Copyright U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Builders of new homes in the United States will have to significantly
increase the energy efficiency of their homes to meet new Energy Star
requirements released today. Over the next 20 years, EPA estimates that
this increase in energy efficiency for Energy Star qualified homes will
save homeowners more than $2 billion in utility bills, while eliminating
more than 7 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

To qualify under the revised Energy Star specifications, new homes must

Source: PRNewswire

ATLANTA, Sept. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute
(GEI) has awarded GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification to all of
Bernhardt Design's seating products. The Bernhardt Design seating lines,
including guest, lounge, executive office, barstools and benches, are included
in their GREENGUARD Certification. The Bernhardt seating was tested to the
stringent GREENGUARD Standards for Low Emitting Products. Designers can
specify the GREENGUARD Certified Bernhardt seating with the confidence that it

Source: Ireland On-Line

The state body promoting the use of sustainable energy has announced plans to spend more than €2m making 450 new houses more energy-efficient.

Sustainable Energy Ireland said the money would be spent on features like solar-powered hot-water systems and group heating schemes.

It said houses that incorporate fuel-saving systems use up to 40% less electricity than those constructed under current building regulations.

Source: PRNewswire

ATLANTA, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute
awards Milliken & Company's 180 Walls(TM) with GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality
Certification. The Milliken adhesive-backed textile wall covering, 180 Walls,
was scientifically tested for emission performance and proven to meet the
GREENGUARD Standards for low emitting products. Designers and facility
managers can choose the Milliken's GREENGUARD Certified 180 Walls to create
interiors with good indoor air quality.
"The GREENGUARD Certification of 180 Walls demonstrates Milliken's

Source: Energy Star

Under the new energy bill, consumers are eligible for up to a $500 tax credit for money they spend on energy improvements in their homes. For example, you can get a $300 credit for highly efficient central air conditioner, heat pump or water heater, or a $200 credit for installing energy-saving windows. To be eligible for the tax credit, these improvements must be made between Jan. 1, 2006 and Dec. 31, 2007. You would receive the credit in the tax form you file by April 15th of 2007 or 2008.

While not directly affecting consumers, manufacturers of energy efficient clothes washers, dishwashers and refrigerators are eligible for tax breaks themselves, which may lead to increased availability and a reduction in prices for these energy-saving appliances.

Source: PRNewswire

ATLANTA, Sept. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute
(GEI) has awarded GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification for Children &
Schools to the ZUMA(R) and ZUMAfrd(TM) lines of classroom furniture by Virco.
The ZUMA and ZUMAfrd student desks and seating were the first products
subjected to GREENGUARD Certification Program's recently released strict test
protocols for low emitting indoor products used in daycare and K-12 school
facilities. Educators, parents, specifiers can trust GREENGUARD Certified

Source: PRNewswire

GREENGUARD Standard for Children & Schools(TM) Introduces Certification Program for Low-Emitting Products and Materials Commonly Used In School Buildings, Classrooms and Daycare Facilities

Criteria Covers Most Common Building Materials, Finishes, Cleaning Products and Furnishings

ATLANTA, Sept. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- A tough scientific standard that more
effectively protects school children from exposure to high levels of
potentially harmful chemicals has been developed by the GREENGUARD
Environmental Institute (GEI) and is available for viewing at

Source: PRNewswire

Febreze(R) and AAFA Team Up This Fall To Educate Americans On Simple Methods For Reducing Allergens In The Home

CINCINNATI, Sept. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the Journal of Allergy
and Clinical Immunology, over a quarter of Americans are aware of indoor
allergens (JACI, August 2005). Allergens from dust mites, cats and dogs are
irritants found in the home and can be hard to manage, especially considering
75 percent of the home is made up of soft surfaces. This fall, a time when
Americans are spending more and more time indoors, Febreze Allergen Reducer(R)

Source: Research and Markets

Research and Markets has announced the addition of Household Appliances in the United States Volume 4: Air Treatment to their offering.

The $1.4 billion air treatment appliance market includes room air conditioners, portable heaters, air cleaners, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers. This report covers the period from 1999 through February 2005. While the market fluctuates significantly due to weather conditions, overall sales have been decreasing since 1999, due in large part to the increased penetration of central air conditioning units, as room air conditioners account for 67% of the air treatment appliance market.

Source: EMPIRE information services

ALBANY, NY -- (09/13/2005; 1200)(EIS) -- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H., have issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the Western New York, Upper Hudson, Lower Hudson, New York City Metro, and Long Island regions of New York State for Tuesday, September 13, 2005.

The pollutant of concern is: Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5)

The advisory will be in effect until: September 14, 2005, at noon