Reference Guide Digital Rights Management

I'm fairly sure that last time I purchased a Reference Guide (hard copy with downloadable PDF), we got the book and a regular PDF. Sure they were secured, but it didn't go to these lengths... so I checked the website. Sure enough...

USGBC is implementing new security features to help protect your purchased assets from being misused. These security measures will enable you to access your documents regardless of how you receive them, and USGBC to ensure you have the latest versions of purchased documents.

Once you download your Online LEED Reference Guide, you will need to authenticate yourself with our DRM server. Authentication simply means that we will request your USGBC Website user-name and password that you use to log into Your Account here at usgbc.org. Once you input your login credentials, you will be prompted with a second dialogue box asking if you wish to use this document when you do not have an internet connection. This will allow you to go "offline" with your document. Once logged in, you can disconnect from the internet and continue to use the reference guide "offline" for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will need to re-authenticate.

So basically, you have two options when purchasing 2009 Reference Guides:
1. The E-book with 30-day access to a printable PDF of the guide.
OR
2. The Hard Copy with 30-day access to a non-printable PDF of the guide. (Printable PDF versions of the reference guide are available for purchase independently of the hard copy.)

Lincoln-Lancaster County Environmental Leadership Awards Luncheon

Today is the last day to make reservations.
The awards ceremony will recognize environmental leadership in sustaining and improving air, land, and water quality and protecting public health. The 2010 Lincoln-Lancaster County Environmental Leadership Award Recipients are:

• Business and Industry – Sadoff Iron and Metal Company and Servant Cab Company, LLC Agriculture – Community CROPS
• Non-Profit Organization – Nebraska State Education Association
• Government – UNL Whittier Junior High School Renovations
• Education – Harry A. Heafer and Healthy Families Play Outside
• Individual Citizen – Jeanne Pashalek.

This year’s ceremony will include a keynote address by Karl Brooks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 Administrator selected by President Obama in February. Dr. Brooks most recently was a professor of Environmental Studies and History at the University of Kansas, and holds degrees from the University of Kansas, Harvard Law School, the London School of Economics, and Yale.

Dr. Brooks practiced law for ten years in Idaho and served three terms in the Idaho Senate. Mayor of Lincoln Chris Beutler and Lancaster County Board Commissioner Deb Schorr will also be providing opening and closing comments. Community leaders will provide a presentation highlighting the accomplishments of each of the award recipients.

The Lincoln and Lancaster County Environmental Leadership Awards Ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 3, at the Nebraska Champions Club. The Environmental Leadership Awards Luncheon will begin at noon and conclude at 1:30 P.M. Pre-paid reservations of $15 per person are due by Wednesday, May 27. Obtain a reservation form at www.lincoln.ne.gov keyword: awards.

New Event Submission Form

If you're one of those people that sends me events to include on our events calendar (you know who you are), I'll soon be referring you to our brand new Event Submission Form, right here on our website at http://usgbcne.org/?Get_Involved:Submit_an_Event.

This will allow us to be that much more efficient communicators (which of course I'm a huge fan of). Thanks to Jason for coming up with such a great solution!

New Pictures from GTH

We just uploaded new pictures from Regional Rep. April's trip to Greening the Heartland 2010 in Minneapolis at http://usgbcne.org/?Get_Involved:Past_Event_Pictures

Metropolitan Community College's Green Living Workshops

Metropolitan Community College (MCC) is offering Green Living Workshops starting this summer. Learn how to save money, improve your family's health and be good to the environment! These workshops will include current, practical information on topics such as food, water, energy, transportation, 'stuff' (solid waste and recycling), economics, gardening and yards. Different Green Living Workshops will be offered each quarter, including:

Introduction to Living Green-Living Well
When: Tuesday, June 15th from 9:00-11:00am or 6:00-8:00pm
Where: MCC's Elkhorn Valley Campus (204th and W. Dodge Rd.)

Backyard Chickens: Chicken Tractoring in Suburbia
When: Tuesday, June 29th from 9:00-11:00am or 6:00-8:00pm
Where: MCC's Elkhorn Valley Campus (204th and W. Dodge Rd.)

Rain Barrel Design and Construction
When: Wednesday and Thursday, July 7th and 8th from 9:00-11:00am or
6:00-8:00pm
Where: MCC's Elkhorn Valley Campus (204th and W. Dodge Rd.) To register, call (402) 457-5231 or click here and search for Home and Garden to read a course description. For more information, contact Daniel Lawse, Coordinator of Sustainable Practices, at (402) 738-4564 or djlawse@mccneb.edu.

