Appliance efficiency standards: On Feb. 5, President Barack Obama signed a memorandum to the Secretary of Energy requesting that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) fulfill its obligations as set out under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to establish energy efficiency standards for a broad category of household and commercial appliances by specific deadlines. Currently the DOE is behind in establishing energy efficiency standards for several product categories that would have a significant impact on American energy use. Read the President’s memorandum.
Modular housing is getting greener: Modular home manufacturers are beginning to understand that the inherent efficiencies of their building process lend themselves to the green home market. Many modular manufacturers—high-end and low-end—have started greening their homes by trading out traditional, sometimes toxic materials, for more sustainable and healthy materials, says Green Inc., a blog of The New York Times.
In the spotlight—Colorado’s Built Green program: EcoHome magazine, CUSTOM HOME’s sister publication, highlights the 14-year-old Built Green Colorado program, which has certified 36,000 homes. Read the story.
Googling your energy usage: Google engineers have been working on a consumer software tool that will report home energy use information on a homeowner’s computer. Google PowerMeter is currently in prototype testing and not available to the public yet, but Google plans to roll out pilot programs working with utilities and power-monitoring device manufacturers. The company’s goal is to help consumers save money, fight climate change, make informed energy decisions, and reduce energy usage by providing real-time information. For more information, visit www.google.org/powermeter/.
