How many jobs? DOE says 1.3... million!

A study from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory last month estimates that energy efficiency could create 1.3 million jobs by 2020. Yet another reason to get the word out about energy efficiency and how it can revitalize our economy. However, significant work remains in ramping up education and awareness of this opportunity as well as providing training for this growing industry. Educational institutions will need to work quickly to create new training programs. Luckily, here in Whatcom County we have one of the most renown professional training programs in the state. the Building Performance Center.

Energy Efficiency is All-American

Just after baseball and apple pie, energy efficiency is about as American as your next weekend project gets. A new study reviewed by the  New York Times shows that not only does efficiency create local jobs for installation, but the materials themselves are almost entirely produced right here in the US of A. That means energy efficiency puts more Americans back to work manufacturing, distributing, and installing the stuff that make will make our county cleaner and greener, and more secure. When it comes to economic recovery and energy independence, efficiency hits a home run.

News about HomeSTAR

Obama spoke in Savanah Georgia today about HomeSTAR, a government initiated energy efficiency retrofit program. As a tool for both job creation and reduced emissions, HomeSTAR is on its way to being included in the highly anticipated Jobs Bill now in Congress.

• Direct rebates of $1000-$3000
• Quality Assurance
• Financing

Rockin "Double Panes"

Energy Efficiency meets M.I.A.

Check this video out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pezKEkBIhqA

CEC recognized by Mayor as "robust" and "compelling" non-profit leadership

The CEC got props from Mr Pike, Mayor of Bellingham, at the 2010 State of the City Address!
Click here to see the full speech on video.
*Skip to 10:00 for the clip about the Community Energy Challenge.
(Courtesy of the City of Bellingham and BTV10)

Clean Energy Takes Center Stage at State of the Union

Last night's State of the Union address pushed clean energy politics to the forefront of American televisions everywhere. President Obama positioned clean energy at the core of the country's progress toward economic recovery; with the power to create jobs, help alleviate the strapped budgets of middle-class families, and maintain a competitive edge in global markets. With applause spreading across the aisle as his speech wore on, the President's support of clean energy was hard to argue with; "because the nation that leads the clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy. And America must be that nation."

DOE gets serious about Energy Efficiency standards

It has been rumored that some energy efficient appliances may not perform quite as efficiently advertised. Though against the law, the issue has received little attention. Until now.  In response to the sub-standard performance of a certain freezer, the US Dept of Energy has commited to step up enforcement of energy efficiency standards for appliances. Yesterday, the Dept received energy use data on 600,000 residential appliances in order to determine compliance with standards and protect the Energy STAR brand.

One small step for freezers, one big step for consumer protection!