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 materials, energy efficiency and water conservation measures. The toolkit also uses color coded indicators to show the potential barriers and their level of difficulty. The document is available for download at www.epa.gov/region4/recycle/green-building-toolkit.pdf/.
The Associated Builders and Contractors organization has introduced a green certification program for its members. Companies must meet prerequisites to earn the certification. Those companies who recycle, use green cleaning products, and purchase Energy Star qualified equipment can earn points in the program. Other optional items in the program include energy audits, bike racks, insulating water pipes and carbon neutral status for central offices. Companies that show that their staff have completed a variety of sustainability awareness training can also earn points in the program. Information is available at www.greencontructionatwork.com.
The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) recently launched a newly revised website. It contains information for both consumers and professional. The organization is involved in the accreditation of software used for energy audits and training for energy raters. The new site allows homeowners to find energy raters and auditors in their location by entering their zipcode. The site also allows the raters to describe the services they provide. RESNET is involved in federal advocacy for legislation that affects energy efficiency improvements to homes and commercial buildings. They have been very active in the Home Star legislation that is currently being debated in Congress. More information can be found at http://resnet.us/.
According to a white paper from ZweigWhite publications, certified green projects are expected to grow by 900% over the next 10 years worldwide. The research also suggests that green building projects will grow from 6 billion square feet to 53 billion square feet worldwide by 2020. Approximately 20% of that growth is expected in the residential sector.
Beginning in January 2011 consumers will be able to rent an electric vehicle from Enterprise Rental Car. The company says it will begin receiving the Nissan LEAF model on January 1.