From the Editor
Much of the talk on the exhibit floor at last week's American Institute of Architects show in San Francisco centered around two topics: the recession, and how the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 is addressing it — especially in terms of green initiatives, energy efficiency and renewable energy investments.

There seems to be a wide swath of opinions on whether the stimulus will work. Some are excited, some are waiting to see, and some think the bill is all smoke and mirrors. That said, one of the stipulations of the stimulus bill that has drawn the most chatter in the architectural community is the $3.1 billion allocation to the DOE’s State Energy Program. To be eligible, states must submit applications by May 12 explaining how they'll use stimulus funds over the next 12 months.

But here's the rub: Any state accepting that funding must agree to upgrade its energy codes to at least as stringent as the 2007 version of ASHRAE 90.1. This has folks a little nervous because of the higher standards of the new version of the code, especially in terms of HVAC efficiency and new insulation standards. States have to demonstrate that they will implement a plan for achieving 90 percent compliance with their building energy codes within eight years.

Prior to the stimulus law, only two states – California and Florida – had adopted an energy code at least as stringent the 2007 version of ASHRAE 90, according to DOE. It'll be very interesting to see after next week's deadline how many other states jump on the bandwagon. Facility executives should definitely stay tuned!

As always, I'm interested in your feedback. How do you feel the stimulus has and will affect your energy efficiency plans?

Cheers,

Greg Zimmerman, editor  

Green Strategies
Stimulus: First Aid for Buildings 
From energy incentives to tax credits, the stimulus has billions for facilities. This article explains where to look and what the strings are.    

In the News
$93 Million Allocated for Wind Power Research   
Secretary of Energy Steven Chu announced plans to use $93 million of stimulus funds to support wind research. 

Green Toolkit
Stimulus Resources  
This site from the Alliance to Save Energy provides a variety of links and resources, including a breakdown of all the allocated funds, to help understand the Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.    

Green Pulse
How do you expect the stimulus to affect your organization's energy efficiency initiatives?

— Stimulus funds will provide a big boost.
— Stimulus funds will help us, but only indirectly.
— Not expecting any effect at all from the stimulus.

Click here to sign up for myfacilitesnet — a new social networking site for facility professionals — and to respond to the poll.

GreenTech Conference & Exposition

Facility Management in a Down Economy