Source Green Building Press

It seems that as part of the Revisions To Part L of the Building Regulations, The Government intends to introduce a 'carrot' in the form of capital allowances tax relief against many energy efficient technologies and environmentally beneficial plant and machinery assets. This is in addition to the 'stick' of maximum carbon emissions. A free 'healthcheck' review of possible tax savings is available by contacting info@e3consulting.co.uk.

Controlling heat losses or excessive solar gain as well as wider un-controlled heat gains or losses from pipes, ducts, etc is the principal aim of the revised Part L. The government is expecting the impact to the substantial, and estimates that annual reduction in carbon emissions in 2010 resulting from Part L revisions will be 0.98 million tones (MtC).

Source Department of Energy

Houses Arriving in Washington, D.C. for Oct. 7-16 Solar Decathlon

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In advance of the DOE Solar Decathlon, a “solar village” has taken shape on the National Mall. Solar powered and highly efficient houses from across the country and as far away as Spain, Canada and Puerto Rico are arriving in Washington, D.C. for the start of the 2005 Solar Decathlon. The Solar Decathlon brings together cutting-edge architecture, engineering, and technology in homes that generate as much, or more, energy than they consume.

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

Copyright Star News

by Susan M.A. Larson

There’s a new house on Foxtail Lane in Rogers.
True, all of the homes on this street are new, but there’s one that’s different from the rest, although you can’t tell by looking at it.
The house at 21431 Foxtail Lane is an American Lung Association (ALA) Health House home, the first of its kind in the northern suburbs. American Lung Association Health House is a national program teaching builders and homeowners how to build and remodel healthier, more energy-efficient homes. Constructed by Christian Builders, Rogers, the Foxtail Lane home will be open Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1–2, from noon to 6 p.m. for tours and people will be there to answer questions about the program.

Source: ENERGY STAR

Each year, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) honor organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through energy efficiency. Award winners will be recognized at the ENERGY STAR Awards Ceremony on March 21, 2006 in Washington, DC.

All organizations participating in ENERGY STAR are encouraged to apply for a 2006 ENERGY STAR Award. To be considered, an organization must meet the specific eligibility requirements in the award application and submit a complete application package by December 15, 2005. Applicants should be sure to respond to all of the award criteria specified in the application and not exceed specified page limitations. Organizations may apply for more than one award if they meet the eligibility requirements. In such cases, a complete award application package must be submitted for each award.

Source: The Eureka Reporter

Solar energy works in Humboldt County, is affordable, and easy to install.

That’s what the Redwood Coast Energy Authority says. So, on Sunday, Oct. 2, dozens of energy-conscious Humboldt homes and businesses will open their doors and invite neighbors in for a look at how they have trimmed their energy bills through conservation, efficiency and harnessing the power of the sun.

During the free 2005 Humboldt Solar Neighbors Tour, participants will see how their neighbors are using the latest in efficient buildings and appliances to save money and energy.

Source: Fredericksburg.com

Oil prices expected to make residential heat costs too hot to handle in winter 2005

By MEGHANN COTTER

By MEGHANN COTTER

Steve Ruby's heating and air-conditioning business is hearing from a lot of people who want to beat the heat.

But it's not the summer temperatures that they are concerned about anymore, the owner of S.M. Ruby & Sons said.

As the Gulf Coast oil supply recovers from Hurricane Katrina and gas prices remain well over $2 a gallon, people are worried the cost of heating their homes this winter will burn a hole in their wallets.

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: University of Nevada, Las Vegas

A suburban Las Vegas housing development is now a real-life laboratory for innovative research in renewable energy and conservation- the first research project of its kind to be conducted in the United States. The UNLV Center for Energy Research has teamed up with a consortium of partners- including Nevada Power and Pinnacle Homes- to design and construct a Zero Energy Home, which will be unveiled at a special ceremony Thursday, September 29 at 1:00 p.m. at 7395 Howell Mill Court in Las Vegas (near Windmill and Tenaya in the SW Valley- driving directions below).

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.