Making sense of various sustainable building standards

With today’s mix of voluntary and mandatory green building standards, municipal codes and third-party rating systems, it can be a logistical nightmare deciphering how to get the best benefits and overall value. While green building requirements are relatively consistent, there are shades of gray within them that can lead to uncertainties and overlaps, according to architect Wally Geer, owner of Greymar Associates in Ventura, Calif.

Education and awareness alone don’t change energy use

When people learn the facts about energy efficiency and are aware of critical energy issues, such as rising costs, dependence on foreign oil, increasing greenhouse gases and the like, they will change their energy behaviors to help save money and the earth. Sound right? Well, as it turns out it isn’t, and according to Social Psychologist Wesley Schultz, education and awareness alone will not bring about needed changes in energy use. But what will?

Revamped awards to recognize sustainability leaders

CCSE is now preparing for its Energy All-Star Awards, recognizing San Diego County’s foremost accomplishments that exemplify the best in energy efficiency, energy conservation, renewable energy measures and greenhouse gas reduction. The awards, formerly known as the San Diego Excellence in Energy (SANDEE) Awards, will honor winners in each of the following categories:

Engage 360 and Energy Upgrade California launched

California has two new online resources for energy information, rebates and more that are designed to assist consumers in making wise energy decisions and to inform the building industry about energy and water efficiency programs. The websites will help reduce confusion about the myriad conservation efforts statewide and will provide "one-stop shops" for information regarding energy upgrades in homes and businesses.

Energy Resource Library shares green learning

CCSE’s Energy Resource Library recently donated a collection of books and DVDs on green topics and sustainability to the Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa and the La Mesa branch libraries. The items focused on energy efficiency and also included items on climate change and green building.