"Solar Electric Installation" Course

Registration Deadline: June 4th

When: Wednesdays, June 9th through July 7th from 6:00-9:35pm

Where: Metropolitan Community College's South Omaha Campus and Creighton University Solar Electric Installation (2.0 credit hours)

ELTR/INCT 2900: Special Topics in Electrical TechnologyStudents in this class will gain background knowledge and experience in solar electric [photovoltaic (PV)] installation. Students will participate in hands-on learning with the installation of Nebraska's largest solar electric installation onsite at Creighton University.

NOTE REGARDING ON-SITE TIME: Throughout the 5 week session, students must spend at least 12 hours during the hours of 8-5, Monday through Friday for the on-site, hands-on instruction. These are flexible times and days to be worked out with the instructor to best meet your needs.

Cost: $96. To register, call 457-5231 or visit www.mccneb.edu/schedule/classselect.asp?sterm=10/SS. Select "Electrical Technology" and Course 2900: Special Topics.For more information, call Daniel Lawse, Coordinator of Sustainable Practices, at 738-4564.

USGBC Emerging Professionals

Maybe you're thinking I left the 'Green' out of the title above... I did not. This was especially confusing because when I wrote this post, it was taken almost verbatim from an email I received from USGBC National.

So basically, there will only be two types of membership for our chapter: Those that are employees of National USGBC member companies, and those that are not. Emerging Green Builders (EGB) will no longer be a membership type with our chapter.

The chapter will have a new group, Emerging Professionals (you can read more about it at http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=116) who are "individuals out of school and under 30, USGBC Emerging Professionals seek to engage all those who are interested in learning about and advocating for sustainable building practices".

Those that were previously referred to as EGBs will have to transition to USGBC Students, http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1906, who are "college and university-based student groups, where students from any discipline come together to learn about and advance USGBC’s mission ".

This summer we will be working with our local student groups to help undergo the process of transitioning to a USGBC Student Group. This means that the USGBC Student groups in Omaha and Lincoln will be managed directly through National USGBC. This decision was made in part due to the additional liability a chapter takes on as an umbrella organization for student groups.

The name 'Emerging Green Builders' won't be supported by USGBC anymore... (which is somewhat unfortunately since our chapter just finished design of a new EGB NFC logo). But anyway, USGBC Students will be supported from National USGBC and not part of the local chapter anymore, though our chapter will remain a resource for students.

So to sum up - "EGB" Omaha and Lincoln now are "USGBC Students" Omaha and Lincoln. And what was previously the "EGB" committee within USGBC NFC will not be the "Emerging Professionals" committee.

Stay tuned for more changes and information as I figure out what's going on...

Energy Star for Data Centers

This week an ENERGY STAR Webinar introduced the new energy performance rating for data centers. The data center rating will be released in Portfolio Manager on June 7, but you can start collecting the information you need now.

You can view the training at: https://energystar.webex.com/energystar/lsr.php?AT=pb&SP=TC&rID=40619692&rKey=5b0436b29bd5113b&act=pb.

Please contact ENERGYSTARdatacenters@icfi.com or your account manager if you have any questions.

Nebraska Flatwater wins Award

Congratulations to the USGBC Nebraska Flatwater Chapter for receiving the top award in the 2010 USGBC Heartland Region Awards at the Greening the Heartland Conference. We won in the “USGBC in the Community” category. Regional Representative April Miller received the award, a $500 prize from Mohawk Flooring, at the conference yesterday.

The submittal, prepared by Secretary Brad Carne, was based on the green schools tour last fall and our collaboration with the Colorado chapter.

Thanks for all your effort to make this event happen and congrats to the chapter!!

Job Opportunity with Verdis

Verdis Group, LLC is seeking qualified individuals to fulfill the role of Environmental Impact Technician with duties and responsibilities as outlined within this posting.

Founded in July 2009, Verdis Group is a sustainability consulting firm located in Omaha, NE that helps businesses, organizations and communities to be more sustainable. The Environmental Impact Technician (EIT) will serve a key role in delivering services to clients. Additional responsibilities may include developing processes and models to enhance the service delivery for future clients. The EIT will provide sustainable practices assessments for businesses and organizations, work with firm principals to develop improvement recommendations, and will conduct carbon footprint and energy analysis.

