Natural Grocery Chain Aims to Reduce Energy Consumption 25 Percent by 2015-

According to a recently released statement, Whole Foods, Inc. aims to cut its energy use 25 percent per square foot during the next five years. The natural foods grocer currently offsets 100 percent of its North American electricity consumption with wind energy credits, and is now taking additional steps to lighten its impact on the environment with on-site renewable energy technologies and sustainable initiatives. Developments include more use of wind, solar, and fuel cell technology as well as an electric car charging station at its headquarters in Austin, Texas. To boot, company stores will implement more rigorous green building standards, advanced refrigeration infrastructure and more efficient transportation. “With this combination of strategies, we intend to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent per square foot by 2015,” said Kathy Loftus, Whole Foods Market global leader, sustainable engineering. “Saving energy costs less than buying it, so we are reducing our energy appetite from both traditional and renewable sources.” Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Energy will help sustain the costs of existing store retrofits and new store design and, as part of the stimulus grants, Whole Foods will work with National Renewable Energy Labs (NREL) to create, test and validate green building concepts. At present, thirty Whole Foods stores are either LEED-certified, Green Globes accredited, or enrolled and preparing for certification.

Intergovernmental Budget Request to Offer Clean Energy Funds Nationwide-

On February 1st, President Obama announced a $28.4 billion budget request for the Department of Energy (DOE) to utilize in 2011, which includes $2.36 billion toward the new DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). Maintaining America’s shift toward clean energy and conservation, the proposed plan targets untenable energy use, renewable energy sources, and clean energy research. The budget consists of significant increases for several EERE projects; with a 53 percent increase for wind energy, 43 percent for the Weatherization and Intergovernmental program, 32 percent for the Federal Energy Management Program, 25 percent for geothermal energy, and a 22 percent boost for solar energy. An additional $57.5 million will also be applied for facility and infrastructure development at DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and $50 million will go towards a new program called ‘Regaining our Energy Science and Engineering Edge’ (Re-Energyse) which will educate and guide students, as well as workers, to pursue careers in science, engineering, and entrepreneurship related to renewable energy; professions which are seriously lacking in America. Moreover, Obama’s initiative necessitates a 43 percent increase in funding for program management; virtually doubling the total amount exhausted for program support. Budget resources will grant the DOE $500 million to support approximately $3-5 billion in loan guarantees for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, along with $10 million to support the continued management of the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program. $35 million of the proposed funds will also work to develop clean energy transmission and reliability, $39.3 million will be applied toward Smart Grid research and improvement, and $40 million will be used to develop energy storage on the electrical grid. The Advanced Research Project Agency (ARPA-E) is also included in the budget proposal with $300 million to aid in transformational energy research; while Energy Frontier Research Centers are anticipated to receive a whopping $140 million for two new facilities, and $107 million for Energy Innovation Hubs. Both the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior are planning to increase renewable energy funding and energy efficiency program fulfillment in their budget requests for 2011 which span from wildlife protection to biofuel production, and are available in-depth by visiting Energy.gov.

Ten Excellent Home/Office Improvements to Maximize Energy Efficiency-


The average consumer may wish to implement smart, energy-efficient design modifications in their home or office; but in the midst of all the hype, it can be difficult to decide where to begin. An energy-efficient audit would be a great place to start, as it is imperative to discern where changes can be utilized to offer the most impact. Karen Thull of the Energy & Environmental Building Alliance affirms, “That is the very first step that any homeowner should take… [An energy audit] is a great way to kind of measure where there are inefficiencies.” Switching old electronics and light bulbs out for energy-efficient appliances and lighting is another simple, affordable option to slash energy bills. Do your part to reduce and reuse by selling old household devices at a garage sale or on a free website, which will also provide extra cash that will help to purchase those new, more efficient appliances. Fitting insulation into attic spaces is another excellent improvement that the average consumer can afford, since the federal government offers 30 percent cash back on certain insulation products. “In the attic spaces, a lot of times, the insulation over a period of years will reduce down to maybe 3 or 4 inches where you are supposed to have like 10 inches of insulation… A lot of the insulation companies promote going in and blowing an additional 10 inches of insulation in your attic. That really helps,” says Paul Zuch, the president of Capital Improvements. Likewise, sealing up cracks and leaks around doors and windows will offer exceptional energy and cost-saving benefits, as the U.S. Department of Energy affirms that drafts waste 5 to 30 percent of energy in an average home. Plus, certain sealants – such as caulk, weatherstripping and spray foam – are eligible to receive federal tax credits. “It’s something that homeowners can do easily,” says Thull. “And there are a lot of different products out there that are able to do [the job].”

