New Report Showcases Cost-Effective Green Building Benefits Throughout the World

World Green Building Council Showcases Cost-Effective Green Building Benefits Throughout the World

New Report Released Today Highlights Financial Value of Green Buildings to Business Communities

LONDON (March 6, 2013) — A new comprehensive report released this week from the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), highlights that there are a large number of compelling benefits from green buildings received by different stakeholders throughout the life cycle of a building.

The report, "The Business Case for Green Building: A Review of the Costs and Benefits for Developers, Investors and Occupants," examines whether or not it's possible to attach a financial value to the cost and benefits of green buildings. Today, green buildings can be delivered at a price comparable to conventional buildings and investments can be recouped through operational cost savings and, with the right design features, create a more productive workplace.

"This report synthesizes credible evidence from around the world on green buildings into one collective resource, and the evidence presented highlights that sustainable buildings provide tangible benefits and make clear business sense," said Jane Henley, CEO of WorldGBC. "From risk mitigation across a building portfolio and city-wide economic benefits, to the improved health and well-being of individual building occupants, the business case for green building will continue to evolve as markets mature. Indeed we have already seen this momentum grow globally where in more and more places, green is now becoming the status quo."

Key findings include:

• Design and Construction Costs: Research shows that building green does not necessarily need to cost more, particularly when cost strategies, program management and environmental strategies are integrated into the development process right from the start;
• Asset Value: As investors and occupiers become more knowledgeable about and concerned with the environmental and social impacts of the built environment, buildings with better sustainability credentials will have increased marketability. In fact, studies from around the world demonstrate a pattern of greener buildings being able to more easily attract tenants and to command higher rents and sale prices;
• Operating Costs: Green buildings have been shown to save money through reduced energy and water use and lower long-term operations and maintenance costs. The energy savings alone typically exceed any cost premiums associated with their design and construction within a reasonable payback period;
• Workplace Productivity and Health: Research shows that the green design attributes of buildings and indoor environments can improve worker productivity and occupant health and well-being, resulting in bottom line benefits for businesses;
• Risk Mitigation: Sustainability risk factors can significantly affect the rental income and the future value of real estate assets, in turn affecting their return on investment. Regulatory risks have become increasingly apparent in countries and cities around the world, including mandatory disclosure, building codes and laws banning inefficient buildings.

The report concludes that illustrating that by greening our built environment at the neighborhood and city scales, the green building industry can deliver on large-scale economic priorities such as climate change mitigation, energy security, resource conservation and job creation, long-term resilience and quality of life.

 "This report underscores that green buildings play a fundamental and cost-efficient role in tackling some of the immediate challenges of our times," said Rick Fedrizzi, chair of the WorldGBC and president, CEO and founding chair of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). "The WorldGBC is proud to continue to play a leadership role in the explosive growth of global green building industry as we all continue to create a world that will give people better, brighter, healthier spaces to live, work and play."

This report was produced in partnership with PRP Environmental along with the following sponsors: Skanska, Grosvenor, and the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council/Estidama.

About the World Green Building Council

The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) is a network of national Green Building Councils (GBCs) from around the world, making it the largest international organization influencing the green building marketplace. Green Building Councils are member-based organizations that partner with industry and government in the transformation of their building industries towards sustainability through the adoption of green building practices. On the ground in over 90 countries, GBCs create change in their local markets as a way to globalize environmentally and socially responsible building practices.  Visit: www.worldgbc.org

Loyola building achieves LEED Silver status for its sustainability

The Loyola University New Orleans College of Law’s Broadway Building has achieved LEED Silver Certification for its environmentally friendly characteristics, according to the U.S. Green Building Council. The Stuart H. Smith Law Clinic and Center for Social Justice, along with the Career Development and Law Practice Center and the Office of Law Skills and Experiential Learning, are located in the building.

Originally built in 1959, the Broadway Building, formerly known as the Dominican Conference Center and designed by Fernandez & Johnson Architecture, underwent a nearly $7.5 million renovation, which was completed in spring 2011. DonahueFavret Contractors Inc., was the general contractor on the project.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a certification developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to set a benchmark for design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. LEED Silver is the third highest level of achievement by the council and its Green Building Certification Institute.

