EIA Projects Increased Production and Energy Efficiency Improvements Will Reduce U.S. Reliance on Imported Energy Sources

The Annual Energy Outlook 2012 (AEO2012) Reference case recently released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) presents updated projections for U.S. energy markets through 2035. The Reference case projections include only the effects of policies that have been implemented in law or final regulations.Some key findings:

• Domestic crude oil production is expected to grow by more than 20 percent over the coming decade.
• With modest economic growth, increased efficiency, growing domestic production, and continued adoption of nonpetroleum liquids, net petroleum imports make up a smaller share of total liquids consumption.
• U.S. production of natural gas is expected to exceed consumption early in the next decade.
• Use of renewable fuels and natural gas for electric power generation rises.
• Total U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions remain below their 2005 level through 2035.

American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment Releases Collection of Original Articles on Campus Climate Leadership

What does it take to become climate neutral? How can our colleges and universities educate the next generation of leaders so they're equipped to minimize the damage society faces from a rapidly changing climate? How can research and community engagement accelerate the development and deployment of effective solutions? These are some of the questions the 673 colleges and universities that have signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) are confronting.The ACUPCC has released a compilation of articles written by experts and practitioners that tackle various elements of these of questions and more. Access Campus Climate Leadership: Reports from the Field (October 2008 - December 2010).

List of Top 10 States for LEED Green Buildings Released

The U.S. Green Building Council has released its 2011 list of top 10 states for LEED-certified commercial and institutional green buildings per capita, based on the U.S. 2010 Census information. The District of Columbia leads the nation, with more than 31 square feet of LEED-certified space per person in 2011, with Colorado being the leading state, with 2.74 square feet per person in 2011. Here are the top ten LEED states per capita, including the District of Columbia:

Institute Releases Report on Industry Data Needs of the Building Industry

The National Institute of Building Sciences High-Performance Building Data Collection Initiative has released a report addressing data needs of the building industry now that the Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) is no longer scheduled for release by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). TheInstitute established the High-Performance Building Data Collection Initiative to identify a path forward for collecting and disseminating data on all high-performance building attributes, not just energy use. Over the past several years, the building industry has increasingly expressed a need for additional building benchmark data on other high-performance building attributes, including safety and security, accessibility, cost effectiveness, water use, and indoor environmental quality. The initiative included these considerations in its report,Data Needs for Achieving High-Performance Buildings, available at www.nibs.org/index.php/newsevents/HPBData/.

International Parking Institute Publishes Framework on Sustainability for Parking Design, Management, and Operations

The International Parking Institute (IPI) has published itsFramework on SustainableParking, Management and Operationsoutlining industry-wide goals and organization action items that provide education, incentives, and forums for members to learn about and contribute to sustainable parking solutions. Many parking facilities today are adopting best practices in sustainability with energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, and innovative water and waste management systems to reduce their carbon footprints. These include implementing recycling systems, using local and recycled materials in construction, and installing renewable energy technology such as photovoltaic, wind power, bio-fuels, and hydrogen fuel cells. An increasing number of parking facilities are also supporting sustainability by accommodating alternative fuel vehicles.Also, just reducing the amount of time it takes for drivers to find a parking spot can significantly reduce fuel waste and emissions, and this can be accomplished through smart planning combined with new technologies and mobile apps that make it easier to find and navigate to available parking spaces.Learn more and download IPI’s Framework on Sustainable Parking, Management and Operationsat www.parking.org.

AIA Database Now Totals More Than $1 Billion Worth of Stalled Projects

If financed, projects could create more than 28,000 jobs in design and construction.

8 Ways to Protect Your Building During a Demonstration

Whether it’s Occupy Wall Street, union strikers, animal rights activists, complications during elections,or an agitated student body, public demonstrations are bringing emotion to city streets around the world. Whether unexpected or anticipated, these protesters are a unique security challenge for commercial properties and campuses. Learn how to plan for demonstrations before your building is overwhelmed by a crowd. An article in the online publication Buildingsofferstips on how to deal with protesters outside and inside your building:

1. Set emergency lockdown procedures.

2. Secure the perimeter.

3. Determine the property line.

4. Establish communications with the police.

5. Work with executive protection firms.

6. Change the routine.

7. Plan for problems.

8. Practice.