Is Energy Star Really Attainable?

Cities across the nation are beginning to implement energy efficiency and environmental preservation requirements into their codes and partnership deals. Oshkosh is currently looking at options to incorporate these practices into the municipal funding mechanisms that the city offers developers and landowners. In particular, could the city require Energy Star ratings or LEED certifications (Leadership on Energy and Environmental Design) on projects that receive TIF assistance?

For a reference of common approaches, reference the Guide for Advancing Local Green Building Policies that was discussed at the last Sustainable Oshkosh board meeting.

What are some examples of environmentally conscious developments?

~ Aurora Medical Center has zero storm water runoff of their property, despite large parking spaces. All of the water is retained and reused on site.

~ Affinity Medical in Menasha (same group as Mercy Medical) received LEED certification, joining 3 other Fox Valley area Affinity centers with this recognition.

~ Kwik Trip, which operates over 380 stores in the Midwest, opened its first LEED-certified station in Oshkosh. All new facilities will be LEED certified.

~ An elementary school in Eau Claire (John J Flynn) received LEED certification in

~ Most newer Kohls department stores are LEED certified

What I found most interesting was the report from Habitat for Humanity of the greater Fox Cities that indicated the average Habitat home built in 2009 was ranked 57% above Energy Star Standards. This means that the new homeowners save money on otherwise-wasted energy costs, they reduce the air pollution in our communities, and they lower the amount of money our state sends to other states to purchase coal and oil, and they reduce the negative environmental impact that results from high energy usage.

There will be more posted on this in the near future. This post simply shows that these types of ratings are becoming more and more common, and are very attainable. Congrats to those groups that demonstrate leadership in this important area.

Posted in: education,energy,Local Government,Mayors.Climate.Protection.Act,Our City,sustainability