Some of the environmental design features that contributed to LEED Silver Certification of the Broadway Building include:

• Building reuse: The building is a renovation of an existing building. By maintaining the original walls, floor and roof, the impact of construction on the environment is greatly reduced.
• Energy performance: The Broadway Building features the latest energy efficient components, including low-emittance glazed windows, energy efficient lighting systems with sensors that turn on for occupants, and efficient HVAC systems. These green characteristics reduce the building’s energy costs by 14 percent.
• Alternative transportation: Building is within a half-mile walking distance to public transportation, reducing pollution and land development impacts on the environment from automobile use.
• Water use reduction: All plumbing fixtures are low-flow fixtures, which use minimal potable water, reducing the building’s burden on the city’s water supply by 35 percent.
• Heat island effect: The building also uses dark, non-reflective surfaces for roofs, walkways and other paved surfaces, which help lessen the so-called heat island effect. Because of the heat island effect, ambient temperatures in urban areas are artificially elevated by 2 to10 degrees Fahrenheit. Loyola’s Broadway Building minimizes the effect through its reflective materials, providing shade and minimizing pavement.
• Recycled content: The project incorporated recycled building materials, thereby reducing the environmental impact of harvesting and processing virgin materials. Products with recycled content reduce solid waste volumes.

LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building, home or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at achieving high performance in key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. LEED Certification is the most recognized global standard for high performance buildings that are efficient, cost-effective and better for occupants and the environment.

For more information, contact James Shields in the Office of Public Affairs at 504-861-5888.

 

Attributing Building Energy Code Savings to Energy Efficiency Programs

Leveraging Building Energy Codes to Maximize Energy Savings
New study provides guidance to states exploring options to link utility efficiency programs with energy codes savings

LEXINGTON, MA , February 28, 2013 - As states increasingly look to utilities to play an active role in supporting building energy codes, a new report from a coalition of energy efficiency advocates, has been issued to provide guidance for how state regulatory commissions and energy offices can best develop and evaluate such efforts. 

The report, Attributing Building Energy Code Savings to Energy Efficiency Programs, developed by the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) Evaluation, Measurement and Verification (EM&V) Forum; the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT); and IEE, an institute of the Edison Foundation, provides in-depth guidance on program options, evaluation protocol, and regulatory considerations for efficiency program administrators and policymakers.

Utility-supported energy codes programs are generally in their infancy and face challenges to adoption and scalability, including the lack of uniform standards for crediting utilities with associated program savings. This report investigates evaluation mechanisms or “frameworks” used in states such as California, Arizona, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island and reviews potential hybrid approaches that balance considerations such as potential energy savings, resource requirements, cost-effectiveness, and defensibility.

“Building energy codes represent tremendous opportunities for states to meet their increasingly aggressive energy savings goals,” ” explained Susan Coakley, executive director of NEEP.  “Utilities and other administrators of ratepayer funded energy efficiency programs provide an ideal opportunity to both inform and support the development and implementation of codes. This report offers guidance for developing frameworks that connect the two by providing options for policy makers to allow the  utilities to claim  energy savings from code support effortless as part of their overall efficiency programs.”

Recognizing that there is no one-size-fits all approach, the report provides an overview of  the code and utility policy environment in 17 diverse states to help categorize the unique opportunities and challenges posed by local conditions.

“State and local building codes are a cornerstone of U.S. energy policy, so this is an exciting but relatively untested area of utility engagement” said Sarah Stellberg, manager of research and policy analysis at IMT. “Our goal for this report was to provide actionable guidance for policymakers, PAs, and regulators as they test the waters with new codes program activities.”

“Utilities are exploring every possible activity to affect energy efficiency within homes and businesses” said Lisa Wood, Executive Director of IEE, “and developing guidance on how to design, implement, and assess the performance of utility-supported building energy codes programs provides yet another cost-effective option for the electric utility industry to deliver energy savings to its customers.”

The Cadmus Group, Inc. (Cadmus) and its partners, Energy Futures Group, NMR, and Optimal Energy (the Cadmus team) performed the study and produced this research report with invaluable input from an Advisory Committee members including state PUC commissioners and staff, utility program administrators, non-governmental organizations, and regional efficiency organizations.

Download the report, Attributing Building Energy Code Savings to Energy Efficiency Programs at http://neep.org.

