We CAN Be Green

Green News: EPA Announces New Support for Sustainable Communities

CONTACT:

Dave Ryan (News Media Only)

ryan.dave@epa.gov

202-564-7827

202-564-4355

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 5, 2010

 

 

EPA Announces New Support for Sustainable Communities

 

New office, pilot programs to help communities minimize their environmental impact and increase economic opportunity

 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced three steps to support communities’ efforts to provide their citizens’ with economic opportunity while reducing impacts on the environment.  The actions will encourage state and local government to make their communities more sustainable by strategically aligning their environmental, transportation and housing investments.

 

The steps EPA announced today are:

 

·         The creation of a new Office of Sustainable Communities to encourage communities to take an integrated approach in making environmental, housing and transportation decisions.

·         A new pilot grant program designed to help three states – New York, Maryland and California – use their clean water funding programs to support efforts to make communities more sustainable.

·         A pilot program to clean up and redevelop contaminated sites, known as brownfield sites, in coordination with communities’ efforts to develop public transportation and affordable housing. 

 

Today’s announcements build on the work EPA is doing with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities. The partnership is focused on ensuring that housing and transportation goals are met while simultaneously protecting the environment, promoting equitable development, and helping to address the challenges of climate change.

 

The brownfields pilot program announced today represents a key step in that partnership. Together, EPA, HUD, and DOT have selected five pilot sites across the country where there is a convergence of public transit and the need for affordable housing. Cleaning and reusing this land and providing new housing choices will create jobs and new economic opportunities. The five sites selected for the Sustainable Communities Partnership Pilots are the Fairmount Line in Boston; the Smart Growth Redevelopment District in Indianapolis; the La Alma/South Lincoln Park neighborhood in Denver; the Riverfront Crossings District in Iowa City, Iowa; and the Westside Affordable Housing Transit-Oriented Development in National City, Calif.

 

The Office of Sustainable Communities that EPA announced today will help create neighborhoods that offer good jobs, educational opportunities, safe and affordable homes and transportation options while minimizing their impact on the environment. The Pilot Technical Assistance Program for Sustainable Communities will further that goal by encouraging states to use their Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan program to better support communities that adopt sustainable strategies, like transit-oriented, mixed-use development.

 

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:

http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/partnership

 

More information on EPA’s Smart Growth program: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth

 

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View all news releases related to partnerships and stewardship 

Green News: EPA Requests Grant Applications to Fight Climate Change

CONTACT:
Dave Ryan (News Media Only)
Ryan.dave@epa.gov
202-564-7827
202-564-4355
Technical non-press grants questions: Henry Ferland,  202-343-9330

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2010

EPA Requests Grant Applications to Fight Climate Change

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced it is making up to $5 million in grants available to U.S. and international organizations to fund innovative, international methane reduction and use projects that cut global climate pollution. The grants will be issued through the Methane to Markets Partnership, a public-private partnership that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution by promoting the cost-effective, near-term recovery and use of methane, a GHG that is more than 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Methane capture and use projects supported by the partnership through grants and other means are currently reducing emissions by more than 27.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually – equivalent to the annual emissions from 5 million passenger vehicles.

Non-profit or government organizations in any country may apply for grant funding, but projects should take place in the following Methane to Markets Partner countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Mongolia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Thailand, Ukraine, and Vietnam.  If an organization wishes to submit an application for a project in a developing country or a country with an economy in transition that is not listed above, the country must first apply to the Methane to Markets Partnership before the project can be considered for funding. 

Grant proposals should support feasibility studies, technology transfer, deployment of technology, training, methane emissions inventories, and other activities that promote methane capture and use.  The agency expects to award up to 35 cooperative assistance agreements ranging from approximately $100,000 to $750,000.

Proposals are due by April 15, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. EST.  EPA estimates that awards would be made at the end of 2010.

Since the launch of the partnership in 2004, EPA has provided almost $13 million for nearly 70 grants to build capacity and promote international capture and use of methane. This work will be highlighted in 2010 when EPA, the Government of India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry host the 2^nd Methane to Markets Partnership Expo on March 2-5, 2010 in Delhi, India. The expo will bring together approximately 1,000 partners and methane experts from around the world to showcase project opportunities and technologies related to the capture and use of methane.


More grant information: http://www.epa.gov/methanetomarkets/grants.htm

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EPA’s Energy Star Buildings Mark a Decade of Savings

CONTACT:

Enesta Jones

jones.enesta@epa.gov

202-564-7873

202-564-4355

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 9, 2009

 

 

EPA’s Energy Star Buildings Mark a Decade of Savings

 

Oldest, tallest, largest buildings named

 

WASHINGTON — Ten years ago, EPA unveiled a ground-breaking development in energy efficiency for the commercial marketplace – the first Energy Star building. Since 1999, Energy Star partners in the commercial marketplace have helped prevent nearly 120 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, equal to the emissions from the annual electricity use of more than 60 million American homes.

