Lighting Fundamentals - Tuesday, May 20, 2008 - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - 8690 Balboa Ave., Suite 100

In this half-day class, Robert Gilleskie, director of engineering for the California Center for Sustainable Energy, will provide definitions of fundamental lighting terminology.  He will also provide information on the six most common lighting technologies.  Special emphasis will be place on both the energy efficiency and the quality of lighting systems currently available.  This course is co-sponsored by San Diego Gas & Electric.  To register please visit www.seminars.edge.com

Today's interest in energy efficiency may be nothing compared to tomorrow's, if power prices rise as much as expected.

One of the biggest price drivers, at this point, appears to be greenhouse gas restrictions, which Congress is expected to enact. It's not clear yet exactly what the rules will be. But a federal analysis of a leading proposal shows electricity prices rising 5% to 27% by 2020 and as much as 64% by 2030. http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/servicerpt/s2191/index.html

And greenhouse gas restrictions are only one factor pushing up electricity prices. Industry insiders cite additional pressure from rising fuel costs, higher component costs, and new transmission investments.

And then there is demand for power. Many of us think the US finished its electrification when the country finally connected all of rural America to the grid during the 1950s. http://www.greatachievements.org/?id=2990. But in some sense, it appears that was only the beginning of electrification.  We did not anticipate the kind of second round, now occurring, as many everyday tools become electricity-driven, most notably the pen and paper's transformation into the computer. Another major step in electrification is likely as the plug-in hybrid car becomes available to consumers in just two years. By 2030, these cars - which we fuel by plugging into a typical household electrical outlet - are expected to make up 30% of car sales, according to the Electric Power Research Institute.

To read and comment on the entire blog, click on

http://energyefficiencymarkets.wordpress.com/

Lighting Fundamentals - Tuesday, May 20, 2008 - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - 8690 Balboa Ave., Suite 100

In this half-day class, Robert Gilleskie, director of engineering for the California Center for Sustainable Energy, will provide definitions of fundamental lighting terminology.  He will also provide information on the six most common lighting technologies.  Special emphasis will be place on both the energy efficiency and the quality of lighting systems currently available.  This course is co-sponsored by San Diego Gas & Electric.  To register please visit www.seminars.edge.com

2008 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings: Scaling Up: Building Tommorrow's Solutions - August 17 - 22, 2008 - Asilomar Conference Center - Pacific Grove, CA

Join us for the 14th biennial ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings.  A diverse group of energy efficiency professionals from around the world will gather at this pre-eminent meeting to discuss the technological basis for, and practical implementation of, reducing energy use in buildings.  Presentations and discussions will relate to the theme, "Scaling Up:  Building Tomorrow's Solutions."

For complete descriptions and lists of accepted abstracts/authors, see:  http://aceee.org/conf/08ss/08ssindex.htm

Energy Codes 2008

July 22 - 25, 2008
Crowne Plaza St. Paul-Riverfront
St. Paul, Minnesota

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

The Energy Codes 2008 page ( http://www.energycodes.gov:80/news/ecodes2008/ ) on the Building Energy Codes Program website now contains links to online registration and hotel reservation information and forms. Watch for updates.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy

Research on Green Rooftops and Walls in Québec City (65302)
Vivre en ville is a non-profit organization which promotes sustainable communities. After touring successful green roof installations in Europe and North America, Vivre en ville undertook a green roof and green wall research and demonstration project in Québec City. The purpose of the study was to better understand the positive impacts of these two techniques, such as increased energy efficiency, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and stormwater management.

To download the research report click on:

http://cmpgnr.com/app/campaigner/trk/trk3.jsp?cid=1220776&rid=1219692&ctd=354635141<p=1&lid=89590142&gmu=http%3a%2f%2fwww03%2ecmhc%2dschl%2egc%2eca%2fb2c%2fcatalog%2fz%5fgetpdf%2ejsp%3fpdfkey%3d8110661045791255423256768037484942486862349115143423733%2f65302%2epdf&gen=0&flinkid=89590144

I am currently evaluating the purchase of either the Bacharach Fyrite Pro 120 or the Bacharach Fyrite Tech 60.  So far it looks like the only added benefit for the extra cost is the ability to store the output in the Pro 120.

