Tag Archives: Building Codes

60 seconds on why Building Energy Reporting is good for Boston

Posted on April 3, 2013 by | 7 Comments

Testifying in front of the Boston City Hall Council is a lot like speed dating – at least from what I know of speed dating.  I’ve never had the occasion or desire to try speed dating, but after appearing before the Council recently, I think I now have a good idea of what it might be like.building energy rating

Last week I submitted written testimony and on Thursday had the opportunity – one entire minute – to stand before Chairman Matt O’Malley of the Council’s Government Operations Committee to tell him why the proposed Building Energy Reporting Ordinance would be an energy, economic and environmental policy win for the city of Boston.   Continue reading →

→ 7 Comments

Posted in Buildings

Tagged , , , ,

Strong Partnerships Progress Multi-Family Project

Posted on February 19, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Maine-MulitfamilyThe world of multi-family efficiency is reaching a turning point in its evolution. The multi-family sector promises substantial potential energy savings that have not yet been adequately addressed due, in part, to a number of market barriers impeding progress.

NEEP partnered with Efficiency Maine Trust (EMT) last summer to collaborate on a comprehensive multi-family efficiency project. NEEP works in an advisory capacity to Efficiency Maine in order to increase the visibility and momentum of multi-family retrofits in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions through research, analysis, and project advisory efforts.

NEEP’s multi-family-team recently attended the Regional Multi-family Quarterly Progress Update in Maine this past week. The progress of the multi-family energy efficiency project to date, along with its associated implications regarding the program’s momentum and outreach efforts are exciting to say the least.

Continue reading →

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Buildings

Tagged , , , , ,

Time is Savings-Connecticut’s Building Code Conundrum

Posted on February 12, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Last week, a damaging bill (HB 5749) for building energy efficiency was heard in Connecticut. The bill describes itself as attempting to “save resources” for the Nutmeg State and creates a “more consistent State Building Code,” when in fact it would accomplish neither! Here is NEEP’s written testimony against the bill.

HB 5749, if passed, would have Connecticut revise the State Building Code only every six years! NEEP strongly recommends that all states update their state building and energy codes at least every three years, corresponding with the International Code Council’s (ICC) update cycle. It’s the surest way to align a state building code with the latest developments in building technologies and practices, and achieve the energy and cost savings, not to mention life/safety requirements, the codes are designed for.

Continue reading →

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Buildings, Uncategorized

Tagged , , , ,