EPA Requires Electronic DMRs and Other NPDES Reports

Although the final rule changes the mode of transmission of these data (i.e., electronic rather than paper-based reporting), it does not change the information required from NPDES-permitted facilities under existing regulations and practices.

According to EPA, this action will save time and resources for permittees, states, tribes, territories, and the government while increasing data accuracy, improving compliance, and supporting EPA's goal of providing better protection of the nation's waters. This regulation will help provide greater clarity on who is and who is not in compliance and enhances transparency by providing a timelier, complete, more accurate, and nationally-consistent set of data about the NPDES program.

By providing improved data in a more accessible form, EPA and authorized NPDES programs will be able to target the most serious water quality and compliance problems. And, by reducing the time and resources devoted to outdated data management activities, the rule could allow authorized NPDES programs to shift limited resources to important water quality and public health protection activities. The transition from paper to electronic reporting will require close coordination and cooperation between EPA and authorized NPDES programs.

The rule will go into effect on December 21, 2015.

Hazardous Waste Generator Improvement Rule

 

In the first major modification to the hazardous waste regulations in over 10 years, EPA plans to modify and reorganize the hazardous waste generator rule. When adopted, the rule will provide greater flexibility in how hazardous waste is managed and close important gaps in the regulations.

Attend Environmental Resource Center’s live, online session on November 16 to learn:

• New requirements for documenting hazardous waste determinations
• Revised requirements for when and how to submit the Notification of Generator Status form to EPA
• How to take advantage of the episodic generation exclusion to avoid reclassification to a larger generator status
• Definitions of important new terms – “Very Small Quantity Generator” and “Central Accumulation Area”
• How to mark containers, tanks, and containment buildings with new information required at central accumulation areas and satellites
• New conditions under which containers can be left open at satellite accumulation areas
• Updated time and volume limits for satellite accumulation areas
• New documentation requirements for contingency plans and biennial reports
• New requirements for shipping hazardous waste from a VSQG to another facility owned by the same organization

 

EPA’s Proposed New Standards for Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals

EPA has proposed new flexible rules at 40 CFR 266 Subpart P for the management of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals by healthcare facilities, long-term care facilities, pharmacies, retail stores, and reverse distributors. The rule is projected to prevent the flushing of more than 6,400 tons of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals annually by banning healthcare facilities from flushing hazardous waste pharmaceuticals down the sink and toilet.

At this session on November 13, you will learn:

• The difference between creditable, non-creditable, and evaluated pharmaceuticals – and who must make this determination
• How the new rule will impact your hazardous waste generator status
• New “empty” definition for unit dose containers, syringes, and other containers
• Conditional exemption for DEA controlled substances
• Requirements for on-site storage
• Waste container management and labeling
• Accumulation time limits
• Sewer disposal prohibition
• Authorized disposal and other management options
• Impact of the new rule on household collection programs
• Manifest and alternative transport tracking documents
• Recordkeeping requirements
• Requirements for reverse distributors

 

San Diego Title 22 Hazardous Waste and DOT Hazardous Material Training

 

In the hazardous waste session, you will learn how to comply with the latest requirements for the management of hazardous waste in California, including how to:

• Determine which wastes are classified as EPA and California hazardous waste
• Properly manage hazardous wastes at accumulation points and satellite accumulation points
• Comply with VOC emission control requirements
• Complete hazardous waste manifests and avoid common errors
• Complete land disposal notices and certifications
• Determine when you must apply for a tiered permit
• Meet DTSC’s requirements for Business Plans, CERS reports, and source reduction
• Manage universal waste, used oil, and other special wastes
• Comply with recent changes in the hazardous waste regulations that can affect your facility

In the DOT session, you will learn how to:

• Determine which of the materials shipped from your site are classified as hazardous materials
• Select packages that meet DOT requirements for your hazardous materials
• Properly fill and seal packages
• Mark, label, and placard hazardous materials
• Take advantage of exceptions for limited quantities, consumer commodities, and materials of trade
• Complete and certify accurate shipping papers
• Provide emergency instructions and ensure hazardous material safety
• Meet DOT hazardous material security requirements

 

Williamsburg RCRA and DOT Training

 

Orlando RCRA and DOT Training

 

EPA to Revise Hazardous Waste Export and Import Rules

 

House of Representatives Approves Bill Requiring a Threat Assessment of Hazardous Materials Transported in the US

The House of Representatives approved a bill introduced by Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) requiring a threat assessment on the transportation of chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological materials through US land borders and within the United States.

“Terrorists and militant groups have expressed an interest in using highly dangerous weapons, especially those utilizing chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear, known as CBRN agents or materials,” said Higgins. “This bill gives federal agencies the information they need to make decisions and develop policies that are informed by the terrorism threat picture.”

The Know the CBRN Terrorism Threats to Transportation Act (H.R.3350) directs the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis to conduct a terrorism threat assessment in consultation with US Customs and Border Protection and the Transportation Security Administration within 90 days of enactment of the bill and requires that the findings are shared with federal, state, and local partners.

Higgins’s bill comes in response to a plan by the US Department of Energy (DOE) to begin the transport of highly-enriched liquid uranium from Chalk River Ontario to the DOE’s Savannah Energy River site in Aiken, South Carolina, via the Peace Bridge in 2016. Congressman Higgins’ Western New York district borders Lake Erie and Canada and includes two northern border rail crossings and three automobile crossings, including the Peace Bridge, the busiest passenger crossing on the northern border and the second busiest cargo point of entry. In addition, the route crosses the Niagara River, which feeds Niagara Falls and connects two of the Great Lakes, which in its entirety contains 95% of the surface fresh water in the United States. Higgins argues that an attack, or even an accident involving one of these trucks, would have catastrophic consequences.

 

$81,855 Fine for TSCA Import Violations

 

EPA has settled its case against American Vanguard Corporation, located in Newport Beach, California, for failure to report toxic chemical substances imported by two of its subsidiary companies. American Vanguard will pay a fine of $81,855.

Under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (), EPA maintains a comprehensive list of more than 85,000 chemical substances called the TSCA Inventory. Bulk chemical substances on this list weighing more than 25,000 lb that are imported, manufactured, processed, or used must be reported to EPA.

In 2011, American Vanguard imported through its subsidiaries AMVAC Chemical Corporation and GemChem, Inc., more than 25,000 lb of three chemicals commonly used as ingredients in pesticides and other agricultural products: Trichloroethanal, Phosphorothioic trichloride, and 2,4-Dichlorophenol. The company failed to report these chemicals to EPA by the 2012 deadline, as required by TSCA’s Chemical Data Reporting rule.

American Vanguard Corporation is a Delaware corporation with headquarters offices in Newport Beach, California, that develops products such as pesticides and herbicides for agricultural use. It is the parent company of AMVAC Chemical Corporation, located in Los Angeles, California, and GemChem, Inc., located in Canton, Connecticut.

The data collected by EPA under the Chemical Data Reporting rule is made available to the public so that communities have a better understanding of the risks posed to human health and the environment by chemicals currently used in US commerce.

MPCA Completes 29 Enforcement Cases in Third Quarter of 2015

In its ongoing efforts to promote environmental compliance, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency concluded 29 enforcement cases in 24 counties throughout Minnesota during the third quarter of 2015. Penalties from all 29 cases totaled $116,115.

Environmental enforcement investigations often take several months, and in highly complex cases more than a year. Although, in rare instances, they can involve courts, they are most often negotiated settlements where the goal is compliance with environmental rules. Fines issued are targeted to match the environmental harm, economic advantage gained or environmental corrective actions.

In addition to these 29 recently completed cases, the MPCA also has 61 ongoing enforcement investigations, nine of which were opened as new cases during the third quarter of 2015. Not all investigations lead to fines or other official action.