My question is this...are there any features on the Pro 120 that an energy rater really needs or can I get every thing I need with the Tech 60?

Please reply with advice on this ASAP.  I think these are good options, but I would also be interested to hear of any alternative products that come recommended.

Thanks in advance,

John Hollingsworth

I have a mortgage broker business in Florida looking for Wholesale Lender relationship(s) with banks that will provide JUMBO EEM's.  Is this product even available or are we limited to FHA/VA and Conforming?  Please Help!  Thank you!   Patrice :)

This year’s top picks for the best green building projects of the year from the American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment’s are a showcase of sustainable design approaches, Inhabitat reports.

Community connectivity, energy efficiency, and longevity of purpose are measures the committee used in its evaluations.

The low-impact structures that showcase architectural excellence and environmental stewardship include:

• Aldo Leopold Legacy Center (The Kubala Washatko Architects, Inc.) Cedarburg, WI
• Cesar Chavez Library (Line and Space, LLC) Tucson, AZ
• Discovery Center at South Lake Union (The Miller|Hull Partnership) Seattle, WA
• Garthwaite Center for Science and Arts, Cambridge School of Weston (Architerra, Inc.) Boston, MA
• Lavin-Bernick Center (VJAA) Minneapolis, MN
• Macallen Building Condominiums (Burt Hill with Office dA) Boston, MA
• Nueva School Hillside Learning Complex (Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects) San Francisco, CA
• Pocono Environmental Education Center (Bohlin Cywinski Jackson) Wilkes-Barre, PA
• Queens Botanical Garden Visitor & Administration Center (BKSK Architects) New York, NY
• Yale University Sculpture Building and Gallery (KieranTimberlake Associates, LLP) Philadelphia, PA

ACEEE is proud to announce the opening of nominations for the 2008 Champion of Energy Efficiency Awards. Presented at ACEEE's 2008 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings conference, these awards recognize leadership and accomplishment in the energy efficiency field. Winners will be selected based on demonstrated excellence in the following categories:

Research and Development (R&D). Excellence in research and development including baseline or background research, as well as R&D of products and practices.

Energy Policy. Excellence in energy policy including writing, educating, promoting, or supporting energy efficiency in energy policy, at the federal, state, or local level.

Implementation and Deployment. Effective design and implementation, including achievement of significant impacts on energy use.

Leadership. Exceptional personal leadership demonstrated in the development, implementation, or growth of important energy efficiency initiatives.

Nominations will be made by peers and the final awards will be chosen by the ACEEE Board of Directors Awards Committee. To access the nomination form, please visit http://aceee.org/about/08sschampform.doc. For more information on the awards and to read about previous winners in the buildings sector please visit http://www.aceee.org/about/awards.htm or contact Lori Nachman at Champions@aceee.org.

The 2008 Champions awards will be presented at the 2008 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings in Pacific Grove, California scheduled for August 17-22, 2008 at the Asilomar Conference Center. The "Buildings" Summer Study is the premier energy efficiency conference in its field, and draws leading academics, energy efficiency professionals, government representatives, researchers, and policymakers. For more information on, and to register for, the 2008 Summer Study, please visit http://aceee.org/conf/08ss/08ssindex.htm.

Please complete the nomination form electronically and e-mail it as a Word file to Lori Nachman at Champions@aceee.org by June 20, 2008. We value your input and appreciate you taking the time to nominate the best leaders in our community.

This year’s top picks for the best green building projects of the year from the American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment’s are a showcase of sustainable design approaches, Inhabitat reports.

Community connectivity, energy efficiency, and longevity of purpose are measures the committee used in its evaluations.

