Green & Solar Training News

9 Popular Solar Energy Jobs

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 23:47:00 +0000

If you are thinking about a career change this year, the future of the solar can be your shining star. Those having knowledge and experience in any area of solar energy can easily reconstruct their resume and expand their options for employment in this growing field.

We are at the forefront of a booming industry and with the solar energy transition projected to create around 350,000 new jobs by the end of this year, the biggest problem has been finding workers to meet the increasing demand.

Those who do gather the information and experience they need to take advantage of this burgeoning industry will be well-paid and highly regarded. This solar energy revolution could be America's best hope for the future of our labor force. Let's take a look at some of the top jobs in the solar energy industry.

1. Urban Planner.

Careers in this field are in huge demand. The skill set of urban planners who conduct contingency planning are badly needed in our pursuit to reduce our carbon footprint. Positions in Urban Planning are expected to rise by over 15% over the next 5+ years.

2. Solar Operations Engineer.

Engineers in this position are faced with the task of designing new solar systems, then supervising and inspecting the structures during construction, which makes them the architects of the entire facility operation. They are also involved in monitoring and testing the correlation between old and new solar energy facilities.

3. Environmental Engineer.

This position has some pretty big shoes to fill. The objective of these engineers is to prevent further deterioration of our planet by limiting soil erosion, global warming, acid rain and ozone depletion. The next 7 or so years should show employment opportunities in this field rise by as much as 25%.

4. Solar Lab Technician.

Companies are seeking technicians with design, production, installation and testing skills involved with solar-energy technologies. With the increase of homes and commercial buildings investing in solar energy, so increases the need to find skilled professionals with the knowledge to get the job done.

5. Solar Power Installer.

This is a relatively high-paying position within the solar energy spectrum of jobs and the opportunities abound. If you have a background in construction, you may want to look into some of these positions to install solar-thermal water heaters and solar panels on rooftops.

6. Wind Turbine Fabricator.

Because wind is the leading source of alternate energy, these wind turbines are in higher demand than ever. And because they are garnering considerable financial support and tax rebates, wind farms are appearing everywhere. These jobs offer a great opportunity.

7. Energy Efficiency Builder.

Our existing buildings are one of the greatest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, making them energy "guzzlers." If you're a skilled engineer, architect or retrofitter, your skills are in high demand to not only convert existing structures but also new buildings that are energy efficient.

8. Sustainability Systems Developer.

In order to design, build and maintain the network required to support solar energy sources such as smart energy grids and wind farms, software developers and engineers are in high demand. This is a particularly golden opportunity for those with experience in web 2.0 applications and open source programming.

9. Solar Hot Water Installer.

With a surge in the number of homeowners and business owners purchasing solar heating systems, the demand for professionals in this area is escalating with it, in both residential and commercial buildings. As the technological advances in this area escalate, so does the number of people required to fill these positions.

Source: coolerplanet.com

Top 10 Cities With the Most ENERGY STAR Labeled Buildings in 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:18:00 +0000

1. Los Angeles - 293 ENERGY STAR labeled buildings

2. Washington, DC - 204 ENERGY STAR labeled buildings

3. San Francisco, CA - 173 ENERGY STAR labeled buildings

4. Denver, CO - 136 ENERGY STAR labeled buildings

5. Chicago, Il - 134 ENERGY STAR labeled buildings

6. Houston, TX - 133 ENERGY STAR labeled buildings

7. Lakeland, FL - 120 ENERGY STAR labeled buildings

8. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX - 113 ENERGY STAR labeled buildings

9. Atlanta, GA - 102 ENERGY STAR labeled buildings

10. New York, NY - 90 ENERGY STAR labeled buildings

Source: www.energystar.com

Benedictine Nuns Go Green with Solar Energy Powered Monastery

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:18:00 +0000

In Middleton, Wisconsin, Catholic nuns are going green. The Benedictine Women of Madison's Holy Wisdom Monastery have built a solar-powered monastery that received a top/platinum rating with the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program. The monastery, which is expected to reduce energy costs by 60%, earned 63 out of 69 possible points.

