Southern California Green Real Estate Blog

TWO SOCAL BUILDINGS ARE EPA EFFICIENCY CONTEST FINALISTS

By Jodi Summers

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has picked 14 commercial buildings for their first national energy efficiency contest – and two of the finalists are in Southern California. Kudos to the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown - San Diego, CA and JCPenney Store # 1778 - Orange, CA will be competing with 12 other commercial structures around the country to best streamline their energy usage and be heralded the winner.

Two hundred buildings entered the competition, which will run through October 26, 2010. Fourteen finalists were chosen for undisclosed reasons. (Meet the contenders @ http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=buildingcontest..contestants)

Each entrant was tagged with an energy use intensity (EUI) number portraying the building’s energy use. A building’s EUI is calculated by taking the total energy consumed in one year (measured in kBtu) and dividing it by the total floorspace of the building. The winner is the one who lowers their EUI by the greatest percentage. Obviously a candidate such as the Van Holten Primary School - Bridgewater, NJ (EUI 150) will use relatively little energy (particularly when school’s out) compared to the Solon Family Health Center in Cleveland, OH (EUI 318) or an office building 522 5th Avenue - New York, NY (EUI 242) . Each building will be judged on the percentage of reduction they achieve in their EUI.

The nominees will measure and track their building’s monthly energy consumption using Portfolio Manager, the EPA’s online energy tracking tool. The building that demonstrates the greatest percentage-based reduction through October 26^th will be recognized as the winner.

Now, a little about our local contestants -

The team name for the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown is “Money in the Bank” – appropriately named because the hotel is located in the historic San Diego Trust & Savings Bank building in the city’s Gaslamp district. Ten years ago, the building went through a spectacular adaptive reuse, transitioning from a bank and office building to the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown San Diego hotel with 245 guest rooms. The 1920s bank building has guest rooms and common areas retrofitted with efficient sensors and technology. The hotel lists four reasons why it is important for it to save energy, money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions: 1) Its guests expect it, 2) Its owners require it, 3) Its employees know it is the right thing to do, and 4) It owes it to their community. MSD’s starting EUI is 162.

JCPenney Store # 1778 - Orange, CA is calling their crew the Orange Power Rangers. That JCPenney Store opened in 1977. The store covers 100,853 gross square feet with a net sales floor space of 69,723 square feet. The Orange store is part of a group of 63 JCPenney stores that participate in the company’s Advanced Energy Management (AEM) Program, which focuses on energy awareness on both the facility maintenance and store associate level. With the help of an Interval Data Recorder (IDR) meter, the energy usage of this store is monitored on a next-day basis, and daily store energy use reports for all associates to see. JC Penny Orange is already using 35% less energy than it was last year. 1778. Their starting EUI: 165

Good luck to all of the finalists, may you make the world a better place. Btw, does anyone else know what the winner gets, other than a trophy and/or plaque to proudly display?

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http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=buildingcontest.contestants

http://www.bustler.net/index.php/article/14_finalists_picked_in_epas_national_building_competition/

http://www.energyboom.com/emerging/epa-and-energy-stars-new-national-building-competition?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20energyboom%20%28EnergyBoom%20Daily%20Briefing%29

http://blog.syracuse.com/storefront/2009/09/large_penney.JPG

http://brandmediaweek.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834519bc269e20120a694b62a970b-580wi

http://oldstockshop.com/willstock/eBay/jcpennyru11705.jpg

http://images.hotelplanner.com/hotelimages/s/047000/047845A.jpg

URGENT! CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSMAN TO AVOID COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE TAX HIKES

Action to Oppose More Than Doubling of Taxes on Real Estate Carried Interests

Edited by Jodi Summers

In early December, Congressman Charles Rangel Ways, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee of the House of Representatives, introduced the “Tax Extenders Act of 2009″ (H.R. 4213). Wrapped in this legislation package is a proposal that would more than double the taxes on carried interest received by general partners in real estate partnerships. Under this legislation, carried interest would no longer be taxed as capital gains at 15 percent, but as ordinary income at rates as high as almost 35 percent…making everyone’s investment real estate holdings a lot less sexy.

Kick us while we’re down. Those investing in commercial real estate are already feeling economic distress because of the decline of property values and the lack of loans available. The proposed legislation would more than double the taxes imposed on many real estate entrepreneurs.

If H.R. 4123 enacted into law, this proposal could be the largest modification to the taxation of real estate since the Tax Reform Act of 1986.

This bill was past stealthfully, proposed on December 7^th, it bypassed the customary legislative process, bypassing the House Ways and Means Committee, and going directly to the House floor for a vote on December 9, reducing meaningful opportunities to amend the bill.