The low-impact structures that showcase architectural excellence and environmental stewardship include:

• Aldo Leopold Legacy Center (The Kubala Washatko Architects, Inc.) Cedarburg, WI
• Cesar Chavez Library (Line and Space, LLC) Tucson, AZ
• Discovery Center at South Lake Union (The Miller|Hull Partnership) Seattle, WA
• Garthwaite Center for Science and Arts, Cambridge School of Weston (Architerra, Inc.) Boston, MA
• Lavin-Bernick Center (VJAA) Minneapolis, MN
• Macallen Building Condominiums (Burt Hill with Office dA) Boston, MA
• Nueva School Hillside Learning Complex (Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects) San Francisco, CA
• Pocono Environmental Education Center (Bohlin Cywinski Jackson) Wilkes-Barre, PA
• Queens Botanical Garden Visitor & Administration Center (BKSK Architects) New York, NY
• Yale University Sculpture Building and Gallery (KieranTimberlake Associates, LLP) Philadelphia, PA

ACEEE is proud to announce the opening of nominations for the 2008 Champion of Energy Efficiency Awards. Presented at ACEEE's 2008 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings conference, these awards recognize leadership and accomplishment in the energy efficiency field. Winners will be selected based on demonstrated excellence in the following categories:

Research and Development (R&D). Excellence in research and development including baseline or background research, as well as R&D of products and practices.

Energy Policy. Excellence in energy policy including writing, educating, promoting, or supporting energy efficiency in energy policy, at the federal, state, or local level.

Implementation and Deployment. Effective design and implementation, including achievement of significant impacts on energy use.

Leadership. Exceptional personal leadership demonstrated in the development, implementation, or growth of important energy efficiency initiatives.

Nominations will be made by peers and the final awards will be chosen by the ACEEE Board of Directors Awards Committee. To access the nomination form, please visit http://aceee.org/about/08sschampform.doc. For more information on the awards and to read about previous winners in the buildings sector please visit http://www.aceee.org/about/awards.htm or contact Lori Nachman at Champions@aceee.org.

The 2008 Champions awards will be presented at the 2008 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings in Pacific Grove, California scheduled for August 17-22, 2008 at the Asilomar Conference Center. The "Buildings" Summer Study is the premier energy efficiency conference in its field, and draws leading academics, energy efficiency professionals, government representatives, researchers, and policymakers. For more information on, and to register for, the 2008 Summer Study, please visit http://aceee.org/conf/08ss/08ssindex.htm.

Please complete the nomination form electronically and e-mail it as a Word file to Lori Nachman at Champions@aceee.org by June 20, 2008. We value your input and appreciate you taking the time to nominate the best leaders in our community.

Understanding complex markets in energy and emission trading has never been easier.  Visit the Swiss Finance Institute's four day financial course offered in May in Geneva!

Energy and Emission Trading - May 12 - 15, 2008 - Geneva, Switzerland

Gain in only four days an overview of energy derivative markets and instruments, traded on the new climate exchanges! The course will also examine the Clean Development Mechanism and how offsets from emerging markets, such as China and India, are part of the carbon market. Target audience: all those engaged in energy and emission markets.

For more information visit http://www.sfi.ch.

Energy Efficiency Cost Recovery Forum - May 20 - 21, 2008 - Washington DC

This forum examines:

CGE Solutions will be conducting a HERS Rater Training Class in our Ashburn, VA office on May 12-16.  The cost is $1195, which includes the textbook and the cost of the HERS Rater Test.

For more information and to register go to www.cgesolutions.com/training.  

If you have questions, contact Glenn Dickey at 703-665-4274.

CGE Solutions will be conducting a HERS Rater Training Class in our Ashburn, VA office on May 12-16.

For more information and to register go to www.cgesolutions.com/training. 

Improve Energy Efficiency 50 Percent by 2030

• Set National Building Efficiency Goals: Barack Obama will establish a goal of making all new buildings carbon neutral, or produce zero emissions, by 2030. He'll also establish a national goal of improving new building efficiency by 50 percent and existing building efficiency by 25 percent over the next decade to help us meet the 2030 goal.
• Establish a Grant Program for Early Adopters: Obama will create a competitive grant program to award those states and localities that take the first steps to implement new building codes that prioritize energy efficiency.
• Invest in a Digital Smart Grid: Obama will pursue a major investment in our utility grid to enable a tremendous increase in renewable generation and accommodate modern energy requirements, such as reliability, smart metering, and distributed storage.

