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Monthly Archives: March 2011
2030 Challenge
The nonprofit Architecture 2030 has issued an additional challenge regarding the climate impact of building products in terms of imbedded carbon. The 2030 Challenge for Products aims to reduce the embodied carbon of building products 50% by 2030. According to … Continue reading
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STAR
The STAR Community Index, a livability and sustainability rating system for communities, is launching this year with ten participating communities. Developed by ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability in partnership with the USGBC and the Center for American Progress, the STAR rating … Continue reading
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Buildings with Zero Emissions
Two new reports recommend ways to overcome hurdles to achieving net-zero emissions in commercial buildings. Barriers include cost and a reliance on prescriptive, instead of performance-based energy codes. The rports, commissioned by the DOE, represent input from more than 430 … Continue reading
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Cool Roof Technology from Leaves
Scientists in China have made a reflective coating with a structure that mimics the underside of a poplar tree leaf. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, mimicked the structure of the leaf’s lower surface using polymers spun into … Continue reading
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New manufacturing method that incorporates laser technology
A new manufacturing method that incorporates laser technology may result in thin film solar panels that are less expensive and more efficient than anything presently on the market. Currently, a stylus is used to mechanically etch microchannels into such panels, … Continue reading
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Research into Boosting Solar Cell Output
If PV modules could produce electricity with less cells, then their prices would come down. In order for panels to be able to do so using existing cell technology, however, they would need to get more light to the fewer … Continue reading
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Green Challenge for Commercialization
DOE joined with the U.S. Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration and its Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship on March 10 to kickoff the $12 million i6 Green Challenge. The funding will support the six regional teams with the most innovative … Continue reading
Posted in Federal Legislation
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UL launched Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) program
UL Environment has launched an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) program. The EPD program will provide a multi-attribute label documenting the life cycle impact of a product. Environmental indicators such as greenhouse gas emissions and use of primary energy will appear … Continue reading
Posted in Codes
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New ASTM Standard
ASTM has released a standard for collecting, compiling and analyzing energy use in commercial buildings. The standard which is actually a set of guidelines called Standard E2797-11, Standard Practice for Building Energy Performance Assessment for a Building Involved in a … Continue reading
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National Association of Home Builders forecast
The National Association of Home Builders is forecasting a 21% increase in single-family home starts in 2011. The number is estimated to be 575,000, as compared to 475,000 units started in 2010. Multi-family housing starts are expected to rise 16% … Continue reading
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