Monthly Archives: September 2010

The STAR Community Index program

ICLEI USA, in partnership with USGBC, Center for American Progress and the National League of Cities is creating a national sustainability rating system for cities in the country. The STAR Community Index program is set to launch in spring of … Continue reading

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President Obama signed an executive order calling on the federal government to reduce greenhouse gas.

Last year President Obama signed an executive order calling on the federal government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 28% by 2020. Since then federal agencies have been developing plans to achieve that goal. Over 50 federal agencies have already submitted … Continue reading

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Stories of interest

The EPA released the Sustainable Design and Green Building Toolkit for Local Governments. This kit gives an assessment of the various codes and ordinances that relate to green building practices. It leads officials through site development and planning to green … Continue reading

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Energy Star Roof Products Program will not be changing its test procedures.

At a recent meeting between the Cool Metal Roofing Coalition and the EPA, Energy Star officials stated that amidst the number of changes being made to all 60 programs, the Energy Star Roof Products Program would not be changing its … Continue reading

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At home with Solar Panels

Production home builder Pardee Homes is building homes with high efficiency 1.4 kW photovoltaic systems on new homes in two of their planned communities in Los Angeles and Ventura counties this summer. Production builder Beazer Homes is offering customers in … Continue reading

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Stories of interest

California opened its first Passive House in June. Blue 2, an affordable housing unit owned by CLAM, the Community Land Trust of Marin, was recently completed. In Oregon, the nation’s first paint “take back’ program was launched. Consumers pay a … Continue reading

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Energy reduction tax incentives

A new report sponsored by USGBC and Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University suggests that energy reduction tax incentives for green remodeling proved promising for growth in the residential real estate market. Energy consumption per square foot of … Continue reading

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Underwriters Laboratories launched a training and certification program

Underwriters Laboratories launched a training and certification program for solar system installers. The Raleigh NC campus will offer training and personnel certification programs in categories like general laboratory technology, PV testing, National Electric Code, electric vehicles and fire safety.

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