News
Green Building & Eco Friendly News
We are excited to share green building industry developments, news about our Member Companies, and of course current Rate It Green information. Please feel welcome to submit interesting news you have found. Note that Rate It Green does include news announcements as a part of some sponsorship offerings.
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The First Solar Panel Recycling Plant in Europe Opens in France
Veolia Environment S.A., a French transnational water, waste, and energy company, has opened the first recycling plant for solar panels in Europe. Veolia is aiming to build more recycling plants as virtually all French solar panels will reach their end of life in 2018.
The new plant in Rousset city, southern France, recovered 1,300 tons of material per year in 2017. It is estimated to recycle 4,000 tons by 2022.
Gilles Carzuaa, head of electronics recycling at Veolia said, “This is the first dedica… Show more
16 States and Puerto Rico Create Green Banks to Finance, Pushing Renewable Energy On the Way
Previously, we discuss a big green trend is coming: green finance will fund the green transformation. Leading finance organizations such as Barclays, Citi, Goldman Sachs, HSBC and JPMorgan Chase see unlimited opportunity to fund the sustainability transition, along with the world’s governments, multinational development banks, pension funds and others. To view the discussion, please visit https://www.rateitgreen.com/green-building-community/discussions/green-services/do-we-have-the-capital-to-fuel-the-sustainable-transition/297… Show more
China, the Largest Importer of Trash, Refused to Continue to Be the Major Dumping Land
For decades, China was the world's largest importer of waste. However, Beijing imposed a ban of 24 types of scraps into the border, effective January 2018.
Before the restriction, China acted as a dumping ground for more than 50 percent of the world’s trash. At its peak, China imported 9 million tons of plastic waste in 2012 (Greenpeace). A recent study published on June 20th in the journal Science Advances found China has taken more than 116 million tons (105 million metric tons) of trash since 1992, the… Show more
A look into the future – Fresno community gets a head start on solar energy homes
California became the first state in the nation to require solar panels on all new homes and low-rise apartment buildings starting in 2020. As a part of the overall strategy, California is hoping to offset greenhouse gas emissions with the addition of solar arrays to these new buildings. The end goal for this new mandate is for California’s housing to achieve zero net energy. This means that the total amount of energy used by the building is equal to the total amount of renewable energy created by the building.
The California Energy Co… Show more
How The New Tax Bill Can Help Your Commercial Solar Business Financially
The new tax bill that was implemented this January provided good news for solar businesses and for companies interested in going solar. First, the bill reduced the corporate tax rate of commercial entities that include solar PV systems. Before, solar companies were saving money on operating expenses, but making up for it with a higher tax liability. The new tax bill lowered the federal corporate tax rate from 35 to 21 percent, making solar buildings more profitable for the company.
Additionally, the new tax bill included a revision on the de… Show more
Green Buildings Becomes Mandatory in Ajman, United Arab Emirates as of June 1, 2018
You might know that California became the first state in the United States of America to require all new homes to have solar power starting in 2020. But do you know that Ajman, UAE has required all constructions to go green, effective on June 1?
The policy was announced by the Municipality and Planning Department on Thursday, May 31, 2018. The decision is mandatory as of June 1 for all villas that have not yet obtained permits, or that require maintenance or a change in license.
Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid, the chairman of Ajman Mu… Show more
4 Passive House Dorms Planned for Bowdoin's Park Row this Summer
This summer Lavallee Brensinger Architects will help Wright-Ryan Construction’s team build four passive house dorms for the upperclassmen of the college to reside in. 22 students will live in each of the four buildings that stretch over 3.56 acres on the college’s Park Row.
These “passive dorms” are expected to use 50% less energy than traditional construction. The buildings will be connected to the campus central heating plant, while reducing emissions and efficiently using energy. The Passive House construction is … Show more
Dubai is Getting Green-- Dewa Signs Green Building Agreement
In May 2018, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) signed a contract with Green Business Certification Inc (GCBI).
According to the memorandum of understanding (MoU), the two organizations will cooperate research and development, training, and promoting green building.
The MoU will support DEWA's efforts to achieve the Demand Side Management Strategy to decrease water and electrical use by 30 percent by 2030 and the Carbon Abatement Strategy to decrease carbon emissions by 16 percent by 2021.
DEWA will follow the Platinum… Show more
California State Senator Kevin de Léon: "100 Percent Clean Energy is Within Reach"
California State Senator Kevin de Leon shared his optimism about renewable energy. Kevin de Leon said, the state’s policy not only turns environmental issue into economics opportunities, but also provide a green place for residents in California, who enjoy higher quality of air, healthier water, and billions savings on bills. Kevin de Leon announced, “All the evidence suggests 100 percent clean energy is within reach.
Under the California Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan, California's goals are far ahead of … Show more
The first LEED platinum certified Ice arena at Bentley University
Bentley University, located in Waltham, Massachusetts, recently has opened a new LEED certified multipurpose arena. This building is the first of Bentley’s architecture to earn a LEED certification; however, like many other schools across the country, they are trying to continue to implement more aspects of sustainability into the university.