The EIT position is intended to be temporary but will likely become a permanent position if the work is satisfactory and Verdis Group continue to grow and need full-time employees.

ESSENTIAL EIT FUNCTIONS: Under the direction of the Principals of Verdis Group, the Environmental Impact Technician:

1. Collects, manages, and calculates data for ENERGY STAR’s Portfolio Manager.
2. Collects, manages, and calculates data for carbon footprint analysis.
3. Calculates cost-benefit analysis for environmental improvement scenarios.
4. Conducts sustainability assessments of businesses, organizations and communities and develops improvement scenarios.
5. Contributes technical writing to client reports.
6. Serves as a technical resource to Verdis Group in carbon footprint analysis and ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager (non-billable).
7. Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Ability to collect, manage, and calculate data.
2. Knowledge of sustainable best practices as they pertain to businesses, organizations and communities.
3. Knowledge of emerging trends in sustainable best practices for businesses, organizations and communities.
4. Skilled in using Microsoft Excel, Word and Apple software.
5. Planning and organizational skills.
6. Communications skills both written and oral.
7. Skilled in demonstrating cooperation and professionalism.
8. Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
9. Ability to effectively present to large and small groups.
10. Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks.
11. Ability to work well with minimal supervision in a team-oriented environment.
12. Ability to write and maintain accurate records.
13. Ability to pay close attention to detail.

SCHEDULE: The schedule has yet to be determined and will be based on project requirements for each client as they come available. In all likelihood, the start date could be as soon as July 1, 2010.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: All individuals interested in being considered for
this project should submit proposals that include the following:

1. A letter of interest not to exceed two pages. (Include the name, telephone, mailing address and email address of the contact person.)
2. Curriculum Vitae or resume.
3. Provide descriptions of similar or relevant projects.
4. Provide three (3) references, including client’s name and phone number, for past work.
5. Any availability limitations (e.g. other employment that may conflict with availability to complete the duties of each project.

Relevant information should be submitted to Craig Moody via email at craig@verdisgroup.com. Craig will also serve as the point of contact for any inquiries or questions, which should also be sent via email.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Craig Moody, Principal
Daniel Lawse, Principal
Verdis Group, LLC
1022 Leavenworth Street
Omaha, NE 68102

'Green' school to be studied

By Joe DejkaWORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
Two big questions face South Sarpy school district officials as they ponder opening an environmental studies focus school.

First, are there enough children in the Omaha area interested in a green education?
Second, would those students be willing to drive clear across town to attend the school?
Members of the South Sarpy school board have authorized $52,000 for a consultant to get them the answers.

The DLR Group plans to draw up a list of potential classes for the new school, then survey parents and students about their interest, estimate costs, figure ways to pay for the school and report their findings to the board in August.

Pat Phelan, a director of K-12 development for the DLR Group, said the idea of an environmental high school has piqued the interest of a variety of organizations, including the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, natural resources districts, the Omaha Public Power District and the Metropolitan Utilities District.

“Everybody we've talked to has said, ‘Sure, we'll come to the table,'” Phelan said.
A potential model for the school can be found in Minnesota's Apple Valley, where the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools opened the School of Environmental Studies in 1994, he said. The school immerses students in environmental issues, and students often work alongside professionals.

It opened with 400 students, and demand remains high, with some students driving more than an hour to school, Phelan said.

South Sarpy Superintendent Chuck Chevalier said the district hopes to work with the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties to build the school, tentatively to serve 400 students in grades nine through 12.

The Learning Community Council is developing criteria for approving focus schools that would serve students in all 11 member school districts, subject to socioeconomic diversity targets. The learning community can pay for up to half the construction costs of focus schools.
Chevalier said the district would try to find grants to cover the cost, but construction may require a bond issue.

Faced with declining enrollment, however, the investment could be a way for the district to boost its enrollment, officials say.

The school board probably would decide next fall on whether to move forward, with a goal of opening in fall 2012.

Registered Architects Can Now Approve ENERGY STAR Label Applications

Effective immediately, Registered Architects (RA) can provide verification services for ENERGY STAR label applications for commercial buildings. Previously, building owners and operators were required to engage a Professional Engineer (PE) to verify the information in the ENERGY STAR label application; owners and operators may now engage either a PE or RA.