Safeguard your real estate assets; communicate with your Congressional Representatives and Senators! Let them know that this tax increase on carried interest will further damage the commercial real estate industry and undermine efforts in their own communities to spur job growth and economic recovery.

http://www.capwiz.com/naiop/issues/alert/?alertid=14439831&type=CO has letters ready to go to your congressmen.

Save your assets and contact them.

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http://www.capwiz.com/naiop/issues/alert/?alertid=14439831&type=CO

http://www.ysop.org/images/Capitol.jpg

THE CITY OF L.A. WANTS TO GREEN INDUSTRY

By Jodi Summers

 Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced in Los Angeles’ State of the City Address that the city intends to grow the clean and green city concept …is it merely election time promises or can L.A. be the leader in Clean Technology?

“…We are aggressively growing the industries of the future here in LA.. We need to build a future in which clean technology is - as - synonymous with Los Angeles as motion pictures or aerospace. Where LA is acknowledged as a growing capital of the green economy.

“With our Solar LA plan, we’re working to cut our carbon footprint and to transform LA into a clean energy powerhouse. With the nation’s most far-reaching green building ordinance, we believe we can create America’s most vibrant jobsite in sustainable construction. And at the Port of Los Angeles, I’m proud to say tonight that we’ve sent 2,000 dirty diesel trucks to the junkyard and replaced them with vehicles that run on natural gas and electricity.

“I believe L.A.’s economic future starts right here, in places like Balqon, where the next generation of electric trucks are being designed, tested, and manufactured; where we are literally revving up the engines of our Clean Truck Program; where the wheels of a clean, green port are turning; and a new high-tech venture is producing clean fuel vehicles IN L.A., for the betterment of LA.

“This facility will serve as the model for our Harbor Clean Tech Center; for investments in the latest vessels for green development; for the San Pedro Bay Port Technology Development Center - home of green companies serving our port.

“A few miles up the 110, we are building a literal “Clean-Tech Corridor.” A business corridor bringing together researchers, designers and manufacturers from around the world dedicated to sustainable solutions and to creating green-collar jobs.

“Located just outside of downtown, this corridor will house our Clean Tech Manufacturing Center a catalyst for smart growth that could create as many as 1,000 high-paying jobs.

“It will host our Clean Innovations Research Center where the world’s leading experts will come together to define future renewable energy sources, water conservation strategies, and green building advances.”

http://mayor.lacity.org/pressroom/stateofthecity/index.htm

Organizers of America’s Largest Solar Conference and Expo Announce the Opening of Exhibit Space Sales to Public

Organizers of America’s Largest Solar Conference and Expo Announce the Opening of Exhibit Space Sales to Public

Brisk Pace of Solar Power International’s First Day of Exhibit Sales Defies Economic Downturn

Solar Power International organizers quietly opened exhibit space sales to the general public and by the end of the day had booked an astonishing 100 new exhibitors (in addition to the 308 “priority points” exhibitors who had already secured space in advance of the public sale date). In spite of current economic realities, it appears the sixth year of this quintessential industry event, which will be held in Anaheim, California, October 27-29, will prove to be another for the record books. According to the show organizers, Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the exhibit floor is expected to sell out quickly as potentially 650 companies from around the world gather to showcase their technologies. To date, 128,000 net square feet has been sold-more than last year’s overall total of 87,000 net square feet-to a total of 408 exhibitors.* Overall attendance is expected to top 25,000 in 2009.www.SolarPowerInternational.com.
For exhibit sales questions contact Marilyn Sawyer: msawyer@solarelectricpower.org or call 202-559-2031.www.solarelectricpower.org www.seia.org

“The industry has gained significant momentum in the U.S., especially with the recent eight-year extension of the solar investment tax credit and growing interest from electric utilities worldwide”, said SEPA Executive Director Julia Hamm. “With a new Administration and Congress committed to expanding renewable energy resources and protecting the environment, the U.S. is poised for continued growth of solar energy. And Solar Power International is where it all comes together, covering policy, finance, technology and market opportunities.”

Solar Power International 2009 will feature keynote speeches from world and industry leaders and more than 65 breakout sessions. Together the conference program and exhibit hall encompass the complete range of solar energy technologies, including photovoltaics, concentrating photovoltaics, solar thermal electric, solar hot water, and space heating and cooling. Attendees represent every part of the solar value chain and its customers-including solar industry professionals, utility executives, investors, engineers, and policymakers-with an international contingent representing more than 90 countries. New this year, the exhibit hall will be segmented by product/service type to enhance the experience for attendees in this large trade show.