For more information on Barack Obama's energy plan click on http://www.barackobama.com/issues/energy/#improve-energy-efficiency

Why can some air sealing crews get consistently better results than others? What do they know? How do they manage their time and materials differently than the rest of us?

Achieving Energy Efficiency in Multifamily Buildings:  New Opportunities - July 21-23, 2008 - New York City

The premier conference on energy efficiency in multifamily buildings in North America offers a resource rich, inter-disciplinary setting for professionals to exhange their research results, analytic tools and technologies, and their experiences with energy saving program designs and strategies in multifamily housing.

Primary themes:

• Statewide and Regional Energy Portfolios:  How Do Multifamily Programs Fit In?
• Integrating Energy Efficiency Resource Acquisition and Market Transformation Strategies in the Multifamily Building Sector
• Benchmarking and Measuring Change in Total Energy Intensity in Multifamily Buildings:  Measurement and Verification Successes and Challenges
• Opportunities for Advanced Building Technologies and Renewable Energy in Multifamily Buildings
• Workforce Development and Green Collar Jobs in Product Development, Manufacturing, Building Assessment, Design, Installation, Commissioning, Building Operations and Property Management
• New Construction & Gut Rehab:  Pathways for Achieving ENERGY STAR and LEED in Multifamily Buildings
• Health & Safety Challenges Associated with Retrofitting or Constructing MFB Buildings

For detailed information about the Multifamily Buildings 2008 conference, our sponsors and exhibitors, and for on-line registration go to www.aeanyc.org/MFB2008

We at CarbonView have developed this whitepaper ‘Introduction to Carbon Management’ using our extensive experience in Carbon reduction. It outlines the principle of financially sustainable Carbon Footprint reduction and explains how this is achieved via a new approach to Carbon Management including understanding where a company fits in the Carbon Management Maturity Model.

Whether your objectives are around compliance with legislation, or around increase/protection of market share we think this document will be most helpful.

The authors of this whitepaper will be available at the conference should you have further questions.

If you wish to download “the Introduction to Carbon  Management” whitepaper, please click on  

http://i.supplychain-consulting.com/paper2.cfm?dx=blank&paper_id=P019&track

Carbon Reduction Project Development & Finance - June 30 - July 2, 2008 - Sheraton Gateway San Francisco Airport Hotel

North American Carbon Markets are Heating Up!

Carbon Reduction Project Development & Finance will show developers and investors how to develop financeable carbon projects to meet the needs of burgeoning voluntary markets and nascent RGGI and WCI compliance markets.

Receive detailed briefings on:

• The end-to-end process for developing carbon emission reduction projects
• How to qualify GHG offset projects for voluntary, RGGI and WCI markets
• Structuring projects to attract investment and financing
• Practical examples of projects representing some of today's biggest development opportunities

For more information visit us at www.infocastinc.com/carbon

The climate change crisis is getting worse. Yet for some reason, Congress still has not passed any legislation that addresses this urgent issue.

That is why this year on Earth Day, SaveOurEnvironment.org and our coalition partners are joining forces to flood the Congressional phone lines. We need to make sure our Senators and Representatives get the message – we cannot wait any longer, Congress must act this year.

Here at SaveOurEnvironment.org, we are working with our friends at the Earth Day Network on the Call for Climate campaign to generate an unprecedented number of calls to Congress this Earth Day. With your help, we will issue a wake-up call that they can't ignore!

Will you take a few minutes to add your voice to this extraordinary effort?

Here is the information you need to take action:

• As a constituent, I am calling to ask that Congress take action now on the most serious environmental problem we face: global warming.
• The global warming crisis is continuing to worsen, and scientists have warned that if we don't act now, some of the worst effects are less than ten years away.
• In order to make a real difference, we must enact legislation that reduces global warming pollution 80% by 2050.

