Home Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program Announced, KB Homes to Build Energy Efficient Homes, Solar City Has $90 Million Fund to Expand

In a move to reduce unemployment among construction and manufacturing workers, President Obama has introduced the Home Star Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program, also know as the Cash for Caulkers. Home owners who take advantage of this program would be eligible for rebates, the amount of the rebate would depend upon which level of energy efficiency they choose.  The program also includes many oversights to assure quality compliance.  If you are interested in becoming a LEED Green Associate, here is a useful guide

KB Homes, one of the top five home builders in the nation, has announced that it intends to build its new homes in Northern California to Greenpoint Rated Standards.  This move will provide future homeowners with an energy efficient home that will cost less to heat and cool.  This decision by a home builder of this size to add these energy saving designs and materials could be a blueprint for other communities and other builders to follow suit.  Here is a link to 20 blog posts from Environmental Leader that contains information about how major corporations are building or retrofitting their buildings to make them more energy efficient.

Solar City, based in Foster City, CA, and US Bancorp announced a new $90 million fund to expand solar projects in AZ, CA, OR, TX and CO.  The fund will be used to fund Solar City's solar lease program and purchase power agreements. Click here to see the career openings at Solar City.