PG&E earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Certification for the major remodel of its 1929, 145,000 square foot San Francisco Service Center Garage. For more information, see the story at FierceEnergy 7-17-13.
PG&E Finances Next Gen Lighting Conversion
Working with P3 Global Management, PG&E assisted the Alpha Omega Winery in Rutherford, CA, in the conversion of fluorescent and metal halide lighting to LED (light-emitting diode) lighting, which will eliminate 90,858 pounds of CO2 greenhouse gases per year. Read more at Fierce Energy 7-16-13.
Dr. Ernest Moniz Tackles Energy Efficiency at DOE
The new Secretary of Energy, Dr. Ernest Moniz, has made energy efficiency a top priority focus of energy policy at the Department of Energy. Read the FierceEnergy story 5-22-13 for details.
The International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories & Laney College are surveying high-tech facility managers, operators, and others on whether specific types of training and certifications for high-tech facility professionals are warranted. Click here to participate.
PG&E Recognized for "Exemplary Energy Efficiency Programs"
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has recognized more PG&E programs as "Exemplary" than programs from any other utility, including on-bill financing programs for commercial energy efficiency projects. Read the ACEEE press release for details.
Energy Efficiency Jobs Moving Ahead Without Mandates
Employment in energy efficiency is expected to increase in 2013, according to the Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP), led by growth in the commercial and industrial sector, an area which is ripe for energy efficiency improvements. Read more at FierceEnergy 3-21-13; full report available to AESP members here.
"Energy Stingy" Facilities Perform Better
SMUD is extending a federally funded Complete Energy Solutions program pilot for 3 years, thanks to its success with 400 small and medium-sized businesses. The SMBs received rebates (which cover more than half of retrofit costs in most cases) to pay for comprehensive energy-efficiency retrofits that resulted in a nearly 8 GWh in savings combined. Read more at FierceEnergy 3-18-13, also this website.
SMUD Gets a Jump on Title 24 Lighting Controls
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is offering its business customers an Advanced Lighting Controls pilot program, effectively getting a jump on California's Title 24 Energy Standards, which will mandate dimmable lighting in commercial buildings beginning in 2014. Read more here (FierceEnergy 2-22-13).
Utilities Get High Marks for Demand-Side Management
West coast utilities have been saving millions of KWHs of electricity through DSM programs according to E Source Efficiency Services. Read more here (FierceEnergy 12-18-12).
CPUC Approves On-bill Financing for Commercial Energy Efficiency Upgrades
The CPUC approved a program that allows repayment of commercial energy upgrades through utility bills, reducing risk and increasing the attractiveness of such projects to lenders. Read more in the NY Times here (NY Times 11-12-12).
Careers in Energy Week
California Governor Jerry Brown has commemorated October 15-21, 2012 Careers in Energy Week, part of a national effort to increase the public's awareness about the career and technical education opportunities available in the energy and utilities industry. Read more here (10-15-12).
Laney Releases New Building Operations Research Studies
Supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation, Laney College commissioned a study on how technician training affects energy use and efficiency in building operations. Along with the study, three case studies were released on large facilities to identify best practices for energy efficient operations. The report and case studies may be found here.
California Tops List for Energy Efficiency Jobs
A research report by Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) ranking the top 10 states for job openings in clean and renewable energy shows California atop the list with over 20,000 potential jobs in the 2nd quarter of 2012. See the full report here (FierceEnergy 8-20-12).