Imposing monetary penalties is only part of the MPCA’s enforcement process. Agency staff continues to provide assistance, support, and information on the steps and tools necessary to achieve compliance for any company or local government that requests it.

The following is a brief summary of all 29 cases completed during the third quarter of 2015:

• Magnetation, LLC, Grand Rapids, for wastewater violations, $15,500
•  
•  
• Creeks Run Limited Partnership, Chaska, for stormwater violations, $7,915
• Everwood Company, LLC, Chaska, for stormwater violations, $7,915
• Xcel Energy-Red Wing Generating Plant, Red Wing, for air quality violations, $7,500
• Geislinger and Sons, Inc., Chaska, for stormwater violations, $5,320
• Mervin Kirkhoff, Redwood Falls, for solid waste violations, $5,200
• Cenex Harvest States, Inc., Long Prairie, for stormwater violations, $5,110
• Bongards Creameries, Perham, for wastewater violations, $4,606
• Robert Leibeg, Faribault, for solid waste and air quality violations, $4,375
• Schurman Farms and Grain, Inc., Long Prairie, for stormwater violations, $4,090
• Brannt Valley Inc., Winona, for stormwater violations, $3,625
• City of Chaska, Chaska, for stormwater violations, $3,360
• Heron Lake BioEnergy, LLC, Heron Lake, for air quality violations, $2,580
• Minnesota DNR-Soudan State Park, Soudan, for wastewater violations, $2,000
• Dean Berland, Lanesboro, for subsurface septic treatment system violations, $1,800
• Crenlo Cab Products, Inc., Rochester, for hazardous waste violations, $1,725
• Ethanol 2000 LLP, dba POET Biorefining, Bingham Lake, for air quality violations, $1,500
• Myron Czech Farm, Little Falls, for feedlot violations, $1,500
• Sportsman’s Lodge, Inc., Baudette, for solid waste violations, $1,500
• Accent Home and Kitchen Center, Inc., Ramsey, for air quality violations, $1,320
• George and Jeanette Carlson, Richwood, for solid waste violations, $1,250
• Donald and Helen Haug, LeRoy, for water quality violations, $1,000
• Middle River wastewater treatment plant, Middle River, for wastewater violations, $949
• Adrian Karsky, Princeton, for solid waste violations, $825
• Buberl Black Dirt, Inc., Stillwater, for solid waste violations, $750
• Wilk’s Plumbing, LLC, Tracy, for subsurface septic treatment system violations, $550
• Ballard’s Resort, Inc., Baudette, for solid waste violations, $500

For questions on specific enforcement cases, please contact Stephen Mikkelson, Information Officer at 218-316-3887, or toll free at 800-657-3864.

San Diego Water Board Issues $848,374 Penalty to Developer for Sediment Pollution

Recently the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board (San Diego Water Board) issued a penalty complaint of $848,374 to San Altos-Lemon Grove, LLC, for water quality violations related to construction activities at the 18-acre Valencia Hills site, located in Lemon Grove.

The complaint alleges that the developer allowed polluted storm water to reach Chollas Creek by failing to implement routine management practices to reduce sediment transport from the construction site.

Sediment from construction activities poses a large threat to local waters because so much exposed dirt can wash off during a storm. Excess sediment can alter or obstruct flows, resulting in flooding and possible damage to local ecosystems. Abnormally high levels of sediment in the water can smother aquatic animals and habitats, and it can reduce the clarity of water, which harms the ability of organisms to breath, find food and refuge and reproduce. Sediment can also act as a binder, carrying toxic constituents, such as metals, pesticides, and other synthetic organic chemicals with it into rivers, bays, and the ocean.

The site was brought to the San Diego Water Board's attention after the city of Lemon Grove had issued multiple administrative citations, stop work notices, and correct work notices for water quality violations to the developer, with minimal response. Even after the San Diego Water Board issued a Notice of Violation, the developer continued to have storm water violations.