Energy-efficient windows and doors are another viable improvement, with both options eligible to receive federal tax credits. Replacing old windows and doors with ultra-efficient models will keep warmth indoors during harsh winter months and cool inside throughout the sizzling summertime; and, not to mention, will maintain reduced energy bills month-to-month. Installing storm windows is a practical alternative to avoid expenses associated with a complete window replacement. However, cost-effectiveness is the name of the game, so if windows throughout the home are leaky or rotten it may be a better choice financially to replace them since its a high probability that they will need to be removed at one time or another. Additionally, efficient water heaters can be quite helpful in driving down energy costs – and, to boot, certain models qualify for federal tax credits. There are energy-saving devices that, when utilized with water heaters, help to boost effectiveness. “Water heating makes up anywhere from 15 to 25 percent of the annual energy usage in a home… You start saving money on a monthly basis, and that technology will generally pay for itself in anywhere from three to five years,” says Steve Koep, Marathon Water Heaters. Tightly sealing air ducts around the building is another feasible adjustment, especially with homes or offices that operate forced air heating and cooling systems. According to the EPA, generally one-fifth of air circulating indoors will escape through these leaks. Utilizing duct sealant to repair leaks and even insulation to protect ducts around an attic or basement will save energy and cash in the long-term. A programmable smart thermostat will help to conserve approximately 10 percent on heating and cooling bills, and is a practical choice as many efficient models are available in the $30 range. Lastly, an efficient heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system will reduce energy bills by around $200 annually; and although this can be an expensive investment, the system is eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit to help lower initial outlay. Finding the right professional installer is extremely crucial, however, considering that poor set-up causes unfavorable drawbacks such as low airflow, improper charge and duct leakage; consequently wasting precious time, money and energy. Similarly, before installing a new HVAC system, bear in mind that sealing and insulating all cracks and windows will ensure ultra-efficient operation. For comprehensive information on tax benefits and eligibility associated with energy-efficient products, visit Energy Star.

The 2nd annual Go Green Expo in L.A. kicked off January 22-24th at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and featured over 300 exhibitors from all around the world looking to market their pioneering green products and services to environmentally responsible shoppers. In addition, attendees had the pleasure of listening to keynote speakers, such as Ed Begley, Jr. and Mariel Hemingway, give their advice on the easiest, most affordable ways that the everyday consumer can go green. Due to increasing water shortage and contamination issues in America and throughout the world, water filtration and conservation were a major feature at this year’s exposition. Green Energy News, video below, had the pleasure of dropping by to help spread the cause.

Current Administration’s Efforts for Sustainable America-

Despite Republican criticism over the current administration’s lack of initiative, President Barack Obama has overcome many obstacles in his goal to provide a green, sustainable future for America. As today marks the one-year anniversary for the 44th U.S. President, he remains vigilant in the fight for ecological conservation and protection by increasing gas mileage standards; rewriting environmental policies set by the Bush administration; placing carbon caps on certain industries; protecting federal forests by prohibiting logging, mining and road building in certain areas; and not to mention, offering tax incentives for commercial and residential renewable energy utilization and research. Above and beyond his conscientious standards in environmental fortification, the president has also spurred steady job growth in several renewable energy industry sectors, from green building and construction to energy audits. The Obama administration’s accomplishments are as follows:

• Introduced hard-wearing national smog standards from the EPA this month.
• Signed a bill in March adding 2.1 million new acres of federally protected wilderness, which bans logging, mining and road-building on federal forests & deserts in nine states.
• Established EPA regulations which require large U.S. ships to cut soot emissions by 85 percent.
• Amplified gas mileage standards for automobiles by 40 percent, up from today’s 25 mpg to 35 mpg by 2016.
• Signed a stimulus package that offered more than $50 billion in funding and tax credits for renewable energy projects; with billions of dollars going to supply grants to companies building solar and wind farms, weatherize federal buildings, and fund research on biofuels and other green technologies.
• Opposed Bush administration policy to open the California coast and 77 federal sites near Utah’s Arches and Canyonlands national parks to new oil & gas drilling.
• Initiated the first development of its kind, in which the EPA will confine the amount of greenhouse gases industry can release.
• Reversed Bush administration regulations allowing more snowmobiles in Yellowstone and fewer federal agency reviews of endangered species.
• Began the LEED certification process to retrofit the White House; signifying the most substantial effort by a single president to “green” the executive mansion.

