reEnergize Program Update

More information at http://reenergizeprogram.org/.

Together, let us improve your home's comfort and energy efficiency, rejuvenate commercial buildings, create jobs, and reinvest in our communities.

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Residential

The pilot group of 30 energy evaluations have been complete, and program participants are moving forward to have energy upgrades installed in their homes. Our pool of pre-qualified energy evaluators are currently working through their first contracted evaluations with the program, with an additional bundle set to be released for bidding tomorrow. Contractors who have met the program guidelines for qualifications and training are eligible to bid on bundles of contracts. If you like to become a pre-qualifed energy evaluator, please fill out the Energy Evaluator Application online.

Participants who have had evaluations completed are currently being scheduled for energy upgrade work. Similar to the evaluation process, the pilot group of upgrade work is being completed which will allow the program to make sure our standards, communication channels, and online tools are fully functional prior to contracted work beginning. There is a significant need for contractors who have training and experience with energy upgrades, and course work for both Weatherization Installers and Crew Chiefs has been developed specifically to meet the qualifications of the reEnergize Program. Please visit the Metropolitan Community College Weatherization Training Center to learn more about the available courses.

Energy Upgrade Contractors who meet the qualifications described in the program technical documents should,

- Fill out the Interested Contractor Form

- Contact the reEnergize Program if you have any questions, contractor@reEnergizeProgram.org

- Complete the Energy Upgrade Contractor Application (printed on paper and filled out)

- Mail completed applications to:

reEnergize Program
1819 Farnam Street
Suite 311
Omaha, NE 68183

Commercial

The commercial and nonprofit section of our program website is now posted publicly. We are looking for building owners in the Start Zones who see the benefit to their bottom line from saving energy, making their work environment more safe and healthy, and developing a comprehensive Sustainability Action Plan. If you know of a business who would be interested in participating, please guide them to the Commercial/Nonprofit Intake Form.

Contractors who are interested in completing commercial energy evaluations for the reEnergize Program should fill out the Interested Contractor Form. Questions about the this portion of the program should be addressed to contractor@reEnergizeProgram.org.

LEED 2012 Public Comments Round-table

As you may know, the next version of the LEED Rating System, LEED 2012, is currently open for a second public comment. In an effort to provide the more comprehensive feedback to the USGBC, M.E. GROUP (along with USGBC Nebraska Flatwater Chapter) is hosting a LEED 2012 Public Comments Round-table focusing on the LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations rating system. (Download the event flier here.)

Please join us on Thursday, September 8th from 4-6pm for wine and cheese, a discussion of the major changes proposed for LEED 2012, and breakout sessions by category to generate feedback comments for USGBC. The group will document each comment and submit as a whole.

This event will be held at the office of M.E. GROUP, 8040 Davenport Street, Omaha, NE. (Location subject to change based on attendance).

M.E. GROUP staff will present an overview of the major proposed changes to the LEED 2012 rating system to facilitate a conversation of pros, cons and recommendations. While this round-table is focusing on New Construction & Major Renovations, we can apply our comments to other rating systems as applicable.

This event is free and open to the green building community. We welcome your perspective and expertise.

Please RSVP by September 6th to Brad Carne at 402-334-2155 or brad.carne@megroup.com

More information on LEED Rating System development is available online at http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=2360.

A summary of changes from the 1st LEED 2012 public comment to the 2nd public comment as well as changes from LEED 2009 to LEED 2012 2nd public comment is available at http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=2521.

U.S. Small Business Administration Certified Trade Mission

Certified Trade Mission - “Intelligent Buildings: Putting the Pieces Together”
Trade Mission • Green Building Conference • Matchmaking Services

The mission flyer is available online.

Who: U.S.‐based companies interested in expanding their business in France.
When: October 9–13, 2011
What: A multifaceted trade mission that includes site visits, an international conference, and matchmaking services.
Where: Paris, France

This trade mission is focusing on small businesses in the “Green Building” industry sector, and 12-15 U.S. companies will be asked to join SBA’s Deputy Administrator Marie Johns on this mission; that was requested by SBA from our U.S. Ambassador in Paris.

The U.S. Foreign Commercial Service will actually be doing their Gold Key Matchmaking between the U.S. companies and French business and government sector buyers.

The Questionnaire/Company Profile Form needs to be completed and returned no later than September 7th by companies hoping to be included, and sent back to SBA. They will then be sent to Paris for evaluation to determine the opportunities of finding pre-qualified buyers/partners small business participants.

As for the cost of the mission: it is estimated that in addition to the Commerce Department fee for the gold key (usually $700 but could be reduced in half for first-time small business users of this service); there is airfare, lodging and meals + personal expenses, so the total can be approximately $5,000 per company sending just the CEO or other company decision-maker. One additional person from a firm can attend with no additional Gold Key fee, only the travel, etc.

It is critically important that any participating company should send the CEO or other decision-maker in the firm. There have been many deals consummated during trade missions, but a certain deal breaker is when the attending company representative cannot answer a prospective buyer’s questions.

Please contact Richard Ginsburg, Senior International Trade Specialist, Public Affairs, Office of International Trade, U.S. Small Business Administration at (202) 205-7429 , should you have further questions.

CMP and LEED AP Enrollment Windows Closing Soon

LEED Professionals: Remember that GBCI and My Credentials are the sources for all of your CMP and enrollment information. Log in to http://www.gbci.org/mycredentials to check your enrollment window. Find ERB-approved courses at https://www.usgbc.org/coursecatalog/coursecatalog.aspx.

Green Home Tour 2011 - SAVE THE DATE!

When: Saturday, October 15th
Where: The Harper Center, Creighton University

The 2011 Green Home Tour and Expo, sponsored by the GOC in conjunction with Creighton University and the USGBC Flatwater Chapter, will highlight the benefits of sustainable design within both individual homes and the larger community. Showcasing homes in East Omaha, this year’s tour focuses on urban re-development, walk-able neighborhoods and mixed-use design. The expo provides Omaha residents a chance to meet with green product vendors and listen to presentations on a range of green topics, including Omaha's reEnergize Program. There will also be opportunities to learn about and explore Creighton’s numerous sustainable initiatives, including its solar array and wind turbine installations. Shuttle services will be provided for the home tour, or you can join our organized cyclists’ tour!

For information on volunteer opportunities or how to become a green product vendor, contact Megan Lutz at mlutz@dlrgroup.com.

Job Opportunity | MCC is seeking 2 part-time Sustainability Champions through AmeriCorps

You can download the full description below, but here are the logistics:

* 2 part-time positions
* 20 hours/week to be completed weekdays between 8a.m.-5p.m. (attendance at some evening/weekend events may be required)
* Earliest Start Date: September 1, 2011. AmeriCorps is a one-year, 900-hour commitment through August 31, 2012.
* Successful applicants are eligible for up to 18 credit hours of tuition assistance at MCC
* Monthly living stipend from AmeriCorps
* Education Award from AmeriCorps upon completion of 900 hours. Amount: $2,250 for eligible education expenses such as future education or paying back student loans.

Download the full job description here.

Please e-mail resume and cover letter to: Daniel Lawse (djlawse@mccneb.edu) and Penny Boykins (pboykins@mccneb.edu).