With all the talk about increasing prices in oil, coal, and natural gas - and the added investment expense of renewables - utilities across North America are turning to effective demand response and energy efficiency programs. Some within the utility industry argue that using demand response and energy efficiency, with a tactical investment in renewables, could help avoid building costly plants. With the increase in construction costs and the fall of the US dollar, many analysts note the benefit of maximizing current load.

Interestingly enough, recent studies have shown a positive response from consumers of energy efficiency programs. This specific relationship could go a long way toward support for future projects, and coupled with intelligent demand response initiatives, can effectively manage your energy systems for years to come.

Attend the strongest demand response and energy efficiency conference in the nation and hear valuable insights from utilites across the country. Inquire about specific case studies and learn first-hand results of different pilot programs and their effectiveness. Draw contrasting advice and decide for yourself the best path to follow.

Keynote speakers, live web-cam load shaving, case studies, novel programs, and a panel debate are only some of the great reasons to attend and network at this year’s Demand Response and Energy Efficiency National Summit.

For more information visit our web site at http://www.pmaconference.com/6.24.08a.pdf

REM/Rate v12.5 CDs can be requested from our distribution manager, Joni Keller -- jkeller@archenergy.com


New features include:

·         Implemented RESNET Mechanical Ventilation interpretation
·         Implemented RESNET F-factor amendment
·         Library control with Cut, Copy, Paste, and Sort
·         Buildings load with temporary libraries that are discarded or saved when building is closed
·         Added 2006 IECC Compliance Certificate and Label
·         Added HERS Emissions to export database
·         Added ENERGY STAR Compliance and Improvement report
·         Added winter and summer demand to the Fuel Summary report
·         Other minor enhancements and repairs:
ü       Added Evacuated Tube solar collectors
ü       Allow mouse wheel scrolling in report preview
ü       New error dialog box, separate from report previewer
 
Our testing indicates there should be very small changes in the results or HERS Index compared to v12.43.

REM/Design v12.5 is available now for purchase.  A downloadable version will be avialable on our website very soon.

Carbon Counting 2008 - July 14 - 15, 2008 - Embassy Suites Chicago

From one information-packed conference, learn:

• How to Build Your Carbon Footprint
• Current & Future Reporting Requirements
• Results of the Supply Chain Leadership Coalition and Carbon Disclosure Project Pilot Program
• Risk Management Strategies for GHG Emissions
• Carbon Investing in Today's Marketplace

Visit us at www.frallc.com

The Effects of Programmable Fan Controllers on Ventilation, Air Distribution and Energy Use (65834)
This research project assessed a low-cost, commercially available programmable fan controller in combination with conventional PSC (permanent split capacitor) fan motors as a means of reducing motor energy use in existing furnaces. Testing and monitoring took place at the Canadian Centre for Housing Technology (CCHT) twin-house research facility in Ottawa. Results indicate that, compared to continuous circulation, intermittent modes continue to supply some air circulation while saving energy.

To down load the reserach highligt click on https://www03.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/b2c/b2c/init.do?language=en&shop=Z01EN&areaID=0000000127&productID=00000001270000000037

Join us for the 9th Annual San Diego Enviro Fair! - July 5 - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Del Mar Fairgrounds

Come to the Enviro Fair at the San Diego County Fair

• Exhibitors and Non-Profit Organizations
• Environmentally Friendly Products
• Conservation Services
• Speaker Presentations
• Sustainable Solutions to Environmental Issues

For information see our web site www.edfair.com/fair

On Thursday, April 10, 2008, the U.S. Senate passed the housing stimulus bill.  Senate majority leader Harry Reid (D-NV) incorporated the provisions of the extension for energy efficiency tax incentives contained in the legislation proposed by Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and John Ensign (R-NV).

The provisions adopted by the Senate includes :

• Extension of the energy efficient homes tax credit to December 31, 2010
• Expends the commercial building deduction to December 31, 2009 and increase the maximum amount from $1.80 per square foot to $2.25
• Resurrects the expired $500 credit to December 31, 2009

The fate of this legislation is uncertain in the House.  The House Democratic leadership has concerns over the consumer coverage of the Senate's provision for housing stimulus and continues to demand the extension of energy tax incentives be offset in reductions to the oil tax incentives provided in the 2005 Energy Policy Act.  Still the prospects are promising.  There is no significant opposition to the energy efficiency and renewable tax incentive extensions.