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ABOUT NEEP:  NEEP is a regional non-profit whose mission is to serve the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to accelerate energy efficiency in the building sector through public policy, program strategies and education. The Regional Evaluation, Measurement, and Verification Forum, a project facilitated by NEEP supports the development and use of consistent protocols to evaluate, measure, verify, and report the savings, costs, and emission impacts of energy efficiency and other demand-side resources around the region. Visit www.neep.org for more details.

ABOUT IEE: IEE is an Institute of the Edison Foundation focused on advancing the adoption of innovative and efficient technologies among electric utilities and their technology partners that will transform the power grid. IEE promotes the sharing of information, ideas, and experiences among regulators, policymakers, technology companies, thought leaders, and the electric power industry.  IEE also identifies policies that support the business case for adoption of cost-effective technologies.  IEE’s members are committed to an affordable, reliable, secure, and clean energy future.  For more information, visit www.edisonfoundation.net/iee

ABOUT IMT: The Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) is a Washington, DC-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting energy efficiency, green building, and environmental protection in the United States and abroad. Much of IMT’s work addresses market failures that inhibit investment in energy efficiency. For more information, visit imt.org.

New Green Building Book Measures Sustainability of World's Greenest Buildings

This post was approved by the Senior Editor of www.imodular.com, a GBM Marketing, Inc. web property.

Media Registration for LIGHTFAIR International 2013 is Now Open

Media Registration for LIGHTFAIR International 2013 is Now Open

Click here for media registration now.

 

 

LIGHTFAIR is just two months away and we're looking forward to seeing you in Philadelphia!

 

LIGHTFAIR® International (LFI®) will expand its product presentation and increase its scale in 2013 with the addition of two high-profile categories – solar power and software – occupying newly added Hall F space in Philadelphia's Pennsylvania Convention Center.  The 2013 additions accelerate LFI's continuing growth as the world's largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference.  The new categories will advance its footprint to produce the largest trade show in LFI's 23-year history.

 

Pre-Conference

4.21.13 – 4.22.13

Trade Show & Conference

4.23.13 – 4.25.13

 

Click here for media registration now.

 

Helpful Links:

Hall F/What's New at LFI 2013?

Floor Plan

Exhibitor List

Conference Information

Keynotes

Hotel & Travel Information

Green Building Show EP 20 -- kitchen and bathroom trends

This post was approved by the Senior Editor of www.imodular.com, a GBM Marketing, Inc. web property.

Urban Green Council Releases Important NYC Study

This is a start with a goal. Measuring the progress is going to be another story. New York City Can Mitigate Climate Change through Buildings and Infrastructure NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 14 --- The country's largest city can feasibly reduce its carbon emissions 90 percent by 2050, according to a study released today by Urban Green Council. President Obama stressed the importance of building efficiency in his State of the Union, announcing a goal to cut energy waste from homes and businesses in half over the next 20 years. The timely study, 90 By 50, finds that by updating and streamlining the city's buildings and infrastructure, New York City can meet that goal and more, reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to the levels identified by scientists as necessary to contain climate change. Issued in the wake of Superstorm Sandy and other unprecedented weather events that re-focused attention on building preparedness, 90 By 50 shows the dramatic role urban buildings can play in mitigating climate change. Buildings are New York City's greatest contributor to carbon pollution, producing 75 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions. The transportation sector accounts for another 21 percent. Climate scientists say carbon pollution must be reduced 80 percent worldwide by 2050 to ensure a safe, sustainable environment. To do the study, a virtual New York City was created using key building types. The model was then adjusted to improve future buildings using currently available technologies like improved insulation, the use of heat pumps, and transportation electrification. The result: a building sector that is essentially free of carbon pollution. Environmental and urban leaders agree that our current infrastructure is unsustainable but disagree on the feasibility of finding a solution. 90 By 50 is the first study to tactically demonstrate how an American city can tangibly and affordably meet the challenges of climate change.  "The buildings we live in can play a crucial role in the sustainability of society and the planet. This study shows us that an energy-efficient and innovative New York is possible—and necessary. If New York—the complicated nerve center of the country—can do this without breaking the bank, any city in the world can," said Urban Green Council Executive Director Russell Unger. The study assumes that buildings will remain functionally the same as today, without sacrificing physical comfort. All tactics tested are either currently available or reasonably foreseeable. The cost of the changes is neutral when the economy and other factors are considered. About Urban Green Council Urban Green Council is the New York Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Its mission is to advance the sustainability of urban buildings through education, advocacy and research. The nonprofit is a trusted advisor to Mayor Bloomberg and the New York City government on building resiliency and efficiency. Urban Green Council recently convened the city's Building Resiliency Task Force in the wake of Superstorm Sandy and will release recommendations in June.

