Obama Plans to 'Green' The White House

President-elect Barack Obama says that he plans to make the White House more environmentally friendly to set an example for other Americans. Barbara Walters, who interviewed the president-elect and his wife, Michelle Obama, for an ABC special, asked if Americans should be expected to make any sacrifices in light of the financial crisis. More

Energy Efficiency Helps Consumers 'Weather' Heating Bills at Time of Economic Strain for Many

Even though winter energy price projections have come down, consumers already facing a tough economic climate are likely to be paying more to heat their homes this winter than they spent a year or two ago, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. High home heating costs make energy efficiency as timely as ever, says the Alliance, which also highlights new federal income tax credits for homeowners who make energy efficiency home improvements in 2009. More

Los Angeles Plans to Power 10 Percent of City with Solar Energy by 2020

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa plans to unveil a proposal this afternoon to meet 10 percent of the city’s energy needs with solar power by 2020. The announcement will be made at Solar Integrated Technologies, an LA-based company contracted last month to supply thin-film solar panels for a 1.1 megawatt project by Oregon utility Portland General Electric. More

Preventing Dust Explosions: The Human Element

Plant managers need workers' help to control dust and eliminate ignition sources, which are the easiest ways to minimize the chances of an explosion. In fact, workers often are crucial to reducing and preventing dust explosions. More

New Version of LEED Certification Weighs Region-specific Methods

LEED 2009, the newest version of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program of the U.S. Green Building Council, has been approved by LEED membership and will take effect at the beginning of 2009. The changes include a re-weighting of the LEED points needed to achieve certification, and the introduction new credits for energy saving building methods specific to various regions of the country. More