California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the largest rooftop solar installation project ever proposed by a U.S. utility. Southern California Edison intends to install 250 megawatts of advanced photovoltaic generating technology on approximately 65 million square feet of commercial rooftop space to be leased from ProLogis and several other landlords, all of which shall be located in Southern California. 

Clean energy revenue is expected to triple over the next decade to $254 billion, a Clean Edge survey reveals. Clean Edge, a San Francisco based company, which has tracked the sector since 2000, says the revenue growth of four benchmark clean energy industries wind, solar, bio-fuels and fuel cells shows that they are up by 40 per cent. All the growth, it says, has meant that investment capital has poured into the sector with clean energy stocks easily outpacing the broader markets.

Chula Vista, California is considering mandatory “green” building standards for new homes and businesses. Chula Vista would be the first city in the county to formally adopt green building standards for private development. Notable recommendations include: requiring all businesses to have an energy audit every three years, facilitating “smart growth” around trolley stations, and requiring that the city fleet be 100 percent hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicles.

L.A. County is considering its own Green Building Program, and holding seven public meetings (six remaining) in March to discuss draft Green Building Ordinances. These ordinances cover new construction, expansions and remodels in L.A. County unincorporated areas. Among the requirements are high energy efficiency, drought-tolerant landscaping and low impact development standards.

An ordinance introduced in Jacksonville Florida, would require all new civic or office construction projects owned by the City and its independent agencies and authorities to meet LEED criteria. The ordinance also promotes the private sector to go green by providing incentives, such as priority permitting for projects meeting LEED or other green criteria.

Annapolis, Maryland, joins approximately 60 other communities around the country in adopting Green Building standards. Mayor Ellen O. Moyer signed into law 0-56-07, the City of Annapolis Green Building Law. Commencing Jan. 1, 2009, all public buildings under the legislation would have to be U.S. Green Building Council LEED certified Silver, or the equivalent and affected commercial construction would have to be LEED certified, or the equivalent. Commencing July 1, 2009, all included single family residential construction would have to be LEED certified, or the equivalent.

MEGA, the Michigan Economic Developers Association has proposed a five percent tax credit for projects that build to LEED certification. Such incentives are not currently found elsewhere in the country, and "speaks to western Michigan's strength in sustainability" according to report.

ALM’s Real Estate Media (REM) division announced the launch of a new online section devoted to sustainable commercial real estate issues. The new section will serve as the online hub for all coverage of green issues and information throughout REM's network of print, online and event properties. The site will include blogs and a section featuring updates from BOMA and the U.S. Green Buildings Council.

Sharp, the biggest maker of solar panels, has just invested $725 million into a plant that will make thin film solar cells. Production of solar panels will start in March of 2010, with an initial annual capacity of 480 megawatts, bringing Sharp’s total production to 1 gigawatt. Sharp claims that by using large-size glass substrates, they will “dramatically improve production efficiency” and be better able to respond to the growing demand for solar photovoltaic panels.

Countrywide Home Loans, a division of Countrywide Bank, FSB, announced the retail launch of its Green Incentive Program, which will initially be available in thirteen states, including: Alaska, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The program provides an interest rate reduction of .125% on a Countrywide loan used to purchase a new home that is built meeting recognized green and energy efficient standards.

Legislation was recently approved in Michigan that will require that 10 percent of electricity in state buildings come from wind, solar or other renewable sources by 2010. The standard would rise to 25 percent by 2025, though the government could avoid mandates if it turns out the cost of renewable energy is more than 5 percent higher than traditional power.