 

“The Energy Star story is one of eliminating barriers, driving demand, and delivering excellence,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “EPA is proud to celebrate a decade of Energy Star buildings in communities across America that play an important role in fighting global warming, improving energy efficiency, and saving money.”

 

To celebrate this important decade milestone, EPA is releasing the publication, Celebrating a Decade of Energy Star Buildings, which tells the history behind the Energy Star program and its development into a leading energy efficiency brand in the commercial marketplace. Buildings highlighted demonstrate the diversity of types of Energy Star buildings, including:

 

·         The oldest building to earn the Energy Star: Cambridge Savings Bank in Cambridge, Mass.

·         The tallest building to earn the Energy Star: Aon Center in Chicago

·         The largest building to earn the Energy Star: USAA McDermott Building in San Antonio, Texas

·         The first building to earn the Energy Star: Ridgehaven Green Building in San Diego, Calif.

 

Several buildings with notable tenants are also listed, including Amazon.com in Seattle, Wash.; National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C.; and MTV in Santa Monica, Calif. Finally, a selection of case studies chronicles how the energy efficiency of different buildings improved with help from Energy Star.

 

The Energy Star is available for 13 types of commercial buildings, including retail stores, hotels, schools, supermarkets and more. Nearly 9,000 buildings across the nation have earned the Energy Star for superior energy efficiency over the past decade and the numbers continue to climb daily. Energy Star buildings typically use 35 percent less energy and emit 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than average buildings.

 

To obtain the publication: http://www.energystar.gov/decade

 

To learn more about the Energy Star Commercial and Industrial Program: http://www.energystar.gov/buildings

 

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View all news releases related to air issues

Green News: New EPA Web Site Provides Tools to Cut Energy Costs and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Homes

CONTACT:
Dave Ryan
Ryan.dave@epa.gov
202-564-7827
202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 16, 2009

New EPA Web Site Provides Tools to Cut Energy Costs and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Homes

WASHINGTON – Home owners, buyers and renters have a new resource for going green indoors and outdoors. EPA’s new Green Homes Web site will help people make their homes greener with tips on reducing energy consumption, carbon footprints, waste generation and water usage, as well as improving indoor air quality. 

The latest federal survey of American housing (2007) reported 128 million housing units across the U.S.,   accounting for nearly 54 percent of national energy use and nearly 31 percent of all U.S. carbon dioxide emissions, the most common greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. 

Many green building practices and technologies have yet to make a dent in the existing residential market, in part because it is hard for people to find clear, consolidated, readily accessible, and credible information. The Green Homes Web site addresses that need by providing guidance on approaches to greening each room of the home as well as the surrounding yard.  Information also is available on building new homes and finding an energy efficient mortgage, which takes into account the savings derived from energy efficient homes to enable the applicant to qualify for better terms. Renters will find information to help them identify a green property before moving in and tips for working with their landlord to add green features to an existing property. Users can also find references, such as a list of common green home terms, and links to dozens of EPA Web sites with more specific information on a wide variety of green home topics.

For more information: http://www.epa.gov/greenhomes

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Green News: America Recycles Day

CONTACT:
Skip Anderson
anderson.skip@epa.gov
202-564-9551
202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 13, 2009

Make Everyday America Recycles Day


WASHINGTON – Want to help the environment?  Why not spend some time this America Recycles Day, November 15^th, looking for new opportunities to recycle throughout the year?  Keeping good recycling habits at home, work, and on the go can help with climate change.  By reusing, recycling, and being smarter in the amounts and types of materials used, people can save energy, use fewer natural resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  

Thousands of Americans across the country are making a difference, simply by keeping plastic bottles, paper, unwanted electronics, and other recyclable materials out of the waste stream.  The lifecycle energy savings of recycling rather than landfilling one aluminum can is equivalent to the energy use of a laptop for 5 hours, a 60-watt incandescent light bulb for 4 hours, or a 60-watt compact fluorescent light bulb for 20 hours.

America Recycles Day is a great time to think about our role in creating a sustainable environment by being responsible consumers.  Products are created from raw materials that are transported and processed, distributed, consumed, reused or recycled, and ultimately disposed of in a landfill.  Each stage of this materials lifecycle creates impacts on the environment.  By making smarter choices, consuming less, and reusing and recycling, each of us can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment.