According to a USA Today article, the monastery's green features include:

- Photovoltaic light fixtures for the parking lot, which drains to areas of pervious concrete.

- 370 Andersen windows and doors with special glazing on the South, East and West sides of the building to limit visible light transmission.

- A geothermal heating and cooling system with 39 closed-loop wells, each 300 feet deep.

- Two vegetated roofs over the maintenance building and garage.

- Solatubes and a dramatic skylight that provide natural light.

- Four rain barrels that collect and store water for plant care and two rain gardens to minimize storm water runoff.

- Bamboo flooring in the Assembly, gathering and dining rooms and for the ceiling of the Oratory and Meditation Chapel.

What is the Weatherization Assistance Program?

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:14:00 +0000

The Weatherization Assistance Program is a U.S. Department of Energy program designed to help low-income families reduce their energy bills through proper weatherization. By weatherizing their home, the home becomes more energy efficient, benefiting both the residents and the environment.

Your Tax Dollars at Work

The Weatherization Assistance Program is one of several green-oriented aspects of President Obama's 2008 Recovery Act. The Department of Energy received over $5 billion to assist low-income Americans weatherize their homes. According to U.S. Department of Energy Senior Advisor Matt Rogers, the program has four main benefits:
- The Weatherization Assistance Program creates jobs by creating new markets for weatherizing professionals
- The program puts money back in the pockets of working Americans by reducing their energy bills
- By weatherizing hundreds of thousands of homes, the Department of Energy hopes to reduce America's environmental footprint and make the United States a world leader in weatherization and energy efficiency
- The program will make the homes of Americans more livable

In a recent video address, Matt Rogers summed up the Weatherization Assistance Program by stating that the program will make America "stronger, cleaner, healthier, and wealthier by investing in energy efficiency."

Applying for Help from the Weatherization Assistance Program

According to the Department of Energy, as many as 30 million American families are eligible to receive help from the weatherization program. While eligibility varies from state to state, a few groups of individuals are automatically eligible to receive assistance, including anyone over 60, families with one or members suffering from a disability, and, in most states, families with children. For others, eligibility begins at 200% above poverty level - but again, this varies from state to state.

Creating Jobs for Weatherization Professionals

Throughout the summer of 2009, the Department of Energy announced large grants to both cities and states to help get weatherization underway. The states hope that the grants will spur job growth in weatherization by creating a weatherization market where none existed before. More recently, during a speech at the Brookings Institution, President Obama stressed green job growth again, especially stressing weatherization of businesses and homes.

For existing home renovators and general contractors, now is the ideal time to take advantage of these new markets, and become a certified weatherization worker. Because it is a relatively new field, some states are still working out certification requirements, but nearly all states have a list of the weatherizing professionals they will approve for projects funded by the Weatherization Assistance Program. Sign up for an online course or find a course through a local vocational or technical college. Showing you have weatherization training will help you get on the short list of approved weatherization professionals in your area.

Sources: Jaffe, Matthew and Travers, Karen. "Obama's Number One Job? Jobs." ABC News: December 8, 2009. ABCNews.Go.com US Department of Energy (Energy.gov).

Olympic Athletes' Villages Meet Green Building Standards

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:05:00 +0000

Since 1994, there have been three official pillars of the Olympics: Sport, culture and sustainability. And at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Vancover was committed to producing a greener Olympics than any seen before.

The athletes' villages and eight of the nine new venues were built to qualify for the United States' Green Building Council's "silver" level of energy-efficient design, with some going for gold.

One example is the Richmond Oval, a speed-skating rink, which boasts a 26,000 square-meter roof built from trees that had already been killed by pine-beetle infestation, rainwater tanks for the flushing of its toilets, and a system that puts the waste heat from its refrigeration system to good use, among other smart, green design features.

No that the winter games are over, there are plans to convert the Richmond rink into a community center, as well as refit many of the other buildings.

