New Construction Code Aims to Unify and Expand Green Building Standards

by Kirsten Nelson-Johnson

The first version of the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) by the International Code Council(ICC) has been released to the public. This code attempts to reconcile and encompass a number of green building standards already in place. The USGBC, AIA, and a number of other vital construction-focused organizations partnered with the ICC to create a comprehensive code that gives flexibility to municipalities and local government to tailor it to their regions green building strengths. To learn more about the code and find where you can read the IGCC and give feedback...

Stimulus Funding for Energy: Where Is It Now?

by Kirsten Nelson-Johnson

The US government is willing the public, the media and lawmakers to be patient when it comes to the distribution of Stimulus funds. Jobs and energy savings are the goal, and they cannot be achieved if the public gives up just as stimulus funds begin flowing.

Efforts to ramp up weatherization efforts have been backed by large increased funding, from an initial $450 million to $5 billion. To learn more about the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and when to expect funding...

Lucky Number 10 Million: How a New Bill is Aiming to Boost the Power of Solar

by Kirsten Nelson-Johnson

The U.S. Senate’s green jobs subcommittee has introduced the 10 Million Gallons of Solar Water Heating Act to encourage the installation of 10 million solar systems on the rooftops of homes and businesses over the next decade alongside an increase in solar hot water capacity of 10 million gallons.

Currently, the State of California leads the United States in installed solar photovoltaic systems and has used statewide rebate programs to promote the installation of more than 500 megawatts of grid-connected solar photovoltaics. The proposed bill would make rebate opportunities available to any homeowner, business, nonprofit entity, or State or local government that purchased and installed a solar photovoltaic system or solar water heating system for a property United States. To learn more about the proposed bill and what is means for US solar...

An Education in Green: How We Take Next Crucial Step

by Kirsten Nelson-Johnson

Experts agree that the missing link for a stronger movement towards sustainability is education. The United States government is only just introducing federal funding for new training programs for "green collar" technicians, building trades, and manufacturing positions.

With Asian and European competitors pulling farther ahead in clean technology sectors, the economic stakes of educational investment are high. A recent speech by Dr. Henry Kelly, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Energy, to an audience at Stanford University spoke to the gap between awareness and action and how it must be must be filled with education. To learn more about what educational opportunities are becoming most talked about...

More Articles...

REGISTER NOW | ABOUT US | ACCOUNT LOGIN | NEWS | CAREERS | CONTACT US

New Construction Code Aims to Unify and Expand Green Building Standards

Stimulus Funding for Energy: Where Is It Now?

Lucky Number 10 Million: How a New Bill is Aiming to Boost the Power of Solar

An Education in Green: How We Take Next Crucial Step