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NEW YORK, NY — How do you upgrade the windows in one of the world's best-known buildings without altering the look of the structure or discarding its 26,000 panes of existing glass?

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By Andrea Buffa Apollo News Service 

Though the pace of federal action on climate and clean energy issues continues to lag, states across the nation are keeping up the momentum with strong legislation on a diversity of clean energy fronts.
Colorado topped the list this week by adopting a renewable energy standard (RES) that requires 30 percent of the state’s energy to come from renewable sources like solar and wind by 2020. Colorado’s RES, which also promotes rooftop solar by requiring three percent of the renewable energy to be acquired through distributed generation, is among the strongest in the nation.

“I salute the dedication and commitment of all lawmakers who support the expanded use of renewable resources and cleaner-burning natural gas,” said Colorado Governor Bill Ritter in an op-ed that ran on Sunday in The Pueblo Chieftain. “The energy of our future generations will be cleaner and more sustainable because of their vision and their leadership. Colorado’s workforce will usher in a new era of economic opportunity to compete in and be a leader in a fast-changing world.”

Not only will the Colorado RES create strong demand for renewable energy, it also includes several provisions that will ensure that clean energy jobs are good jobs. One provision requires that a certain ratio of workers on solar installation projects be certified solar installers. According to Charlie Montgomery of the Colorado Environmental Coalition, who is also active with the Colorado Apollo Alliance, community colleges and apprenticeship programs in the state will prepare workers to take the certification test available through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Certified workers bring a high level of competency to their work and can usually demand higher pay than uncertified workers.

 “This new law will provide safe, quality photovoltaic installations and create green careers for Colorado’s working families,” said Mary Broderick, renewable energy and marketing agent with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 68, which will help train a new generation of solar installers.

The bill also requires Colorado’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to consider job quality and community economic impacts when it considers proposals to build new electricity resources. Whereas in the past, the PUC was required to analyze a proposed project’s cost effectiveness, now the PUC must also consider such factors as the project’s ratio of in-state workers to out-of-state workers; the availability of long-term career opportunities; and the wages, health care and pension benefits being provided by the utility or company proposing the project.

Click here to read the bill.

“By working together, labor and the environmental community have proven that we can build a new cleaner energy economy and ensure that working families thrive at the same time,”  said Carmen Rhodes, executive director of FRESC, the organization that convenes the Colorado Apollo Alliance

IMPACT-Like Legislation Proposed in Wisconsin

In his January State of the State address, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle announced the creation of the Wisconsin Green to Gold Fund, a $100 million revolving loan fund to help manufacturers move into clean energy production or improve their energy efficiency. “This is not some pie in the sky,” Doyle said in the address. “Anyone who says there aren’t jobs in the clean energy economy had better open their eyes.”

This Thursday, State Rep. Cory Mason, whose district has been hit particularly hard by manufacturing job losses, introduced the legislation that authorizes the Green to Gold Fund. According to the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, which will administer the fund, the initial capital will come from a combination of existing State Energy Program dollars Wisconsin received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), future Wisconsin Energy Independence Funding (funding currently administered by the Department of Commerce that goes toward clean energy manufacturing and research and development), and by streamlining existing resources.

Wisconsin will also be well positioned to receive additional federal funding if U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s Investments for Manufacturing Progress and Clean Technologies (IMPACT) Act is adopted. The IMPACT Act would authorize $30 billion to establish state-level revolving loan funds – similar to the Green to Gold Fund – to help small and medium-sized manufacturers retrain workers and retool facilities for clean energy production. It requires states to contribute 20 percent of the federal grant amount, a provision Wisconsin should be poised to comply with.

Provisions identical to those in the IMPACT Act were included in the American Clean Energy and Security Act passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in June 2009, and the Apollo Alliance has been working to ensure IMPACT’s inclusion in the soon-to-be-introduced Senate climate and clean energy bill.

Representative Mason’s Green to Gold bill would authorize the Wisconsin Department of Commerce to issue loans to manufacturing businesses for any of the following activities: implementing energy efficiency measures in their facilities; retooling to manufacture products that support the green economy; expanding or establishing domestic clean energy manufacturing; or creating or retaining jobs engaged in the preceding activities.

“I hear from manufacturers in my district and around the state who say they would love to have a more efficient boiler or they’d love to make wind turbine parts, but they don’t have the start-up capital,” said Rep. Mason. “They can’t just take the money they’re using to run their plant and use it for something else. Right now financing is tight. The Green to Gold Fund is going to fill that need.”

