Relevant

Appraisals for newly built green homes do not fully reflect the cost of green technology, and the lower appraisal values mean buyers often cannot get the full financing they need from banks.  That discourages developers from using green technology, in turn diminishing the market for more green products.  "We can't get lenders to appreciate the value, and if we can't get the values recognized, manufacturers can't justify moving these products forward," said Bill Nolan, a Florida home building consultant.

Lancaster:  Live Green is sponsoring four workshops in Lancaster, entitled Energy Solutions for City Homes.  It specifically addressed the way that residents of the City can save money and energy and help contribute to a greener, more livable Lancaster.  Bring your electricity, gas, or oil bills for at the last 12 months (this is not required to attend). You’ll receive a personalized Action Plan to help you and your family deal with increasing energy costs.  The workshops are free and will be held...

• Sunday, February 28, 12-2 pm at the Lancaster Historic Home Show, Lancaster County Convention Center, 3 East Vine St, Lancaster PA 17602
• Tuesday, March 9, 6-8 pm at the Bright Side Opportunity Center, 515 Hershey Ave. Lancaster PA 17603
• Wednesday, March 31, 6-8 pm at the Crispus Attucks Community Center, 407 Howard Ave. Lancaster PA 17602
• Wednesday, April 7, 6-8 pm at SACA (Spanish American Civic Association), Cigar Building, 453 S. Lime St. Lancaster PA 17602

For a downloadable brochure, click here.  Call 717-669-5990 for more information.

Harrisburg:  Ben Franklin Technology Partnership announces the availability of funding to support research to develop technology that will impact the production, consumption, conservation, and environmental impact of energy use in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the nation beyond through its Translational Research in Energy Support Program (TRESP).  The ultimate goal is to produce technology that reduces the energy intensity of commercial, industrial, and residential activities and uses domestically available resources to meet the Commonwealth’s and nation’s energy needs with a very low environmental impact (including carbon dioxide, particulate, and other harmful pollutants and outcomes).  The TRESP funding is intended for any specific research effort within the broad spectrum of energy and its related fields that would tend to further progress toward the ultimate goal.

Eligible applicants include research institutions (such as universities and public laboratories) and other not-for-profit organizations that engage in, sponsor, facilitate, or otherwise promote research and development in energy and energy-related fields (such as alternative energy, energy conservation or efficiency, improvements to existing energy technologies, clean technology, green building technology).  Awards are expected to range from $10,000 and $250,000 with a one-to-one match required.  The period of peformance is July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011.  For a downloadable copy of the funding application, click here.