Members of the building performance industry should contact their representative in Congress and provider information on the importance of the energy efficiency tax incentives.

The Cantwell – Ensign Bill enjoyed strong bi-partisan support.  43 Senators co-sponsored the legislation.  Co-sponsors included:  Wayne Allard (R-CO), Evan Bayh (D-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Joe Biden (D-DE), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Richard Burr (R-NC), Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), Norm Coleman (R-MN), Susan Collins (R-ME), John Cornyn (R-TX), Larry Craig (R-WY), Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Elizabeth Dole (R-NM), Pete Domenici (R-NM), Michael Enzi (R-WY),  Diane Feinstein (D-CA), Lindsay Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX), Tim Johnson (D-SD),  Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Carl Levin (D-MI), Joe Lieberman (I-CT),  Mel Martinez (R-FL), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Ken Salazar (D-CO), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Gordon Smith (R-OR), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ted Stevens (R-AK), John Sununu (R-NH), John Thune (R-SD), and John Warner (R-VA).

The California Energy Commission staff will conduct a workshop to seek public input on the Phase II regulatory development for the California Home Energy Rating System Program.  The workshop will be held:

FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2008

10 a.m.

CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION

1516 Ninth Street

First Floor, Hearing Room A

Sacramento, CA  95814

(Wheelchair accessible)

Audio from this meeting will be broadcast over the Internet.

For details, please go to:

www.energy.ca.gov/webcast

This notice will be posted to the California Home Energy Rating System (HERS) project website at www.energy.ca.gov/HERS.  The workshop agenda and other related documents are currently under review and will be posted to the project website on or about April 25, 2008.  Please check the website for additional information.  Interested persons may sign up on a list server at the website to receive e-mail updates about the HERS Program.

Purpose

This purpose of the workshop is to present and obtain public input on the initial technical work that underlies the staff’s first draft revisions to the HERS regulations for Phase II of the California HERS Program. Staff and the project contractor will present a HERS Research Topic Report, initial draft revisions to the HERS regulations, and the initial draft of the HERS Technical Manual.  Presentations will include initial proposals related to calculating a California HERS Index based on extension of Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards modeling procedures, completing an analysis of the cost effectiveness of energy efficiency measures, analyzing utility bills, and modifications to the existing HERS regulations to address whole-house energy ratings and certification of people who would be involved in the California HERS Program, including raters, energy auditors, energy inspectors, energy analysts, and building performance contractors. 

Background

Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 25942 directs the Energy Commission to adopt a statewide HERS Program for residential dwellings.  Phase II of the HERS Program calls for the development and adoption of regulations to put in place the following remaining elements of PRC Section 25942 necessary to extend the HERS Program to whole-house energy ratings of existing (and newly constructed) homes:

·         Consistent, accurate, and uniform ratings based on a single statewide rating scale;

·         Reasonable estimates of potential utility bill savings, and reliable recommendations on cost-effective measures to improve energy efficiency; and

·         Labeling procedures that will meet the needs of home buyers, homeowners, renters, the real estate industry, and mortgage lenders with an interest in home energy ratings.

Phase II will extend Phase I of the HERS Program that was adopted in 1999 which established the basic operating framework of the program, including training and certification procedures for raters, quality assurance procedures, and data collecting and reporting requirements for raters who are performing field verification and diagnostic testing services for demonstrating compliance with Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards. 

Written Comments

Written comments on the workshop topics must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on

May 9, 2008.  Please include the docket number 08-HERS-1 and indicate “California Home Energy Rating System Program” in the subject line or first paragraph of your comments.   Please hand deliver or mail an original plus 10 paper copies to:

California Energy Commission

Dockets Unit, MS-4

Re:  Docket No. 08-HERS-1

1516 Ninth Street

Sacramento, CA  95814-5512

The Energy Commission encourages comments by electronic mail.  Please include your name or organization in the name of the file.  Those submitting comments by electronic mail should provide them in either Microsoft Word format or as a Portable Document Format (PDF) to [docket@energy.state.ca.us] and [hlam@energy.state.ca.us].  One paper copy must also be sent to the Energy Commission’s Dockets Unit.

