Illinois ranks #1 for green commercial spaces

This past week, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) released its yearly list of states that have the most LEED-certified buildings. LEED is the Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design, a ratings system that for the design, construction and operation of green buildings and neighborhoods. Their annual top 10 list recognizes the states that are dedicated to creating spaces that have minimal impact on the environment.

In 2013, the 10 states that top the list created over 1,700 commercial projects, which added up to 227 million square feet of real estate. The state that topped the list for 2013 LEED buildings was Illinois, with 171 projects certified in the last year. While this is not the highest number on the list – fifth-ranked California had the most projects at nearly 600 – Illinois had the most green commercial real estate space per capita.

"Both the public and private sectors in Illinois recognize that long-term investments in 21st century infrastructure should be done in ways that reduce energy consumption and protect the environment," Illinois Governor Pat Quinn said in a statement. "Illinois is proud to be the nation's green buildings leader, and we are proof that a smaller environmental footprint can help us step toward energy independence."

No matter what state you live in, there is plenty you can do to increase the energy efficiency of your own home. By having a home inspection from Alban Inspections, our team of highly-trained professionals will be able to identify the areas of your home that can be improved and what you can do to reduce your overall energy costs. Find out how you can save money by having an energy audit today!

President Obama partners with Freddie Mac on energy efficiency

In President Barack Obama's State of the Union address last week, he highlighted many of the areas where the country needs to improve. One of his biggest challenges facing the country, he argued, is global climate change and its effect on the environment. To sit around idly and do nothing would be too dangerous and steps need to be taken to ensure the long-term health and viability of our planet, the president explained.

Last year, Obama announced the Better Buildings Challenge, an initiative with the goal of improving the energy efficiency of municipal government buildings, multifamily units and commercial real estate. The president outlined his ultimate goal – to make apartment buildings 20 percent more energy efficient by the year 2020. He has now taken steps to begin that multi-year process, including teaming up with Freddie Mac, a government-backed organization that provides liquidity to a large portion of the U.S. housing market.

By demonstrating the financial value of energy efficiency, Freddie Mac will be able to influence industry practices and encourage high-level investors to put money into green apartment buildings.

While what actually comes from this partnership remains to be seen, the goal is very clear. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a third of all Americans live in an apartment building with energy bills that total over $22 billion every year. This is a market that is generally ignored by energy efficient measures, because there is often little incentive for building owners to make long-term energy investments. But the possibilities are there, and it is the hope that the government's new partnership with Freddie Mac will benefit both the environment and businesses.

Even if you don't live in an apartment building, it is important to be aware of your energy consumption. Alban Inspection recommends the use of CFL bulbs to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint.

House subcommittee approves new energy efficiency bill

On Tuesday, January 28th, the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously approved a bipartisan bill aimed at improving energy efficiency in tenant occupied buildings. The bill, which was co-authored by Reps. Peter Welch (D-VT) and David McKinley (R-WV), was proposed last May and has been making its way through different House channels and having cleared this latest hurdle it will be taken up by the full House sometime in the very near future.

Welch, as a member of the minority party, is a leading member of the energy committee and has been a vocal advocate of improving energy efficiency in the United States. The proposed bill has a narrow focus, however, and would give additional responsibilities to the Department of Energy (DOE). If this bill becomes a law, the DOE will be required to perform a study to determine any potential energy saving measures in spaces occupied by tenants, whether it is a residential or commercial building. It would also direct the General Services Administration to work with those leasing commercial spaces to find ways to decrease energy consumption.

While the bill does not outline any costs to the taxpayer for the DOE study, the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy estimates that the legislation could cut consumer and business energy costs by $2 billion by the year 2030.

"The Committee's action today demonstrates that energy efficiency is a policy area where there is common ground between both parties in Congress. Action on this bill and other pending efficiency initiatives will be good for the economy, good for the environment, and good for the bottom lines of American families and businesses," Rep. Welch said in a press release.

Having an energy audit from Alban Inspections is a great way to determine how you can reduce the your own energy consumption and improve your environmental sustainability.

Making your business more energy efficient

We're usually more inclined to be concerned about increasing our home's energy efficiency because high heating and cooling costs can take a large bite out of your family's budget. The same vigilance should be taken with a small business. Even if you are are not the owner, the effects of high energy costs will ultimately trickle down to you as an employee.

In an interview with The Guardian, a British Newspaper, Fraser Milne, the manager of a small engineering firm in Scotland said that while he has tried to make the business more energy efficient by rewiring circuits and installing LED bulbs, ultimately employees will have to do their part as well to bring down costs. 

"The main problem we're up against is that people don't always think about the electricity bill when they're at work because it's not their bill,"  Milne told the source. "We're finding though that the most receptive people are our younger workers because they just get the whole idea of reducing energy and carbon footprints."

