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News for: April 01, 2013
Regency Centers Ups Annual Energy Savings 75%, Triples Recycled Materia
April 01, 2013
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Regency Centers, a grocery-anchored shopping center chain, has increased its annual energy savings by 75 percent, achieved LEED certification for three projects and tripled the amount of construction and demolition material recycled in 2012.
These sustainability improvements are part of the company’s commitment to reduce the environmental impact of developing and operating shopping centers through its Greengenuity program, Regency says.
New program promotes local job creation and energy efficiency
April 01, 2013
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A new program is expected to make some Western New York businesses more energy efficient. The community housing organization PUSH Buffalo is leading an effort that’s also expected to create local jobs.
Oregon’s 2012 Success Proves Energy Efficiency Is Effective
April 01, 2013
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In early February, the Energy Trust of Oregon released preliminary results from its annual energy savings report. Results hinted that 2012 had been a record-breaking year for energy conservation efforts in the state, and now that hunch has been confirmed.
The organization’s full 4th quarter report reveals that annual results exceeded even the stretch goals for electric and natural gas efficiency savings. Oregon’s success is both proof that energy-efficiency efforts can be effective in the short term and stands as a road map for other states to follow.
USDA Invites Applications for Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Projects
April 01, 2013
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WASHINGTON, March 29, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is seeking applications to provide assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Funding is available from USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today's announcement is one part of the Department's efforts to strengthen the rural economy.
Owners of energy-efficient homes less likely to default on loans
April 01, 2013
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WASHINGTON — If you buy or own an energy-efficient house, does this make you less likely to default on your mortgage? Is there a connection between the monthly savings on utility costs and the probability that you'll pay your loan on time?
A new study by the University of North Carolina suggests that the answer to both questions is a resounding yes.
Using a sample of 71,000 home loans from across the country that were originated between 2002 and 2012, researchers found that mortgages on homes with Energy Star certifications were on average 32% less likely to default compared with loans on homes with no energy-efficiency improvements. Energy Star homes, which can be renovated dwellings or newly built, provide documentable savings of 15% or higher on utility bills compared with houses containing minimal energy improvements.
Energy efficiency project celebrates one thousand home milestone
April 01, 2013
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Three years and 1,000 homes later, the Local Energy Alliance Program powered up a celebration last week on the Downtown Mall. Since 2010, LEAP has been facilitating home energy audits and retrofits in Charlottesville-Albemarle, lining up contractors and bankers for energy-saving improvements.
LEAP says it is one of only 15 programs of its type in the country to hit the 1,000-home target for energy upgrades.
The home of city residents Wendy Roberman and Ted Millich received one of the program’s first energy audits. They learned their 1960s rancher would need a new air conditioning system and furnace.
Maryland’s Be SMART Home Program Offers Energy Efficiency Financing for Homeowners
April 01, 2013
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Maryland offers up to $15,000 in unsecured loans to help residents improve the energy efficiency of their homes through the Be SMART Home program.
The program features two options for homeowners looking to do most anything to increase their dwelling’s energy efficiency, from replacing an aging refrigerator to improving the “whole home envelope,” which involves sealing air leaks and increasing insulation.
Business leaders tout savings from energy efficiency
April 01, 2013
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NEW LONDON - Two guest speakers told members of the New Hampshire Economic Development Association Friday that alternative, renewable energies are on the rise and saving money for many businesses.
Jay Gamble, vice president and general manager of Mt. Sunapee Resort, and Gary Lemay, renewable energy engineer at the New Hampshire Electric Co-op., spoke at the association's March meeting, which focused on the potential for companies to make "green" investments into natural gas, solar, wind and other alternative energy sources.
Boulder considers boosting energy efficiency rules in new construction
March 30, 2013
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As Boulder looks for ways to cut its greenhouse gas emissions, some city leaders are looking to the building code for at least one of the answers. Boulder's current building code was well ahead of national conservation standards back in 2006 when it ...
Buyers favor 'green' houses, but they're often not easy to identify or appraise
March 29, 2013
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When it comes to energy efficiency and “green” features in homes, there's a chasmal disconnect separating consumers, real estate appraisers and the nation's realty sales system. On the one hand, prospective buyers routinely tell researchers that they ...
