Support for Sustainable Homes and Schools

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) is urging congress to pass several legislative measures, including the GREEN Act of 2009 and a resolution to green US schools. “The GREEN Act of 2009 will help homeowners build and remodel their homes in ways that save energy, thereby reducing their energy costs and their environmental impact,” says the USGBC. They also make sure to point out that the bill would assist low and middle-income households with sustainable projects.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors has passed a resolution to create greener schools in America, another legislative measure the USGBC urges Congress to act on. The legislation aims to allot more funds towards green research, and ultimately allocate billions of dollars for sustainable upgrades and retrofits in school districts across the nation.

Find out more about these legislations and the USGBC here.

Go Solar

Solar roofs in residential areas are no longer just an ideal futuristic technology, but are becoming commonplace for many Americans. As a U.S. leader in many environmental initiatives, California is seeing a higher prevalence in solar technology, including solar roofs on private homes. The California Solar Initiative (CSI) is part of a campaign called Go Solar California, an ongoing effort to provide affordable solar technologies to people across the state. Along with incentive programs, Go Solar California publishes a monthly newsletter with progress reports, workshop information, and promotions. Check out this latest promotion from the Go Solar California Campaign and win a green home makeover!

Cities across the state also have local incentive programs to help reach the goals of the CSI. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power provides a residential solar power incentive that covers up to 75% of LA projects. On July 1, 2009 new CSI program requirements will take effect due to the acceptance of California Energy Commission’s Senate Bill 1. Among others, this bill will effect energy efficiency agreements and inspection protocols.

Go Solar California

www.gosolarcalifornia.org

Sheriffs Gone Green

LA County Sheriffs are going green–well at least some of their cars.  The County is leasing 17 fully electric Mini Coopers for just $10 a month.  Read more about the merger of the LA Sheriffs from Green Options Gas 2.0 here.