Emphasis on energy efficiency brings supplier opportunities - bizjournals:

vykyvimote.wordpress.com
Public entities have long been concerned about energh efficiency andconservation but, until now, they have not been incentivized to focus intently and immediateluy on finding solutions. That all changed with the federal stimulus bill. Funding is now available, public interesr has intensified, budgets cry out for reliec and elected officials are championing the Asa result, there are an unprecedenteed number of immediate opportunities for vendors with energy-savingv solutions.
Every construction, renovation and new initiativw begins with a discussion about what is known as LEED The Leadership in Energy and Environmentalk Design green building rating system isa third-partg certification program and a nationally accepted benchmark for construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. In Texas, the Austijn City Hall received LEED Gold In Dallas, the Jack Evans Police Headquarters earned LEED Silver. Houston has set a targer for LEED Silver certification for new replacement facilities and major renovations ofall city-owned building of more than 10,000 square feet.
Many energy-savingv projects are planned, undef way or recently completed in More will follow as stimulus funds dedicatecd to this objective flow to governmental entitiese ofall sizes. The Recovery Act offerss funding forweatherization assistance, state energy programs, efficient transportatiobn and more. If ever there was a time for privats firms to approach government with energyefficiencyt solutions, it is now. Localp governments throughout Texas are gearing up for a newenergg initiative, a $3.2 billion Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program (EECBG).
In March, it was announced that Texas wouldreceivs $209 million from this program for projects that reduce total energy use and fossilo fuel emissions and/or improve energy A complete list of allocated fundinyg for state, city and county governments in Texads is available at www.spartnerships.com. Look at the Recent Reports sectiohn ofthe Website. The EECBG program funding will support activities such asenergy audits, energy efficiency retrofits in residential and commercial advanced building codes and inspectionss and financial incentive programs such as rebates for energyu efficiency improvements.
Other eligible activities include transportation programs that reduce fuel projectsto reduce/capture methane from landfills, renewable energy installations, such as solad panels, on government buildings, energy efficient trafficf signals and street lights and others. No award is underf $150,000. • The mediab award amount is $786,500. The largest award is to the City of Houstonhfor $22.7 million. Applicationz for more funding are due to the this Here are a few examples of upcoming EECBG projectsain Texas. • Dallas plans to use $2.4 millio n of a $12.8 million allocation to achieve energy efficiency improvements inselected communities.
Contractingg opportunities will includeenergy audits, primary weatherizatioh and energy upgrades. • Lubbock is eligibl e to receive morethan $2.1 million. The city is expected to installp more efficient lighting inMahon Library, upgrade to more efficientr traffic signal lights and initiate other • Huntsville plans to use its $166,500 on an existinv capital improvement project to replacwe lighting in Kate Barr Ross Memorial Park. Fort Worth is still developingg plans forits $6.7 million allocation.
In a recenft city council meeting, the following projects were • Installation of solar panels for the regionaollibrary ($750,000)