Idaho

It has often been said that you can’t manage what you can’t measure. Data from the Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) have important direct and indirect impacts on the building industry and U.S. economy. CBECS is a nationally representative survey of commercial building energy consumption and expenditures, and their energy-related characteristics in the United States.

September 13, 2011

A conversation with Margie Harris, Energy Trust of OregonPresenter: Margie HarrisDescription: The Energy Trust of Oregon is one of a small handful of third party implementers of energy efficiency program activity. Margi Harris has served as its Executive Director since the Trust’s inception. This is an opportunity to hear from Margie her view of what the Trust has accomplished, where its headed, and the role that trade allies have and will play in the Trust’s activities.

October 26, 2011

In March, NEEC conducted free webinars for members with our governmental affairs teams in Washington and Oregon. The format worked successfully and we have decided to extend the concept and offer our members opportunity to participate in informational webinars on items of interest to the industry. All current members (subtle reminder to renew your dues if you have not already!) will receive a webinar schedule for the next 6 months. Participation is easy, just a phone line and internet connection is all you need.

The Office of Energy Resources released an RFQ for HVAC and control system service providers on February 19. The state is seeking to qualify and select providers that will provide mechanical system tune-ups on approximately 715 statewide K-12 buildings over the next eight months. Providers can specify portions of the state they are willing to service, or they can opt to provide services to the entire state. Firms are encouraged to partner with local providers. Non Idaho firms are eligible to propose if they have a history of K-12 work within the state.

NEEC, in collaboration with the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, was named a recipient of a US Department of Labor grant for job training and placement in the building energy efficiency sector. NEEC will utilize this funding for the Sound Energy Efficiency Development (SEED) project to be implemented by a regional partnership of employers, labor organizations, Workforce Development Councils, One Stop Career Centers, and community and technical colleges across a five county area in the Puget Sound region.

NEEC, in collaboration with the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, was named a recipient of a US Department of Labor grant for job training and placement in the building energy efficiency sector. NEEC will utilize this funding for the Sound Energy Efficiency Development (SEED) project to be implemented by a regional partnership of employers, labor organizations, Workforce Development Councils, One Stop Career Centers, and community and technical colleges across a five county area in the Puget Sound region.

In late summer the Idaho Building Code Board approved the rule for adoption of the International body of codes including the International Energy Conservation Code. The Rule goes to the Idaho legislature for approval in January, 2010, and will become effective on January 1, 2011. All Idaho jurisdictions who adopt building codes are obligated to adopt the code package by the effective date.

The Recovery Act continues to fuel Idaho. One of our largest industries, microchip maker Micron, has been granted five million dollars for development and production of LED lamps, fixtures and control systems. According to the Micron team they are ready to begin production of some fixture types.