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INDUSTRY NEWS... President Obama Announces New Light Bulb Standards Source: ACEEE New national minimum energy efficiency requirements for light bulbs will save more energy than any other standard ever issued by any administration, according to a coalition representing environmental and consumer organizations, state government, and utilities. The new standards, announced by President Obama today, will make the hundreds of millions of fluorescent tube lamps that light offices, stores, and factories more efficient. They also will phase out conventional incandescent reflector lamps, effectively extending the phase out of inefficient incandescent products initiated by Congress in 2007 to the common cone-shaped bulbs used in recessed light fixtures and track lighting. (more)
EnerNOC Signs Partnership Agreement With Green Mountain Power Source: Company Saving money while benefitting the electric grid just became easier for Green Mountain Power customers. EnerNOC, Inc. (Nasdaq:ENOC), a leading developer and provider of clean and intelligent energy solutions, today announced that it has signed a partnership agreement with Green Mountain Power, an electric utility that transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the State of Vermont in a service territory with approximately one quarter of Vermont's population. Under the terms of the partnership, customers currently enrolled in Green Mountain Power's demand response program will be rolled into EnerNOC's demand response network. In addition, Green Mountain Power and EnerNOC will work together to actively recruit additional commercial, institutional, and industrial customers into the program. Green Mountain Power selected EnerNOC as its preferred demand response partner in order to maximize its customers' revenue opportunities and ensure that they receive the highest levels of service and support. (more)
Going Green Replacing Energy Wasting, Mercury Hazard, Fluorescent Lights with Energy Saving Lights Source: Company Energy-efficient T8/bi-pin LED lighting tubes are the latest fluorescent-replacement LED lighting products LEDtronics® announces in its green-technology lineup. The series LED48T8-288-001W bi-pin LED fits into standard G13 bases and is designed to directly replace conventional T8 fluorescent tubes that provide general lighting for commercial, residential and architectural lighting applications. The 48" long white tubes provide the equivalent light output of 24 to 32-watt fluorescent lamps while consuming less than a maximum of 19 watts. In addition, the LED48T8 tubes run on a wide voltage range of 100 to 290 volts AC. (more)
Are Smart Grids a Smart Investment? Source: Company Jackson Associates recently announced results from the first utility-detailed nationwide study of smart grid savings. This study is the first to apply individual utility customer end-use hourly electric loads to evaluate smart grid costs and benefits. Data for more than 800,000 residential and commercial utility customers in the 200 largest US utilities were applied in the study. (more)
Optima Engineering Earns First LEED Platinum Certification in Charlotte Region Source: Company Optima Engineering, P.A. earned LEED(R) (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its South End office at 1927 South Tryon St. The LEED Platinum certification is the highest rating available, and Optima Engineering is the first to achieve this certification in the Charlotte area. (more)
EnerNOC Secures Over $100 Million of Future Potential Revenue in PJM for 2012/13 Delivery Year Source: Company EnerNOC, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENOC), a leading developer and provider of clean and intelligent energy solutions, announced that it has secured over $100 million of future potential revenue in the PJM Interconnection (PJM) market as a result of the 2012/13 Reliability Pricing Model Base Residual Auction (BRA). This future potential revenue is for demand response capacity to be delivered from June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2013. (more)
Daikin and McQuay Open New HVAC Research Center Source: Company The new Daikin McQuay Applied Development Center has opened its doors in Plymouth, Minn. According to the companies, the purpose of the new center is to develop and test advanced chiller, compressor, and other HVAC technologies to reduce energy consumption and ultimately the carbon footprint of the buildings where they will be used. (more)
Pennsylvania School District Invests $3.3 Million in Energy Efficiency Projects Source: Company The Franklin Area School District (FASD) in Franklin, Pa. is implementing $3.3 million in facility enhancements designed to improve operations, comfort and efficiency at five district campuses totaling more than 355,000 square feet. TAC by Schneider Electric, the building management and energy services business of Schneider Electric, will complete the work as a performance contract with the district. TAC guarantees that the FASD will reduce its energy and related maintenance costs by more than $91,000 annually when the project is completed in late 2009. (more)
