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Editor: Matte Elkins

Welcome to the Alliance to Save Energy's monthly newsletter e-FFICIENCY NEWS

Industry Leaders Interview: Andrew Liveris, The Dow Chemical Company

Picture of Andrew Liveris Founded in 1897, The Dow Chemical Company has demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship and energy efficiency for decades. In this month’s Industry Leader Interview, company President and CEO Andrew Liveris speaks with us about our nation’s energy policy, natural gas prices, and the role of the chemical industry in promoting energy efficiency.

e-FFICIENCY NEWS: The Dow Chemical Company is a major contributor to the Power is in Your Hands campaign, which focuses on arming consumers with tips to lower their anticipated high winter energy bills. Explain for us the importance of private sector contributions to education and outreach programs that seek to lower dependence on foreign oil and reduce overall energy costs and consumption.

LIVERIS: High energy prices are a critical issue for all American consumers, including the manufacturing sector. Dow is committed to doing its share to be part of the solution to America’s energy challenges -- not only through supporting important campaigns like The Power is in Your Hands, but by continuing to focus on energy efficiency within our own company and by producing products that help everyone save energy. Read the full interview.

See the New SEEA

Construction is finally complete on the new Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) web site. The site contains a wealth of information and energy-saving content for southeastern states, including links to energy-efficiency resources, tips, and presentation materials from SEEA’s latest workshop – "Tax Incentives for Energy Efficiency Buildings in the Southeast." Sponsored by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, the all-day workshop addressed tax provisions in the new federal energy law for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The event attracted over 175 participants from 14 states. For additional information please contact Kelly Ross Gillespie by email.

Ready, Set, Assess

The idea was to develop fast and easy ways for manufacturing facilities, factories and American businesses to address issues, assess problems and save energy while continuing to thrive during periods of increased costs and decreased supplies – caused in part by hurricane damage. The solution came in the form of the Department of Energy’s Save Energy Now program. This program is providing 200 free energy assessments for the nation’s largest energy consumers. Of the 15 completed assessments, $27 million in savings has already been identified, primarily in steam and processing heating system operations. Continued . . .

Efficiency Now Standard in Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) has issued an interim decision on a new legislated class of renewable portfolio standards for the state. In 2005, Connecticut passed comprehensive energy legislation mandating the expansion of existing standards to include combined heat and power (CHP) as well as energy efficiency. Under the proposed regulations, power suppliers must obtain 1 percent of their electricity from either CHP or energy efficiency beginning January 1, 2007, which will rise to 4 percent by 2010. The DPUC expects to issue a final decision later this month.

2006 Greenest and Meanest

Picture of a Honda Civic Hybrid The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has released their 2006 Green Book Online. The ninth edition of this environmental automotive guide identifies some of the best (and worst) cars and trucks coming off the production lines this year. ACEEE’s “greenest” vehicle of the year is the hybrid-electric Honda Insight followed closely by the natural gas-powered Honda Civic GX and the popular Toyota Prius hybrid. The Dodge Ram SRT10 pickup once again captured the “meanest” vehicle title, seconded by a Lamborghini, then a Bentley and two more Dodges. All vehicles were judged according to their environmental impact which includes a thorough study of both fuel efficiency and emissions standards.

High Performance Building Standards Going Mainstream

Three groups, the U.S. Green Building Council, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, and the Illumination Engineering Society of North America, have agreed to establish a new standard for high-performance green building construction. Standard 189P – scheduled for completion in 2007 – addresses sustainability, water use efficiency, energy efficiency, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. The proposed standard will apply to new commercial buildings and major renovation projects, with the goal of eventually becoming a prerequisite under LEED.

Tackling Energy Efficiency Barriers in Kiev

As part of its ongoing commitment to energy-efficiency education and outreach, the Alliance to Save Energy recently convened a regional workshop in Kiev, Ukraine February 6-7, 2006. This two-day workshop, funded by the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), gathered over 100 people including policy makers, government officials, housing and municipal association representatives, and regional energy-efficiency experts to discuss strategies for increasing awareness for the need to develop residential energy-efficiency program in the region. Continued . . .

Tour the Sun in Saratoga Springs

With gas prices averaging over $2.00 a gallon and President Bush touting our national addiction to oil, what better time to hold the 18th Annual Tour de Sol – a green weekend showcasing alternative transportation options. Organized by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association and sponsored in part by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the New York Power Authority, the Department of Energy and others, this 4-day event, scheduled for May 10 to 14, offers a chance for vehicle owners, inventors, manufacturers, students and government leaders to gather and explore hybrid, electric and other advanced vehicle technologies. This year the Tour de Sol will feature three competitions offering $10,000 in prize money.

Green Mountain State Honors Electric Company

The Vermont state legislature has passed a joint resolution honoring the Burlington Electric Department (BED) for receipt of an Alliance to Save Energy 2005 Star of Energy Efficiency Award. Among other things, the BED is credited with investing over $25 million in energy-efficiency programs including LEED certification, building codes, compact fluorescent light leasing, and demand-side management.

Don’t forget the Alliance’s 2006 Star of Energy Efficiency Awards competition. Interested parties are reminded to nominate your favorite energy-efficiency leader (87 KB PDF). The deadline for all nominations is March 31, 2006.

SpecRight Steps Up Roofing Efficiency

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has launched a public education campaign and training program to raise awareness about the energy-efficiency potential of roofing systems. The SpecRight Program, geared toward building owners, designers and roofing contractors, provides the latest technological information regarding roofing installation, materials and maintenance. Each one-day session offers instruction in NRCA’s EnergyWise Roof Calculator software, an in-depth look at LEED and ASHRAE standards as well as continuing education credits.

Wash & Save

Energy Star logo The Department of Energy has announced new, stricter energy-efficient requirements for ENERGY STAR dishwashers that could add up to more than $26 million in annual savings for American consumers. The new qualifying levels take effect January 1, 2007 and must be, at minimum, 41 percent more efficient than federal standards. In addition, appliance manufacturers that meet the ENERGY STAR requirements will be eligible for tax credits under the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Indiana Declares Weatherization Day

In the face of rising energy costs for his state, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels declared February 3, 2006 ‘Weatherization Day’ (57 KB PDF). The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor and Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission have been working with natural gas utilities to implement programs such as the Weatherization Assistance Program that encourage energy efficiency, reduce overall energy use and offer relief to consumers facing abnormally high energy prices this winter.

EE etc . . .

Once again, the Alliance to Save Energy is co-sponsoring the California Climate Action Registry’s annual conference – Connecting the Dots on Climate Change. This conference brings together an international audience of policymakers, businesses, academics and NGOs to discuss the latest developments related to climate change policies, programs, strategies, standards and trends.

Close on the heels of his State of the Union speech, President Bush stopped in Maplewood, Minnesota to tour the 3M Research and Development Laboratory. In his remarks to employees, the president applauded 3M’s efforts and leadership toward developing more energy-efficient products including nanotechnology, composite conductors and fuel cell components.

The National Fuel Funds Network, the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association, and the National Low Income Energy Consortium have joined forces to host the Joint Low Income Energy Conferences in Washington, D.C., June 11 to 15, 2006. The conferences will highlight local, state and national low-income energy polices and legislation, weatherization programs and even the impact of utility restructuring.

Save the date for “Scaling Up Financing in the Developing World: The Energy Investment Forum.” The forum will be held at the UN Millennium Plaza Hotel in New York City, May 8 and 9 concurrent with the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development.

e-FFICIENCY News: March 2006

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