LEED moves into community development

The US Green Building Council (USGBC) has developed a new LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system for neighborhood developments. Original LEED certifications focused on individual buildings, nut this new standard will look at community development as a whole - "It integrates the principles of green building, smart growth, and "new urbanism," a concept that involves a range of housing types in a compact neighborhood, incorporating mixed uses with well-designed streets that allow easy access for pedestrians, bicycles, transit vehicles, and other vehicles. A key aspect is to create green communities that encourage people to walk to their destination rather than drive."

238 new developoments have signed up to participate in the pilot program, including communities in 39 different US States as well as 6 other countries. "According to USGBC, the projects range from urban infill projects that are less than an acre in size to whole new communities that are more than 12,000 acres."

Read more about it here.

City of Claremont signs incentive application

On August 1, the City of Claremont signed an application to commit another 385,433 kWh in energy savings with the San Gabriel Valley Partnership. The commitment covers five lighting projects taking place at the City Hall, Police Dept, Hughes Center, Taylor Hall, and one of the city's parking garages. The projects all involve conversion of inefficient T-12 fluorescent fixtures to energy-saving T-8 fixtures with electronic ballasts. The city expects to save almost $60,000 a year just by implementing these measures.

Find answers to all of your questions about T-12 vs T-8 lamps here (pdf).