Billions in stimulus funds are earmarked to make government buildings more energy efficient.  However, it could take months or years for spending to trickle down to contractors.  $5.5 billion was earmarked for the General Services Administration of which $2 billion was to be allocated before 12/31/09.  To date, only $1.5 billion was appropriated and only $89 million was paid out by the GSA.  The delay in spending reflects the long lead time required for architects and engineers to design energy efficient building modifications.  While private sector construction is stalled, green contractors hoped the GSA, which is America's largest landlord with a 1,500-building portfolio, would use its purchasing power to lower green costs, test emerging products and educate the industry.

Even during the recession and credit freeze, McGraw-Hill found that green construction starts increased fivefold between 2005 and 2008.  McGraw-Hill expects the domestic green building market to triple by 2013 for a total of $140 billion in green construction.  Public awareness, government regulations, and bottom-line advantages are fueling green building's growth.
Other: LEED standards just the beginning (Daily Commercial News)

Carbon-permit market slides after Copenhagen
The Wall Street Journal - Dec 22

Time for climate change Plan B
The Wall Street Journal - Dec 22

Chinese law to increase renewable energy
The Wall Street Journal - Dec 28

Sharman and Knowledge Global created EMMA, an automated building environmental monitoring system, for property managers who want to measure, track and forecast how much energy a building is using while simultaneously educating their tenants about their carbon output.

San Francisco set aside $150 million for residential and commercial building owners to finance improvements in energy efficiency, renewable energy, solar and water conservation.  The improvements will be paid back through property taxes over the life of the financing.

Some commercial and residential insurers now offer discounts for green buildings because energy efficient lighting reduces the risk of fire and energy efficient windows stand up better during storms.

Experts recommend that all systems that affect the operations of a building need to be networked and integrated for visibility and communications between devices.  Connected buildings will lead to smarter, greener retrofitted or new buildings.

San Rafael is advocating an updated green-building law for all of Marin County that requires pre-wiring and pre-plumbing for future photovoltaic and solar hot-water systems, insulating exposed hot-water pipes and adding a radiant barrier to reroofing projects.

Several practical suggestions should be considered as part of a comprehensive risk management strategy to increase the likelihood of achieving LEED certification on time and within budget.

Singapore is using its Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) masterplan to lower energy consumption, create green jobs and support environmental protection.  BCA launched a roving exhibition focused on each persons part in the green building movement.

Liberty Property Trust earned LEED Gold for its office building in Jacksonville.  The 80,000-square-foot building was constructed last year and features enhanced daylight views, a highly reflective TPO roof membrane and high-efficiency mechanical systems.

Midwest Research Institute earned LEED Certification for the $25 million renovation of its 50-year-old Kansas City headquarters featuring energy-efficient windows, high-efficiency HVAC, low-flow lab hoods, water-savings, daylighting, green building materials, etc.

Ontario Realty Corporation will transform the massive former Sears Canada head office, into a green, state-of-the-art workplace for the Ontario Public Service featuring a cool roof, low-emitting regional materials, and sensors which optimize energy performance.

The Shanghai engine maintenance, a joint venture of Pratt & Whitney and China Eastern Airlines, is the first facility in China to earn LEED Platinum.  Features include water savings, rainwater usage, high-performance conditioning and lighting, local materials, certified stewarded wood products and recycling.