The PE or RA must possess a current license in any U.S. state, and should follow the guidance provided in the latest edition of The PE Guide. In the coming months EPA will update web pages and guidance documents to reflect the inclusion of RAs. In the interim, RA may be substituted for PE in these materials.

EPA is making this change in recognition of the increasingly important role that RAs are playing in both the design and operation of today’s energy efficient buildings. With increasing frequency, RAs are continuing to consult with building owners and operators long after the design phase, ensuring that their designs are implemented as intended. With this change, RAs who submit projects that receive Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR recognition will be able to later verify those buildings’ performance.

Please direct any questions concerning this new policy to buildings@energystar.gov.

ENERGY STAR Data Center Rating Webinar

When: Wednesday, May 19th from 1:00-2:30pm EDTThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been working with the data center industry to develop a 1-to-100 energy performance score for data centers that will be launched in Portfolio Manager on June 7, 2010. To develop the rating system, EPA collected data on energy use and operating characteristics from a large number of existing data centers. The statistical regression analysis employed for all of EPA’s energy performance rating models was then applied to the data set, resulting in a score that is applicable for stand alone data centers AND buildings that contain data centers within them. Join us to learn more about the new rating and data required to accurately incorporate data center spaces in Portfolio Manager.

To register for this session, visit the Web site.

If you have any questions, please contact ENERGYSTARdatacenters@icfi.com.

Best of Midtown 2010

Thursday, May 134:30 - 6:30 p.m.Midtown Crossing at Turner Park 3110 Farnam St. Omaha, NE

Join Destination Midtown, the Midtown Business Association and the Midtown Neighborhood Alliance for a community open house to celebrate successes from 2009 and highlight opportunities and projects in 2010.

This family-friendly event will feature booths from a variety of Midtown businesses and organizations. Entertainment provided by this year's Omaha Entertainment Award Artist of the Year Brad Hoshaw, comedy juggler Jek Kelly and the Salem Baptist Church Stepping Saints Drill Team.

Refreshments will be provided. Reservations are not required. For more information, contact Melanie Lotspeich at (402) 978-7920.Would your business or organization like to participate in this event? Would you like to nominate a business, organization or an individual for the Best of Midtown Award? Visit DestinationMidtown.org to download a booth or nomination application.Thank you to event co-sponsors Midtown Business Association and the Midtown Neighborhood Alliance. Special thanks to Midtown Crossing at Turner Park and planitOmaha.

Meeting of the Minds Last Day for 40% Discount

Meeting of the Minds 2010 Leadership Summit
Join us for two days of intensive exchange for leaders creating more sustainable cities using smarter design tools, sounder environmental practices and cleaner energy systems. Hosted by the Joslyn Institute for Sustainable Communities in partnership with the Urban Age Institute, the Meeting of the Minds is a premier leadership summit for sustainable cities in the United States. Please view the attached invitation for additional details.

Opening Reception
When: Wednesday, June 16, 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Where: Gallup, Omaha, Nebraska

Plenary and Breakout Sessions
When: Thursday, June 17, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday, June 18, 8:00 am - 2:15 pm
Where: Qwest Convention Center, Junior Ballroom, Omaha, Nebraska

Among the many speakers and presentations featured will be:
-Dutch-based Institute for Housing and Development Studies unveils Rotterdam's Climate Change Campus
-Presentations by municipal sustainability coordinators from the Midwest's largest cities
-Zerofootprint.com will showcase The Re-Skinning Award's winning projects
-San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association will offer the top five lessons from the Bay Area
-The first-ever presentation from the European Metropolitan Institute

Registration: $295 to register. Visit www.meetingoftheminds2010.org/register.html by May 17 to register and ensure your seat.

AIA, APA, and Nebraska Flatwater USGBC Chapter members receive a 40% discount through May 10, after which the discount is reduced to 20% through May 17, 2010 - Flatwater members contact communications@usgbcne.org for the discount code.

Visit www.meetingoftheminds2010.org for additional information on registration and scheduled and prospective contributors.

The invitation can be downloaded here: http://meetingoftheminds2010.org/mom2010.pdf

Fourteen Buildings Jump on EPA's Energy Scale

... and compete to "work off the waste" in EPA's first-ever national building competition.

Last week, EPA launched the National Building Competition, a first-of-its-kind coast-to-coast competition among commercial buildings to save energy and fight climate change! Competitors will “work off the waste” through improvements in energy efficiency with help from EPA’s ENERGY STAR program.

