Monthly Archives: April 2011

The city of Boston is launching a “green building” program to construct 10 homes that produce more energy than they use. The homes are expected to be built on three city-owned parcels in Roxbury and Jamaica Plain. The Boston Redevelopment … Continue reading →

There are numerous cities across the United States which can be considered “cleantech capitals.” With a large array of renewable resources, a dedication by businesses and homeowners to become more energy efficient, and a large hub for research and development, … Continue reading →

Supporters of the passive house trend achieved a landmark in Oregon this month when a committee charged with drafting the state’s building code adopted a standard recognizing passive house construction. The Oregon Reach Code Committee, a group that develops Oregon’s … Continue reading →

http://www.environmentalleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Light-bulb-resize.jpgSouth Carolina legislators are attempting to circumvent a federal law that will force the phase-out of traditional light bulbs starting in 2012. The Incandescent Light Bulb Freedom Act aims to permit manufacturers to make incandescent bulbs in the state, as … Continue reading →

A first study of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center’s “green building” features has uncovered a quirk in its electrical system that has cost taxpayers $70,000 to $100,000 a year in wasted-power penalties charged by Duquesne Light Co. since 2003  … Continue reading →

According to the SZ&W Group, the global market for green building material is expected to be worth $406 billion by 2015, driven largely by environmental consciousness, high energy costs, and the understanding that green buildings contribute to long-term benefits such … Continue reading →

According to BEPAnews, pushing for the construction of more net-zero energy buildings and homes may be the key to greatly decreasing the United States’ overall energy consumption. The Zero and Net-Zero Energy Buildings + Homes report by Building Design+Construction, published … Continue reading →

Fannie Mae had previously dropped its Energy Efficient Mortgage feature.  It has replaced that product with a new Energy Improvement Feature.  The new feature only applies to the upgrading of an existing home through a purchase or re-finance mortgage.  The … Continue reading →

A study commissioned by the EPA found that the energy savings realized through location efficiency are greater than those achieved through home efficiency.  “Location efficiency” includes walkable access to public transit and work, school, and retail centers.   The study showed … Continue reading →