Duke Energy Partners with Cisco to Fast-Track Development of Utility's 'Smart Grid' Source: Company Duke Energy announced it will join forces with Cisco Systems, Inc., the world's largest network communications company, to fast-track development of Duke Energy's state-of-the-art electric "smart grid." (more)
Construction of Nation's Largest Publicly Operated Biomass Cogeneration Facility Source: Company The nation’s leader and largest independent energy services provider Ameresco, Inc. (Ameresco) has been awarded a $795 million contract by the Department of Energy (DOE) to construct a biomass cogeneration facility and two smaller biomass heating facilities at the DOE’s Savannah River Site in Aiken, SC. The project is the largest energy savings performance and renewable energy contract (ESPC) in the nation’s history. (more)
Electricity Procurment Cost Savings for Carneige Mellon University Source: Company CX Energy MarketPlace, an energy management company and a business unit of Co-eXprise Inc., has signed an agreement to provide its strategic energy sourcing process to Carnegie Mellon University to help the University realize savings in its electricity purchases. (more)
Latest Version of Market Leading Software Adds NightWatchman Console & Sleepless Client Detection Source: Company 1E, a leading provider of Windows management software and services designed to reduce costs within the business environment, announces a significant upgrade with the launch of NightWatchman 5.5, the latest version of its market leading software, designed to simplify the PC Power Management process and implementation. (more)
NREL to Partner with RES Americas on Wind Balance-of-Plant Research Source: NREL The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Renewable Energy Systems Americas, Inc. (RES Americas) have announced a partnership to evaluate the design and performance of vital wind energy support systems (more)
Lighting Controls Association Offers New Online Course on LED Lighting Control Source: LCA The Lighting Controls Association (LCA) is pleased to announce that EE300: Lighting Control of LEDs has been added to the Association’s popular online Education Express distance education courses. (more)
Thermal Energy Storage – A Green Technology Source: Company Joe Hickman, the Chief Engineer for 801 Towers in Los Angeles, has operated numerous buildings in downtown LA over the years. According to historical energy data, his current building at 801 Figueroa is using less than 50% of the energy required per square foot as compared to similar buildings in the area. In fact, his building just received an Energy Efficiency Award for 2008 from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). Contributing to the efficiency of this 24 story, 430,000 square foot office building is a thermal energy storage system installed in 1992. Joe reports that, "the two 800 ton chillers simply never come on during the 10 hour daily air conditioning cycle when the building is being cooled by the TES system. Only one of the chillers is used at night to charge the Ice thermal storage system except on the hottest days in the summer when the second chiller is sometimes called upon to top up the ice system up for the next day". (more)
ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR. TO ADDRESS ENERGY & SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS Source: AEE The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) is pleased to announce that – renowned Environmentalist Activist and Attorney Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. will be a featured keynote opening conference session speaker for the upcoming 32nd World Energy Engineering Congress to be held November 4-5, 2009 at the DC Convention Center in Washington, DC. (more)
The Phillips Firm Successfully Defends a Major International Contacting Company in a Lawsuit Arising Source: Company The Phillips Firm successfully defended a large international contracting company in a complex, multi-party litigation in Oklahoma. In that case, the corporate headquarters of a large communications company was damaged in a tornado, and various lawsuits were filed between the owner and several contractors who constructed the building. (more)
New Green trade show Display unit used to show 1000 energy awareness Ideas at West Coast EMC Source: Company Flexi Display Marketing, a Michigan manufacturer of eco-friendly trade show displays, is presenting their new green display at the West Coast Energy management Congress 6-10-11, 2009. Flexi Display, www.flexidisplay.com will use their patented eco-friendly display to promote a large variety of ways companies can create awareness and encourage their employees, students and community to stop energy waste and increase organization-wide environmental sustainability. A Flexi display incorporates a built in LCD monitor which add interest to any presentation. (more)