More information on recycling:  http://www.epa.gov/recycle/
More information on America Recycles Day:  http://www.americarecyclesday.org

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  View all news releases related to trash and recycling

Green News: 1 Million Energy Star Homes Built in the United States

CONTACT:
Enesta Jones
jones.enesta@epa.gov
202-564-7873
202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2009

EPA’s Energy Star Program Hits Major Milestone: 1 Million Energy Star Homes Built in the United States

Houston, Dallas and Las Vegas top the list for most Energy Star homes

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today reaches a milestone for the Energy Star program by passing the 1 millionth Energy Star qualified home mark. With more than 15,000 partners in sectors all across the economy, Energy Star has been enormously successful at saving consumers money by reducing the energy usage of products used in the home and office everyday. Since the program began labeling new homes in 1995, Americans have saved $1.2 billion on their energy bills, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 22 billion pounds. This year alone, families living in Energy Star qualified homes will save more than $270 million on their utility bills, while avoiding greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from about 370,000 vehicles.

“This is an amazing achievement for the Energy Star program – but the real winners are the 1 million American families who have the chance to save money and keep harmful pollution out of the air. That’s great news for anyone who wants to cut costs and protect our planet,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “We’re going to keep the number of Energy Star homes growing, because every new Energy Star home is a step towards lower costs, cleaner air, and communities that are environmentally and economically sustainable.  We’re giving everyday American homebuyers the power to lower their bills and join the fight against climate change.”

To earn the Energy Star label, a home must meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by EPA.  Those guidelines can be met through established, reliable building techniques available to most middle-class American homeowners.  Those include effective insulation systems, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment, and high-efficiency lighting and appliances. In addition, an independent home energy rater conducts onsite testing and inspections to verify that the home’s performance meets Energy Star requirements.

There are more than 6,500 builders across the nation building homes that earn the Energy Star label and qualified new homes can be found in every state in the country. The top 20 markets for Energy Star qualified homes built to date include: Houston, Texas; Dallas, Texas; Las Vegas, Nev.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Greater Los Angeles, Calif.; New York, N.Y.; Tucson, Ariz.; San Antonio, Texas; Sacramento, Calif.; San Diego, Calif.; Columbus, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; Indianapolis, Ind.; Austin, Texas; Philadelphia, Pa.; San Francisco, Calif.; Boston, Mass.; Denver, Colo.; Orlando, Fla.; and Oklahoma City, Okla.

More information about the features and benefits of Energy Star qualified homes and participating builders:  http://www.energystar.gov/onemillionhomes

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Green News: EPA Funding Stimulates Clean Energy

CONTACT:
Dave Ryan
ryan.dave@epa.gov
202-564-7827
202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2009


More Than $3 Million in EPA Funding Stimulates Clean Energy Production and Greenhouse Gas Reductions

EPA international clean energy partnership program grants funding to 11 countries

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is supporting the international Methane to Markets Partnership (M2M) by funding 21 new projects that will help 11 countries capture and use methane emissions from landfill, coal, agriculture, oil and natural gas operations. Methane, the primary component of natural gas, traps over 20 times more heat than carbon dioxide, making it a significant contributor to climate change.

The Methane to Markets Partnership is a public-private partnership that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the cost-effective, near-term recovery and use of methane, while providing clean energy to markets around the world.  The M2M Partnership has grown to include 31 partner governments and more than 900 private sector entities, financial institutions, non-governmental agencies and other organizations.

Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, and Russia are receiving grants ranging from $20,000 to $700,000. These projects, totaling nearly $3.3 million, will stimulate clean energy production while achieving greenhouse gas emissions reductions. They will support a wide variety of activities, including development of databases on potential project sites, feasibility studies, and technology transfer.  In Bulgaria, for example, EPA will fund (1) a resource assessment of several landfills; (2) the development of business plans for each one; and (3) implementation of a pilot methane capture and use project at the most promising landfill.

Since the launch of the partnership in 2004, EPA has provided almost $13 million for nearly 70 grants to build capacity and promote international capture and use of methane.  This work will be highlighted in 2010 when EPA, the Government of India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry host the 2^nd Methane to Markets Partnership Expo on March 2-5, 2010 in Delhi, India. The expo will bring together approximately 1,000 partners and methane experts from around the world to showcase project opportunities and technologies related to the capture and use of methane. 