“The event’s growth has mirrored that of the solar energy industry,” said Rhone Resch, president of SEIA. “Despite a challenging economic climate, we have gained significant momentum in the U.S. Hopes are that with the new administration’s commitment to renewable energy and the environment, policies will be enacted that stimulate domestic solar manufacturing and installation, creating hundreds of thousands of permanent green jobs, while increasing our energy independence and security.”

To purchase booth space, and to read more about the event, please visit

*Solar Power International Statistics:
2008 2009
87,000 net sq. ft. 202,000 net square feet
423 exhibiting companies 650+ exhibiting companies
23,200 attendees 25,000+ attendees expected

The Solar Electric Power Association is comprised of over 550 electric utilities, solar companies, and other industry stakeholders. From research projects and national events, to one-on-one counseling and peer matching services, SEPA is the go-to resource for unbiased and actionable solar intelligence. By bridging the electric utilities and the solar industry, SEPA pushes solar forward more tangibly, one business at a time.

Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of more than 800 solar energy manufacturers, project developers, distributors, contractors, installers, architects, consultants and financiers. Established in 1974, SEIA works to expand the use of solar technologies in the global marketplace, strengthen research and development, remove market barriers, and improve education and outreach for solar.

Global Green International Trade Show

Mark your Calendars: 27 thru 30 Want to Exhibit? Click here…   Let’s save our planet! The Global Green International Trade Show is the most exciting event of the year that focuses on environmental protection. We are bringing together manufacturers, buyers, inventors and investors from around the world to one big celebratory event to usher in the new era of environmental protection that is about to begin. We are inviting the general public to attend for FREE with pre-ordered tickets that can be obtained by filling out our online form. Don’t miss your chance to participate and learn about new technologies and ideas geared towards environmental protection. This Trade Show breaks new ground with workshops and conferences, bringing various entities together in the fight to improve our environment. We are inviting educators, consumers, government representatives and other groups to interact and work toward a positive change. Please visit our website, sign up to our newsletter, reserve a booth, order free tickets, and learn more about this ground breaking event!

You can help us spread the word… Download the file below (just click at the image to get the PDF) and send it to all your friends, co-workers and family members. You can freely print and distribute as many copies as you desire, or send it by e-mail to everyone you know… You can also use our automated Send to a Friend tool at the Trade Show Web Site to simplify this task. Your assistance is very important. The environment needs our help too!

LEED WORKSHOPS 4 U

Two exciting US Green Building Council workshops have been added on Thursday, April 16, 2009, the day following the 8th Annual Municipal Green Building Conference and Expo.

LEED Core Concepts and Strategies - Thursday, April 16 -  8.30 am to 5.00 pm

Registration and Continental Breakfast available at 8:00 a.m. (Lunch included)

This workshop provides essential knowledge of the LEED Rating Systems and energy efficient, sustainable building concepts for those seeking a better understanding of LEED or pursuing GBCI’s LEED Green Associate (Tier I) credential. By presenting LEED concepts at the credit category level across building types and rating systems, and basics on the building certification process, this workshop provides the foundation required for any 300-level LEED education offering. Real project examples help demonstrate and reinforce learning.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Identify the key components of the LEED Rating System
• Discuss overall LEED Certification process
• Describe the intents and associated concepts of each LEED credit category
• Recognize successful LEED strategies and measurements for achieving credit category goals
• Explain regulations, recognitions and incentives related to each credit category
• Prepare for the LEED Green Associate exam

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? 

Any and all industry professionals seeking to use LEED to build green or to provide services  to the building industry:

• Design Professionals
• Real Estate Professionals
• Building Owners
• Service Providers
• Product Manufacturers
• Government Officials
• Contractors
• Tenants
• Educators

LEARNING LEVEL: Familiarity with USGBC and LEED, or USGBC’s “Green Building Basics and LEED” instructor-led workshop or online program.

Managing LEED Documentation - Thursday, April 16, 2009 8.30 AM - 12.30 PM 

Registration and Continental Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. (Lunch provided)

Submitting the documentation for energy efficient, sustainable buildings takes a special skill. This course is designed for design, construction, and operations professionals who want to build on their existing knowledge of LEED with in-depth instruction on the LEED submittals, how to manage documentation and using LEED Online. After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Manage the documentation process for LEED certification, including the use of LEED Online
• Guide project team members on effective documentation management practices
• Identify and correct common mistakes in LEED documentation
• Anticipate challenging LEED credits and effectively manage them

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Project team members new to the LEED documentation process or who need additional support.

LEARNING LEVEL: This is a 300-level course. Consider Green Building Basics and LEED or LEED for New Construction Technical Review as prerequisites.

For registration and fees for the events: CLICK HERE

These events are sponsored by The Gas Company in association with USGBC-LA.

David Stevens
Energy Resource Center
Southern California Gas Company
562-803-7435