Voltage Sag Testing for Industrial Equipment - and a New Power Quality Measurement Technology Source: Company, Andreas Eberhard, Vice President Power Standards Lab Immunity from voltage sags is vital for reliable operation of our ever-more-sophisticated electronic controls and equipment. Every electrical product should be able to ride through typical voltage sags, but in many cases the first sag test occurs after equipment is installed and in operation. Select the appropriate sag immunity specification and equipment compliance testing, and you’ll be glad you did. (more)
Computer Monitor Retrofits and Energy Management Platform Improve Learning Environment While Conserv Source: Company Honeywell (NYSE: HON) recently announced an $8.2-million energy efficiency and conservation program for the Central Dauphin School District in Harrisburg, Pa. The program, which combines traditional facility retrofits with several innovative conservation measures, will help the district upgrade buildings, reduce its environmental footprint and save approximately $1.1 million in utility costs per year. (more)
Multi-Utility Meter Reading System Helps Kutztown Upgrade Water and Electric Meter Reading Source: Company “It’s like an army invasion when the students move in,” said Director of Information Technology Frank Caruso of the Borough of Kutztown, a Pennsylvania community that has provided a home to an institution of higher learning since 1846. (more)
Power Management Market Leader Joins DELL ISV Partner Program Source: Company The Dell™ ISV Partner Program is focused on simplifying the management of disparate infrastructure platforms, applications, and IT services. As an ISV Basic Certified Partner, 1E helps to provide seamless integration of Dell OpenManage™ systems management functionality within NightWatchman Server to enhance the manageability of Dell platforms and optimize Dell Services. (more)
PC Power Management Programs Can Reduce Computer-Related Energy Costs by 40% Source: Company PC power management programs, which enable management of PC power settings over a network, provide the ability to drastically reduce organizations' power consumption, energy costs, and carbon dioxide emissions. Numerous studies, including those from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and several private-sector organizations, indicate that up to $70 per PC can be saved each year by implementing PC power management programs. For an enterprise with 1,000 client computers, this can result in annual energy savings of $70,000. (more)
U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions Declined by 2.8 Percent in Source: DOE U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels decreased by 2.8 percent in 2008, from 5,967 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MMTCO2) in 2007 to 5,802 MMTCO2 in 2008, according to preliminary estimates released today by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). This is the largest annual decline in energy-related carbon dioxide emissions since EIA began annual reporting on greenhouse gas emissions. (more)
U.S. Wind Power Industry Marks Strong First-Quarter Growth Source: AWEA The U.S. wind power industry installed more than 2,800 megawatts (MW) of new generating capacity in the first quarter of 2009, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). The growth rate is strong compared to the overall growth of 8,358 MW in 2008, which averages out to roughly 2,100 MW per quarter, but the growth is relatively weak compared to the fourth quarter of 2008, when the industry installed a record 4,112 MW of wind capacity. New wind power projects were completed in 15 states, including the 400.3-MW first phase of the Fowler Ridge Wind Farm in Indiana, a project that earned Indiana the distinction as the state with the fastest growth in wind power capacity: a 75% increase in just one quarter. But looking ahead presents a less favorable view for the nation, as projects now under construction will only add another 3,400 MW of wind power capacity. Even if all those projects are completed this year, which is unlikely, the total installed capacity for 2009 would only reach 6,200 MW, a 26% drop from the record pace achieved in 2008. (more)
EPA Sets Energy Star Specifications for Computer Servers Source: EPA Some computer servers will soon carry the Energy Star label, thanks to new specifications finalized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week. Computer servers are the workhorses of the Internet, serving up text, image, and video files each time someone visits a Web page. To earn the Energy Star label, servers will have to employ efficient power supplies that don't degrade power quality and will have to include advanced power management features. To help server owners minimize their energy consumption, servers must also be able to measure their real-time power use, processor utilization, and air temperature, and server manufacturers must provide purchasers with information on their server's energy performance and energy-saving capabilities. On average, computer servers that carry the Energy Star label will be 30% more energy efficient than standard servers. Energy Star is joint program of DOE and the EPA. (more)
