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Energy Conservation Success in Northwest |
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11/7/2011
As proof that use of more energy efficient lighting can make a difference, a recent survey by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council confirmed that in 2010 $135 million was saved by electricity rate payers in the Pacific Northwest. The survey included an analysis of efficiency measures which resulted in 254 megawatts saved, enough to power 153,900 homes. A portion of the savings, approximately 20%, is attributed to the use of compact fluorescent and LED lamps in residential lighting and to the increasing popularity of energy-efficient flat-screen televisions. Another 50% of the savings was due to improvements in commerical lighting and better electric motors. Even more energy efficient vending machines helped reduce energy use.
The overall savings in the region surpassed the NPCC goal for 2010 by 25%. This is a great example of how informed choices of individuals and businesses can add up to something remarkable. Power to the people!
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Green Certifications - Greenguard |
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10/6/2011
We will be taking the next couple of weeks to mention the green certifications, especially for products, that we find the most useful and accurate. The fourth is Greenguard Certification.
Greenguard Environmental Institute (GEI) is a third-party organization that certifies products and materials for low chemical emissions and provides a resource for choosing healthier products and materials for indoor environments. Greenguard certified products meet stringent chemical emissions standards based on established criteria from key public health agencies. GREENGUARD Certification is broadly recognized and accepted by sustainable building programs including LEED. GEI was founded in 2001 with the mission of improving human health and quality of life by enhancing indoor air quality and reducing people’s exposure to chemicals and other pollutants.
We find Greenguard to be a valuable tool for finding certified low-emitting materials and especially for furniture where there are fewer testing programs and certifications than common building materials. The Greenguard website has a useful product search engine on their website to find a particular type or brand of material.
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Green Certifications - Green Globes |
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8/22/2011
Green Certifications are blooming like the flowers! We will be taking the next couple of weeks to mention the green certifications, especially for products, that we find the most useful and accurate. The third is Green Globes Certification.
"Green Globes is North America’s first web-enabled, fully interactive green building assessment tool that allows building professionals and owners to augment their design, in the case of new construction, or incorporate sustainability operations, in the case of existing buildings, and rate the building’s proposed or actual sustainability performance. The system features allow building owners and managers to have first-hand knowledge at any given time how their building is scoring. If a building achieves at least 35% of the total number of 1,000 points, it qualifies for certification. Upon ordering the certification, a third-party Assessor appointed by the GBI begins to work with the owner and team during the assessment period which culminates in an on-site audit of the building."
Green Globes emphasis on auditing the actual performance of the building, lower documentation and certification costs and flexibility with different building types make it a good alternative to LEED depending on budget, building type or size and team interest in audited performance.
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