Nearly 200 buildings applied to compete. In the end, 14 were selected, including schools, hotels, dormitories, stores, offices, museums, and other buildings we see in our communities every day. Competitors come from across the country, from mid-town Manhattan to the mountains of Colorado.

Participants will measure and track their building’s monthly energy use using EPA’s online energy tracking tool, Portfolio Manager; make improvements to their building’s energy performance; and share their progress. The building that demonstrates the greatest percentage-based reduction in energy use intensity over the period of the competition will be recognized as the winner. The 14 contestants are well underway with their “slim down” and will have their first weigh-in on July 21.

Visit www.energystar.gov/buildingcontest for contestant photos and profiles, real-time updates from the contestants, ideas for how to get involved, tips for making your own facility more efficient, “Advice from the Experts” blog posts, and energy fitness advice from celebrity fitness trainer, Bob Harper.

ASID & IIDA would like to invite you to Synergy (interaction. education. experience.)

May 13, 2010 at the MidAmerica Center. Conference from 7:30am-4:30pm, expo from 4:30-8pm, cocktail party 5:30-8pm. See http://www.asid-neia.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=74 for further details and ticket prices.

USGBC Approved Education Opportunities

From http://www.aecdaily.com: Over 40 free USGBC approved courses offered by AEC Daily address topics within all LEED categories including stormwater management, heat island reduction, vegetated roofs, water efficient fixtures and fittings, and energy efficient building envelopes, to list a few. For a complete list of AEC Daily's USGBC approved courses please CLICK HERE.

NREL Highlights Utility Green Power Leaders

May 3, 2010, Annual assessment shows more consumers making clean power choices

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) today released its annual assessment of leading utility green power programs. Under these voluntary programs, consumers can choose to help support additional electricity production from renewable resources such as wind and solar.

According to the NREL analysis, more than 850 utilities across the United States now offer green power programs. Utility green power sales in 2009 exceeded 6 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), and they represent more than 5 percent of total electricity sales for some of the most popular programs. Wind energy represents approximately two-thirds of electricity generated for green energy programs nationwide. Read the entire article at the NREL website (includes a ranking of the top Green Pricing Program utility companies.)

Greenbuild 2010 Registration is Live

Registration is now available for Greenbuild 2010.

This year, Greenbuild returns to Chicago, Nov. 17-19, where our theme will be "Generation Green: Redefining Our Future." Register by Sept. 7 to take advantage of the early-bird discount.

The Greenbuild 2010 Expo Hall will fill the entire exhibition floor at McCormick Place West, and you can look forward to the wide range of high-quality educational sessions that make Greenbuild a must-attend event every year.We’re all part of Generation Green – join us in Chicago, and together, let’s start redefining our future! Register today

EGB Now "USGBC Emerging Professionals"

The Emerging Green Builders Program has changed its name to USGBC Emerging Professionals (EP). USGBC and the EP National Committee will continue to improve the way we engage the young workforce in America in green building. Check out the changes to our website and the 2010 EP toolkit.

Local funding solicitations available

Thanks to Laurie Brown once more for her great compilation of funding solicitations and to Rick Yoder with P2RIC.

1) Efficiency and Renewables in Rural America The U.S. Department of Agriculture requests proposals for Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements, under the Rural Energy for America Program. This RFP will provide support to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. $51.5 million expected to be available, up to 2,000 awards anticipated. Responses due 6/30/10. For more info, go to: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=54175. Refer to Sol# RDBCP-10-REAP-RES-EEI. (Grants.gov 4/30/10)

2) Solar Instructor Training Network The U.S. Department of Energy requests proposals for the National Administrator of the Solar Instructor Training Network. This RFP seeks to address the shortage of qualified personnel in the downstream solar installation workforce and increase the ability of the U.S. solar workforce, educators, and employers to meet the changing needs of the solar industry. Project should focus on teaching individuals how to perform high-quality installations, uphold best practices in worker safety, adequately convey important installation project information to customers and code officials, and otherwise decrease costs for businesses and consumers by adopting best practices. Up to $4.5 million expected to be available, 1 award anticipated. Responses due 6/15/10. For more info, contact Andrea Lucero at andrea.lucero@go.doe.gov or go to: https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/?doc=DE-FOA-0000228&agency=DOE. Refer to Sol# DE-FOA-0000228. (Grants.gov 4/21/10)

