President Obama's 2011 $1.56 trillion budget includes significant earmarks for clean energy investment and "green" job creation.  The budget includes $28.4 B for DOE green programs including (1) $500 M in credit subsidies to support $3 B to $5 B in loan guarantees for energy efficiency and renewable projects; and (2) $4.7 B in clean energy investments including $302 M for solar energy, $220 M for biofuels, $325 M for green vehicles, $231 M for efficient buildings; $545 M for clean coal; $300 M for the Advanced Research; and $793 M for civilian nuclear energy.  The EPA requests $10 B, including $21 M to implement the Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule and $56 M to help states address climate change through regulatory initiatives
Related: DOE budget targets clean energy, energy efficiency advances (Environmental Leader)

This Ceres and Mercer report finds that proven energy-efficiencies can unlock real estate profits.  The report highlights case studies and research:  (1) TIAA-CREF is reducing energy use in its real estate portfolio by 10% yielding $4 million a year in reduced energy costs; (2) CalPERS is on target for a 20% energy use reduction goal in its real estate portfolio; (3) Maastricht University's study found a 3.5% rent increase for “green” buildings, and with Energy Star ratings, 6% higher occupancy rates and 16-17% per square foot sales premiums; (4) Jones Lang LaSalle became the first major real estate service firm to enroll 100% of its 330 office buildings in the Energy Star program; (5) a KPMG study found that energy consumption in buildings can be cut by 30 to 50% and still produce a positive return on investments.  Key findings include (a) Energy efficient buildings offer higher rent, occupancy, valuation and lower operating costs; (b) No- or low-cost energy improvements can quickly reduce operating costs; (c) Poorly performing buildings can expect significant gains once they become energy efficient; (d) Managers and products that consider energy efficiency and green building practices are increasingly available to investors; (e) Barriers to energy efficiency are eroding as demand grows.

GreenBiz.com’s third annual State of Green Business report measures the environmental impacts of the growing green economy.  The report revealed more companies are doing more things, but moving the needle of environmental progress only slightly.  The report found that despite the recession, there was a steady increase in green businesses and increases in the number of certified green office space, reduced paper use, increased recycling, and reduced water use.  But little progress was made in electronic waste disposal and other areas.

The Green Codes Task Force of New York City unveiled 111 building code recommendations, many first-in-the-nation initiatives.  Click here for the full report.

The EPA and the Department of Energy launched the State Energy Efficiency (SEE) Action Network to help states achieve maximum cost-effective energy-efficiency improvements for commercial and residential project by 2020.
Related: EPA & Energy Star saved $48M in 2009 across commercial building portfolios (Environmental Leader)

The USGBC launched a campaign to help college campuses adopt more complete sustainability models.  For details click here: Green Campus Campaign.

Data centers in California are facing strong government pressure to become energy efficient.  Green building code standards will require new buildings to reach 20% reduction in water consumption and 50% in recycling construction waste.

Hines owned KPMG Building in San Francisco earned LEED-EB Gold.  This 25-story, 379,328-square-foot office building earns an ENERGY STAR rating of 97 which is 57% better than the national average building.  The building features 75% monthly landfill diversion through recycling, composting and e-waste disposal; a high-performance green cleaning program; reduced heat island effect and nighttime light pollution; a 25% reduction in indoor potable water use; comprehensive commissioning; the installation of low-mercury lamps; the installation of MERV-13 air filters to provide the cleanest indoor air; and alternative transportation options for commuters.

Santa Barbara Airport's recently constructed rental car service facility earned LEED Gold and includes a 10,000-sq. ft. maintenance and support building, car wash bays, fueling, and  vehicle storage.

California's first "Passive House" in Napa Valley features mechanical system that use 90% less energy and implements the Passive House Planning Package to model energy use.

The Caterpillar Administration Building earned LEED-EBOM Gold and is the first LEED-EBOM project in Illinois outside of the Chicago area.  It features 40% energy use savings and 50% water use savings.

GE dedicated a $45 million Renewable Energy Global Headquarters in Schenectady, NY and celebrated the installation of GE's 13,500th wind turbine globally.  The Renewable Energy Global Headquarters has created 650 new jobs, 150 more than originally anticipated.