High-Performance Buildings Congressional Caucus to become major "green" voice

The newly formed High-Performance Buildings Congressional Caucus may not be on the radar of many climate enthusiasts, but expect it to be a growing voice in this year's energy debate on Capitol Hill, according to a report on the U.S. Green Building Council website, Washington.
   Co-chaired by Reps. Russ Carnahan (D-MO) and Judy Biggert (R-IL), the House caucus has more than a dozen members and will launch a membership drive, largely focused on attracting Republicans and incoming members on the Energy and Commerce Committee. The group will focus on increasing energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of buildings.
   Some caucus members are considering introducing green-building legislation that could include tax incentives and implementation of a smart-grid system. Caucus members are also eyeing economic stimulus or climate bills as potential vehicles for green measures, according to Carnahan spokesman Jim Hubbard. "This is a largely bipartisan issue," said Hubbard. "All options are on the table."
   The green buildings issue will likely be one of the easiest energy-related ideas to move through Congress next year. It has attracted the support of environmentalists and much of the business sector, which would profit from a green jobs push. The High-Performance Buildings Congressional Caucus Coalition that briefs the lawmakers includes the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Atlanta, and the U.S. Green Building Council, among others.
   According to the coalition, buildings are responsible for 39% of U.S. carbon emissions each year, equal to the combined carbon emissions of the United Kingdom, France, and Japan.

Sylvania survey reveals 78% of Americans unaware of incandescent phase out

Results of a national study, released in Dec. 2008, revealed that 78% of Americans are unaware of the federal legislation put in place in 2007 to phase out the incandescent light bulb, starting in 2012. The First Annual SYLVANIA Socket Survey, commissioned by lighting technology company, Osram Sylvania, a division of Siemens AG, Danvers, MA, is the first national pulse taken to evaluate general awareness of the changing lighting landscape and analyze attitudes about the rise of energy-efficient lighting technologies, such as compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
   Lighting accounts for a fifth of U.S. energy consumption, according to the U.S. Dept of Energy, Washington, cementing the $37 billion sector's role as a significant part of America's "greener" future. The typical incandescent light bulb devotes only 5% of its energy use to creating light, with the rest lost on heat. "The survey results are a call-to-action for a comprehensive awareness campaign to help consumers make the transition from traditional light bulbs to newer technologies, such as LEDs and CFLs," said Charlie Jerabek, president and chief executive officer, Osram Sylvania. "In the current global ecological and economic climate, next-generation lighting can play a key role in cutting electricity costs, and reducing power-plant emissions."
   Additional survey findings include:

• Energy efficiency ranks as a key factor, with 88% of respondents considering how much energy a bulb uses before making a purchase.
• 85% of respondents are aware that CFLs use less energy than incandescent bulbs and 77% also know that CFLs last 10 times longer than traditional light bulbs.

Green East Expo and Conference to debut in March in New York

A new show, Green East Expo and Conference, will be held March 26 to 28 at Pier 92 (52nd St. and 12th Ave.), New York. Green East will feature:

• A wide array of green products and services exhibits, including building design and construction, interiors, energy, and transportation.
• An on-the-floor conference entitled: The Greening of New York: Case Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning.
• Special events, including Sustainable Living Spaces Inspired by Eric Lloyd Wright. This 1,600-sq.-ft. installation will emphasize the use of natural and nontoxic materials, and alternative construction and energy systems, representing the best in sustainable architecture.

Admission is FREE for readers of Commercial Building Products magazine. Register online at www.GreenEastExpo.com using Priority Code: CF. Your Green East badge includes all Green East exhibits, conference programming, and special events, as well as complimentary admission to The Architectural Digest Home Design Show, co-located at Pier 94.

RCI Foundation to host sustainable building symposium

The RCI Foundation, Raleigh, NC, in an effort to better educate building design professionals on the growing green movement, is hosting a two-day symposium on sustainable building envelope design and construction. The Symposium on Building Envelope Sustainability: The Future is in the Balance, will be held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, from April 30 to May 1, 2009.
   The symposium is intended for any building design professionals—architects, engineers, consultants, building material specifiers, and contractors—interested in finding out how they can contribute to a more sustainable built environment. Energy consumption, lifecycle assessment, recycling material, and green roofing are just a few of the topics that will be covered during the two-day event. For registration information, go to the RCI Foundation website.

Homasote products earn FSC certification

Homasote Co., W. Trenton, NJ, a manufacturer of building products made from recycled materials, has earned Forest Stewardship Council certification for its products. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a non-profit organization, devoted to encouraging the responsible management of the world’s forests.
   Homasote products are now certified under two of FSC’s standards: FSC STD 40-007 V01 for manufacturing companies sourcing and using reclaimed materials, and FSC STD 40-004 V02 for trading and manufacturing companies using 100% FSC material, FSC mixed sources, and FSC recycled material.
   "We’re delighted to have achieved FSC certification. For decades, our products have offered our customers a sustainable alternative to traditional wood-based materials. The FSC certification is further proof of our ongoing commitment to using only 100% post-consumer fiber in the products we manufacture," stated Craig Stiffler, president and COO of Homasote.

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