Updated building codes will require new construction to be 10-15% more efficient than 2005 standards

On January 1st, 2010, California will introduce rigorous new codes that raise the energy efficiency of new construction 15 to 20 percent above 2005 standards. The codes, which come as amendments to current Title 24 policies, race ahead of national standards by more than 20 percent and promise significant energy and carbon savings. In fact, new homes built under the code could save their owners between $200 and $600 per year on energy bills, estimates Fred Bell of the Building Industry Association.

Key changes to Title 24 will include:

• The solar home partnership program, which will allow the installation of solar panels to be used as an offset for other areas of construction that might not meet the code requirements.
• Stricter requirements for kitchen water pipe insulation.
• Higher standards for roof, wall and floor insulation
• Minimum two-speed pumps in pools and spas
• Changes in lighting standards to require more efficient light bulbs
• Green building codes aimed at encouraging projects to reach beyond Title 24

The policy will also include more detailed green building standards which will be voluntary at first, but may be adopted as requirements in cities and counties looking to get ahead. “We need the carbon reduction that the green building code will give us, so it can help us get to our AB 32 sustainability goals,” explained Patrick Conlon, city energy manager for Palm Desert.

The updated code will also apply to new retrofits and renovations, and serves as a reminder that while we have come a long way, there is still much we can do to improve efficiency and save energy.

• Read backgound: “State upping mandates for green building,” by K Kaufmann (The Desert Sun, 6/21/09)
• Read the press release from the California Energy Commission regarding the new effective implementation date

Some great programs are available for schools including the California Preschool Energy Efficiency Program (Photo: CPEEP)

Energy audits are one of the best ways to get started on cutting your energy bills, and fortunately, California utilities offer a multitude of no-cost and low-cost audits for businesses and schools. These energy-saving resources can be found in most regions across the state and are just a few of the services that may be available in your area:

Northern California-Specific
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) offers no-cost audits to nonresidential customer facilities. Special audits are also available for food service facilities in the Bay Area, and for small to medium wineries in PG&E territory, while the LodgingSavers program offers no-cost surveys for all lodging properties. San Francisco businesses can also obtain a no-cost water efficiency audit through the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.

Southern California-Specific
Southern California Edison (SCE) business customers can obtain a no-cost online audit and large business customers can request a technical consultant to conduct more targeted evaluations. Small business customers in San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) territory may be eligible for an HVAC equipment audit through ADM.

Retrocommissioning
The PECI retrocommissioning (RCx) program is available to all PG&E and SDG&E commercial and institutional customers, and offers a no-cost building screening as well as other services to help participants save 5-20% on their energy bills. SCE offers a similar RCx program for their large business customers.

Schools
The Bright Schools Program, sponsored by the California Energy Commission, helps schools identify cost-effective energy saving opportunities through energy audits and project design assistance. All publicly funded California K-12 school districts and non-profit K-12 schools are eligible and services are usually no-cost.

Center-based child care and preschool facilities in the SCE and PG&E service areas can receive grants for energy audits and retrofits through the California Preschool Energy Efficiency Program (CPEEP).

Remember, the audits listed above are only a few of the many programs and services offered throughout California. You can find a more extensive list by quickly entering your zip code in our rebate finder to find the programs, incentives, and services that fit your needs.

• Use our zip code rebate finder to find programs in your area
• Related: “Sears Blue Climate Crew Provides Home Energy Audits and Post-Installation Measurements” (e-Newswire, 11/19/08)

California is no stranger to wildfires, which experts say are already increasing due to global warming (Photo: Flickr / Cnynfreelancer)

Climate change is already visibly impacting life in the United States through extreme weather, drought, wildfires and other threats, a significant and authoritative new study found recently. The report, Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States, evaluates both current and anticipated climate change impacts, and emphasizes that our actions today will determine the severity of future effects.

Produced by experts from 13 U.S. government science agencies and from several major universities and research institutions, the report uses new data not available during the preparation of earlier assessments including the last report released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The report compiles years of scientific research, and breaks down the regional impacts of climate change in unprecedented detail.

Just a few of the main findings include:

• Insect infestations and wildfires are already increasing
• Heat waves will become more frequent and intense, increasing threats to human health
• Increased heavy downpours will lead to more flooding, waterborne diseases, and will disrupt agriculture water, transportation, and energy systems
• Rising water temperatures and ocean acidification will continue to threaten coral reefs and the rich ecosystems they support
• Local sea-level rise will present a threat to homes and coastal infrastructure

The report also confirms previous evidence that global temperature increases in recent decades have been primarily human-induced, and while it does not promote any particular policy, it does provide information that may be useful in developing mitigation and adaptation strategies.