“Wisconsin has a long history of manufacturing strength, and we are increasingly attracting manufacturing companies in the new, clean energy economy,” said Rosemary Wehnes of the Sierra Club, who sits on the steering committee of the Wisconsin Apollo Alliance, which brings together labor, business, environmental and community groups to advocate for clean energy and good jobs. “This initiative will help us realize the potential of clean energy for Wisconsin. Investing in companies that want to improve their energy efficiency or retool to make clean energy products just makes sense, both for the economy and for the Wisconsin workers they will hire. We’re happy the Governor is proposing this, and encouraged that Rep. Mason is taking it one step further to make sure the jobs this initiative will create are good, family-supporting jobs.”

To read an article about the Wisconsin Green to Gold Fund as well as a related pilot program that’s being coordinated by the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Program, see Green to Gold Fund Would Green Wisconsin Manufacturing.

Market penetration of efficient ENERGY STAR New Homes continues impressive climb
 
Nearly one-third of new homes built in Colorado in 2009 were ENERGY STAR qualified, according to new information released by the Governor's Energy Office (GEO). This data is the latest to show how homebuilders and home buyers in the state are increasingly embracing the multiple benefits associated with the construction and purchase of energy-saving homes.
 
This marks Colorado's third consecutive year of double-digit percentage increases in homes that qualify as ENERGY STAR. When Governor Bill Ritter's Energy Office initiated the ENERGY STAR New Homes program in 2007, market penetration of ENERGY STAR New Homes was just under 8 percent. That level increased to 19.4 percent in 2008 and reached nearly 33 percent last year. In all, 2,350 new homes in Colorado earned the ENERGY STAR label in 2009, making them an important part of the state's New Energy Economy.
 
"Even in this challenging housing market, our homebuilders and many community partners are embracing the advantages of ENERGY STAR New Homes," said Tom Plant, director of the Governor's Energy Office (GEO). "Under Governor Ritter's leadership, Colorado has gone from lagging to leading the nation in efficient new home construction."
 
The success of Colorado's program recently earned recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which for the second straight year named Colorado an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. The GEO credits the hard work of more than 50 community sponsors - including local governments, non-profits, utilities, real estate professionals, homebuilders and home energy raters for the honor.
 
Energy-efficient ENERGY STAR New Homes are typically 20 percent to 30 percent more efficient than standard homes, improving quality and comfort while reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Once built, the home must have an energy audit certified by an independent Home Energy Rater who is responsible for conducting onsite testing and inspections of installed measures, such as insulation, high performance windows, building envelope, duct systems and efficient heating and cooling equipment.
 
"In today's housing market homebuyers are expecting quality and demanding energy-efficient homes," said Zane DeHerrera, Chief Marketing Officer for Richmond American Homes. "Building an ENERGY STAR qualified home is not only a key selling point, it's a win-win for everyone."
 
The EPA has linked significant cost and pollution savings to its ENERGY STAR program. Last year alone Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved $17 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 30 million vehicles. Energy efficient homes conserve U.S. energy resources, bolstering our energy security and reducing pollutants associated with energy production. Making a home more energy efficient is one of the most important steps a person can take to have a positive impact on the environment.
 
Earlier this year, the GEO announced a growing slate of new partnerships with organizations comprising more than 120 local governments, nonprofits, homebuilders and others. The GEO is also teaming with Bank of Colorado on a pilot program to offer an ENERGY STAR mortgage on new and existing homes. The GEO and some local utilities are also providing a rebate to homebuilders for new homes that qualify as ENERGY STAR.
 
For more information on financial incentives for ENERGY STAR homes, visit: http://www.coloradoenergystarhomes.com/
 
CONTACT
Todd Hartman, 303.866.2262, todd.hartman@state.co.us

 

Consumers to get money back for appliances, solar panels, insulation, home efficiency improvements; Governor's Energy Office encourages homeowners to plan ahead
 
Coloradans can soon tap into millions of Recovery Act dollars and take steps to save money, boost the economy and save energy as the Governor's Energy Office and partners prepare to launch a sweeping, statewide rebate program April 19. This initiative is designed to bring energy efficiency and renewable energy to tens of thousands of Coloradans and will provide nearly 75,000 rebates worth approximately $22 million.
 