3) Weatherization Innovation Pilot Program The U.S. Department of Energy requests proposals for the Weatherization Innovation Pilot Program. This RFP addresses the pressing need to significantly increase the rate and total number of low-income residential energy retrofits in a manner consistent with the President’s goals of creating a green workforce and weatherizing one million homes nationally per year. Priority areas include: 1) New and non-traditional providers and developing new partnerships, 2) Leveraging financial resources in addition to Federal funds, and 3) Improving the effectiveness of low-income weatherization through the use of new materials, technologies, behavior-change models, and/or processes. $30 million expected to be available, up to 15 awards anticipated. Responses due 6/2/10. For more info, contact Sara Wilson at sara.wilson@go.doe.gov or go to: https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/?doc=DE-FOA-0000309&agency=DOE. Refer to Sol# DE-FOA-00000309. (Grants.gov 4/22/10)

4) Building Retrofit Markets and Energy Efficiency Actions The U.S. Department of Energy requests proposals for State Energy Program (SEP) Strengthening Building Retrofit Markets and Stimulating Energy Efficiency Action. This RFP will support projects to advance policies, programs, and market strategies that accelerate job creation and reduce energy bills, while achieving energy and climate security for the nation. Lead applicant must be the state or territorial energy office administering the annual SEP formula grant. Areas of interest include: 1) Strengthening Building Retrofit Markets - To assist in developing approaches for retrofitting residential and commercial buildings, and 2) Stimulating Energy Efficiency Action - To assist in generating the necessary policy and program frameworks to support investment in cost-effective energy efficiency for the long-term. $28 million expected to be available, up to 18 awards anticipated. Responses due 5/24/10. For more info, contact Kelly McDonald at kelly.mcdonald@netl.doe.gov or go to: https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/?doc=DE-FOA-0000251&agency=DOE. Refer to Sol# DE-FOA-0000251. (Grants.gov 4/9/10)

5) Rural Housing Preservation Grants The U.S. Department of Agriculture requests proposals for Rural Housing Preservation Grants. This RFP supports projects to assist very low and low income homeowners in repairing and rehabilitating their homes in rural areas, and, assists rental property owners and cooperative housing complexes if they agree to make such units available to low and very low income persons. $10.146 million expected to be available, up to 160 awards anticipated. Responses due 6/28/10. For more info, contact Bonnie Edwards-Jackson atBonnie.Edwards@wdc.usda.gov or go to: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=54121. Refer to Sol# USDA-RD-HCFP-HPG-2010. (Grants.gov 4/28/10)

6) Energy Efficient Building Retrofits - Programs and Policies The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation requests proposals for innovative strategies for energy efficiency retrofit programs or policies for the existing building stock in the U.S. Given the large size of the existing building stock in the U.S., the Foundation sees energy efficiency retrofits as a key component of any national plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Up to $3 million expected to be available, individual award range $100K - $350K. Pre-proposals are required, and are due 5/24/10. Final proposals due 7/30/10. For more info, go to: www.ddcf.org/retrofits.

7) State PUCs and Energy Efficiency The U.S. Department of Energy requests proposals for Stimulating Energy Efficiency Action from State Public Utility Commissions. This RFP will support PUCs or equivalent state regulator agencies develop an energy efficiency resource goal and the policies and programs needed to implement that goal. $2 million expected to be available, up to 8 awards anticipated. Responses due 6/7/10. For more info, contact Kelly McDonald at kelly.mcdonald@netl.doe.gov or go to: https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/?doc=DE-FOA-0000266&agency=DOE. Refer to Sol# DE-FOA-0000266. (Grants.gov 4/28/10)

8) Smart Grid R&D The U.S. Department of Energy requests proposals for Smart Grid Research and Development. The goal of this program is to develop an integrated, national electric/communication/information technology infrastructure with the ability to dynamically optimize grid operations and resources and incorporate demand response and consumer participation. Areas of interest include: 1) Integrated distribution management systems for distribution automation, 2) Advanced sensing, monitoring, and control technologies for enhanced asset utilization and grid reliability, and 3) Voltage regulation and overvoltage protection for high penetration of renewable generation. $30 million expected to be available, up to 11 awards anticipated. Responses due 6/22/10. For more info, contact Carla Winaught atCarla.Winaught@netl.doe.gov or go to: https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/?doc=DE-FOA-0000313&agency=DOE. Refer to Sol# DE-FOA-0000313. (Grants.gov 4/22/10)