Source: www.economist.com

Michigan & California Commended for Creating New Green-Related Jobs

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:54:00 +0000

An op-ed in U.S. News and World Report, written by former Apollo Alliance president Jerome Ringo, commended Michigan and California as a success in creating new, green jobs based on policies that promote a clean environment and renewable and sustainable energy sources.

Green job growth is not segregrated to just two states. Opportunity in the green sector is happening nationwide - especially for indivudals who seek green career training. Read Ringo's report for more details:

The statistics don't lie: Even without a comprehensive national policy, clean energy jobs in the United States have grown at more than twice the rate of overall jobs over the past decade, according to a 2009 study by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Passage of a federal clean energy and climate bill will increase these job numbers exponentially by unleashing a torrent of economic innovation that has the potential not only to save our environment and climate but also to revive the U.S. economy.

Several states are already demonstrating the kind of positive economic transformation that can result from progressive clean energy and climate measures. In four years, Michigan has created more than 11,000 renewable energy jobs-at family-sustaining wages-and the state recently adopted a standard requiring that at least 10 percent of its power come from renewable sources by 2015.

Another sterling example is California. The state's decades-long commitment to forward-thinking climate policies has caused green job growth to outpace overall job creation in the state by a rate of almost 3 to 1 since 1995. A study released in December by Collaborative Economics and Next 10 showed that even during the economic crisis, green jobs in California grew 5 percent between 2007 and 2008 while total jobs dropped 1 percent.

Source: The Michigan Messenger

Eligible for State or Federal Energy Efficiency Incentives?

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:56:00 +0000

Today's consumer is more environmentally conscious than ever before. Even so, most of them are unaware that their good deeds could be rewarded with state and government incentives and/or rebates.

So, whether you are Photovoltaic Systems Installation professional or a Weatherization and Energy Efficiency professional, one thing is for sure - if you are employed in the renewable energy or energy efficiency sectors, part of your job will be consumer education.

Luckily, there is a comprehensive Web site that lists these incentives - The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE). This Web site will allow you to search two different databases (renewable energy and energy efficiency) by state.

Once you select your state, you can narrow your search even further - by federal, residential and more. Additional search options include summary maps, summary tables, a library, glossary and more.

As a green professional in the renewable and energy efficiency sectors, being up-to-date and understanding which incentives pertain to the areas you serve can be beneficial to your career. For example, why not educate potential clients with direct mail campaigns or host a community, family-focused event?

The goal is to enlighten potential clients and show them how even the simplest energy saving efforts may result in not only recurring yearly savings, but attractive incentives. And it's your expertise they will need to make it happen.

Help others benefit from these valuable incentives and you just might become the go-to energy expert in your community.

Types of Green Building Jobs

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:22:00 +0000

A green job is dedicated to reducing waste and pollution, as well as making the Earth a better place. Workers in the green community are in high demand, and sustainable and green building jobs are some of the top growing jobs in the green field.

Green building consists of using green products and sustainable building techniques. Some building products are considered green, like bamboo, because they are sustainable or rapidly renewable. And building techniques that may be considered green are those which help prevent wasted energy and utilize renewable resources. Green workers need to be able to distinguish between which products and techniques are green and which are not.

Here are a few different green building jobs to consider:

Architects - Green architects are involved in the design and construction aspects of building sustainable and energy-efficient homes and commercial buildings. They need to understand various green building techniques and sustainable products. Architects draw floor plans and blueprints, then they hand the drawings off to the designers, builders, electricians, and anyone else involved in making the plans a reality.

Builders - Green builders are dedicated mainly to using green building techniques which will be sustainable, prevent wasted energy, and utilize renewable resources. They use green building products to construct homes and commercial buildings.

Contractors - Green contractors are people who either work alone or in conjunction with other businesses to obtain various green building jobs. They may contract green building jobs, green installation jobs, or even painting jobs that require green painting techniques. They may choose to use green building products all or some of the time. It also depends on what each client is looking for.