• Read the report: Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States
• Related: “IPCC Releases Climate Change 2007, Calls Global Warming ‘Unequivocal’” (e-Newswire, 2/7/07)

Photo: Flickr

Last Thursday, California was awarded $90.4 million in stimulus funds from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) State Energy Program (SEP) to finance energy efficiency projects and promote green jobs. The funding represents 40% of California’s total SEP award, with the initial 10% going to planning, and the remaining 50% to be disbursed once California meets requisite reporting, oversight and accountability milestones.

The award will help to fund a statewide energy efficiency retrofit program as well cost-effective clean energy systems for residential, commercial and industrial buildings and facilities, while the revenue savings generated by these efficiency measures will help fund additional, ongoing efficiency projects.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) also plans to leverage existing partnerships in combination with $20 million in Recovery Act funding to create a more extensive green workforce focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, including wind and solar. Additionally, through June of 2012, the CEC will invest $15 million in building a workforce to tackle alternative fuel and advanced vehicle technology needs.

After demonstrating successful implementation of its plan, California will receive more than $113 million in additional funding, for a total of $226 million for the entire program.

• Read more about the State Energy Program and other CEC recovery programs
• Related: “Stimulus Confirms Importance of Energy Efficiency, Provides Over $30 Billion for Green Energy” (e-Newswire, 2/25/09)

California’s Clean Tech Open recently announced its 2009 Semifinalists, including eight finalists in the Energy Efficiency category. The competition, which is held in three regions throughout the west, works to catalyze innovation by seeking out early-stage clean technology companies, and providing infrastructure and funding to promising entrepreneurs. Semifinalists attend the Clean Tech Open Accelerator world class business training program, followed by two moths of intensive mentoring. Semifinalists are chosen in each of several categories. This year’s Energy Efficiency Semifinalists include:

• Alphabet Energy, Inc. - Inexpensive thermoelectrics for waste heat recovery
• Core4 Systems - Efficient data center cooling
• HydroCoal Technologies, LLC - Cracking coal for cleaner coal sooner
• Lightwave - Low cost highly efficient light emitting diodes
• Lunescent - Outdoor lights responsive to moonlight
• Powerzoa - Energy monitoring and controlling technology
• SunCool - Commercial solar heating and cooling
• Synergy Conscious - Energy management system via double bottom line electric bill

Winners selected from among the Semifinalists will take home generous prizes including cash/services worth at least $50,000 for 12 Regional Winners and $250,000 for one National Winner. It’s money well-spent, driving innovation that may one day help us all.

(Photo: Flickr)

With serious drought conditions affecting California, saving water has become extremely important. And since 19% of California’s energy goes to pumping water, when you save water, you save energy too. Here are some easy tips for saving in your bathroom.

1. Repair leaks:
On average, leaks account for 13% of home water usage.

2. Ventilate properly:
When you shower or take a bath, use the bathroom fan to remove the heat and humidity from your home. This will help keep your A/C from working overtime. ENERGY STAR qualified fans are available.

3. Seal around pipes:
Space around plumbing pipes can be a common source of air leakage. Make sure yours are covered and sealed around the edges.

4. Opt for Brief Showers over Baths:
A ten minute shower can use less than a full bath.

5. Low-Flow Showerheads:
These can save 44% over non-conserving showerheads. Here’s how to test your existing showerhead to see if it’s a water-guzzler:

• Place a bucket—marked in gallon increments—under your shower head.
• Turn on the shower at the normal water pressure you use.
• Time how many seconds it takes to fill the bucket to the 1-gallon (3.8 liter) mark.
• If it takes less than 20 seconds to reach the 1-gallon mark, you could benefit from a low-flow showerhead.

Also, remember not to fall victim to the Snackwell effect – don’t take longer showers just because you have a more efficient system.

6. Faucets/Faucet Attachments:
Faucet aerators can also save water, and only cost a few dollars. Try this cost calculator for faucets and low-flow toilets.

7. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth:
This can save up to 3,000 gallons of water per year.

8. Low-flush toilet:
Depending on your current model, switching to an ultra-low-flush toilet could help you save thousands of gallons per year. Also, keep an eye out for dual flush models to help you save even more.

9. WaterSense products:
WaterSense is similar to the government’s ENERGY STAR program, except it covers water instead of energy. Look for the WaterSense label when buying faucets, faucet aerators, and toilets.