Although there has been a developing trend in both green sport buildings and green colleges, Bentley’s new arena is the first ice arena to earn a platinum certification, the highest rating … Show more
Clean Vapor Becomes a Land Science Certified Applicator
Congratulations to Rate It Green Gold Company Member Clean Vapor for becoming a certified spray-applied barrier applicator for the Land Science family of products!
According to Rick Gillespie, Senior VP, Land Science, a division of Regenesis, "Clean Vapor's long track record of vapor intrusion mitigation expertise aligns perfectly with Land Science's industry-leading advanced composite barriers. Being a certified applicator for Land Science requires a commitment to quality installation and we are confid… Show more
School Air Quality and Sustainability Fellowship Opportunity, The Center for Green Schools, Apply by July 18
K-12 school professionals pushing for sustainability in schools, this program is your chance! The Center for Green Schools is accepting applications through Monday, July 18 for fellowships for School Air Quality and Leaders in Sustainability. Those chosen for the fellowship will gain access to networking opportunities, professional development and leadership training, and professional learning events to provide these advocates for environmental health with the resources to create change.
Children spend so much time in schools, but the actu… Show more
NRDC Petition: "Stop the Fossil Fuel Industry’s Cynical Exploitation of War in Ukraine to Expand Oil and Gas Drilling"
At Rate It Green, we agree that the unjustifiable and tragic war in Ukraine can not ethically or environmentally logically be used as an excuse to argue for more fossil fuel exploration and exploitation. Instead, we should of course be taking the opposite actions, to reduce our dependence on these fossil fuels which are a significant part of the tensions that lead to hostilities.
Why would we make backwards decisions that are bad for our health, the environment, and that threaten our best opportunities for&nb… Show more
For Sale: Healthy, Energy Efficient Micro-Farm in Concord, Massachusetts
After 45 years of careful renovation and maintenance, Rate It Green Member David Bearg, P.E. is looking to entrust his amazing healthy and sustainable home to the right new owners.
David and his family have grown the original small cottage on the property into a thriving mico-farm with a heat-storing greenhouse, a vegetable garden, raised bed gardens, a green, energy efficient house, and outbuildings that all take advantage of passive solar architecture.
Click to learn more about David's hom… Show more
ZeroEnergy Design Featured in Ocean Home Magazine
Congratulations to Rate It Green Member ZeroEnergy Design for the firm's recent feature in Ocean Home Magazine!
The magazine profiled Mt. Hope Modern, ZED’s green coastal 4,700 SF modern home in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
The piece includes interviews with owners Kerry Tyson and Zack King, who discovered the home while it was still under construction. The couple was particularly excited about the modern, energy efficient design as well as the stunning views of Mount Hope Bay.
Visit Ocean Home Magazine to re… Show more
10 New and Exciting Green Building Jobs Posted!
Are you looking for a new job centered around sustainability? Look no further — these 10 jobs are suitable for individuals with some experience in green building. For more environmental-related job postings, visit http://www.greenjobs.net.
California
Clean Power Alliance
Electrification Program Manager
https://cleanpoweralliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Electrification-Program-Manager_Paychex-Version.pdf
Massachusetts
Solect Energy
Multiple Positions
https://solect.com/company/careers/
… Show more
Low Carbon Multifamily Retrofit Playbooks - Available Online for Free!
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Steven Winter Associates and the Building Enegy Exchange (BEEx) have published a series of five free low carbon multifamily retrofit playbooks.
The playbooks are organized by common building types: Pre-War 4-7 stories, Post-War 1-7 stories, Post-War 8+ stories, Post-1980 8+ stories, and Garden Style 1-3 stories, and include retrofit strategies to maximize comfort while saving energy by transitioning to electric-based HVAC and hot water heati… Show more
Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta - 2021 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) General Fund - Apply by June 4!
Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta - 2021 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) General Fund - Apply by Friday June 4!
Do you work for a financial institution or a community housing partner? Is your company located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, or the District of Columbia?
Are you looking for a way to widen your customer base, offer community-oriented lending, and/or facilitate residential development?
Are you seeking to fund the construction, rehabilitation, or financing of housing for low… Show more
Parsons Healthy Materials Lab - 6th Annual Healthier Design Innovation Contest! Submission Deadline: Monday May 17!
Parsons Healthy Materials Lab - 6th Annual Healthier Design Innovation Contest - Apply by Monday May 17th!
Does your work exemplify healthy materials innovation and advocacy in design?
Are you a design activist creating innovative design while promoting equity? Are you using healthy materials and addressing climate change? Parsons Healthy Materials Lab is hosting the 6th annual Role Models Contest to award design innovations for material use that have no negative impact on the planet.
