The IGCC provides the building industry with language that both broadens and strengthens building codes in a way that will accelerate the construction of high performance green buildings across the U.S.
The event was held in partnership with the High-Performance Buildings Congressional Caucus Coalition and showcased high-performance buildings and initiatives.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Center for Communities by Design has selected Allegheny County, Pa., Allentown, Pa., Bridgeport, Conn., Coos Bay, Ore., Ithaca, N.Y., Oxford, Miss. and Portland, Maine as seven communities to receive technical assistance under the Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) program in 2010.
Two Tennessee condominium buildings have become the first recipients of green multifamily certification under the National Green Building Standard, the National Association of Home Builders announced.
Accor North America (ANA), a division of Accor Hospitality, has announced that it will pilot the Green Key Eco-Rating Program (Green Key) within its portfolio in the United States in 2010. According to the company, Green Key is the first program of its kind to rank, certify and inspect hotels and resorts based on their commitment to sustainable “green” practices; the Accor North America pilot will involve 20 properties.
In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, USGBC President Rick Fedrizzi has offered the UN special envoy to Haiti, former President Bill Clinton, the assistance of USGBC members to develop solutions informed by its work in New Orleans and Greensburg.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the California Building Standards Commission (BSC) unanimously adopted the first-in-the-nation mandatory Green Building Standards Code (CALGREEN) requiring all new buildings in the state to be more energy efficient and environmentally responsible.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold five listening sessions to provide information to the public about a potential rule to strengthen stormwater regulations and to establish a comprehensive program to reduce stormwater from new development and redevelopment.
Long Island Power Authority President and CEO, Kevin S. Law announced that the LIPA Board of Trustees approved power purchase agreements (PPAs) with BP Solar and enXco Development Corp. thereby creating the state’s largest source of solar power on Long Island.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing new requirements for residential geothermal heat pumps (GHPs), enabling water-to-water geothermal heat pumps to earn the Energy Star label for the first time. EPA’s stringent specifications for this new category of geothermal heat pumps will help protect the environment and reduce energy costs, because GHPs that meet the new standards will be up to 45 percent more efficient than conventional pumps.