Participants may also provide an original and 10 copies of the comments at the beginning of the workshop.  All written materials relating to this workshop will be filed with the Dockets Unit and become part of the public record in this proceeding.

Public Participation

The Energy Commission’s Public Adviser’s Office provides the public assistance in participating in Energy Commission activities.  If you want information on how to participate in this forum, please contact the Public Adviser’s Office at (916) 654-4489 or toll free at (800) 822-6228, by FAX at (916) 654-4493, or by e-mail at [pao@energy.state.ca.us].  If you have a disability and require assistance to participate, please contact Lou Quiroz at (916) 654-5146 at least five days in advance.

Please direct all news media inquiries to Claudia Chandler, Assistant Executive Director, at (916) 654-4989, or by e-mail at [mediaoffice@energy.state.ca.us].

For administrative or procedural questions, contact Helen Lam, Project Manager, at (916) 651-3007 or by e-mail at [hlam@energy.state.ca.us].  For technical questions regarding the subject matter of this notice, contact Rashid Mir, Mechanical Engineer, at (916) 654-4109, or by e-mail at [rmir@energy.state.ca.us].

On Thursday, April 10, 2008, the U.S. Senate passed the housing stimulus bill.  Senate majority leader Harry Reid (D-NV) incorporated the provisions of the extension for energy efficiency tax incentives contained in the legislation proposed by Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and John Ensign (R-NV).

The provisions adopted by the Senate includes :

• Extension of the energy efficient homes tax credit to December 31, 2010
• Expends the commercial building deduction to December 31, 2009 and increase the maximum amount from $1.80 per square foot to $2.25
• Resurrects the expired $500 credit to December 31, 2009

The fate of this legislation is uncertain in the House.  The House Democratic leadership has concerns over the consumer coverage of the Senate's provision for housing stimulus and continues to demand the extension of energy tax incentives be offset in reductions to the oil tax incentives provided in the 2005 Energy Policy Act.  Still the prospects are promising.  There is no significant opposition to the energy efficiency and renewable tax incentive extensions.

Members of the building performance industry should contact their representative in Congress and provider information on the importance of the energy efficiency tax incentives.

The Cantwell – Ensign Bill enjoyed strong bi-partisan support.  43 Senators co-sponsored the legislation.  Co-sponsors included:  Wayne Allard (R-CO), Evan Bayh (D-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Joe Biden (D-DE), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Richard Burr (R-NC), Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), Norm Coleman (R-MN), Susan Collins (R-ME), John Cornyn (R-TX), Larry Craig (R-WY), Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Elizabeth Dole (R-NM), Pete Domenici (R-NM), Michael Enzi (R-WY),  Diane Feinstein (D-CA), Lindsay Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX), Tim Johnson (D-SD),  Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Carl Levin (D-MI), Joe Lieberman (I-CT),  Mel Martinez (R-FL), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Ken Salazar (D-CO), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Gordon Smith (R-OR), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ted Stevens (R-AK), John Sununu (R-NH), John Thune (R-SD), and John Warner (R-VA).

Research Reports International is privileged to offer the 1st Edition of its Energy Efficiency and Electric Utilities report, a 40-page overview of electric energy efficiency programs.  The report takes a concise look at what states are doing to encourage energy efficiency and how it impacts electric utilities.

 Energy efficiency programs began to be offered by utilities as a response to the energy crises of the 1970s.  These regulatory-driven programs peaked in the early-1990s and then tapered off as deregulation took hold.  Today, rising electricity prices, environmental concerns, and national security issues have renewed interest in increasing energy efficiency as an alternative to additional supply.  In response, new methods for administering, managing, and delivering energy efficiency programs are being implemented.