Coloradans will be able to connect easily with opportunities to save dollars and do some good for the economy and the environment by visiting the Recharge Colorado website (also launching April 19) to sign up for rebates on a wide array of appliances, services and equipment that will save energy, reduce energy bills and create jobs for Colorado. The website and rebate program will offer Colorado consumers a service unprecedented in scope - providing comprehensive and localized information about rebates, financial incentives, contractors, energy conservation tips and availability of goods and services across the state.
 
Items eligible for rebates will include:
·        Equipment such as dishwashers, clothes washers, refrigerators, as well as furnaces and hot water heaters.
·        Residential energy efficiency measures such as insulation and air sealing, duct sealing, whole-house energy audits and whole-house energy monitors.
·        Renewable energy projects, including solar photovoltaic systems, solar hot water systems for homes and businesses and small wind installations.
 
A complete list is included at the end of this announcement. About one-third of the rebates will be provided for ENERGY STAR appliances, furnaces and hot water heaters. The bulk of the funding for the program is provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Local partners across Colorado provided additional dollars.
 
"Coloradans are unique and our goal was to develop a rebate program and education campaign that would match the 'do it yourself' ethic that is a hallmark of this great state," said GEO director Tom Plant. "We look forward to providing Coloradans this opportunity to save money, save energy and participate in our New Energy Economy. We invite consumers to discover the wealth of energy-saving information available to them through this one-stop clearinghouse at our soon-to-be-launched Recharge Colorado web site. Connecting people to this information will, in turn, mean more jobs and business for the companies that provide these valuable services."
 
Critical consumer information
 
The GEO expects high consumer interest in all rebates. For ENERGY STAR appliance rebates, the GEO along with its local partners expects brisk consumer action. Those appliances account for about 16,000 of the rebates. In light of that, it's important for consumers to have realistic expectations and to recognize the limits of the program.
 
Rebates on kitchen appliances range from $50 to $100 while those for hot water heaters and furnaces range from $200 to $500. These rebates will be reserved on-line on a first-come, first-served basis. The GEO rebates will not be retroactive. This means that products purchased and installed before the GEO launches the program will be ineligible for rebates.
 
Consumers are reminded that no rebates are guaranteed until all documentation is provided to the GEO. Consumers that are interested in energy efficiency appliances should consider the savings that are immediately available to them through retailer, utility or manufacturer incentives. Many retailers may currently offer sales that exceed what will be available in the rebate program.
 
Rebates for renewable energy measures, such as solar hot water or solar electric systems, will require a home energy audit before applying. Walkthrough audits that have been conducted after Dec. 31 2006 but before program launch can be accepted. After April 19, however, the audit must be performed by a Building Performance Institute (BPI) or Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) certified auditor. Rebates are available for home energy audits performed after April 19.
 
Beginning April 19, consumers will be directed to the Recharge Colorado website to apply for and reserve rebates. The rebate check will be issued to the homeowner, for both energy efficiency and renewable energy applications. More detailed information on the rebate application process and rebate criteria will be provided on the GEO website by March 31.
 
Home appliance rebates
 
ALL APPLIANCES MUST BE ENERGY STAR RATED.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS EXIST above just Energy Star labeling in some cases
 
Not all products and services will qualify for a rebate. The GEO strongly encourages consumers to review the rebate materials carefully when considering purchases.

For an appliance that is deemed eligible, the following rebate level will be paid:
Clothes washers $75
Dishwashers $50
*Refrigerators $100 with proof the previous refrigerator was recycled. Proof consists of a receipt from a recycling facility or a receipt from a retailer engaged in an existing recycling agreement with the GEO.  A list of retailers will be available in coming weeks.
*Refrigerators $50 with no proof of recycling.
**Furnaces - gas condensing $500
Hot water heater - gas condensing/high performance $200 (minimum efficiency rating available in coming weeks)
Hot water heater - gas tankless $300
Gas boilers - $400
 
*Refrigerators must be at least 12 cubic feet in size to qualify.
**Furnaces must also be rated at an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)  greater or equal to 92 percent
 
Residential energy efficiency rebates
 
Insulation and air sealing - 20% of cost up to $400 (will not exceed $600 if combined with an existing local utility rebate taken by the consumer)
Duct sealing - 20% of cost up to $75 (will not exceed $125 if combined with an existing local utility rebate)
Whole-house energy audit - tiered rebate of $25 to $100 depending on cost of audit
Whole-house energy monitor - $50 (will not exceed $100 if combined with an existing local utility rebate)
 
Renewable energy rebates
 
Note: Rebates are based on system size, calculated per watt. So no hard dollar figure is provided here.
 