Interior Designers - Interior Designers are responsible for the design of a building's interior. Some Interior Designers may choose to work solely with green products or to simply recommend green products to their clients and accept whichever decision they make.

Electricians - Green electricians are concerned with utilizing renewable energy and using electricity efficiently.

Installers - Green installers generally specialize in the installation of various green products, such as solar panels, green flooring, and other renewable building products.

Of course, there are many other jobs involved in green building, but these are the first that come to mind when one thinks of green building jobs. Any job that is dedicated to reducing waste and pollution, and to benefit the environment, is considered a green job.

Green building is about using green building products and materials, along with sustainable building techniques, to prevent waste and make the environment a healthier place. Green workers need to be able to distinguish between which products and techniques are green and which are not. Workers in the green community are in high demand and green building jobs are some of the top growing jobs in the green field.

San Francisco Allowing Residents to Finance Green Upgrades with Property Taxes

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:52:00 +0000

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom signed legislation on February 8, 2010 that creates a citywide special tax district to finance energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation improvements. The loans, which will be attached to the property - not the owner, will be paid back through property taxes.

"This green financing program is going to create green jobs and fuel the next wave of energy and water efficiency and renewable energy development in San Francisco," Newsom said in a statement. "It helps home and property owners overcome the large up-front costs of major environmental improvements."

Beginning in March, San Franciscans will be able to seek financing from the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, which will make $150 million in bonds available, according to Renewable Funding, a private group that will put up the capital and administer the program at no cost to the city.

Studies show that up-front costs are often the main barrier that keeps property owners from making green upgrades. PACE programs aim to remove that barrier.

The PACE model was launched in November 2008 in Berkeley, Calif. DeVries developed it while serving as chief of staff to Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates.

The concept is rapidly expanding, as 17 states have authorized PACE programs over the past 18 months. It was recently named one of the top 20 ideas that can change the world by Scientific American magazine and one of the top 10 breakthrough ideas for 2010 in the Harvard Business Review.

Source: http://content.usatoday.com

New York City's Green Initiatives

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:06:00 +0000

New York City has some impressive green goals - including 30 initiatives that aim to support and attract green businesses and entrepreneurs. These initiatives include renewable energy incentive programs for residents, like utilizing solar energy, and programs that place the unemployed into various internship positions with green-related businesses.

Learn more now - check out this Business Insider interview with Seth Pinsky, president of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) as he discusses how New York City plans on implementing these 30 green initiatives and more.

source: www.businessinsider.com

California Approves First Statewide Green Building Code

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:07:00 +0000

The California Building Standards Commission has adopted the nation's first statewide, mandatory green building code. The new code, which is called "Cal Green," takes effect January 2011 and will require newly constructed buildings to satisfy a building criteria, including:

-Recycle 50% of construction waste as opposed to sending it to a landfill

-Low-pollutant paint, carpet and flooring

-Plumbing that cuts indoor water use

-Inspection of energy systems to ensure optimum efficiency

-Water meters installed in non-residential buildings

The new Cal Green building code will help the state meet AB32, a law that requires the California Air Resources Board to implement regulations that will reduce California's overall greenhouse-gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020.

For more information, visit the California Building Standards Commission Web site at www.bsc.ca.gov.

Check Out this Real Home Energy Audit

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:36:00 +0000

Considering a careeer as a home energy auditor? You are on the right track. Home owners are becoming increasingly more savvy about saving money on their energy bills. Check out this short video from Realtor TV and get a glimpse of what a typical day as a home energy survey professional might have in store for you.

Intel Tops EPA's List of Renewable Energy Purchasers for 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:10:00 +0000

The EPA released its first report of the year on January 25, 2010 on the companies, schools, colleges and government agencies that purchase or generate the greatest amount of renewable energy and paticipate in the Green Power Partnership program.

The EPA's January report looks at green power purchases across the previous year. In 2009, the top 10 Green Power Partners in the U.S. increased their commitments by about 1.5 billion kilowatt hours and brought their purchases to a total of more than 7.3 billion kWh annually.