Copyright © 2012 Urban Green Council, U.S. Green Building Council New York Chapter. All Rights Reserved. 20 Broad Street, Suite 709, New York, NY 10005

 

Announcing March 13-14 High Performance Sustainable Schools Workshop

HIGH PERFORMANCE SUSTAINABLE SCHOOLS: THE PROOF AND THE PROMISE

March 13-14, 2013

Marriott RiverCenter - Covington, KY

If you aspire to high performance buildings for your clients, for your
school, for your students-this workshop is for you.

This two-day workshop will demonstrate proven results of the high
performance building process in Kentucky schools and districts. Sessions
will be led by architects, engineers and facilities directors who have
successfully designed, built, operated and maintained high performance
school buildings.

Day one will include a tour of Turkey Foot Middle School, a net-zero ready
middle school featuring natural lighting, solar collection, insulated
concrete, rainwater harvesting and a green roof. The tour will include one
track for the design professional and one track that will focus on
educational opportunities.


REGISTER NOW: WWW.REGONLINE.COM/HPSS2013 <http://www.regonline.com/HPSS2013>

Lennox’ Environ™ Coil system now available on all Energence® rooftop units up to 25 tons

Lennox' Environ™ Coil system now available on all Energence® rooftop units up to 25 tons

Dallas, TX – (January 29, 2013) –Lennox has expanded the availability of its Environ™ Coil System to 4-, 6-, 13-, 17.5- and 25-ton Energence® rooftop unit models, completing the product lineup to 25 tons. The Environ Coil System will now come standard on Energence rooftop unit models, with the tube-and-fin condenser coil available as an option.

The all-aluminum Environ condenser coil offers a significant reduction in refrigerant charge requirements, with innovative technology that helps maximize reliability and sustainability. It uses up to 52% less refrigerant than a traditional tube-and-fin condenser coil, providing sustainable savings. Additionally, the coil's all-aluminum construction results in a significantly lighter unit weight - up to 59% lighter than traditional coils - shaving a total of approximately 149 pounds, for example, from a 15-ton rooftop unit. Less brazed joints, up to 20% less compared to that of tube and fin coils, decreases the potential for leakage, increasing the reliability of the system. Finally, a mounting configuration that uses rubber inserts, provides vibration dampening to prevent damage during shipping as well as isolation to protect against corrosion. A 3-year warranty is included with the Environ Coil System.

About Lennox Industries Inc.
A worldwide leader in residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems, Lennox Industries Inc. is based near Dallas, Texas. Deeply committed to helping consumers and businesses reduce energy needs and lessen their environmental impact, the company offers a wide range of resources for improving efficiency, including a selection of ENERGY STAR® qualified products. Lennox Industries is a subsidiary of Lennox International Inc. and is a global leader in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration markets. Lennox International stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "LII." To learn more about Lennox International, visit www.lennoxinternational.com. To learn more about Lennox Industries, contact a Lennox sales representative or visit www.lennox.com.

News: PV Power Plant for Concrete Manufacturer

5 acre ground mount system provides electricity to high-usage consumer; PPA guarantees electricity rate for 25 years

Dublin (Georgia), January 29, 2013. – MAGE SOLAR, a turn-key provider of optimally coordinated solar PV solutions, and Paradise Energy Solutions, an integrator company operating in nine North Eastern states, announced the completion of a 1.12 MW system for Martin Limestone Inc.

 

Martin Limestone, Inc. is a construction materials supplier providing aggregates, hot-mix asphalt, paving, and concrete products from plants in several locations throughout Pennsylvania. Staying cost competitive without compromising quality has been a huge challenge for the industry in general, especially as utility costs are continually rising. For its New Holland facility Martin Limestone decided to opt for a renewable energy system that would give it a long-term financial advantage. The site is home to a block and ready-mix manufacturing plant as well as warehouses, stores, and offices.

