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GovFacility eNews
Volume 1, #2, November 2007
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In this issue:
1. Welcome to GovFacility eNews
2. News
3. Events
Welcome to GovFacility eNews!
After an extended hiatus, we are back and would like to welcome you to the November 2007 issue of GovFacility eNews. This will be a monthly enewsletter providing news, events, and other information for public sector facility managers responsible for the management, maintenance, and security of buildings occupied by government employees and used by citizens. We realize facilities management is a tremendous responsibility, more so than ever in the wake of 9/11, often with little or no increase in funding, while you are often called to do more with the same or less. We hope to offer information that helps you make decisions, and we hope that you will share information with us regarding news and stories, best practices, products and services, events -– anything germane to your needs as facility management professionals. The www.GovFacility.com web site contains information we think you will find helpful. Let us know how we are doing and what other sorts of information you require.
If you have news or any other information you would like to share, please email either:
Juli Maltagliati at juli@govfacility.com
Mark Amtower at amtower@erols.com
Thank you.
NEWS
DOE sets new energy savings standards; groups express disappointment. Groups say standards an improvement from earlier proposal, but fall short of utility industry and environmental groups' recommendation. October 20, 2008. WASHINGTON, DC. –
The electric industry along with efficiency and environmental groups said new electric distribution transformer standards finalized by the Department of Energy today improve upon an initial proposal issued last year, but fall short of the strong levels the groups had jointly endorsed with one of the biggest transformer manufacturers.
"We're glad DOE has improved upon their original proposed standard," said Steven Nadel, Executive Director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). "But, with the buyers and one of the biggest sellers of transformers urging even higher standards, DOE could have done better."
Electric distribution transformers are the ubiquitous large grey, green, or sometimes brown metal cylinders or boxes on utility poles and cement pads that reduce or "step down" voltage from the levels used to efficiently ship power over an electric distribution network to the levels needed for business and household use. About 41 million transformers are in use across the U.S. A slight improvement in transformer efficiency would result in large electricity savings."
Full story http://www.aceee.org/press/0710transformers.htm
DOE and EPA release the 2008 Fuel Economy Guide. October 27, 2007.
“Improved fuel economy"
Saves You Money
You can save $200-$1,500 in fuel costs each year by choosing the most efficient vehicle that meets your needs. This can add up to thousands of dollars over a vehicle’s lifetime. Fuel-efficient models come in all shapes and sizes, so you don't have to sacrifice utility or size.
You can also increase the fuel economy of you current vehicle by adopting good driving habits and maintaining your vehicle.
Strengthens National Energy Security
Better fuel economy can reduce our dependence on foreign oil. More than half of the gasoline we put in our cars comes from oil imported from other countries.
Petroleum imports cost us over $5.2 billion a week—that’s money that could be used to fuel our own economy.
Protects the Environment
Burning fossil fuels such as gasoline or diesel contributes to a number of environmental problems, such as air pollution (smog) and global climate change. In addition, spills from refining and transporting oil and petroleum products damage ecosystems and pollute groundwater and streams.
Conserves Resources
Almost all of the cars and trucks we drive run on fuels derived from oil. Oil is a non-renewable resource, and while there is some debate as to how long this resource will last, we will eventually have to find new ways to power highway vehicles. Until other alternatives are developed, it makes sense to use fossil resources such as oil more efficiently to buy time to develop new and better energy sources and to make the transition to these sources smoother and less expensive.”
To learn more about the latest Fuel Economy Guide: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/
US Green Building Council (USGBC) and International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Announce Memorandum of Intent. October 2007.
The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) are pleased to announce a Memorandum of Intent outlining collaborative efforts to promote sustainability, energy efficiency and environmentally responsible building operations. Representatives of IFMA and USGBC signed the agreement on Thursday, Oct. 25, at IFMA’s World Workplace 2007 Conference & Expo in New Orleans, LA.
The memorandum establishes a cooperative relationship between IFMA and USGBC that promotes healthy, sustainable and environmentally sound facility management practices. It acknowledges voluntary measures as the desired goal and calls for an open dialogue between the organizations on legislative and regulatory initiatives that embrace best practices in green construction and sustainable operations.
The agreement also encourages cooperative activities in the development of educational initiatives — such as USGBC workshops and IFMA core competency courses — and the cross-promotion of Continuing Education Units (CEU) and the LEED® AP exam. IFMA and USGBC will also collaborate at each organization’s annual conference.
Full story: http://www.ifma.org/tools/prdetail.cfm?id=225
EPA adjusts the Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPG) to foster and support markets for recycled-content products. September 21, 2007.
In order to foster and support markets for recycled-content products, EPA is adjusting the Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPG) Landscaping Products category and providing guidance through a Recovered Materials Advisory Notice (RMAN). Two changes are being made:
- EPA is changing the description of “compost” by consolidating all compost designations under one item designation: “compost made from recovered organic materials.” The old description of compost referred to compost made from yard trimmings and food waste. The revised description still includes compost made from yard trimmings and food waste but also includes compost made from biosolids and manure and does not limit the designation to those four specific types of recovered organic materials.
- EPA is adding “fertilizer made from recovered materials” as a designated landscaping item.
Full story http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/procure/rman5.htm
EVENTS
Energy Efficiency Global Forum & Exposition (EE Global). Washington, DC. November 11-14, 2007.
EE Global is a brand new forum for the 21st century. This inaugural event embodies the best features of a World’s Fair, where scientific, business and political leaders as well as activists, the media and people from all countries and walks of life come together to celebrate new ideas and cutting-edge technologies that can transform people’s lives.
The 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair introduced us to the wonders of electricity which fuels today’s global economy. A century later, EE Global will showcase the potential of energy efficiency in creating a sustainable energy future for our world. With global demand outpacing supply, rising concerns about climate change, the cost of energy, and national security, there has never been a better time for a forum dedicated to energy efficiency.
For further information, see: http://www.eeglobalforum.com/
First National buildingSMART® Conference. Washington, DC. December 10-13, 2007. Sponsored by EcoBuild Fall and AEC-ST Fall
National Institute of Building Sciences Announces First National buildingSMART® Conference To Be Held at AEC-ST® Fall
The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) has selected AEC-ST® Fall as the location for it’s inaugural National buildingSMART® Conference. The conference will take place on December 13, 2007 as part of the many educational activities for the design and construction industry at AEC-ST® Fall & Ecobuild® Fall running December 10 – 13 at the Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
For further information: http://www.ecobuildfederal.com/press/PR-Nationalbuild.pdf
2008 ASHRAE Winter Meeting. New York City. January 19-23, 2008.
ASHRAE Learning Institute (ALI) will offer a series of seminars at the 2008 Winter Meeting (January 19-23, 2008) and AHR Expo (January 22-24) in New York City at the end of January.
Short Courses and Seminars will be held at either the New York Hilton or the Javits Convention Center.
For more information: http://www.ashrae.org/events/page/1334
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