The top 10 participants in the program based on their purchases and commitments in 2009 are:

1. Intel Corporation

2. Kohl's Department Stores

3. PepsiCo

4. Whole Foods Market

5. The City of Houston

6. Dell Inc.

7. The Pepsi Bottling Group Inc.

8. Cisco Systems Inc.

9. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

10. Johnson & Johnson

Source: www.greenbiz.com

What to Expect from a Home Energy Survey

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:12:00 +0000

Are you considering a home energy survey? Smart. A home energy survey can provide an eye-opening revelation of how you and your home utilize energy. And once you understand how energy is being used in your home, you can employ a variety of changes - sometimes as simple as shutting off the lights - that may help you dramatically reduce your monthly energy bills.

Interested? Per the U.S. Department of Energy, here's a basic overview of what your home energy survey may include:

Appraisal of the exterior and a room-by-room review of the interior. A home energy survey professional will typically begin their audit by inspecting the outside of a home. This helps them get a feel for the overall size of the home and its features, like the number and location of its windows.

Review of past utility bills. A home energy auditor will analyze a home owner's utility bills and use their assessment as a guide for what to look for during the audit.

Analysis of the resident's behavior. Is the home owner an energy waster, or does the home have energy guzzling cracks or leaks? In order to reveal answers to questions like this, a home energy auditor will ask the home owner some basic questions, which could include:

-Is anyone home during the day?

-Is every room in use?

-How many people reside in your home?

-What is the average thermostat setting in the summer and winter months?

Home Energy Audit Equipment. For the most comprehensive energy audit, a professional auditor can utilize a variety of energy loss tools. These tools may include a blower door, surface thermometer, furnace efficiency meter and/or infrared camera.

Do some prep work prior to your home energy survey appointment. For example, create a list of any existing problems in your home (drafty rooms, condensation, etc.). Also, make copies or create a summary of your home's average, yearly energy bills. In most cases, your utility company can provide this information.

For more information about home energy audits, and a variety of other energy saving tips, visit the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Savers Web site at www.energysavers.gov.

The Empire State Building is Going Green

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:07:00 +0000

New York City's famous Empire State Building is undergoing a green makeover. The goal? Increase the building's overall sustainability in order to obtain Gold-EB, which is the LEED certification for an existing building. So far, energy-saving enhancements have included:

-Adding thermal barriers behind existing radiators to prevent excess heat leakage

-Adding a suspended coated film and a gas fill between the building's double pane windows

-Lighting retrofits that utilize more sunlight

-Lighting controls that dim when lights are not in use

And these improvements are just the beginning. In fact, according to climateprogress.com, there are over 60 efficiency projects planned for this iconic, 80-year old building. By 2013, a team of experts aims to reduce the Empire State Building's energy usage by 38 per cent and save tenants approximately $4.4 million per year in avoided energy costs.

Image:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/15708236@N07/ / CC BY 2.0

Companies Going Green - Does it Pay Off?

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:06:00 +0000

Between watching the nightly news, perusing the Web or unwinding with your favorite print media, you've probably heard about companies across the globe going green. The reason? To save money and be more environmentally friendly (and let's face it, it's a smart public relations move too).

However,are the costs associated with going green worth the trouble? Companies nationwide are giving the thumbs up. Check out this video from BusinessWeek.com and see how one company is successfully using solar technology to cut costs.

And according to a Barometer Survey from PricewaterhousCoopers, leading private growth businesses are addressing energy efficiency and reducing waste. In fact, about 50% of the the businesses surveyed are moving towards greater energy efficiency. Survey highlights included:

-47% of leading private companies are working to improve energy efficiency and reduce waste in their organizations.

-Primary goals are to operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and ensure long-term corporate growth.

-Most common efforts include introducing recycling programs, reducing energy usage, and exploring new energy-efficient technologies and equipment.

Is California a Green State?