President Obama Announces a Comprehensive National Fuel Economy Policy Source: EERE News President Barack Obama announced a new national policy that will increase the fuel economy and reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of all new cars and trucks sold in the United States. The policy includes proposed new fuel economy standards will cover model years 2012-2016, achieving an average fuel economy of 35.5 miles per gallon (mpg) for model year 2016. That exceeds the requirements of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which required an average fuel economy of 35 mpg by model year 2020. The standards will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions from new vehicles by 30% by 2016. Over the lifetime of these new vehicles, they will save an estimated 1.8 billion barrels of oil and will avoid the emission of 900 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. Cars and light trucks cause 17% of the carbon dioxide emissions in the United States (more)
Southern California Edison Signs World’s Largest Solar Deal Source: Flex Your Power Southern California Edison (SCE), already the nation’s leading purchaser of renewable energy, has signed on with BrightSource Energy to adopt 1.3 gigawatts (GW) of clean solar thermal power, enough to serve nearly 845,000 homes. The agreement calls for a series of seven projects, the first of which could be operating by 2013 and would produce 286,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity per year. The full 1.3 GW of projects will produce 3.7 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy and avoid more than two million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually – the equivalent of removing more than 335,000 cars from the road. (more)
Detroit Edison Signs Renewable Energy Agreement . . . Its First Under New State Law Source: Company Detroit Edison has entered into a 20-year agreement with Michigan-based Heritage Sustainable Energy to purchase wind power and renewable energy credits that will be used to help the utility meet the state's renewable portfolio standard. The agreement is the first signed by Detroit Edison following passage last fall of a new state law that requires Michigan's electric utilities to provide 10 percent of their power from renewable resources by 2015. (more)
Ed Begley, Jr. to Address Energy & Sustainable Industry Professionals Source: Company The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) is pleased to announce that actor - renowned energy activist Ed Begley, Jr. has been added to the keynote opening conference session for the upcoming West Coast Energy Management Congress & Expo, June 10-11, 2009 at the Long Beach Convention Center, Hall A, in Long Beach, CA. (more)
DOE to Invest Up to $33.5 Million in Wind Energy Projects Source: EERE News DOE announced that it plans to provide Massachusetts with $25 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to accelerate the development of the state's Wind Technology Testing Center. Conveniently located in Boston Harbor, the new center will be the first commercial facility in the nation for large wind turbine blades. It will allow for the testing of blades longer than 50 meters to help reduce cost, improve technical advancements, and speed deployment of the next generation of wind turbines. DOE selected Massachusetts for the facility in June 2007, pledging $2 million to support the project. The Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust also committed $13.2 million in grants and loans to develop the facility, and the state is now concluding the final design for the testing center. With the injection of Recovery Act funds, construction can begin in September and will be complete by the end of next year, creating hundreds of new jobs in the area. (more)
Business customers Are Leading the Push for More Renewable Energy Source: Company More than one thousand OG&E residential and business customers now are taking part in OG&E's newest wind power offering. As part of its Positive Energy Together(R) campaign, OG&E encourages its customers to support wind power by signing up at www.oge.com. (more)
High Bay Occupancy Sensor Offers Effective Lighting Control for Wet Location Applications Source: Company Watt Stopper/Legrand introduces its new HB350W high bay occupancy sensor, an innovative product engineered specifically for wet locations. The sensor is IP65 rated as well as UL rated raintight (UL244A and UL508). The line voltage sensor offers two different and interchangeable lens options and is part of the company’s offering of fixture-integrated lighting controls. (more)
