WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced the approval of a proposal to construct and operate the largest solar project in U.S. history. U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt signed the Record of Decision (ROD) for Solar Partners XI, LLC to construct a 690-MW photovoltaic solar electric generating facility and ancillary facilities about 30 miles northeast of Las Vegas. The estimated $1 billion Gemini Solar Project could be the eighth-largest solar power facility in the world when finished and is expected to generate enough electricity to power 260,000 homes in the...

WATEROWN, MASS.—Bosch Thermotechnology announced the addition of its Inverter Ducted Package (IDP) 3 Ton, which offers the peak efficiency and compressor technology of its IDP 5 Ton air-source heat pump system in a smaller, even more versatile package. The IDP 3 Ton comprises all of the benefits of the Inverter Split systems in a single cabinet, including best-in-class efficiency and precise modulation to minimize energy usage while simultaneously maximizing comfort in residential and light commercial spaces. While the 5 Ton model provides up to two-stage indoor fan control, the IDP 3 Ton features up to four-stage indoor fan control and...

WEST CALDWELL, N.J.—MaxLite Energy Star certified LED bulbs are being delivered to Massachusetts communities hardest hit by COVID-19 as part of a utility-sponsored program that distributes energy efficient lighting through food pantries. More than 21,400 MaxLite 9-watt Energy Star certified A-line bulbs are being included in meal kits distributed at 45 food pantries in communities such as Lawrence, Methuen, Chelsea, New Bedford, Framingham, and Pittsfield. The distribution is the first phase of a yearlong initiative that will see 240,000 Energy Star certified LED bulbs delivered to Massachusetts and Rhode Island food pantries on behalf of regional utilities that are part...

NATIONAL REPORT—There is tremendous demand for eco-friendly design features and elements not only in residential development but also in commercial development. There are plenty of reasons for business owners to seek out green commercial spaces. In terms of overhead and operating expenses, with an eco-friendly space, there are opportunities to save money. For example, the integration of an energy-efficient PTAC air-conditioning unit can help cool spaces that central air can’t reach. Then, there are also chances for businesses to use their dedication to being green as a marketing tool. Modern consumers want to buy from businesses they feel reflect their values. The following...

ATLANTA—Throughout the current pandemic, Atlanta’s historic Stonehurst Place has continued to provide a safe place to stay for travelers in search of boutique luxury—all with a dose of eco-friendliness thrown in. The eight-suite property, owned by Barb Shadomy and first constructed in 1896, has features including a solar thermal system for water heating, a greywater recycling system, and rainwater purification system. “My partner and I purchased Stonehurst in 2007 and after 14 months of intense renovation, I returned the grand old lady back to her youthful self—with a few modern and green improvements,” Shadomy says. “We have not closed during the current...

ST LOUIS, MO.—Mayor Lyda Krewson has signed an ambitious bill that would require buildings in the City of St. Louis to meet energy efficiency standards and establishes resources to help building owners achieve the savings that come with decreased energy usage. The City is the first jurisdiction in the Midwest and the fourth in the country to pass a Building Energy Performance Standard (BPS). This BPS, unanimously adopted by the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, establishes incrementally increasing energy-saving targets for buildings, and advances the city on its path to eliminating community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. By enacting this policy,...

WEST LAFAYETTE, IND.—Walk in a room, the light goes on. Most people are familiar with the motion sensors that detect activity and then turn on the lights. Purdue University researchers are turning to similar technologies to help manage climate control and indoor air quality. They have developed a sensor to help control and cut down on energy consumption through heating and ventilation systems, particularly those used in large office and hospitality industry buildings. “Climate control and proper ventilation are especially important because most people spend considerably more time indoors than outside,” said Jeff Rhoads, a professor of mechanical engineering in Purdue’s...

When it comes to finding the right HVAC system for your building, it can be challenging to find the right balance between high-quality performance and meeting sustainability goals. To make the best decision, building owners have to compare the purchase and installation price, operational cost and projected life expectancy of the equipment. Often, the most energy-efficient equipment can cost more to install up-front but also offer significant savings in operational costs over the long term. On the other side of the equation, less efficient equipment may end up costing less initially but will use more energy during day to day operations....

RALEIGH, N.C.—With COVID-19 mandated closures and slow re-openings, many of North Carolina’s tourism and hospitality businesses are struggling to cut operating costs, including utilities. This webinar on Thursday, May 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. provides a real-time, peer-to-peer forum to hear from leading hospitality businesses and Duke Energy. Learn, hear and Share: How hospitality businesses are managing utilities under their current operational constraints. Smart approaches to controlling utility use and costs during closures and upon re-openings. What are the latest savings programs and advice offered by Duke Energy. How businesses are renegotiating waste services for improved cost controls. Panelists...

Name: Yalmaz Siddiqui Title: V.P., Corporate Sustainability Company: MGM Resorts International Years in Current Position: Four Primary Responsibilities: “The main ones are to think about what the company should focus on. What should the company prioritize? To initiate new ideas. To start new things. To integrate the preferable habits and practices so they become normal. Partnering with marketing and social media to communicate.” Organization’s most significant accomplishment in the area of global corporate responsibility: “There are many but our decision to create CityCenter—which was the world’s largest privately funded LEED certified development when it opened in 2009.” Organization’s most significant challenge moving forward in the...