2Sustain

Researchers at the Centre for Low Carbon Futures have concluded that cities could cut their energy bills by billions –if they exploited commercially attractive opportunities in energy and carbon management.

The study, which focused on cities in the UK, found that about 10 percent of city scale GDP leaves the local economy every year through payment of the energy bill . . . and, as you would expect,  that percentage is forecast to grow considerably over the next decade.

However, by investing 1 percent of GDP for 10 years, cities could see savings in their energy bills worth 1.6 percent of GDP every year. In addition, taking advantage of low carbon development would create jobs, mitigate energy risks and reduce environmental impacts. (more…)

Last week, President Obama directed all federal agencies to make at least $2 billion worth of energy efficiency upgrades over the next two years –at no up-front cost to taxpayers.

From the presidential memorandum:

The Federal Government owns and operates nearly 3 billion square feet of Federal building space. Upgrading the energy performance of buildings is one of the fastest and most effective ways to reduce energy costs, cut pollution, and create jobs in the construction and energy sectors. We have a responsibility to lead by example, reduce our energy use, and operate our buildings efficiently.

Meeting that responsibility requires executive departments and agencies (agencies) to evaluate their facilities, identify potential savings, and appropriately leverage both private and public sector funding to invest in comprehensive energy conservation projects that cut energy costs. The Federal Government can do so by increasing the pace of the implementation of energy conservation measures, and improving the results from its energy efficiency investments.

This directive will be paired with another $2 billion effort in the private sector to upgrade energy efficiency at commercial and industrial properties.   (more…)

European consumers and business decision-makers are increasingly eager and willing to invest in making their buildings and homes more energy efficient, according to a recent survey conducted by online research organization OnePoll, on behalf of Autodesk, Inc.

More than 2,000 European residents in the UK, France, Germany and Italy participated in the study. Approximately 25 percent were business owners, directors or senior-decision makers. The results show that: (more…)

The real estate sector can play a significant role in a low-carbon economy. Not only do investments into more sustainable business practices and technologies benefit the environment and society, in general; they also create long-term value and competitiveness. In fact, a new report from RICS concluded that even in difficult economic times, green office buildings can offer investors considerable financial benefits, including higher rents and lower risk premiums.

The new report, titled Sustainability and the Dynamics of Green Building, summarizes data collected from North American buildings certified by the EOA’s Energy Star Program. The research shows that: (more…)

Last year, a newly-constructed FedEx Express facility in Las Vegas became the company’s first building to receive LEED certification. Then, the FedEx Memphis-based World Headquarters received LEED Gold certification under the USGBC’s LEED for Existing Buildings Rating System.

Now, FedEx Express has announced that LEED Certification is the standard for all of its newly-built US facilities.

LEED, the green building rating system developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) is the leading benchmark for buildings that are designed, constructed and operated sustainably.

According to FedEx, which is an active member of the USGBC, the Las Vegas LEED Gold building provides significant water, energy and waste reduction benefits. For example: (more…)