*Solar photovoltaic - 20 to 30%. In some cases, rebates combined with local incentives will result in a 50 % reduction in costs.
Solar domestic hot water - 30% of the cost
Solar thermal and/or hot water (commercial only - no pools, spas or snowmelt) - approx. 30 % of the cost of the system
Small wind (residential) up to 10 kW - approx. 30% of the cost of the system
Small wind (commercial) - approx. 15 to 20% of the cost of the system
 
*Xcel and Black Hills Energy customers are excluded due to existing residential photovoltaic  rebates offered through those utilities.
 

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By GreenerBuildings Staff

WASHINGTON, DC — The International Code Council today released the first public version of the International Green Construction Code (IGCC), a comprehensive standard for improving the environmental performance of commercial buildings.

The code, which has been in the works since 2009 aims to reduce energy use and cut greenhouse gases from buildings, as well as to emphasize building performance.

The IGCC focuses on site development and land use, indoor air quality and promotes the use of energy-efficient appliances, renewable energy systems, water resource conservation, rainwater collection and distribution systems and the recovery of greywater.

The ICC developed the code with local and regional implementation in mind; a key element the group highlighted today is its "jurisidictional electives," a section that allows municipalities and local governments to customize elements of the code to mesh with that region's priorities and building conditions.

As GreenerBuildings.com reported last fall, the state of California's green building code served as a model for the development of the IGCC. The code was developed in partnership with major players in the buildings world, including the American Institute of Architects, global standards firm ASTM International, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

"Green building codes and standards working complementary to one another is a critical step towards advancing green building," Rick Fedrizzi, the president, CEO and Founding Chair of the USGBC, said in a statement. "This collaboration will accelerate the adoption of green building codes and standards developed jointly by ICC, ASHRAE, USGBC and IES, across the country and around the globe as we work collectively towards transforming building design, construction and operations to green practices."

The IGCC is open for public comments until May 14, 2010; comments will be incorporated into a second public version to be released this fall, and the final version is expected to be published in early 2012.

Once the code has been finalized, it will be available for municipalities to adopt as their own local and regional building codes, and can be harmonized with existing codes.

The ICC said in the release of the public version that governments around the globe that are "clamoring for a green code to complement voluntary rating systems can adopt the code immediately to reduce energy usage as well as the resulting carbon footprint of thousands of commercial building projects."

For more insight into the development of the IGCC, see these two articles by Shari Shapiro, author of the Green Building Law Blog and a member of the team creating the code: "Why the World Needs Another Green Building Standard and "The Backstory on ICC Code Plans." The full public version 1.0 is available for free download from the ICC website.

The US Administration’s recently announced residential and commercial retrofit programmes and boosts to energy efficient manufacturing will create 333,000 jobs this year, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

Last week, President Barack Obama unveiled the ‘HOMESTAR’ incentive plan to encourage home owners install energy saving products like insulation and energy efficient windows and cooling systems.

The products covered by the HOMESTAR programme are mainly manufactured in the US and will require local fitters. This programme alone will create around 126,000 jobs in 2010 and 36,000 jobs next year, estimates the ACEEE.

A similar programme aimed at the commercial sector – ‘BUILDING STAR’ – which will offer businesses rebates of up to 30% on improvements to lighting, insulation and energy management, could create a further 130,000 jobs in 2010 and 57,000 jobs in 2011.

Meanwhile, the Administration’s $4 billion boost to manufacturers producing energy efficiency and clean energy products could create 77,000 jobs in 2010 and then 91,000 jobs in 2011, says the ACEEE.

“Energy efficiency improvements are labour intensive,” says ACEEE executive director Steven Nadel. “These estimates of job creation are probably conservative.”

Although the ACEEE analysis indicates that job creation will tail off to around 184,000 next year as the programmes wind down, Nadel says that small numbers of jobs will continue to be created as energy bill savings free up disposable income to boost other parts of the economy.

For further information:
www.aceee.org/
www.aceee.org/energy/national/potential_leg.htm

Reported by Staff from Colorado Energy News: http://coloradoenergynews.com

URL to article: http://coloradoenergynews.com/2010/03/wind-turbine-development-sought-along-stretch-of-i-70/