 2012 and Beyond February 15, 2011

President Sets Better Buildings Initiative for Energy Efficiency February 9, 2011

300,000 Homes Weatherized in Recovery Act Milestone January 26, 2011

Secretary Chu Announces Major New Recovery Act Milestone: 300,000 Homes Weatherized January 20, 2011

The New American Home Incorporates Energy-Saving Technologies January 19, 2011

DOE Webinar January 18: National Residential Efficiency Measures Database Unveiled January 10, 2011

President Signs Bill Extending Energy Efficiency, Renewable Provisions January 5, 2011

DOE to Provide $7 Million to Support Updated Building Codes in 24 States December 17, 2010

Energy Efficiency Fund Presented with Leadership Award for Pioneering Energy Programs in Connecticut December 8, 2010

EPA Administrator and NAS President Recognize EPA 40th Anniversary, Announce Groundbreaking National Research Council Study November 30, 2010

EPA Recognizes Nation’s First WaterSense Labeled Homes November 24, 2010

New Versions of EnergyPlus and OpenStudio Plug-in for Google SketchUp November 19, 2010

Interview with David Lee, Supervisor of Residential Integration Program November 19, 2010

DOE Announces Historic Strides in Energy Efficiency for Residential and Commercial Building Codes November 15, 2010

DOE and EPA Release 2011 Annual Fuel Economy Guide November 4, 2010

FTC Will Require EnergyGuide Labels for Televisions November 3, 2010

EPA Announces Winners of First National Building Competition to Save Energy October 26, 2010

2010 ACEEE Energy Efficiency Scorecard Cites State Leaders October 20, 2010

EIA: Home Heating Costs to Increase Slightly This Winter October 20, 2010

DOE Proposes Higher Efficiency Standards for Refrigerators September 28, 2010

DOE Takes Action to Stop the Sales of Air-Con Air Conditioner Models Shown to Violate Federal Energy Efficiency Appliance Standards September 23, 2010

EPA ENERGY STAR® Version 3.0 Online Training Opportunity

Training

Monthly Calls

EPA Free Webinar on August 16: Learning the Water Management System Builder Checklist
August 10, 2011

EPA Announces New Energy Star Requirements for Dishwashers and Furnaces
July 19, 2011

New Energy Star Initiative Recognizes Cutting-Edge Products with Highest Energy Efficiency
July 14, 2011

New Energy Star Initiative Recognizes Cutting-Edge Products with Highest Energy Efficiency
July 14, 2011

ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND OFFERS INCENTIVES TO PARTICIPANTS TO ENSURE PROPER INSTALLATION OF HEATING AND COOLING EQUIPMENT
June 22, 2011

DOE Awards $15 Million for Next Generation Energy-Efficient Lighting
June 8, 2011

FHA, Fannie Mae Launch Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program
June 8, 2011

Secretary Chu Announces Nearly $15 Million for Next Generation Energy-Efficient Lighting
June 7, 2011

DOE Announces Guide for 50 % More Energy Efficient Office Buildings
May 11, 2011

DOE and HUD Launch Pilot Home Efficiency Financing Program
April 27, 2011

Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund Announces Public Input Session
April 26, 2011

Energy Star Video Challenge Launched to Show Easy Ways to Save Energy and Money
April 21, 2011

EPA Scores 100 Percent on Sustainability and Energy Goals
April 19, 2011

EPA Recognizes Leaders in Energy Efficiency - 2011 Energy Star Award winners announced
April 12, 2011

Northeast Sustainable Energy Association Green Buildings Open House Saturday, October 1, 2011 Call for Participation!
April 12, 2011

First Senior Care Communities Earn EPA’s Energy Star
April 7, 2011

EPA Announces Updated Energy Star Standards for Lighting
April 5, 2011

Better Homes, Better Buildings, Better Communities
March 30, 2011

Resolving to Make Earth Day Last All Year
March 30, 2011

EPA Announces U.S. Cities with the Most Energy Star Certified Buildings
March 14, 2011

Obama Administration Announces Launch of i6 Green Challenge to Promote Clean Energy Innovation and Economic Growth
March 11, 2011

EPA Announces New Energy Star Requirements for Televisions and Cable/Satellite Boxes
March 10, 2011

Peter Vargo Appointment to the NAHB Research Center Task Group for the 2012 Update of the National Green Building Standard
March 4, 2011

EPA’s Energy Star Leaders Drive Greater Energy Efficiency
February 23, 2011

DOE Webinar February 22: Residential Building Energy Codes – International Energy Conservation Code 2012 and Beyond
February 16, 2011

DOE Webinar February 22, 2011: Residential Building Energy Codes - IECC 2012 and Beyond
February 15, 2011

President Sets Better Buildings Initiative for Energy Efficiency
February 9, 2011

300,000 Homes Weatherized in Recovery Act Milestone
January 26, 2011

Secretary Chu Announces Major New Recovery Act Milestone: 300,000 Homes Weatherized
January 20, 2011

The New American Home Incorporates Energy-Saving Technologies
January 19, 2011

DOE Webinar January 18: National Residential Efficiency Measures Database Unveiled
January 10, 2011

President Signs Bill Extending Energy Efficiency, Renewable Provisions
January 5, 2011

DOE to Provide $7 Million to Support Updated Building Codes in 24 States
December 17, 2010

Energy Efficiency Fund Presented with Leadership Award for Pioneering Energy Programs in Connecticut
December 8, 2010

EPA Administrator and NAS President Recognize EPA 40th Anniversary, Announce Groundbreaking National Research Council Study
November 30, 2010

EPA Recognizes Nation’s First WaterSense Labeled Homes
November 24, 2010

New Versions of EnergyPlus and OpenStudio Plug-in for Google SketchUp
November 19, 2010

Interview with David Lee, Supervisor of Residential Integration Program
November 19, 2010

DOE Announces Historic Strides in Energy Efficiency for Residential and Commercial Building Codes
November 15, 2010

DOE and EPA Release 2011 Annual Fuel Economy Guide
November 4, 2010

FTC Will Require EnergyGuide Labels for Televisions
November 3, 2010

EPA Announces Winners of First National Building Competition to Save Energy
October 26, 2010

2010 ACEEE Energy Efficiency Scorecard Cites State Leaders
October 20, 2010

EIA: Home Heating Costs to Increase Slightly This Winter
October 20, 2010

DOE Proposes Higher Efficiency Standards for Refrigerators
September 28, 2010

DOE Takes Action to Stop the Sales of Air-Con Air Conditioner Models Shown to Violate Federal Energy Efficiency Appliance Standards
September 23, 2010