In the face of constant antagonism, the current administration has achieved a good deal in developing renewable energy policies and standards; however much more needs to be realized before America will be free from the dangers of toxic waste. For example, many have voiced concerns in regards to the present state of the country’s national electricity grid, as it remains insufficient for ample storage and transmission. Additionally, mountain top removal using explosives is exceedingly common in coal mining areas because the process is more economically viable considering that less labor is required. This crude technique for coal extraction is tremendously perilous to natural surroundings, though, not only due to emissions but because it has been linked to local drinking water contamination and increased flood risk. Much policy reform in the president’s term is accredited to executive branch rules; in effect, changes can be overturned by future presidents. Furthermore, although President Obama met in Copenhagen to discuss a new global warming treaty, he neglected to achieve an arrangement with obligatory reductions.

Earth Advantage Institute Report Shows Green Building Trends for 2010-


Leading nonprofit green building resource, Earth Advantage Institute, has announced its choice selections for top ten green building trends in 2010. The trends vary from energy scores for homes to web-based displays which track real-time energy consumption, and were acknowledged by the Institute based on dealings with builders, architects, real estate brokers, lenders, appraisers and homeowners throughout 2009. Sean Penrith, Earth Advantage Institute’s executive director, states, “While we know the building industry had a rough year in 2009, not all of the industry has been in the doldrums… Green building has been a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster year, and Northwest design and building communities have been at the forefront.” The first revealed on the list is the smart grid and connected home, which will work to conserve energy and increase home value – especially as grid capabilities begin to increase in the future. The second is energy labeling for homes and office buildings to help encourage property owners to make needed energy improvements while adding worth to their building.

The third trend anticipates a surge in open lending for green construction projects. Seeing that operating costs are much lower than a traditional home, the financial services community is beginning to view green homes and buildings as more fiscally viable and are working to get new reduced-rate loan programs, and insurance packages into place. Another trend is building information modeling (BIM) software, considering that CAD software for building design has spawned fresh add-on tools with progressively accurate (and gradually more affordable) algorithms for energy. A fifth trend is the “rightsizing” of homes, as a bigger home no longer means greater equity. Eco-districts are the sixth trend, with many cities encouraging the creation of green communities in which residents have access to most services and supplies within walking or biking distance. The seventh trend is water conservation, as the precious life source is becoming endangered more so every day. The EPA has recently finalized the voluntary WaterSense specification for new homes in December 2009, which will reduce water consumption by 20 percent compared to a traditional new home. The eighth trend is net zero buildings, in which the home or building creates more energy than it uses. The Architecture 2030 plan is set to implement ‘net-zero’ as the objective for all new buildings by 2030. Carbon calculation is the ninth trend, which will work to document, measure and reduce greenhouse gas creation in building materials and processes. Lastly is sustainable building education to aid designers and builders, as well as other building industry professionals such as real estate agents, financiers and insurance agents. A lengthened form of this article is available by visiting www.earthadvantage.org.

Despite Negative Climate Change Discussions, Cleantech Investments on the Rise-

In spite of the dubious Copenhagen climate change talks, cleantech investing is set to have a successful year in 2010 – according to a recent survey performed by Jefferies investment banking group. The analysis report confirms that investments will remain strong, particularly overseas in Europe. To add, market analyst firm New Energy Finance expects global cleantech investments to reach $160 billion in 2010 – up from $125 billion in 2009. Business Green states in a release, “The survey of 200 clean tech investors representing over $400 billion of assets found that respondents believe that continued government subsidies and a general recovery in the credit markets will more than offset any harm done to the sector by politicians’ failure to secure a stronger international climate change agreement.” As cleantech investments are expected to gain momentum, the system will continue to rely heavily on support from policy measures; such as subsidies, tax incentives, low interest loans and other forms of financial aid. Bruce Huber, head of European cleantech investment activities at Jefferies, lends his comments, “What is clear is that both local government incentives and transnational policies aimed at putting the brakes on climate change are fundamental to the continued growth of the clean tech industry.” Business Green also mentions that many panel participants foresee a number of noteworthy clean technologies to be set for mainstream operation in the near future; with nearly half of the respondents anticipating a widespread adoption of electric vehicles in less than five years.