9) Photovoltaic R&D The U.S. Department of Energy requests proposals for High-Impact Supply Chain R&D for PV Technologies and Systems. The objective of this RFP is to identify and accelerate the development of cross-cutting and unique products or processes that are expected to have a disruptive impact on the PV industry. Areas of interest include but are not limited to: Flexible barrier or protective coatings; Transparent conductors; and High performance glass. Up to $40 million expected to be available, up to 20 awards anticipated. Responses due 7/2/10. For more info, contact Andrea Lucero at andrea.lucero@go.doe.gov or go to:https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/?doc=DE-FOA-0000234&agency=DOE. Refer to Sol# DE-FOA-0000234. (Grants.gov 4/21/10)

10) Photovoltaic Manufacturing Initiative The U.S. Department of Energy requests proposals for the PV Manufacturing Initiative, for projects that will support accelerated development for the U.S. PV industry. Areas of interest include: 1) University-Focused: For Universities to conduct PV manufacturing R&D projects, and 2) Industry-Focused: For Industry to accelerate the development and implementation of PV manufacturing-related technologies through collaborative and non-collaborative models. $125 million expected to be available, up to 5 awards anticipated. Concept Papers due 6/3/10. For more info, contact Andrea Lucero at andrea.lucero@go.doe.gov or go to: https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/?doc=DE-FOA-0000237&agency=DOE. Refer to Sol# DE-FOA-0000237. (Grants.gov 4/21/10)

11) Manufacturing Innovations The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), requests proposals for the Technology Innovation Program, in the area of “Manufacturing.” Through this RFP, NIST seeks to create significant improvements in new and existing products and in their manufacture by accelerating the utilization of materials advances and overcoming critical manufacturing process bottlenecks to improve the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers in the global marketplace. $25 million expected to be available, up to 25 awards anticipated. Responses due 7/15/10. For more info, contact Deborah Dubeau at deborah.dubeau@nist.govor go to: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=53791. Refer to Sol# TIP-2010-B01. (Grants.gov 4/15/10)

12) Marine and Hydrokinetic Technology The U.S. Department of Energy requests proposals for the Marine and Hydrokinetic (MHK) Technology Readiness Advancement Initiative. Through this RFP, DOE seeks to accelerate the development and deployment of these technologies to provide a domestic source of clean, affordable energy that is both economical and ecologically responsible. Areas of interest include: MHK Technologies Concept Development, and MHK Technology Readiness Level Advancement. $38 million expected to be available, up to 26 awards anticipated. Responses due 6/7/10. For more info, contact Pamela Brodie at pamela.brodie@go.doe.gov or go to: https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/?doc=DE-FOA-0000293&agency=DOE. Refer to Sol# DE-FOA-0000293. (Grants.gov 4/20/10)

13) EPA SBIR Phase I The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requests proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase I. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: Green Buildings (Building Materials, Energy and Indoor Environmental Quality, Water Use and Management), Innovations in Manufacturing (Green Manufacturing, Pollution Prevention), Greenhouse Gases, Biofuels, and Wastewater and Sustainable Infrastructure. Responses due 5/11/10. For more info, go to:http://www.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2011/2011_sbir_phase1.html#I. Refer to Sol# PR-NC-10-10251.

14) DOE SBIR/STTR Phase II The U.S. Department of Energy requests proposals from FY09 SBIR/STTR Phase I Awardees to submit Phase II grant applications. The Department may also reconsider previously submitted, peer-reviewed, high ranking Phase II grant applications from FY 2008. The purpose of Phase II is to perform the R&D required to meet objectives stated in the technical topic of the Phase I Funding Opportunity Announcement. It is intended that the small business grantee would be in a position to pursue commercial applications of the R&D at the end of Phase II. $116 million expected to be available, up to 120 awards anticipated. Responses due 5/21/10. For more info, contact Carl Hebron at carl.hebron@science.doe.gov or go to: https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/?doc=DE-FOA-0000350&agency=DOE. Refer to Sol# DE-FOA-0000350. (Grants.gov 4/21/10)