"Repeat non-compliance tells us they didn't take the city or our inspectors very seriously," said Chiara Clemente, San Diego Water Board's enforcement coordinator. "These requirements are not new. It’s unfortunate that it’s taking a large monetary penalty to motivate them to do basic management measures that the industry considers routine for protecting downstream water quality."

With a strong El Niño weather event predicted for this winter, the San Diego Water Board has been urging construction site operators and others to take necessary precautions.

"We often hear about how exceptional a particular rain event was," Clemente said in reference to some prior enforcement cases. "Between El Niño and climate change, extreme storms are the new norm. People need to adapt accordingly."

The San Diego Water Board has scheduled a hearing for December 16, 2015, to consider this Complaint. The developer can pay the penalty, propose a settlement or supplemental environmental project, or contest the penalty before the San Diego Water Board.

Proposed Lighting Standards to Save Energy, Improve Quality

Directional lamps are often used in commercial track lighting, while LEDs replace screw-based incandescent bulbs and compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) typically found in homes. Prompted by legislation requiring the Energy Commission to adopt standards to reduce energy use of lighting in homes by 50% and businesses by 25% from the 2007 levels by 2018, the proposed standards will save energy and improve the quality of the light bulbs that Californians are buying every day.

The new standards will have a financial impact. For a $4 investment in the more efficient directional lamps, the Energy Commission estimates consumers will save nearly $250 in reduced energy and lamp replacement costs over an average of 11 years. The savings with LEDs are also significant and growing as purchase prices continue to decline.

"Replacing inefficient, energy-wasting light bulbs with more efficient ones is one of the easiest ways to save money and help California reach its energy goals," said Commissioner Andrew McAllister, the Energy Commission's lead on energy efficiency. "Although both small-diameter directional lamps and LEDs have the potential to save significant amounts of energy, there are no federal or state standards for either. The proposed standards also address quality and performance of LED technology in order to avoid problems that consumers have expressed with CFLs."

In 2029, the total estimated savings for the directional lamps and LEDs standards is more than 3,000 gigawatt hours per year, equivalent to the amount of electricity required to power all the households in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties (about 400,000 average homes) indefinitely.

Small-Diameter Directional Lamps

Small-diameter directional lamps are often used in stores, hotels and motels, homes, and museums. In California, about 16 million of these lamps are installed in existing buildings, and the stock is expected to grow to 18 million by 2029. The proposed standards cover lamps with a diameter of 2.25 inches or less and would go into effect on January 1, 2018. The proposal includes:

• A requirement that lamps have either an efficacy greater than or equal to 80 lumens per watt or a color rendering index +Efficiency score of at least 165 with a minimum efficiency of at least 70 lumens per watt.
• A minimum lifetime of 25,000 hours for each product. LED lamps are the only products on the market that meet this proposed lifetime standard. The adoption is expected to cause a transition to LEDs from less efficient technologies.

LEDs

The proposed standards for LED lamps include omnidirectional, directional, and decorative lamps, as well as LED lamps designed for retrofitting the covered socket types. LED bulbs consume less energy than other types of light bulbs and have a longer lifespan, making the lifetime energy savings far greater than the higher purchase cost.

The proposed standards for LEDs include improvements to lamps currently on the market, yet allows for tradeoffs between the efficiency and color rendering index of a lamp. The proposed Tier I standards would take effect January 1, 2017, and proposed Tier II standards would take effect January 1, 2019. The proposal includes:

• A requirement for omnidirectional lamps to produce a light distribution pattern that aligns with requirements adopted by the EPA ENERGY STAR® program for lamps
• Labeling standards for manufacturers to meet minimum thresholds before making claims about dimmability or applicability to retrofits of traditionally incandescent sockets
• A limit to the amount of power a connected LED lamp can use in standby mode

Public input has been critical to developing the proposed standards, but there are additional opportunities for more public input. A workshop is scheduled for November 18, where public comments will be heard. Also, written comments on the proposal will be accepted through November 30. The comments will guide changes to the staff analysis and proposed standards before the full Commission considers adoption on December 9.