 

But rather than investing in and securing financing for a solar system that would cover nearly 50% of the energy needs for the New Holland Concrete facility, the company chose to engage in a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Sunstream Energy. Sunstream Energy, a sister company of Paradise Energy, is leasing five acres of land on New Holland Concrete’s property where it has installed the 1.12 MW solar farm. In return, Sunstream Energy sells the generated electricity to New Holland Concrete under a 25-year fixed rate.

 

"As a business this project allows us to lock in reasonable long-term electric rates using a clean, renewable power source without a significant upfront investment," comments Jeff Detwiler, chief executive officer of Martin Limestone, the owner of New Holland Concrete. "The system also generates the highest amounts of power during our peak production times."

 

The 4,480 MAGE POWERTEC PLUS modules are mounted on 8 rows of ground mounts and are expected to generate 1.5 million kWh annually, enough electricity to power about 150 homes. Paradise Energy built the system, one of the county’s largest, in only four months and will continue to monitor it for optimal maximum power production. Since the MAGE POWERTEC PLUS modules are warranted to produce 0 to +5 W tolerances only, the system is engineered to generate the highest energy yields possible. Additionally MAGE SOLAR’s signature 30-year 80% power output guarantee ensures some of the longest ROI periods in the industry.

 

"This project created numerous jobs during the construction phase,” said Tim Beiler, CEO of Paradise Energy Solutions. “It is mutually beneficial to the investor, Sunstream Energy, and to the end user of the electricity, Martin Limestone.  I have been thrilled with the cooperation from all parties involved to make this project happen, helping to create a bright and sustainable future for the community."
 

Financing for the system was made possible in part by the Department of Treasury’s 1603 grant program which covered 30% of the project costs, as well as favorable bonus depreciation rules for solar energy systems. The system was commenced at the end of December 2012. 

 

 “The Martin Limestone installation is a particularly great example of the role renewable energy systems play as a valuable economic tool,” adds Joe Thomas, President and CEO of MAGE SOLAR USA. “They have the power to leverage competitiveness and manage operating expenses for the long-term even for high energy users like Martin Limestone. Our sincere thanks and appreciation also go to our partners at Paradise Energy for executing this project so swiftly and competently.”

Limestone, a construction materials supplier based in East Earl, PA. © Paradise Ener

MAGE SOLAR – The Sun on Your Side

MAGE SOLAR USA, headquartered in Dublin, Georgia, specializes in complete solar systems and provides high-quality photovoltaic modules, intelligent mounting systems and high-performance brand inverters. As a subsidiary of the international MAGE GROUP, it uses the Group’s 40 years of know-how to develop optimally coordinated system solutions. A competent partner network guarantees profitable solar energy systems for customers throughout the Americas and in 21 more countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. In 2011, the company generated U$280 in sales with around 180 employees.

www.magesolar.com

www.linkedin.com/company/mage-solar-projects-inc
www.facebook.com/magesolar                           

www.twitter.com/mage_solar

 

Paradise Energy Solutions

Paradise Energy Solutions, LLC is an experienced and qualified solar energy contractor with offices in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Ohio.  They are a fully licensed and insured Solar Energy Contractor in Pennsylvania (PA), New Jersey (NJ), Maryland (MD), Delaware (DE), New York (NY), Massachusetts (MA), Ohio (OH), and Illinois (IL).  They are also an “Approved Solar PV Installer” under many state rebate programs in the states listed.   Paradise Energy has 45 employees and has installed a total of over 5 megawatts of solar-power as of the end of 2012.  In addition, Paradise Energy Solution’s CEO Tim Beiler, as well as Larry Beiler, Manager of PA Operations, have earned the industry's leading recognition of expertise as a certified installer of solar electric systems (aka "photovoltaic" or "PV" systems) and certified technical sales from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

 

www.paradisesolarenergy.com

www.linkedin.com/company/paradise-energy-solutions-llc
www.facebook.com/ParadiseEnergySolutions                 

www.twitter.com/paradisesolar

 

 

About Sunstream Energy

Sunstream Energy, a sister company of Paradise Energy Solutions, is a growing investment company that specializes in large Solar systems. Owned and operated by four brothers, they have more than a megawatt of solar production.

 

About Martin Limestone

Martin Limestone, a division of New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc., is a mining, manufacturing, and paving construction company based in East Earl, PA.  Their construction materials are produced for agricultural and industrial uses as well as the construction of roads, homes, athletic facilities and corporate and industrial buildings throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.