Engineering Consulting Saves Manitou Springs School District Money and Energy Source: Company Manitou Springs School District 14 (MSSD) in Manitou Springs, Colorado, is a perfect example of how engineering consulting can help school districts dramatically improve their infrastructure and reduce their carbon footprint without depleting school budget resources and actually improving cash flow. (more)
Energy Management Best Practices: Tips from ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award Winners Source: EnergyStar Businesses recognized with the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year or Sustained Excelled Award for exemplary energy management demonstrate commitment and action towards reducing energy consumption across their organization, and are environmental leaders in their respective industries. (more)
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency Source: IREC Established in 1995, the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency is an ongoing project of the North Carolina Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. (more)
Directory of Energy Efficiency Programs Source: EnergyStar The Directory can help you identify organizations in your state that sponsor energy efficiency programs that are partnered with ENERGY STAR. These offerings can include financial and technical assistance to improve the energy efficiency of your business (more)
Verdiem Claims 60% Cut In PCs' Energy Consumption Source: InformationWeek At Washington Mutual, now part of Chase, Surveyor was installed last year, leading its CIO, Debora Horvath, to tell CIO magazine in July that it was saving 65% of the energy formerly consumed by 44,000 PCs. Horvath did not survive the acquisition process with Chase and was not available for comment, but her conclusion at the time was that PC energy management would save Washington Mutual $3 million a year. Enforcing energy-saving policies is a big part of what Surveyor does. It can tell when a PC has been idle for 20 minutes and order the monitor shut down; after 30 minutes, the PC is put into a standby or trance state that saves more energy. Employees can reactivate their machines at any time and are taught how to override the energy-conserving system to do what they need to do after hours and on weekends. (more)
DOE and EPA Release an Energy Efficiency Action Plan for States Source: DOE DOE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have released an updated version of the National Action Plan Vision for 2025: A Framework for Change, which lays out a proposed energy efficiency action plan for state policy makers. If implemented by all states, the plan could lower energy demand across the country by 50%, achieve more than $500 billion in net savings over the next 20 years, and reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 90 million vehicles. The report, which was released under the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency initiative, was produced by more than 60 energy, environmental, and state policy leaders from across the country. The updated action plan encourages investment in low-cost energy efficiency programs and shows the progress that the states are making toward their goals, while identifying areas for additional progress. The report is accompanied by two technical assistance documents that offer cost-effectiveness tests for energy efficiency programs and best practices for providing data to businesses. (more)
Florida Hotels Credit SensorStat(R) for Saving Costs in Hot and Humid Conditions Source:Company The year-round heat and humidity of South Florida, combined with the continuing increases in oil prices, can take a heavy toll on the operating expenses of local businesses -- especially hotels that must keep their guests comfortable around the clock. (more)
Abbott Takes Fleet Carbon Neutral, Installs Solar Power
Emerson’s Copeland Scroll™ helps Canadian oil producers meet greenhouse gas emission targets Source: Company Emerson Process Management announced that its Copeland Scroll™ modular compression technology is enabling Canadian oil and gas producers to meet and exceed gas emissions standards recently recommended by the Clean Air Strategic Alliance (CASA). CASA is the non-profit association that seeks to achieve air that is odorless, tasteless, looks clear and has no adverse effects on people, animals or the environment. The organization’s Flaring and Venting Project Team annually assesses and makes recommendations regarding Alberta upstream petroleum industry solution gas flaring and venting. (more)
Advance Introduces F-Can Ballasts With Xtenza Wide-Range 
Source: CompanyIn a continuous effort to revolutionize low wattage metal halide technology and broaden its application, Advance Transformer announces the availability of F-Can ballasts now containing the company’s Xtenza wide-range ignitor, an exclusive feature which fully support applications involving up to 50 feet of remote, ballast-to-lamp mounting distance... (more)
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