BCAP's New 'OCEAN' Web Resource Takes Social Networking Approach to Strengthening Energy Efficiency in Building Codes
bcap-ocean.org
Washington, D.C., November 12 – Social networking meets energy efficiency advocacy in an interactive web resource just launched by the Building Codes Assistant Project (BCAP), which works to reduce energy consumption in our nation’s buildings through improved building codes.
OCEAN, the Online Code Environment and Advocacy Network, is designed to facilitate sharing of experiences, best practices, educational resources and key facts relating to building energy code adoption, implementation, compliance and enforcement. OCEAN also allows stakeholders to discuss and learn about code issues; connect to trainers and educators; and find model policies and existing programs that can serve as models.
“With today’s pressing need for the economic and environmental benefits of energy efficiency, we believe the debut of OCEAN is not only timely but right on target,” said BCAP Executive Director Aleisha Khan. “OCEAN is intended to be the ‘go-to’ site for learning about the latest code issues, strategies and activities; and we believe it will meet the widespread need for accurate and useful information, resources and networking on energy codes. By expanding awareness and collaboration, OCEAN will help our nation realize the full energy and cost savings achievable through strong building energy codes.”
As a social networking tool, OCEAN allows its users to connect at the push of a button, thereby creating a virtual community. Over time, OCEAN will increasingly become a product of its users as it provides information based on real experiences, acts as the point of reference on current happenings in the energy code arena and informs and educates users on timely issues and critical needs.
For example, OCEAN’s “Discussions” feature – conversations about recent code topics and events – allow users not only to respond to the ongoing discussion but also to start their own discussion threads.
OCEAN also has organized a database of existing code resources into an online library covering all facets of energy codes: technical documents, best practices, studies, reports, and much more.
And while BCAP frequently uploads its own work to the site, OCEAN members, too, are encouraged to share resources for the benefit of the entire codes community. Becoming a member involves simply registering with OCEAN and indicating one’s areas of expertise and needs, which allows OCEAN to be optimized for each member’s use.
While members will have access to the entire website, each one’s customized homepage will direct the member to the latest and most pertinent news, events, user groups and resources. Members can even post messages on discussion boards to find elusive information and to access the members directory to find experts in various fields.
The Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP) is a project of the Alliance to Save Energy, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. BCAP promotes the adoption, implementation, and utilization of energy-efficient building codes and standards in the United States.