 

EPA Honors 2015 Green Power Leaders

 

“These organizations are leading the way in cutting US greenhouse gas emissions, acting on climate change, and protecting public health by using billions of kilowatt-hours of green power annually,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “The Green Power Leadership Award winners demonstrate that green power is a smart and accessible business investment that reduces emissions while growing the renewable energy market and spurring innovation.”

The award winners listed below are being recognized for their efforts in expanding the domestic renewable energy market. From using enough green power to meet more than 100% of electricity needs to installing solar arrays on-site or entering long-term power purchase agreements, these organizations are demonstrating that green power is accessible, affordable, and makes good business sense.

The 2015 Green Power Leadership Awards were presented at the annual Renewable Energy Markets Conference in Arlington, Virginia. Winners are listed below in the following categories:

Green Power Partner of the Year: Apple, Inc. (Cupertino, California); Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, Washington); National Hockey League (New York, New York); Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania); Tucson Unified School District (Tucson, Arizona)Green Power Purchasing: Ahold USA (Quincy, Massachusetts); Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica, California); Government of the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.); H&M (New York, New York); Hypertherm, Inc. (Hanover, New Hampshire); Kaiser Permanente/California, Colorado, Northwest, and Mid-Atlantic Regions (Oakland, California); Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois); Saunders Hotel Group (Boston, Massachusetts); State Street Corporation (Boston, Massachusetts); Traditional Medicinals (Sebastopol, California); Ulster County, New York (Kingston, New York)On-Site Generation: City of Hayward, CA/Water Pollution Control Facility (Hayward, California); General Motors/GMVM Ft. Wayne (Warren, Michigan); New Belgium Brewing Company (Fort Collins, Colorado)

Sustained Excellence in Green Power: Intel Corporation (Santa Clara, California); Kohl’s Department Stores (Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin); TD Bank (Mt. Laurel, New Jersey)

Green Power Supplier of the Year: 3Degrees (San Francisco, California); Renewable Choice Energy (Boulder, Colorado); Silicon Valley Power (Santa Clara, California)

EPA, through the Green Power Partnership, works with partner organizations to use green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with conventional electricity use. EPA defines green power as electricity that is generated from renewable sources, including solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, and low-impact hydroelectric sources. Green power does not produce fossil fuel-based GHG emissions that contribute to climate change. The Partnership currently has more than 1,300 partner organizations voluntarily using billions of kilowatt-hours of green power annually. Partners include Fortune 500 companies, small and medium sized businesses, local, state, and federal governments, and colleges and universities.

Renewable energy production continues to increase substantially in the United States. Today the US generates three times as much wind power, and 20 times as much solar power as we did in 2008. And since the beginning of 2010, the average cost of a solar electric system in the US has dropped by half. At the same time, the US solar industry is creating jobs 10 times faster than the rest of the US economy.

From using green power on-site to innovative purchasing, these award winners are helping lead the way in advancing the green power market. The awardees were selected based upon a multitude of criteria, including the size and scale of their green power commitment, leadership in purchasing and generating, internal and external communications efforts, as well as organizational strategy for investing in green power. It is through their contribution and leadership that the green power market continues to grow and advance us towards a clean energy future.

Massachusetts Named Most Energy Efficient State for Fifth Consecutive Year

Massachusetts has earned the #1 ranking for the fifth consecutive year in the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s (ACEEE) 2015 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard.

“Energy efficiency is the most cost-effective, accessible way for Massachusetts to meet our clean energy and climate goals and help our citizens manage their energy costs” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Being recognized for the fifth year by ACEEE as the nation’s leader in energy efficiency underlines the commitment we have made to reduce ratepayer costs and provide a balanced and diversified energy portfolio for now and the future.”

