Congressional Solar Energy Tax Credit Bill Creates Affordable Renewable Energy Systems for Homeowners

A part of the bailout package recently passed by the U.S. government included a generous solar energy tax credit bill which will dramatically reduce the cost and hasten the payback to homeowners for installing residential solar energy systems. A full 30% federal tax credit is now available for solar PV and thermal installations starting January 1, 2009. The Renewable Energy Division of S+H Construction, Inc. of Cambridge, Massachusetts, one of the... 

AMB Property Corporation(R) Awarded Gold LEED(TM) Certification for Savannah Development

AMB Property Corporation® (NYSE: AMB – News), a leading global developer and owner of industrial real estate, today announced that AMB Morgan Business Center – Building 100 in Savannah has been awarded Gold LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The 346,000 square foot facility is the largest investor-owned industrial development in North America to achieve Gold LEED Core & Shell® certification. “This project... 

Many Save on Utility Bills Indoors, but Not with Their Yard, Lawn, or Garden

While most (96 percent) of U.S. adults have personally adopted sustainable or energy efficient practices at home, comparatively fewer (58 percent) use energy or water saving techniques in their yard, lawn, or garden, according to a new national survey about sustainability. Conducted online by Harris Interactive® on behalf of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), the results were presented at the ASLA Annual Meeting and EXPO in Philadelphia. Of... 

First Solar Powered Self Storage Facility in North Carolina Opens at Security Self Storage

The first of its kind, green self storage facility in North Carolina has begun generating its electrical needs using solar photovoltaic panels. The 10 kilowatt, 20 foot pole mounted system is located at Security Self Storage on 3600 Tryon Rd. Raleigh, NC 27606. Open house with educational tour, heavy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be on Thursday, September 25th from 11am to 2 pm. Raleigh, North Carolina, September 24, 2008 — The... 

Serious Materials Introduces ThermaRock(TM) Energy-Saving Drywall

Serious Materials announced its new line of ThermaRock energy-saving drywall. ThermaRock XI (eXtreme Insulation), reduces energy costs up to 30%, with potential savings of $1,700 per panel over the life of the product. ThermaRock XI provides an insulation R-value of up to R4.1, compared to an R value of 0.5 for typical gypsum drywall. This dramatically higher R-value substantially reduces heat transfer through un-insulated or insulated exterior walls,... 

VERSAR, INC. Joins U.S. Green Building Council

Versar, Inc. announced today that it has become a member of the U.S. Green Building Council , www.usgbc.org, the leader in green building and development. USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) provides the design and performance standards for implementing energy conservation, global climate change, and occupant health. Versar has also established its Energy and Climate unit in Germantown, Maryland to focus on the expansion... 

South Park Streetscape

A partnership of real estate developers envisioned a complete revitalization of the South Park neighborhood in downtown Los Angeles. Their plan to rehabilitate a complete city block has become the first new residential neighborhood in this area in twenty-three years. The structures are also the first “green” residential high-rise buildings in downtown Los Angeles. Collectively, the development is one block comprised of many separate projects including... 

CHOICE Homes Receives Oncor’s Excellence in Energy Performance Award

Choice Homes was recently honored with the 2008 Excellence in Energy Award from Oncor Energy. This prestigious award recognizes elite homebuilders who are raising the standard of energy efficient home construction in Texas. Choice Homes was the highest ranking winner in its HERS index rating category and was one of only five winners selected from a group of more than 75 homebuilders. Choice Homes has also satisfied the requirements necessary to be... 

Serious Materials a Two-Time Winner of AlwaysOn GoingGreen 100

Serious Materials announced today that it has been named to the AlwaysOn GoingGreen 100 list for the second year in a row. The company was voted #1 at Cleantech Venture Forum XII, Global Gypsum Product of the Year 2008, and won the first Aspen Institute award for innovation in Energy Conservation. It has also been recognized by TIME/CNN, Fortune, Business Week, GreenTech Media and Red Herring as one of the most promising green technology companies. “The... 

Saving energy, improving air quality

Energy efficiency and indoor air quality are increasingly considered equally vital factors in building design. At the same time, there is proof that performance and productivity are influenced by the working environment. With the importance of noise, lighting, temperature and humidity already understood, the role of air quality is receiving greater recognition. A variety of Sick Building Syndrome symptoms are known to be aggravated by even slight...