• Related: Energy-saving tips for the living room and kitchen
• Browse our complete list of tips
• Find rebates on energy and water saving products

If you bought it on sale, did you really save money? (Photo: Flickr)

The other day I came home with a new pair of jeans I bought at a clearance sale and I told my husband, “I saved 50% on these.” His reply? “If you keep saving us money, we’re going to go broke!” This familiar exchange is an apt metaphor for the world of consumer electronics as it applies to energy efficiency and the fight against global warming.

The American Efficiency Council claims that semiconductor-based technologies have improved efficiency throughout the economy, helping to
“avoid” the need for 184 power plants since 1976, “saving” consumers and businesses $69 billion on their electricity bills (through 2006) and preventing 479 million megatons of CO2-equivalent emissions. While these numbers are impressive and true in one sense, they don’t tell the larger story of the crescendo of consumer electronics flooding our culture with non-essential energy-consuming devices. Does every household in America (including mine) really need multiple iPods, cordless phones, televisions, cell phones, printers, stereo systems, laptops, digital cameras and more? According to the International Energy Agency, the intensifying acquisition of such devices means that when aggregated, these gadgets are expected to demand twice as much power by 2022 and three times as much by 2030 - creating a need for another 280 gigawatts of power generation. This is roughly equivalent to adding another Japan to the world or more than 230 nuclear power plants.

The phenomenon of gaining efficiencies while continuing to increase energy demand makes sense. People who buy a Prius often cite its efficiency as a justification for then driving more frequently and longer distances. However, if we continue our push towards greater efficiency, but don’t temper it with conservation efforts, we may “save some energy” on that sale called efficiency gains, but in the long run our climate will go broke.

• Related: “The Snackwell Effect: Consumers Sabotage Energy-Saving Efforts” (e-Newswire, 4/7/09)
• Related: “Big Screens Mean Big Energy Bills” (FlexYourPower.org)

Solar-powered netbooks

It’s the ultimate portable computer – iUnika’s new $180 solar-powered netbook, the Gyy. Featuring solar panels mounted on the back of the display, the tiny, 1.5 pound laptop is designed for computing on-the-go. Its 8-inch screen and minimal processing and RAM capabilities keep the price low, while sustainable components set it apart. The computer body itself is composed of bioplastics and biodegradable materials made from starch and cellulose, making the unit easy to recycle. The Gyy is particularly ideal for developing countries that lack grid power, and it is scheduled to be on store shelves in June or July.

In addition to powering your laptop, the sun can now also power your small gadgets with Suntrica’s SolarBadge and SolarStrap – pocket-sized chargers that strap to your body or to a backpack. Covered in flexible thin film solar panels, the chargers have a service voltage of 5 V, making them handy for charging phones, GPS systems, media players, and other small devices. Customers can either use the energy immediately, or employ the internal battery to store energy for a later date. Although Suntrica’s devices are not the first portable solar power chargers, their durability and versatility make them ideal for everyday use.

The SolarStrap and SolarBadge from Suntrica

• Read background: “iUnika Unveils Ultralight Cheap Solar-Powered Netbook,” by Ariel Schwartz (Inhabitat, 5/20/09)
• Read background: “Suntrica’s Wearable Solar Chargers,” by Ariel Schwartz (Inhabitat, 5/20/09)

Fastronaut action figures powered by kinetic energy.

They may not save millions of megawatts, but these recently-developed toys from the Greener Gadgets Design Competition do promise to help teach kids about energy. Dubbed Fastronauts, the three little super heroes are charged using kinetic energy and will talk, light up and zoom around in their vehicles the more they are charged - one even attaches to a bike and is charged by the motion of the wheel. The toys also feature tri-color LEDs that show how much energy has been generated, and they are made with a recyclable casing. Designed to teach children about energy conservation while encouraging them to move and play, Fastronauts offer a unique alternative to the usual battery-powered energy hogs.

• Related: “For Kids: Power Hog Power Meter Associates Energy and Money,” (e-Newswire, 6/16/09)

The Power Hog demands a coin before it will power up an appliance.

Did someone say energy hogs? The other kids’ item on our list is the Power Hog power meter, a piggy-bank shaped appliance designed to teach kids about energy conservation, and keep kids off the TV for a while. A finalist in the Greener Gadgets Design Competition, the hog works by blocking energy to an appliance until it has been fed a coin. Simply plug the hog’s tail into an outlet and feed it a coin to meter out 30 minutes of energy for TV, video games, or other activities. Of course, kids may eventually figure out that they can simply unplug the piggy to avoid the toll, but the power hog remains a novel way to associate energy conservation with savings, and to start kids thinking on a resource-intelligent track.

• Related: “For Kids: New ‘Fastronaut’ Toys Powered by Play,” (e-Newswire, 6/16/09)