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:13:00 +0000

Are you considering a career in green? And after you complete a green career training program, where will you find a job? California might be the right place for you. In fact, according to a recent New York Times article, the State of California had the most clean-energy jobs in 2008 - approximately 125,000. Interested? Check out these facts and learn more:

- In the state of California, San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose represent the number one metro region for Clean Tech Jobs. (Clean Edge's 2009 Survey)

- In the state of California, Orange County/Riverside/Los Angeles represent the second metro region for Clean Tech Job activity. (Clean Edge's 2009 Survey)

- In San Francisco, about 20 construction projects have applied for LEED certification.

- Solar company Sun Power is rated #10 in Clean Edge's 2009 survey for top clean-tech employees; the San Jose based company has approximately 5,400 employees.

- San Francisco voters recently approved $100 million in revenue bonds to support renewable energy.

- In the state of California, green businesses increased 45% between 1995 and 2008, while employment in that sector grew 36%. (Many Shades of Green report from Next 10)

- According to the Many Shades of Green Report, the most green-related jobs added were in the following areas: Services, manufacturing, research and private sectors including energy, air and environment.

By the end of 2007, the clean energy sector experienced a 9.1% growth - compared to 3.7% growth rate overall. And with the American Clean Energy and Security Act pushing approximately $30 billion into the clean energy sector, as many as 1.9 million new jobs are projected by 2020 (Huffington Post).

Opportunity to enter this industry is possible - especially for goal-oriented individuals who take the initiative. Why wait? Start evaluating your options, like obtaining green training and/or certification, and become a part of a world-wide movement towards cleaner energy implementation and more cost-effective/environmentally responsible solutions.

Starbucks Aiming for LEED Certification

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:51:00 +0000

Starbucks second green initiative is to have all new, company owned locations LEED certified. What is LEED certification? It is an internationally recognized green building certification system, according to the US Green Building Council (USGBC).

The USGBC provides LEED certification in America, for both residential and commercial building. They basically look at several issues, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reductions, green building materials, indoor air quality, and energy savings, and then apply a rating based on the level of 'greenness.'

Again, not only will Starbucks benefit from this decision, as their energy costs will decrease dramatically, but the customers who breath the cleaner indoor air, the environment that is less impacted, and other businesses who will now have a model of a major company turning green.

Source: www.examiner.com

Attention Contractors - Have you Gone Green Yet?

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:05:00 +0000

If you are a contractor, have you reinforced your skills with a background in green? If you haven't, what are you waiting for? The benefits of uniting construction and green building backgrounds could have exciting and long-term implications for your career. Ponder these green building stats for a moment:

-NAHB and McGraw-Hill predict residential green building will double to $40-$70 Billion by 2012. This will account for 12-20% of the entire market.

-NAHB reports approximately 115,000 homes were certified and inspected to local green building codes in 2008. This was an 18.6% increase from 97,000 homes in May 2007 (Residential Design & Build, October 2008).

-Forty percent of those homebuilders surveyed by McGraw-Hill said that the down market has made it easier to market green homes, and 16% said that the housing slump has made it much easier.

-The green material options receiving the most responses for use were high-performance, engineered wood products, allergen-free and chemical-free building materials; recycled building materials, such as those used in decks and sheds; alternatives to wood products; and certified sustainably harvested lumber(Nbnnews.com, June 2008).

And there's more. Right now, there's a variety of attractive federal tax benefits for consumers who make energy efficient improvements to their homes. In the areas you serve, how many home owners are aware of these tax breaks? You could be the one to educate these home owners and help them cut energy costs.

Are you ready to enhance your contractor career? Start with online green career training that allows you to maintain your current responsibilities and work at your own pace. You can even take the first step towards becoming a LEED Green Associate. Don't wait - reinforce your existing knowledge with a background in green.

What is a Blower Door Test?

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:18:00 +0000

If you've successfully completed Home Energy Survey Professional training, you're probably familiar with the Blower Door Test. However, if you're considering a home energy survey professional career or are simply a concerned homeowner looking to cut energy costs, than read on.

