ASHRAE has announced an upcoming conference focusing on the industry’s ability to accurately model and simulate building energy use.  ASHRAE’s Energy Modeling Conference – Tools for Designing High Performance Buildings will take place on Oct 1-3 2012 in Atlanta, GA.

With record summer temperatures sweeping the U.S., outdoor workers are at increased risk for heat-related illnesses and dangers.  Facility managers, building owners, and construction related roles should take careful consideration of heat risks as they manage their day to day activities and tasks.

Green electricity technology may be getting a significant boost from another green source: Plants.  Barry D. Bruce, professor of biochemistry at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is adding new meaning to the term “power plant.”  Bruce and a team of researchers have developed a system that utilizes the photosynthetic process to produce inexpensive and efficient green energy.

The DOE and the EPA have released the 2012 Fuel Economy Guide to assist with selection of energy efficient vehicles that save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  With a plethora of new advanced technology vehicles available on the 2012 fuel economy performers, 2012 brings new vehicle options in conventional gasoline models and clean diesels.

Telecommuting is on the rise in the U.S.  A recent survey from Staples Advantage reveals some interesting facts, benefits, and tips about telecommuting strategies for your facility or building.  The data indicates that the telecommuting option may produce happier, more productive, loyal employees.

U.S. Department Energy Secretary Steven Chu and U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar have announced nearly $17 million in funding for research and development projects to advance hydropower technology.

An ASHRAE project grant is funding the development of a net zero energy design toolkit designed to help facilitate the understanding of building construction impacts and net zero energy targets.

The U.S Department of Labor has released a comprehensive guide to assist women in finding and keeping green jobs.  Why Green is Your Color: A Woman’s Guide to a Sustainable Career launched today and is available in its entirety for free in both PDF and HTML form on the Department of Labor website at http://www.dol.gov/wb/Green_Jobs_Guide/.

Harvard Graduate student Wonyoung Kim has developed and demonstrated a new device with the potential to reduce the power usage of modern processing chips.  This technology could allow for more efficient, energy-friendly data centers.