Green News ― February 2009

Consortium developed to advise DOE

Newark offers on-the-job green training

LeDuc & Dexter join GreenPlumbers USA

Ten organizations have formed a consortium to provide guidance and technical expertise on sustainability issues to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Program. The High Performance Commercial Green Building Partnership consists of: the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute; the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers; the American Institute of Architects; the Alliance to Save Energy; the Building Owners and Managers Association; the International Code Council; the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America; the National Association of State Energy Officials; the National Electrical Manufacturers Association; and the U.S. Green Building Council. For more information, go to www.hpcgbp.org.

The city of Newark, N.J., will launch a partnership to offer free on-the-job training in green construction jobs for Newark residents. Partners include the Laborers International Union Eastern Region and the Garden State Alliance for a New Economy. The Star-Ledger reported that participants will earn accreditation by undertaking these projects while being paid union rates.

Santa Rosa, Calif.-based LeDuc & Dexter is the area’s first regional GreenPlumbers USA licensee. The company has 75 employees and about 50 trucks. Services include residential, commercial, design/build, hydronics and a residential service division called Super Service Plumbing.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry recently launched a new Web site - www.greenremodeling.org. The new site will be a resource for homeowners and industry professionals. Eco-minded homeowners can find Green Certified Professionals, and green remodeling professionals will have a place to learn, gather information and get connected to others in the industry.

Manufacturers rep agency Wales-Darby Inc. opened an energy-efficiency showroom at its Islandia, N.Y., location. Designed as a multipurpose facility, the Wales-Darby Energy Room provides a setting dedicated to the display of functional HVAC/plumbing products and systems that present real, energy-efficient and eco-conscious alternatives to standard efficiency options.