Topic: Efficiency (5)


Triangle MLS Goes 'Green'

After almost four years of work by realtors, homebuilders and others, the Triangle Multiple Listing Services, Inc. (TMLS), which includes 16 counties in the greater Triangle area, has agreed to add new categories to home listings that detail green building features. As of March 11, the MLS has implemented new "green" categories on listings, including green building certifications (select up to 3: Energy Star Homes, GHBT Green Certified Home, NC Healthy Built Home Certified, LEED-H Certified) and 19 categories, including the following features:

Solar hot water Tankless water heater
Geothermal heat system (closed loop) Sealed crawl space
No-Low VOC in paints, sealants, varnishes Spray foam insulation
Engineered Wood products EPA Watersense Plumbing Fixtures
Energy Star Appliances Energy Star Lighting Fixtures

Sealed Combustion Fireplaces/
Woodstoves

Photovoltaics - Solar Power
Advanced Framing/Concrete Construction Infill lot
Rainwater collection Xeriscaping / Drought resistant plants
Fresh air ventilation Recycled Construction / Household waste
Radiant heated floors  

 


Gore: U.S. Can Get 100 Percent Renewable Energy in 10 Years

http://www.RenewableEnergyWorld.com/rea/news/story?id=53096&src=rss

 

"In an effort to get American citizens and policymakers to think more aggressively about combating climate change, former Vice President Al Gore challenged the U.S. to procure 100 percent of its electricity from renewable resources within 10 years."


http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/17/the-annotated-gore-climate-speech/?scp=4&sq=Al%20Gore&st=cse

This link provides an annotated version of Al Gore's speech on energy.

Pickens' Plan to Escape the Grip of Foreign Oil - wind and solar

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121556087828237463.html?mod=special_page_campaign2008_mostpop

[Watch video of Pickens speaking on same webpage as full news story.]

"One of the benefits of being around a long time is that you get to know a lot about certain things. I'm 80 years old and I've been an oilman for almost 60 years. I've drilled more dry holes and also found more oil than just about anyone in the industry. With all my experience, I've never been as worried about our energy security as I am now. Like many of us, I ignored what was happening. Now our country faces what I believe is the most serious situation since World War II.

...The future begins as soon as Congress and the president act. The government must mandate the formation of wind and solar transmission corridors, and renew the subsidies for economic and alternative energy development in areas where the wind and sun are abundant."

Pennsylvania Governor Signs Bill Establishing US $650 Million Energy Fund

http://www.RenewableEnergyWorld.com/rea/news/story?id=53023&src=rss

 

"Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell on Wednesday signed a new law that will establish a fund that could save both families and small businesses money on their energy bills by supporting investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation."

 


DOE to Guarantee $10 Billion in Loans for Efficiency, Renewables

http://www.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=11849


"DOE is offering $10 billion in loan guarantees for projects that involve energy efficiency, renewable energy, and advanced transmission and distribution. The guarantees are only available for projects using new, non-commercial technologies."