UC Davis West Village - largest planned zero net energy community in the U.S.

The largest planned net zero energy development in the U.S. is being prepared to open this fall. Under construction on the campus of the University of California, Davis, UC Davis West Village includes energy-efficient design features and a high-efficiency solar power system. When complete, the 200 acre (81 ha) project is expected to house about 4,500 people, including students, staff and faculty. Phase I of the project is under construction. It includes apartments for 2,000 people, as well as an education center, recreation and study facilities; a village square surrounded by neighborhood-serving retail; and 343 single-family homes for sale to faculty and staff. The solar system will generate the equivalent of 100% of the electricity needed for the rental apartments housing the first 2,000 tenants and the retail space.

For more information, see UC David News & Information web site.

Source: UC Davis News & Informations, ASHRAE

Research Panel Says Climate Change Doubts Slow Urgent Action

Public misconceptions of climate change have thwarted needed efforts to reduce emissions blamed for climate change, according to a report released last week by the National Research Council of the National Academies. Media reports sometimes present aspects of climate change that are well-established as if they were "matters of serious debate," according to the report. Also, groups opposed to policies limiting carbon dioxide emissions are influencing some reporting, according to the study, which was requested by Congress in 2008. It was prepared by a committee of scientists, engineers and economists.

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Source: Bloomberg News