ENERGY STAR E-Update:Quadruple Energy Savings,DOE to Create $130M Research Center,Retailers Can Save When They Go Green,Study: White Roofs Can Cool Urban Temperatures,Tips for Foodservice Operators,more

 from Scotty's mail box

EPA Ranks U.S. Cities with the Most ENERGY STAR Labeled Buildings

EPA maintains a list of all buildings that have earned EPA's ENERGY STAR and, for the second year, has created a list of the U.S. metropolitan areas with the largest number of ENERGY STAR labeled buildings. Continuing the impressive growth of the past several years, in 2009 nearly 3,900 commercial buildings earned the ENERGY STAR, representing annual savings of more than $900 million in utility bills and more than 4.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, Houston, Lakeland, Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, and New York head the list of cities. Details are available in the EPA Press Release. Houses of Worship will be added to this list in 2010 since these facilities can be rated using Portfolio Manager and can earn the ENERGY STAR. Learn moreabout the Houses of Worship rating. Link

ENERGY STAR Leaders Quadruple Energy Savings in One Year

In 2009, EPA's ENERGY STAR leaders prevented the equivalent of more than 220,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide and saved more than $48 million across their commercial building portfolios. These savings have quadrupled since 2008 and represent the single greatest year of savings since EPA recognized the first ENERGY STAR leaders in 2004. For details on the awards see the EPA Press Release. This year EPA released a new report profiling leading organizations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. The report: "Profiles in Leadership, 2010 ENERGY STAR Award Winners," highlights over 100 organizations across many sectors of the U.S. economy. The report offers insights into this diverse set of winners and their energy-efficient approaches and practices. For more information see the EPA Press Releaseor view the full report.

DOE to Create $130M Research Center for Building Efficiency

The Obama administration has announced that the U.S. Departments of Energy, Commerce and Labor and four other federal agencies are joining together to establish a nearly $130 million regional research center to develop and implement new technology for building efficiency. Buildings account for almost 40 percent of U.S. energy consumption and carbon emissions. The new center is part of the effort to reduce energy use and utility bills while stimulating the economy and creating jobs. Greener Buildings has the report. Link

Retailers Can Save When They Go Green

Retailers can save big bucks by thinking of green and energy-saving alternatives. From keeping the freezer door closed to examining tax incentives there are plenty of options to save money through green practices. See the article in Globe Streetwith more information.

Study: White Roofs Can Cool Urban Temperatures

White roofs can cool urban temperatures, according to Keith Oleson, a scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. Such roofs are being used in cities across the country -- including Washington, D.C., and Seattle -- and have caught the attention of Energy Secretary Steven Chu. Review the entire article on MSNBC.

Scott's Contracting, St Louis, Missouri: Installs Eco Friendly Roofing Choices for all Applications
Contact Scotty for Pricing & Installation

Tips for Foodservice Operators

Restaurants & Institutions offers tips for food service operations and restaurants that want to adopt more environmentally sustainable measures. "There is a huge misconception," said Chris Moyer, manager of the National Restaurant Association's Conserve initiative. "A lot of people think, 'If I'm not doing it all, then I'm not doing anything.'" Start with small steps, experts advise, such as separating your trash and investing in green cleaning products. Then you can focus on larger commitments, such as replacing incandescent bulbs and getting LEED certification. See the full article in Restaurants & Institutions.

ENERGY STAR Product of the Month:

Commercial LED Lighting

LED stands for light-emitting diode. LEDs are small light sources that become illuminated by the movement of electrons through semiconductor material. Qualified commercial products use at least 75% less energy and last 35 times longer than incandescent lighting. Plus, qualified LED lighting produces virtually no heat and provides optimal light color for any environment from parking lots to high-end show rooms. For more information, visit the ENERGY STAR product page which includes an overview, specifications, buying guidance and FAQs. LED technology is moving at a fast pace and you should check every few months for new types of LED lighting products.