There is a saying that “You haven’t really recycled until you’ve bought recycled products.” This suggests that recycling is only the first step in a broader cycle where re-processing and re-manufacturing also play vital roles. In fact, the universal recycle symbol of “chasing arrows” represents the 3 stages of recycling: collection, processing and market (more…)

Today attention is paid to one of two things regarding green building: energy cost reductions and/or the coveted LEED Plaque. Both are important – one to demonstrate return on investment while the other showcases a company’s ability to “walk the walk.” However within the world of commercial office space, one component of green building should shine above all else – impact of indoor environments on the people who occupy them.

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Although Latin America boasts a number of the world’s largest urban areas, green building in Latin America has lagged far behind its counterparts north of the Rio Grande. The green building market in Latin America is an early-stage market in which the main developments center around risk-takers and early adopters. Many building owners still don’t understand green building (more…)

To follow up with my recent post on energy efficiency in K-12 schools, I wanted to take a look at some trends in higher education as well (it is that time of year when everyone’s returning to school, after all).

In the realm of higher education, the issues are a little different. Whereas the annual energy cost for K-12 schools is about $1/sf, (more…)

Building green is the law in Baltimore City. And while the mandatory requirement for all to build green has been in effect since July 1, 2009, the City has just announced the regulations (that were, arguably, to have been effective July 1, 2009) were promulgated last week, effective September 16, 2010.

Make no mistake, Baltimore City is not (more…)

“Become meaningful, not big; become influential, not powerful; become good to great, not just be right.” said John Picard, Founding member at U.S. Green Building Council, during the morning keynote speech.

Women in the green industry gathered at the first annual 2-day Women in Green Forum in Pasadena earlier this month to (more…)

As part of our commitment to lead by example, yesterday, Federal agencies released Strategic Sustainability Performance Plans that outline how they will achieve the environmental, economic and energy goals called for by President Obama.  This is the first time agencies have developed and submitted Sustainability Plans, now available here. (more…)

Miguel Sebastian, the Spanish minister of Industry, recently announced his plans to cut the feed-in tariff for solar energy in Spain. His decision will not be effective until sometime this month, when the National Energy Commission and the Estate Commission give the last word.

The decision is part of the government’s (more…)

AT&T is bulking up its latest corporate sustainability plan.

A 296-kilowatt solar power system has officially been activated in San Diego, and it’s just the first of six company sites around California scheduled for solar installation. The goal is 2 megawatts of clean solar electricity. The Trade Street site in San (more…)

The Recovery Act is making a long-term impact on American families and communities by reducing energy costs, creating green jobs and improving the quality of life for people across the country. That’s why last Thursday, I was proud to announce a major Recovery Act milestone for HUD and the Administration. Through HUD’s Green Retrofit Program for (more…)