Emphasis on energy efficiency brings supplier opportunities - bizjournals:

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Public entities have long been concernex about energy efficiency andconservation but, untilp now, they have not been incentivized to focus intentlu and immediately on finding solutions. That all changed with the federallstimulus bill. Funding is now available, publixc interest has intensified, budgets cry out for reliefr and elected officials are championing the Asa result, there are an unprecedented number of immediate opportunities for vendors with energy-saving solutions.
Everhy construction, renovation and new initiative beginse with a discussion about what is known as LEED The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building rating system isa third-partyh certification program and a nationally accepted benchmark for construction and operation of high-performancd green buildings. In Texas, the Austin City Hall receivee LEEDGold certification. In Dallas, the Jack Evanw Police Headquarters earnedLEED Silver. Houston has set a targe t for LEED Silver certification fornew construction, replacementg facilities and major renovations of all city-owned buildingz of more than 10,00p0 square feet.
Many energy-saving projects are planned, under way or recentlgy completedin Texas. More will follow as stimulus fundse dedicated to this objective flow to governmental entities of all The Recovery Act offers funding for weatherization stateenergy programs, efficient transportation and more. If ever therr was a time for privated firms to approach government with energhefficiency solutions, it is now. Locall governments throughout Texas are gearing up for a newenergt initiative, a $3.2 billionh Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program (EECBG).
In it was announced that Texas wouldrreceive $209 million from this progra for projects that reduce total energy use and fossipl fuel emissions and/or improve energy efficiency. A completes list of allocated fundingfor state, city and county governmentw in Texas is available at www.spartnerships.com. Look at the Recent Reports section ofthe Website. The EECBGh program funding will support activities such asenergyg audits, energy efficiency retrofits in residential and commerciakl buildings, advanced building codes and inspections and financial incentivee programs such as rebate for energy efficiency Other eligible activities include transportationm programs that reduce fuel usage, projects to reduce/capture methane from landfills, renewable energy installations, such as solare panels, on government buildings, energy efficien t traffic signals and street lights and others.
• No aware is under $150,000. • The median award amoun is $786,500. • The largest award is to the City of Houstojfor $22.7 million. Applications for more fundingh are due to thethis month. Here are a few examplese of upcoming EECBG projectsin Texas. • Dallaxs plans to use $2.4 million of a $12.98 million allocation to achieve energy efficiench improvements inselected communities. Contractintg opportunities will includeenergy audits, primary weatherization and energuy upgrades. • Lubbock is eligible to receive morethan $2.
1 The city is expected to install more efficient lighting in Mahon Library, upgrade to more efficient traffic signal lighta and initiate other projects. Huntsville plans to use its $166,500 on an existing capital improvement project to replacw lighting in Kate Barr RossMemorial Park. Fort Worth is still developing plans forits $6.7 millio allocation. In a recent city counciol meeting, the following projects were discussed: Installation of solar panels for the regionalklibrary ($750,000)