On its website, the U.S. Small Business Association provides a list of suggestions for improving energy efficiency including: 

  • Disconnect light fixtures not in use
  • Inspect your HVAC system for leaks and obstructions
  • Install a programmable thermostat that brings down the temperature during unoccupied times
  • Replace old refrigerators and freezers
  • Take advantage of ambient or day lighting
  • Use energy-efficient office equipment and computers
  • Use less water. 

If you are interested in bringing down your business' energy costs by making renovations or installing new heating and cooling system, be sure to contact a company that performs commercial inspections before starting any major modifications. 

New York City releases data on residential buildings’ energy consumption to the public

In one of his last acts as Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg issued one final set of grades – ranked on the old A to F scale from school – to city residential buildings based on their energy efficiency or lack thereof. The targets of this sweeping initiative were the city's condos, co-ops and apartment buildings. But more than just rating these multifamily residences on their power consumption, the Bloomberg administration also released this data to the public, the first time that any city in the country has ever taken such action, according to The New York Times (NYT).

The source reports that three-quarters of the city's carbon dioxide emissions are produced by the heating and cooling systems of these buildings. Although the Bloomberg administration passed a law in 2009 to track energy use by city structures in order to curb future carbon emissions, the legislation only applies to buildings greater than 50,000 square feet. This new measure doles out grades to those properties smaller than what the 2009 law affects. According to Cliff Majersik, the executive director of the Institute for Market Transformation, the public release of this information allows for "a more informed marketplace," that gives new tenants information ahead of time on whether they're moving into energy efficient homes or not.

John Lee, deputy directory of energy efficiency for the mayor's sustainability office, added that the intention of these grades is not to shame building owners but instead spur action into taking greener measures.

"This is not pass or fail," Lee told the source. "This is saying how much energy a building is using per square foot."

Homeowners in Maryland can get an energy audit of their own property conducted by scheduling an appointment with a team of Maryland home inspectors. These professionals can help you identify ways in which your house may be wasting power and unnecessarily driving up utility costs.

Better Plants program yields billion-dollar savings for U.S. manufacturers

President Barack Obama has made it his administration's goal to set the country on pace for doubling energy productivity by 2030. Achieving this end would both save billions of dollars in fuel costs and significantly cut down on carbon dioxide emissions that harm the environment and contribute to climate change.

To follow through on this, the Department of Energy (DOE) has instituted a program known as "Better Buildings, Better Plants," that targets over 120 manufacturing companies in the United States for energy efficiency retrofits. The investment has already started to pay off, with a DOE press release announcing that the more than 1,750 manufacturing plants participating across the country have already reduced their power consumption by 190 trillion British thermal units. In more tangible terms, this figure translates to $1 billion in saved energy expenses and 11 million fewer metric tons of carbon emissions.

Kathleen Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, hailed the results at this year's World Energy Engineering Congress, held on September 25 in Washington, D.C. In her keynote address, Hogan not only reaffirmed the value of the Better Plants program to the country's energy goals but also took the opportunity to welcome 12 additional participating companies to the fold.

"Through the Better Plants program, American manufacturers are cutting energy waste and saving millions of dollars each year," Hogan told the crowd. "These manufacturers are leading by example – demonstrating the promise of energy efficiency, increasing competitiveness in the private sector and reducing harmful carbon pollution."

D.C. homeowners looking to cut down on their own utility bills are encouraged to make an appointment for a home inspection. With help from qualified DC home inspectors, you can work to make your house more energy efficient and eco-friendly, doing the environment and your wallet a service. 

Shaheen-Portman amendment receives ACEEE backing

As the Shaheen-Portman energy efficiency bill continues to mire in back-and-forth debates on the Senate floor, an amendment to the legislation earned backing from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The addition, known as the State Energy Race to the Top Initiative, was ranked by ACEEE as number one in cost-benefit to U.S. taxpayers and second in its ability to potentially save costs for utility customers.

The State Energy Race to the Top Initiative, initially drafted as a separate bill in June 2013, continues the pursuit of President Barack Obama's nationwide goal of doubling efficient electricity use by 2030 through the promotion of a voluntary program on state and local levels. The idea is to encourage both states and local municipalities to brainstorm ideas for increasing energy productivity, creating new jobs, promoting industrial competitiveness and reducing utility expenses that – if successful – could then earn these parties federal funds to enact these strategies. According to the ACEEE analysis, every dollar invested into Race to the Top would yield $8.40 in saved energy costs.

If Shaheen-Portman is passed, the Race to the Top amendment would halve the amount of wasted power from homes and businesses over the next two decades. Additionally, the initiative would reduce a total amount of carbon dioxide emissions equal to the output of approximately 20 coal-fired plants.