Win $1,000 , and socia… Show more
ZeroEnergy Design Featured in Boston Magazine's Spring Edition
Congratulations to Rate It Green Member Company ZeroEnergy Design for their feature in Boston Home's spring issue! The magazine profiles fhe firm's Hingham, Massachusetts "eco-oasis" in a piece called, "Everything you Need to Know to Design a Greener Home."
The 4.200 square foot home, designed by ZED’s Stephanie Horowitz and John Mucciarone, features continuous insulation, triple pane windows, air-source heat pumps, and a 36-panel solar electric system, all contributing to net zero energy per… Show more
Green Building Optimism for 2025 and Beyond - December 2024 Green Building News
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
Happy New Year!! I hope this year has delivered progress on key goals and wishes and that you remain solidly optimistic about the future of green building in 2025 and beyond. If yes, let's discuss. And if no, let's also discuss. That's the idea of building a community together where we can grow as we support our mutual goals, and we also support each other's growth as well.
Our team is excited about 2025, even though I also remain anxious short-term about environm… Show more
The Toitu Earth-Sheltered House - Comfortable, Energy Efficient & Unique - October, 2024 Green Building News
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
The title of this news may seem a bit provocative, but hold on to your construction hats. We just got word that Green Builder Matt Hoots of Sawhorse, Inc. will be working on the Toitu House, an earth-sheltered home that really could last several hundred years, as in 500 (we will have to wait to find out)! Some claim an earthen home can even last 1000 years in theory.
What does earth-sheltered mean? Earth-sheltered homes can be partially or completely… Show more
HVAC Project Progress Update - September Green Building News
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
I hope this September news finds you well and feeling great about your green building goals for this year and beyond. I want to hear about your progress, and also your challenges as well. We can all learn from each other! I am happy to share that we've almost completed a personal HVAC upgrade project where we installed two VRF heat pumps and replaced our boilers with new 96% efficient equipment. Why both? Read all about it in my upda… Show more
All Electric Summer: Opportunities to "amp up" your electrification expertise
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
It’s a great time to learn about electrification! Whether you are just learning about today’s energy efficient electric equipment and appliances, or you’re already somewhat expert, there’s really something for everyone to learn or contribute this summer, as several leading green building organizations are hosting some terrific educational offerings. And most are free! Check out Rate It Green's open green building calendar for these and more green bu… Show more
All About Heat Pumps
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
If you feel that recent news has been all about heat pumps, I agree! It seems there's a growing push to educate consumers and increase demand, as part of support for wider electrification and decarbonization efforts. Why are heat pumps so exciting? As you may already know, heat pumps are 300-400% efficient, as they move energy instead of generating it, and without onsite fossil fuel combustion. The numbers seem almost unreal. Heat pumps a… Show more
What Happens In Vegas... (Will We See You There?) Let's Create Some Great Green Building Content!
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
I know, the leading image for this email shows some serious wattage and doesn't really make me think first about green building. And yet, suddenly it seems like everyone I know is heading to Vegas next week for the International Builders' Show. That includes Green Builder and Rate It Green Content Partner Matt Hoots of Sawhorse, Inc.! I encourage you to connect with Matt to say hello, or to share your expertise or to introduce your company and what y… Show more
Looking Forward - Engaging Together as a Green Building Community
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
Thank you for being a part of our green building community, and welcome to our first newsletter of 2024! With this email, we bring you so much positive energy and a reaffirmation of the spirit of what we do. As Green Builder and Rate It Green Content Partner Matt Hoots said the other day, "The only way we are going to keep progressing toward solutions is to continue the conversation and share.” I wholeheartedly agree!
I am excited to report that I am&n… Show more
Happy New Year, 2024!! Looking back at Top 2023 News, and Some Sneak Previews for 2024!
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
Happy New Year! Thanks for all you do, and here's to an AMAZING 2024!
We expect great things from this new year! Whether you celebrate recent COP28 Results or feel anxious about insufficient progress, perhaps we can agree that 2023 was a year of foundation building and stage setting. We can then think of 2024 then as a year of great framing, where the structure and promising opportunities really come together more rapidly, where we can see tangible gains… Show more
Reframing Perspective: What Can "Positive" (Nature Positive) Look Like?
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
There are so many pressing crises, it can be overwhelming to decide what to do first or next. At a time when we need to take immediate and drastic action to mitigate the worst climate change consequences, some of which have already arrived, how is it possible that there are ongoing and disastrous wars and famine, extreme weather crises, raging fires, disease, and areas that are literally becoming uninhabitable for human life, among other global challenges which are hard to fully i… Show more
Making Smart Window Choices for Meeting Comfort, Health, Energy & Sustainability Goals
Rate It Green Members and Friends -
Do you have window questions? We've got some information and answers! Green Builder Matt Hoots of Sawhorse, Inc. has been busy answering Rate It Green Member questions and also interviewing manufacturers to learn about their energy efficient window and doors as well as the latest technological advances.
Matt recently recorded a series of conversations to answer key window questions, including:
How do you decide when and whether to replace windows? &n… Show more