List of 2009 grant awardees and their projects:
http://www.epa.gov/methanetomarkets/grants.htm


More Information about the Methane to Markets Partnership:
http://www.epa.gov/methanetomarkets
 

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Green News: Burn Wise for Safer, Healthier Winter

CONTACT:

Dave Ryan
ryan.dave@epa.gov
202-564-7827
202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 22, 2009

Burn Wise for Safer, Healthier Winter

EPA’s Burn Wise campaign seeks to reduce wood smoke pollution

WASHINGTON – As smoke begins wafting from chimneys in cooler parts of the country, homeowners are starting the first fires of the home-heating season. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants homeowners to learn before they burn this winter. Wood smoke is made up of a mixture of gases and fine particle pollution that isn’t healthy to breathe indoors or out – especially for children, older adults and those with heart disease, asthma or other lung diseases.

EPA has established the Burn Wise campaign to reduce wood smoke pollution, helping to protect your home, health and the air we breathe, while keeping those who use wood for heat warm throughout the winter. 

If you’re burning wood, you can have a cheaper, safer and healthier fire by following these tips:

· Burn only dry, seasoned wood. It’s better for the air and your wallet. Look for wood that is darker, has cracks in the end grain, and sounds hollow when hit against another piece of wood. Dry seasoned wood is more efficient at heating your home and can add up to significant savings over the winter.  Never burn painted or treated wood or trash.  

· Maintain your wood stove or fireplace and have a certified technician inspect it yearly.  A certified technician can clean dangerous soot from your chimney and keep your wood stove or fireplace working properly, which reduces your risk of a home fire.

· Change to an EPA-certified wood stove or fireplace insert. These models are more efficient than older models, keeping your air cleaner, your home safer and your fuel bill lower, while keeping you warm in the winter. An estimated 12 million Americans heat their homes with wood stoves each winter, and nearly three-quarters of these stoves are not EPA certified. An EPA-certified wood stove can emit nearly 70 percent less smoke than older uncertified models.

More information on Burn Wise: http://www.epa.gov/burnwise

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Being Green: Winterizing Your Home Kit

Be Green: Home Winterization Kit

I've been looking everywhere for a comprehensive kit to help you winterize your home but I've been unable to find one....so, I decided to put one "together" for you.  All items can be bought through Amazon so that should save on shipping & impact costs.  If you have any other items to add, let me know.

1. Furnace filters
2. Programmable thermostat(s)
3. Chimney screen/cap
4. Weatherstipping
5. Caulk
6. Patio door insulator kit
7. Window insulator kit
8. Extra insulation for attic
9. Leaf guards for gutters
10. Downspout extensions
11. Pipe insulation
12. Battery back-up for electrical equipment
13. A Family's Guide to Disaster Preparedness

Thank you for reading and here's to Being Green!

If you found this post helpful, please pass it along to a friend.

Follow me on Twitter.

Green News: EPA Unveils 2010 Annual Fuel Economy Guide

CONTACTS:
Cathy Milbourn (EPA)
202-564-7849
202-564-4355
milbourn.cathy@epa.gov

(202) 586-4940 (DOE)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2009

2010 Annual Fuel Economy Guide Now Available

Guide helps drivers save money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy today unveiled the 2010 Fuel Economy Guide, which gives consumers important information about estimated fuel costs and mileage standards for model year 2010 vehicles.

“Every year, consumers use the Fuel Economy Guide to find clean, efficient, cost-effective vehicles that meets their needs and their budgets,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.  “It’s an easy, accessible resource for everyone, and helps us cut harmful pollution from the air, and save money for American drivers.”

“Fuel economy is about both saving energy and saving money,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. “Buying fuel efficient vehicles - like the many hybrid technologies featured in this year’s Fuel Economy Guide – helps limit carbon pollution, lessen our dependence on foreign oil, and reduce driving costs for American families.”

Fuel-efficient models come in all types and sizes, so consumers can save thousands of dollars over a vehicle’s lifetime without sacrificing performance. Model year 2010 fuel economy leaders include a wide range of hybrid models, from compact cars to sport-utility vehicles.

Each vehicle listing in the Fuel Economy Guide provides an estimated annual fuel cost. The estimate is calculated based on the vehicle’s miles per gallon (mpg) rating and national estimates for annual mileage and fuel prices. The online version of the guide allows consumers to input their local gasoline prices and typical driving habits to receive a personalized fuel cost estimate.

Fuel efficiency is important for reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change. One of the most important things consumers can do to reduce their contribution to climate change is to buy a vehicle with better fuel economy.

The Fuel Economy Guide continues to be available to mobile users (fueleconomy.gov/m), and is readily accessible from a mobile device, smart phone, or personal digital assistant (or PDA).

More online sources with fuel economy information:

Joint DOE/EPA Fuel Economy website for detailed information on fuel economy, including a complete version of the Fuel Economy Guide: http://www.fueleconomy.gov

The 2010 fuel economy leaders within each class as well as the lowest fuel economy models: http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/basicinformation.htm

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