While senators continue to debate on the bill, homeowners in Washington D.C. can begin implementing their own green measures with help from local DC home inspectors. These professionals can evaluate your property for any sources of wasted energy and recommend steps to resolve these problems, reduce your home's carbon footprint and scale back those expensive monthly utility bills.

Green buildings may lead to greater productivity at work

By now, many people are aware of the benefits of energy efficiency: Cheaper utility bills, fewer carbon dioxide emissions and greater equity for homes being put on the market. But a new study from Michigan State University (MSU) reveals that going green may have another, mental perk to it – specifically, that green buildings can reduce stress and promote greater productivity.

According to green news outlet SmartPlanet, the MSU survey studied 263 employees in two groups, one of which worked in conventional offices and the other in a building with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The findings showed that individuals in the latter group reported greater instances of productivity and fewer cases of stress-caused absenteeism.

In comparing and contrasting the mental habits of the two groups of employees, MSU researchers found the following:

  • Average amount of time workers suffered from stress and depression in a month dropped from 20.21 hours to 14.06
  • Employees working in the green buildings felt 2.18 percent more productive while those in the conventional offices felt 0.80 percent less productive in their work environment
  • Fewer cases of employees not going to work because of allergies or sickness led to 1.75 gained work hours for the year
  • Mean hours of employees calling out from work because of stress or depression fell from 0.93 to 0.47 hours per month.

"These preliminary findings indicate that green buildings may positively affect public health," wrote the study's authors.

Although additional funding is needed for the study to continue, the initial results show that the better quality of air, light and ventilation offered by green buildings has a physiological and psychological benefit for people.

Homeowners in Maryland interested in applying these kinds of green sensibilities to their houses are encouraged to meet with Maryland home inspectors for an energy audit, which can help identify and correct sources of potential energy waste around the home.

Home buyers split on energy efficiency

Once a hotly partisan topic in this country, both sides of the aisle now seem to agree on both the importance and practicality of energy efficiency. But as the lifestyle gains more popularity and support among Americans, the subject of owning energy efficient homes of their own has left many potential home buyers split. 

For some, like Ron Afdal of Concord, California, going green not only helps cut down on the utility bills, but also improves the value of the home. Over the years, Afdal has replaced his property's HVAC system with a more efficient model, used fans to cool the building in the summer, installed improved attic insulation, replaced the lighting fixtures with LED bulbs and even used solar panels to generate energy. 

"I'm investing money in the home to increase its value," the retired 73-year-old parole officer told The San Francisco Chronicle, a local news publication. As he explains, Afdal's plan is to pump more equity into the property by "futureproofing" it with green upgrades, then sell it to a growing marketplace of eco-friendly buyers.

But as Julie Rebert, a Zephyr Real Estate agent, tells the source, many buyers aren't necessarily looking for high-end green homes like these. The reason for this is not because buyers don't appreciate environmentally-friendly design, but because the higher cost – or, for still-conventional homes, the expenses required in making such upgrades – can offset the gains made by reduced power bills.

This is what makes a home inspection a more viable and appealing service: It helps identify weak points in a building's energy usage and how these trouble spots can be improved for greater efficiency, without having to call for costly investments and renovations. Homeowners in the Maryland area are encouraged to schedule an appointment with Maryland home inspectors for an energy audit of their own.

Bipartisan energy efficiency bill hits delay in Senate

Although last week it was reported that the long-gestating bipartisan Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act was finally poised to enter debate, and possible passage into law, by the Senate, a new report indicates that the legislation may be held up further.

According to The Huffington Post, the energy efficiency initiative, which is typically referred to as the Shaheen-Portman bill – named after it's Senator co-authors – was slated for debate on Thursday, September 12, until Louisiana Republican Senator David Vitter sought to tack an unrelated health care amendment onto the bill. The move drew both swift support and opposition, forcing the senators to delay voting on the measure until the following week.

Although some decried the act as a matter of partisan politics, bill sponsor Senator Jeanne Shaheen was optimistic about the development, noting that she and co-author Senator Rob Portman remain "encouraged by the bipartisan support for our energy efficiency bill."

"Many bipartisan amendments have already been introduced and we're hoping to [have] a robust debate on each of them," Shaheen added in an official statement.

If passed, the Shaheen-Portman bill would implement a series of new building codes, appliance efficiency standards and approved funding for research and development into new energy efficient solutions.

In the meantime, homeowners in Washington D.C. can take efficient steps of their own by making an appointment for a home inspection. By consulting with qualified DC home inspectors, you can identify the ways in which your home may be wasting power and what steps can be taken to resolve these issues, helping to both diminish harmful carbon emissions and cut down on costly utility bills.