Many states have implemented, or are considering, legislative or regulatory efforts to incentivize implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs (EE/RE). States have sought guidance from EPA on assessing the pollution benefits of such programs—reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2). The reduction of NOx and SO2 is relevant to state compliance with applicable national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). The reduction of CO2 may be relevant to an upcoming EPA rule—due for proposal in June—establishing new source performance standards (NSPS) for greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants. On February 18, EPA released… Read more
Tag: Energy Efficiency
Meeting 2010 Energy Standard Saves Buildings 18.5%
The Department of Energy (DOE) announced recently that buildings that meet 2010 energy efficiency standards use 18.5% less energy than structures using a previous standard. DOE simulated 16 different building types of various sizes in 15 climate locations to analyze energy codes published by the American National Standards Institute/American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. The analysis showed that buildings meeting ASHRAE Standard 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings, Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, save commercial building owners energy and money, as well as help meet sustainability goals and reduce carbon pollution…. Read more
This Week on Speaking of Green: Wayne Robertson, Energy ACE.
This week “Speaking of Green” will feature Wayne Robertson of Energy ACE. Wayne will be discussing energy Efficiency and small businesses. The blogcast airs today, Monday, December 13 at 2 p.m. EST. To tune in this week, or catch up on past episodes, please visit http://blogtalkradio.com/southeastgreen. “Speaking of Green” is a weekly blogcast on issues ranging from corporate sustainability to creating green jobs to the future of renewable energy in the south. Please contact sustainability@sgrlaw.com for more information and details on how your business or organization can be featured as a guest.
Recent Legislation for Green Buildings
The New York City Council has recently enacted, at Mayor Bloomberg’s request, four laws[1] that are designed to increase the energy efficiency of buildings in New York City. The legislation is rather complex, with various “start” dates, but the basic provisions that apply to cooperatives and condominiums are as follows: Effective July 1, 2010, all alterations, including apartment alterations, that require building permits must comply with the new New York City Energy Conservation Code and must be certified accordingly. Commencing January 1, 2013, all owners of “covered buildings” (those over 50,000 gross square feet) must file an energy efficiency report… Read more