Work And The Office | Green Living Ideas

EU Mandates Nearly Carbon Neutral Buildings After 2020

Posted on May 27, 2010 by Scott James.

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This week the European Parliament announced new energy standards that will require all new buildings constructed in Europe after 2020 will need to be nearly carbon-neutral. The announcement is part of the EU’s plans to cut carbon emissions by 20% below 1990 levels by 2020. The new guidelines will take effect for all new public buildings constructed in the European Union after 2018 and apply to all residential and office buildings after 2020.
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USGBC Locates $72 Billion Potential to Power Down American Buildings

Posted on May 25, 2010 by Susan Kraemer.

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The Obama administration has already proved to be quite nimble – despite a locked-down Senate that is wading through molasses due to the Republican filibuster – in devising ways within its power to green the US grid.

An Executive Order last year now compels all federal agencies to reduce greenhouse gases 30% by 2020, primarily by adding renewable power. Within the Recovery Act a full $90 billion will have been invested in renewable energy and efficiency, doubling the nations renewable power supply to 16 Gigawatts by the end of 2010 when the funds have all been spent. No administration has ever done more for renewable energy and the environment.
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Smarter Buildings Survey Highlights the Knowledge to Practice Gap

Posted on May 10, 2010 by Scott James.

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IBM released a Smarter Buildings Survey and whitepaper this week that surveyed 6,486 office workers in 16 U.S. cities about how “green” and environmentally friendly workers believe their offices are. The survey questions covered building automation, security, elevator reliability and conservation practices. The vast majority of those who took part in the online survey are full-time employees that work in downtown buildings more than 9 years old. While Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and Atlanta all rated high in environmental responsibility, the other 12 cities ranked at either average or below average.
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Long Commute = Unhappiness

Posted on Apr 22, 2010 by Zachary Shahan.

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I heard years ago that traffic was the number one public complaint. In that light, the following information may not come as a big surprise. However, with the traditional American dream being a big house in the suburbs with a big lawn, the finding that it is not actually worth the long commute may be a surprise to some.
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EPA Ranks Cities by Energy Efficient Buildings

Posted on Apr 01, 2010 by Jennifer Lance.

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For the second year, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has compiled a list of cities with the “most energy efficient buildings”. To qualify as an energy efficient building, the structure must earn the EPA’s Energy Star label. At the top of the list for the second time is Los Angeles, California with 293 Energy Star buildings. Many cities made the list for the first time, like number 25 Louisville, Kentucky with 35 green buildings.

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