Facilities America to be Held Oct 29 - Nov 1, 2009 - Register Today!

AFE will present Facilities America, a comprehensive conference program on the latest in facilities management topics being held in conjunction with the Carolina Industrial & Facility Maintenance Show October 29 – November 1 in Greenville, SC. Click here for more information and to register.     More

Changes to National Model Energy Codes Could Help Buildings Save Energy Costs

New Buildings Institute (NBI) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) are proposing comprehensive changes to a national model energy code for new commercial buildings, the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The proposed high-efficiency energy code is based on NBI’s Core Performance protocol and would create buildings that are 20 to 25 percent more energy efficient than what the current average standards require. More

World's Largest Solar Project Planned for Saharan Desert

If just 0.3 percent of the Saharan Desert was used for a concentrating solar plant, it would produce enough power to provide all of Europe with clean renewable energy. That is why 20 blue chip German companies are gathering together next month to discuss plans and investments to create such a massive project. Both the meeting and project are being promoted by the Desertec Foundation, which is proposing to erect 100 GW of concentrating solar power plants throughout Northern Africa. MoreMore

Green Building Retrofits Represent a Potential $400 Billion Market

Boosted in part by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which will provide significant funding for renovations to federal building, the total potential market for major green renovations in the commercial building sector is approximately $400 billion, according to a new study by Pike Research. Although currently a relatively small market, the market researcher forecasts that comprehensive efficiency retrofits will more than triple in annual revenue to $6.6 billion by 2013. More

AFE Webinars: Top-Notch Facilities Training

AFE's virtual classes provide a one-stop educational resource for the plant/facilities engineering, operations, and maintenance professional. Classes are taught by experienced representatives from the field. In addition, each course equates to 0.1 CEU or recertification credit for individuals currently holding AFE credentialing (CPE, CPMM or CPS). Plus -- it's free for AFE Members! For information on upcoming classes, Click here.More

The Clean Energy Economy is Poised for Explosive Growth

A report released this month from The Pew Charitable Trust shows that the clean energy economy is poised for explosive growth. The report highlights investments being made today in clean energy that will drive future growth. MoreMore

Flower Power: World's First Hybrid Solar-Gas Turbine Turning on Soon

The world's first solar hybrid power plant is set to open on June 24 at Kibbutz Samar outside Eilat in southern Israel. When operating at full capacity, the flower-like AORA plant will supply 100 kilowatts of electric power--enough for 70 households--and 170 kilowatts of solar thermal energy. AORA's strucutre is based on technology developed at Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science. More

The Empire State Building: Case Study of a Profitable Energy Efficiency Retrofit

In April, former President Bill Clinton, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) Chief Scientist Amory Lovins, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Empire State Building owner Tony Malkin, along with project partners Jones Lang LaSalle and Johnson Controls Inc. announced an audacious plan to reduce the energy use of the Empire State Building by 38 percent, and save US$4.4 million annually in the process. The plan was the result of a 12-month study, which included intensive building measurements, energy and financial modeling, and tenant engagement. More

U.S. Cities May Have to be Bulldozed in Order to Survive

Dozens of US cities may have entire neighbourhoods bulldozed as part of drastic "shrink to survive" proposals being considered by the Obama administration to tackle economic decline. More