Market Study Uncovers Impressive Growth in Green Building Sector-

According to the 2009 Green Building Market & Impact Report, the green building sector has maintained constant growth throughout 2009 despite a coarse year for the construction market, which has essentially terminated subdivision expansion. Report author Rob Watson states that, by late 2009, flooring registered and certified by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED green building rating classification is anticipated to advance by over 40 percent compared to last year’s totals; with a collective total reaching over 7 billion square feet internationally since the criterion was introduced in 2000. The annual report weighs the environmental influence of green home building, as well as its impact on the global construction market. Key points analyze the total water savings and annual carbon dioxide savings from LEED through 2009, growth in green building jobs, as well as sustainable building material costs when compared to the standard. Watson goes on to evaluate the impact of the green building boom outside the United States, estimating heavy expansion in non-U.S. LEED projects throughout countries such as China, India, and the Middle East; with Europe, notably Germany and Italy, also developing significantly. Video below features Rob Watson, founder of the LEED green rating system, discusses the importance of sustainability in every day life.

Initiative Allows Homeowners to Support Cost of Energy Improvements via Property Tax Assessments-

The Obama administration is endorsing a plan which will allow homeowners to finance the cost of energy-efficient improvements through property tax assessments. Vice President Joe Biden emphasizes that the proposal would aid in reducing energy consumption throughout the U.S. and create green jobs in trades that manufacture and install energy efficient products such as insulation. He goes on to mention that retrofitting homes with insulation and weatherproofing cracks in windows and door seals can save “at a minimum, between 300 and 1,200 bucks a year… you get pay-back real quick on these investments.” The plan, according to Biden, further develops the obligations of the $787 billion stimulus package recently passed by Congress; with the Energy Department awarded $7.6 billion to utilize in home weatherization and other efficiency efforts. Biden underlines that each year Americans spend $1,500 to $3,000 toward heating and cooling their homes; so putting up cash for energy efficient improvements on property tax bills would allow homeowners to spread the cost of investment over an extended period of time. The original initiative – aptly called ‘Recovery through Retrofit’ – would help gain broader insight into increasing energy efficient developments, create certification methods to recognize energy efficient homes and establish nationalized standards for dedicated occupational training. Retrofitting America’s 130 million homes for energy efficiency would provide a 20 percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions – the equivalent of taking 30 million cars off the road – and, not to mention, the annual energy bill savings would amount to approximately $21 billion, Biden said. The administration recently reported that the awarded federal contracts have saved or created 30,383 jobs and has allowed school districts to avoid layoffs and restore budgets – resulting in about 250,000 education jobs.

Sears Tower will Undergo Environmental Retrofit-

The Sears Tower in Chicago, measuring an astounding 1,450 feet, will be given a $350 million green retrofit to turn the 110 story structure into a sustainable, conservational place of business. The project plans require the tower to decrease energy utilization by 80 percent and water consumption by 40 percent. To achieve these goals, title-holder American Landmark Properties and associates plan on exchanging the structure’s 16,000 tinted single pane windows to form a thermal break between the building’s interior and Chicago’s freezing winters/ hot summers. The property company also plans on investing in natural gas boilers equipped with fuel cells to produce electricity, installing solar panels for electricity and water heating, refurbishing the tower’s 104 elevators and 15 escalators to cut their electricity use by 40 percent, installing light dimmer systems which automatically lower light based on accessible natural light, replacing bathroom fixtures with a condensation capture system to preserve 24 million gallons of water, transplanting intensive green roofs to diminish storm runoff, possibly installing wind turbines on roofs and, lastly, replacing granite walls surrounding the tower with landscaped park space, glass storefronts and an interactive LED digital display. The building owners are also planning to construct an adjoining hotel that is LEED certified. “We hope to set a benchmark for how high-rise buildings throughout the world can limit their impact on the environment,” said architect Adrian Smith in a statement. Due to a new arrangement with international insurance broker Willis Group Holdings, the tower is set to be re-named the Willis Tower later this summer. It appears that the green energy revolution has affected just about every state in the nation; it is exciting to think about what developments will sprout up next.