15) Renewable Forests and Rangelands The U.S. Department of Agriculture requests proposals for the Renewable Resources Extension Act - National Focus Fund Projects. This program seeks to expand comprehensive extension programs through better program coordination, innovative technologies, and extension models that can be easily duplicated. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: 1) Rangelands, Drought and Climate Change; and 2) Sustaining the Nation’s Working Forest and Rangeland Resources for Future Generations. $275K expected to be available up to 6 awards anticipated. Responses due 6/8/10. For more info, contact Eric Norland at enorland@nifa.usda.gov or go to:http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/rfas/rrea_nff.html. Refer to Sol# USDA-NIFA-OP-003116. (Grants.gov 4/8/10)

16) Western Water Resources and Climate Change The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, requests proposals for WaterSMART: Research Grants to Develop Climate Analysis Tools. Projects should focus on the development of knowledge, information, and tools that will lead to enhanced management of water resources in the Western U.S. in a changing climate. Applicants must be located in AZ, CA, CO, ID, KS, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY, AS, GU, CNMI or the VI. $1 million expected to be available, up to 6 awards anticipated. Responses due 7/2/10. For more info, contact Stephanie Bartlett at sbartlett@usbr.gov or go to:http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=54186. Refer to Sol# R10SF80326. (Grants.gov 4/30/10)

17) Water Management The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, requests proposals for WaterSMART: System Optimization Review Grants, for projects that assess the potential for water management improvements and identify specific ways to implement those improvements. Applicants must be located in AZ, CA, CO, ID, KS, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY, AS, GU, CNMI or the VI. $1 million expected to be available, up to 6 awards anticipated. Responses due 6/14/10. For more info, contact Stephanie Bartlett atsbartlett@usbr.gov or go to: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=54184. Refer to Sol# R10SF80256. (Grants.gov 4/30/10)

18) Advanced Water Treatment Projects The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, requests proposals for Advanced Water Treatment (AWT) Pilot and Demonstration Project Grants. This RFP will support projects that address the technical, economic, and environmental viability of treating and using brackish groundwater, seawater, impaired waters, or otherwise creating new water supplies within a specific locale. The adoption and use of AWT is a crucial element for addressing Western water issues. Applicants must be located in AZ, CA, CO, ID, KS, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY, AS, GU, CNMI or the VI. $2 million expected to be available, 4 awards anticipated. Responses due 6/29/10. For more info, contact Stephanie Bartlett at sbartlett@usbr.gov or go to:http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=54183. Refer to Sol# R10SF80342. (Grants.gov 4/30/10)

19) Renewables - DOE and NREL The Western Area Power Administration seeks 355 MWh of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) per year for 10 years on behalf of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and an additional 1,235 MWh per year for two years on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy, Golden Field Office. Responses due 5/14/10. For more info, contact radecki@wapa.gov or go to: http://www.wapa.gov/ugp/powermarketing/RenewEnergyCert/2010REC.htm. (Green Power Network 4/30/10)

20) Renewables - Nebraska The Nebraska Public Power District seeks to purchase energy and environmental attributes from small- scale renewable energy projects (2-10 MW) operational on or before 12/1/10. Responses due 9/1/10. For more info, contact Sarah Hopwood at sjhopwo@nppd.com or go to: https://www.ebidexchange.com/Solicitation.aspx?cid=de39905b-7548-48ea-9e74-6f5886972ff7&uid=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&sid=15331. (Green Power Network 4/22/10)

Upcoming USGBC LEED Workshops Near You

The following LEED Workshops are being offered near you soon so register today - it's quick and easy! If you don’t see the course you want, visit our Education Page to review a list of alternative offerings, contact your local chapter or check the online list, updated daily. USGBC member companies also have the option to host an in-house LEED workshop for your employees.

Full-Day Workshop (8:30am – 5:00pm) O+M 251: Understanding the Operations + Maintenance LEED Rating System **NEW!**June 25, 2010: Denver, Colorado

***Register now directly at the links above or visit http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=2177 for full descriptions and quicklinks to USGBC's diverse offerings for professionals seeking education at any level.

Group Discounts: If you have 10 or more full-time employees who plan to attend the same workshop, you may receive a 10% discount on each individual registration fee. Prior to registration, please contact LEEDEducation@usgbc.org for more information and to receive a discount code to use when registering as the discount cannot be applied retroactively.

Pictures from Earth Day (Week)

The chapter was very busy attending events, hosting booths, and advocating for green building during Earth Day Week. Check out some of the pictures of our fantastic members in action at our website, http://usgbcne.org/?Get_Involved:Past_Event_Pictures.