A blower door test is a method used by professional home energy auditors to assess a building's airtightness and determine the infiltration rate. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, determining a home's airtightness is important for:

-Avoiding moisture condensation issues

-Reducing energy consumption due to air leaking in and out of a home

-Ensuring a home's air quality is not contaminated by indoor pollutants

To perform the test, a professional energy auditor places the blower door within the frame of an exterior door. The blower door is a powerful fan that pulls air out of a home in order to lower the air pressure inside. This process allows the higher outside air pressure to enter the home through any unknown cracks or openings. The auditor will use another tool, like a smoke pencil, to locate possible air leaks.

To prepare for a home door blower test, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends the following:

-Turn down thermostats on water heaters and heaters

-Close all interior doors and windows

-Shut fireplace doors and dampers

-Cover ashes in wood stoves; shut wood stove air intakes

The blower door test is one way a home energy auditor can help a homeowner identify costly energy issues within their home. Not only is it an easy and responsible way to reduce your carbon footprint, it's also a smart way to save money on unnecessary, wasted energy costs.

For more information on home energy audits, visit the U.S. Department of Energy at www.energysavers.gov. And if you interested in learning more about how you can enter this growing industry, consider an online green career training course and work towards your new career in your free time.

Considering a Career in the Green Building Industry?

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:44:00 +0000

The green building industry has grown and is projected to continue to expand. Check out this data from the 2009 U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Green Jobs Study:

Green Construction Economic Impact

From 2000-2008, the green construction market has:

-Generated $173 billion dollars in GDP

-Supported over 2.4 million jobs

-Provided $123 billion dollars in labor earnings

From 2009-2013, this study forecasts that green construction will:

-Generate an additional $554 billion dollars in GDP

-Support over 7.9 million jobs

-Provide $396 billion in labor earnings

USGBC Economic Impact

Between 2000-2008, LEED related construction spending has:

-Generated $830 million in GDP

-Supported 15,000 jobs

-Provided $703 million in labor earnings

Between 2009-2013, we (USGBC) forecast that LEED related spending will:

-Generate an additional $12.5 billion dollars in GDP

-Support 230,000 jobs

-Provide $10.7 billion in labor earnings

Interested? The green building industry might offer the new and rewarding career path you desire. Pursue your aspirations with online green building courses, like LEED - Green Building Practices and Introduction to Green Building. Plus, you can reinforce your green building background with an online Mold and Allergens course.

Enjoy the benefits of online learning, like 24-hour course access and the ability to study at your own pace, and make 2010 the year you do something amazing.

The U.S. Green Building Council Awarded Allied Schools "USGBC Education Provider" Designation on Select Green Courses

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Brunson) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:51:00 +0000

Allied Schools was recently awarded the designation "USGBC Education Provider" on select green courses, giving it the specialized distinction of providing a high-quality green building education that has been peer reviewed and approved by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Meeting high standards and providing an education that will help professionals achieve or maintain their green building credentials, Allied's green courses were approved and added to the USGBC's online Catalog of Courses. Courses with the "USGBC Education Provider" designation provide today's professionals with access to timely and credible green building education options. Allied's approved green courses include:

- Green Building Practices
- Home Energy Survey Professional
- Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems
- Advanced Principles of Photovoltaic Systems Installation

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building certification program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities.

Wineries Succesfully Utilizing Renewable Energy Resources

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:57:00 +0000

Can wine be "green" friendly too? Absolutely. Wineries worldwide are utilizing renewable energy technologies, like solar energy, to cut costs and improve overall efficiency. And in states that offer tax rebates and federal tax breaks for green practices, businesses can earn a quicker return on a smart, earth-friendly investments.

Here's how a few are pioneering the way:

- EOS Winery, which is located on California's Central Coast, is making efforts to convert to 100% solar power. The winery is currently using three solar power systems, including a 504 kWp photovoltaic (PV) tracking system that spans two acres.