Topics covered in the report include:

• Analysis of the benefits of energy efficiency and key methods for achieving energy efficiency
• Evaluation of the business drivers spurring increased energy efficiency
• Discussion of the major barriers to expanding energy efficiency programs
• Evaluation of the economic impacts of energy efficiency
• Discussion of the history of electric utility energy efficiency efforts
• Analysis of the impact of energy efficiency on utility profits and methods for protecting profitability
• Discussion of non-utility management of energy efficiency programs
• Evaluation of major methods to spur energy efficiency - systems benefit charges, resource planning, and resource standards
• Analysis of the alternatives for encouraging customer participation in energy efficiency programs.

For more information visit our web site at http://www.researchreportsintl.com/products/product.cfm?report_ID=120

RESNET has completed the survey of rating providers on the number of homes that their raters certified for the federal tax credit in 2007.   The survey found that in 2007,  23,702 homes were certified by RESNET certified raters for the tax credit.  This is almost a tripling of the number of homes that were certified in 2006.  What is most remarkable about this surge of homes certified for the tax credit, is that it took place during the slowdown of the housing market.  In 2007 the homes that were certified for the tax credit represented 3% of all homes built.

The NAHB Research Center has announced the start of the application period for the 2009 EnergyValue Housing Award (EVHA) program. The EVHA honors home builders who voluntarily integrate energy efficiency into the design, construction, and marketing of new homes, while providing educational opportunities and challenging builders to elevate standards for energy-efficient construction. For the past 14 years, EVHA achieved industry recognition as a signature award for the energy-efficiency elite.

In addition to the business benefits associated with winning the EVHA, one of the most beneficial aspects of the application process is access to the panel of energy-efficiency experts who judge the program each year. EVHA winners have also realized a number of marketing advantages as a result of their participation.  

The EVHA ceremony will be held during the 2009 International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Awards will be presented in the affordable, custom, factory-built, production, and multifamily categories for hot, moderate, and cold climate regions. Entires are evaluated based on the homes’ energy value; design; construction methods and processes; marketing and customer relations efforts; and participation in voluntary energy programs.

All professional U.S. home builders whose primary occupation is constructing homes and/or developing real estate are eligible for participation. Though previous winning projects are ineligible, previous winners may submit new or different projects for consideration. Homes offered for consideration must have been completed after January 2006 and before application submittal. The official EVHA application must be postmarked by July 11, 2008. Companies may submit only one application per category, for a maximum of up to five applications.

The EVHA is coordinated by the NAHB Research Center in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).  To obtain an EVHA application or for more information, visit www.nahbrc.org/evha or email evha@nahbrc.org.

For more information visit our web site at http://cleantechnetwork.com/index.cfm?pageSRC=BrusselsAgenda&[EmailLink]

Measuring your Carbon Footprint Workshop, 19th May - Countdown to the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC), 20th May

am delighted to announce that the Minister for the Environment, Phil Woolas MP, will deliver the keynote address at the upcoming Corporate Climate Response – London event on May 20-21.

The Minister will discuss how the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC), the new mandatory carbon cap-and-trade scheme, will impact businesses operating in the UK.

He will be joined by leading experts from Defra who were instrumental in developing the CRC and representatives from leading UK businesses affected by the scheme, including:

Philip Douglas, Head of Branch, Carbon Reduction Commitment, Defra
Sally Comber, Senior Policy Advisor, Defra
Amy Foxe, Head of Environment, BSkyB
Andy Francis, Energy Manager, B&Q
Gill Hall, Director, IBM Carbon Centre of Excellence
Ray Wilson, Risk and Governance Director, Barclays Facilities Management
Dave Farebrother, Assistant Director, Environmental Services, Land Securities
Jack Cunningham, Group Environment Manager, ITV
Maggie Kemp, Environment Manager, Cable & Wireless
James Conlin, Performance Manager, BAA Plc

Key topics to be discussed include:

• The final coverage criteria for CRC companies
• An update on the league table that will rate companies' carbon performance
• Landlord-Tenant relations
• What companies need to do today to prepare for the CRC

For more information click on www.greenpowerconferences.com

Does your multifamily project qualify for energy efficiency incentives? Are you installing ENERGY STAR® appliances or energy efficiency equipment or measures? Call us to see if you qualify for incentives?