Through the Green Communities Act (GCA), Massachusetts has a statutory mandate to achieve all cost-effective energy efficiency. ACEEE credits the Commonwealth’s #1 ranking to its ongoing commitment to energy efficiency under the GCA. Energy efficiency is a low-cost and accessible energy resource, delivering monetary savings for businesses, homeowners, institutions, cities, and towns.

“Massachusetts’ leadership in energy efficiency is anchored by the aggressive and achievable goals we set and meet through our statewide energy efficiency programs,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “I’m proud to say that our energy savings and benefits goals for the next three years will continue to lead the nation and serve Massachusetts’ energy, environmental and economic goals.”

Energy efficiency is also a powerful economic engine that produces in-state jobs, accounting for a majority of jobs in the strong Massachusetts clean tech industry sector.

“Innovation and a shared commitment to ongoing improvement in energy efficiency policies and programs are hallmarks of Massachusetts national clean energy leadership,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson. “This recognition is the result of collaboration between many public and private stakeholders in transportation, technology, building and energy providers that is setting a higher bar for the future.”

Massachusetts again earned a perfect score in the utility-sector programs and policies section of the ACEEE Scorecard, which accounts for 40% of the Scorecard’s 50 points. These points come from the Mass Save? electric and gas program budgets and savings, created through collaboration among the Department of Energy Resources, the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council, and the Massachusetts energy efficiency Program Administrators—sponsors of Mass Save?.

Improvements in transportation policies and efficient fleets in state government initiatives, along with another perfect score for encouraging combined heat and power as a resource all made a difference in holding onto the top spot. ACEEE’s scores are calculated based on utility efficiency programs and policy, transportation, building energy codes, combined heat and power projects, state government initiatives, and appliance efficiency standards.

“For the fifth year in a row, Massachusetts leads ACEEE’s State Energy Efficiency Scorecard,” said Steven Nadel, executive director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. “The state’s forward-looking energy savings goals helped drive electricity savings of over 2.4% this past year, an impressive achievement. We look forward to Massachusetts continuing to lead by example and ramp up energy savings in future years, recognizing energy efficiency for the low-cost, clean, and reliable resource that it is.”

The statewide energy efficiency plans for 2016–2018 is currently being finalized by the Massachusetts energy efficiency Program Administrators in coordination with the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council which is chaired by the Department of Energy Resources. This statewide plan is poised to keep Massachusetts in a position to continue to lead the nation in energy efficiency and to provide benefits for consumers in the Commonwealth.

 The proposal will position Massachusetts to reach its ambitious GHG reduction targets and enable the Commonwealth to achieve over 5% of this required emissions reduction—the equivalent of taking approximately 1 million cars off the road, or replacing fossil fuel with renewable energy to power 1.2 million homes.

DEC to Recognize Seven Innovative Programs Working to Sustain New York State's Natural Resources and Strengthen its Economy

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will recognize seven organizations for their innovative programs and commitment to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic viability at DEC's upcoming 12th Annual Environmental Excellence Awards ceremony. The event will take place at the Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute's NanoFab South Rotunda and Auditorium in Albany at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 17.

The event will showcase organizations with outstanding innovative and sustainable projects or programs that are improving and protecting New York State's environmental resources and contributing to a stronger economy. This year's award recipients include a national sports league reducing its environmental footprint and engaging fans and supporters in environmental stewardships, a large convention center's sustainable transformation, and a small Adirondack preserve's high-tech approaches to climate change research and monitoring.

The event will also include an update about the Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering at SUNY Polytechnic Institute's role in building New York's innovation-driven economy as a global leader in high-tech education, research, and development.

Following the awards ceremony, there will be a tour of the University at Albany. The University, an award recipient in 2011, continues to demonstrate its environmental leadership by implementing a multi-faceted sustainability program that is reducing energy consumption, increasing energy efficiency, promoting alternative energy and involving the entire campus community in environmentally responsible actions.