- Foster's Wine Estates, which includes Beringer Vineyards and Asti in Sonoma County and Etude and Stags' Leap Wineries in Napa Valley, have collectively utilized three megawatts of photovoltaic energy to meet their daily operation needs.

- J Lohr Winery boasts a 3-acre PV panel installation in Paso Robles that will cut approximately 75% of the winery's energy use and reduce carbon emissions by 30,000 tons over the next 25 years.

- Honig Vineyard & Winery recently installed a PV system that, over the next 30 years, is estimated to prevent the emission of over 7.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide.

- Grgich Hills of Napa Valley boasts a commercial photovoltaic system that produces an estimated 170.08 kilowatts of electricity during peak production hours. The PV system was designed to meet 100% of the winery's energy needs.

- Seventeen different Oregon wineries accepted a challenge from Governor Kulongoski, the Oregon Wine Board and the Environmental Council. The challenge, which seeks to encourage greener practices among the participating wineries, is called the Carbon Neutral Challenge Initiative and involves two stages. First, the Energy Trust of Oregon will provide free energy audits, and second, each winery will have their carbon footprint assessed. A variety of energy efficiency measures will be implemented to help the wineries successfully meet the challenge.

The wine industry is one of many industries worldwide that are turning to solar as a viable and more efficent source of energy. In fact,in 2007, solar photovoltaic panel installations green 62% worldwide and in the U.S., solar photovolatic panel production increased by 57% (solarbuzz.com).

With increasing solar energy demand comes increased solar panel productions and installations. Interested in this growing field? Look into solar and green career training programs. For example, you could take an online Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems course and prepare for the NABCEP entry-level certification exam. It's the perfect way to get your foot in the door of a growing industry that's changing the way the world does business.

Green Jobs Growing Faster Than Other Jobs In California

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:14:00 +0000

According to a recent study conducted by Next 10 (a nonprofit research group), California's green job sector is growing faster than other job sectors in the state.

Here are some compelling highlights from the report:

- California employment fell 1% between 2007 and 2008, while green jobs grew 5%

- 21% of California's green jobs are in the manufacturing sector, related to energy efficiency

- Green jobs in California grew 36% from 1995 to 2008, while overall jobs in the state grew 13%

- 45% of California's green jobs are in the services sector

- California is home to the nation's biggest renewable energy market(due to state rules requiring utilities to implement renewable sources by 2010)

Green is big in California - and nationwide. In fact, over 30 states currently have renewable or alternative energy goals (pewclimate.com). And job growth in the clean-energy economy outperformed total job growth in 38 states and the District of Columbia between 1998 and 2007 (Pew Charitable Trust Report.

If you're considering a green career, now's the time to take action. Here are some career paths to consider:

Solar Photovoltaic Installation - Obtain NABCEP PV Certification

Green Building - Become a certified LEED green Associate

Energy Conservation - Become a RESNET Home Energy Survey Professional

Obtain the proper training, pursue a green job and do something amazing - your contributions could postively touch generations to come.

Is the U.S. Number One in Green Energy Potential?

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle Darany) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:50:00 +0000

According to a recent Ernst and Young Report(E&Y) titled Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Indices, the United States has the greatest potential for green energy adoption.

China led the United States slightly in wind energy potential, with a wind index score of 72 versus America's 71. E&Y attributed China's lead to a recent announcement that the country would not require its wind energy developments to use domestically sourced components exclusively.

When it came to solar energy potential, the United States was in the lead. The U.S. solar photovoltaic score was right behind Germany's score - 72 versus 74. America was the unquestioned leader in solar CSP, or concentrating solar power. With a score of 76 score, it was ahead of every country except Spain.

The United States is well-suited to solar CSP because of the strong sunshine and open spaces available in the Southwest. CSP, which involves mirrors aimed at a central heating tower, requires many acres of space.

The green energy report cites "a general rise in countries favoring solar technology," adding that solar is "growing {in} importance...as a generation technology going forward."

Source: coolerplanet.com