The awards ceremony and the tour are open to the public, however, space is limited and those wishing to attend must pre-register (link leaves DEC website.)

DEC established the Environmental Excellence Award in 2004 to recognize and give visibility to selected businesses, schools, municipalities, governments, and not-for-profit organizations achieving outstanding environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic viability. Since then, DEC has recognized 66 organizations.

For more information about the awards ceremony, contact DEC at awards@dec.ny.gov or 518-402-9167.  Space is limited.

Retrofit Chicago Commercial Buildings Initiative Recognizes Energy Efficiency Leaders Across the City

 

“Chicago has one of the truly great, iconic skylines in America, thanks to the innovative architects and engineers who dreamed big and practically,” said NRDC Midwest Director Henry Henderson. “The partners of Retrofit Chicago are taking these big dreams to the next level of practicality by setting and surpassing goals to reduce energy usage on the inside of many of these same iconic buildings. These cutting-edge, innovative energy practices and investments will greatly improve Chicago’s economy and make a positive impact on the environment.”

To participate in Retrofit Chicago’s Commercial Buildings Initiative, participants commit to improving their energy efficiency by 20% within five years. The program has grown significantly since its launch in 2012, expanding from 14 founding buildings to 50 participants spanning nearly 40 million square feet.

Participating buildings offer incredible diversity, ranging in age from less than 5 to more than 125 years old and includes cultural institutions, tourist attractions, hotels, university facilities and some of the city’s most iconic office towers designed by architects from Burnham to Van der Rohe. To achieve those goals, buildings get access to incentives and technical expertise from an array of experts including program partners at Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, ComEd, Environmental Defense Fund, Peoples Gas, and Rocky Mountain Institute.

Award winners, announced at an event hosted by the Retrofit Chicago Commercial Buildings Initiative and NRDC last night, include:

• Mayor’s Leadership Circle Award, for reducing whole-building energy use by more than 20% below their program baseline: 125 South Wacker Drive
• Most Valuable Engineer Award, in recognition of a Retrofit Chicago engineer who has gone above-and-beyond in identifying and achieving energy savings through efficient building operations at his or her facility: Lawrence Lang, Chief Engineer at 224 South Michigan Avenue
• Most Valuable Property Manager, in recognition of a property manager or management team member who exemplifies how and why energy efficiency is critical to excellent property management: Myrna E. Coronado-Brookover, Senior Vice President & General Manager at 77 West Wacker Drive
• Innovative Energy Efficiency Partnership Award, in recognition of a project, program, or partnership that has demonstrated innovative, impactful, and replicable energy savings: Hispanic Housing Development Corporation, Affordable Community Energy, Tropic Construction, dbMS, and eConserve for the comprehensive retrofit of Continental Plaza at 1330 West 76th Street

“Chicago is leading the nation by showing how diverse organizations and business can come together with a common mission to do good and be successful—all while saving energy and money,” said City of Chicago Chief Sustainability Officer Karen Weigert. “By investing in energy efficiency to ensure sustainability for our businesses and homes, we are setting an example for others in the city and across the country.”

"ComEd is a proud partner in the Retrofit Program and we congratulate the award winners who are investing time and effort into making their buildings smarter and greener energy users. Forty of the buildings participating in the Retrofit Chicago program have completed at least one project with ComEd's Smart Ideas? Energy Efficiency Program for Your Business, resulting in an annual savings of more than 57 million kWh, which translates into a decrease of $4 million in energy costs and $4 million in financial incentives for completed energy saving measures," said Val Jensen, ComEd Senior Vice President of Customer Operations.

Environmental News Links

 

Trivia Question of the Week

 

What percentage of material in landfills is organic matter (e.g., food scraps)?

 

a) 15%

b) 25%

c) 35%

d) 55%