Offers numerous links to online reports, news stories, legislation, and related companies, sorted by topic. Topics include: biomass energy, clean fuels, cogeneration, distributed generation, energy efficiency, energy justice, environmental costs, fuel cells–hydrogen, global warming, green power, hydropower, mercury pollution, nuclear energy, solar energy, sprawl, transmission lines, wind energy and legislative resources.
Resources for FM Professionals
General Electric’s lighting site contains a section on Commercial Products & Solutions for lighting distributors, OEMs, designers, and engineers. It offers a regulatory update on the 2005 Energy Policy Act and tax incentives related to lighting, a literature library, lighting applications for specific industry segments, a glossary of lighting terms, and GE’s Lighting & Electrical Institute conference schedule.
The U.S. government’s acquisition agency. It provides products and services to other federal agencies, and simplifies citizen access to government information and services. Information is directed to either: government employees and agencies, contractors and vendors, or citizens. The site offers access to travel resources; GSA contracts and schedules; a forms library; and publications, resources, and reports. Main topics include buildings, products, services, technology, and policy.
Information about geoexchange (geothermal, ground source) heating and cooling systems, which are said to be energy efficient, environmentally clean, and cost effective. The site includes news, case studies, information on federal and state incentives, training, “Find a local contractor,” and specific information for geoexchange use in schools, commercial and government facilities, and historic structures.
Basic information and resources from the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
This program of the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy works to establish geothermal energy as an economically competitive contributor to the US energy supply. The site offers information on geothermal energy history, research, resources, standards, and partnerships, as well as information on geothermal heat pumps and power plants.
The US affiliate of Green Cross International, Global Green USA is a national environmental organization addressing: eliminating weapons of mass destruction; providing clean, safe drinking water; and stemming global climate change by creating green buildings and cities. The site includes resources, tools, and information on green building materials and green building strategies for government buildings, schools, and other facilities.
Sourcing site for public sector contracting that offers the latest information in the government contracting community through free newsletters, job search, trade publications, and consultant locator. Also offers product news and headlines.
The U.S. GPO disseminates official information from all three branches of the federal government.
The online portal for Government Technology magazine, which covers IT’s role in the business of running modern state and local governments. The site offers news, publications, events, digital communities, and resources. Includes such topics as: e-government, health and human services, homeland security, new products, security and privacy, storage, and telecom.
This page from the Forest Stewardship Council provides resources and links on sourcing FSC-certified wood products, which are recommended by the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, among others.
This comprehensive source of facts and relevant information aims to help visitors initiate a meaningful dialogue on how to incorporate green practices.
The Green Building page is divided into six windows so visitors can easily navigate the site and find pertinent information fast. Beginning with the introductory “About” window, the company’s Energy and Environmental Solutions (EES) team describes how Siemens can help identify and implement systems and procedures to achieve virtually any organization’s Green Building visions and goals.
This site from the California Energy Commission’s Consumer Energy Center explains the energy-efficiency benefits of sustainable building.
This page from the federal Energy Star program defines green buildings, focusing on managing energy and water consumption. It offers numerous links and resources such as the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Portfolio Manager.
A gateway for the latest information about how the state of California is working to reduce energy and resource consumption while lowering greenhouse gas emissions and creating safer and healthier environments in which to work, live, and learn. It includes guidelines and reference materials on green building, information on energy programs: onsite generation, and an energy efficiency products guide.
Offered by The Ashkin Group, the Green Cleaning University is a professional development tool and resource about green cleaning and healthy building maintenance. GCU offers interactive classes with leading industry experts, online discussion groups, conferences, an extensive library, and a bookstore. All of the online courses and materials are available 24/7.
This Web site from the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is designed to serve those who design, build, renovate, and maintain the mechanical systems of high performance buildings. It includes resources for clean technologies.
A program of the International Sustainable Development Foundation, a non-profit corporation. GEC supports “the effective design, manufacture, use, and recovery of electronic products to contribute to a healthy, fair, and prosperous world,” and oversees the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)the US government-endorsed environmental product procurement tool.
Softchoice, a leading provider of technology solutions and services, has created an online searchable database of green technologies. Visitors to the site can search for and purchase products that meet high environmental standards through the site, the culmination of a strategic alliance between EPEAT, a system to help purchasers evaluate computers and monitors based on their environmental attributes, CNET Channel, a leader in the provision of on-demand technology product information, and Softchoice.
This page from the US Environmental Protection Agency offers information and resources on landscaping using native plants (focused on the Great Lakes region), with environmental, financial and health benefits explained.
The Green Parking Council (GPC) is a nonprofit organization offering certification and credentialing programs, open-source standards, professional leadership and educational development and training for organizations and individuals in the parking industry. GPC works at the intersection of parking, green building, clean technology, renewable energy, smart grid infrastructure, urban planning and sustainable mobility. The Green Parking Council Certified Green Garage rating system is recognized as the industry standard for sustainability credentials. The site offers news and links to resources such as the DOE’s Alternative Fuels Data Center and Renewable Energy information.
Offered by BOMA International, this site offers commercial real estate professionals one-stop shopping for information on sustainability issues, ranging from BOMA’s advocacy policy positions to state and local legislative initiatives to case studies to education offerings such as the BOMA Energy Efficiency Program (BEEP), says BOMA.
The G.R.E.E.N. highlights industry best practices; reports on the latest trends, solutions and educational practices; and keeps industry professionals updated on advocacy and code development. The G.R.E.E.N. also provides information on other industry programs and resources.
Power Integrations, supplier of high-voltage analog integrated circuits (ICs) used in power conversion, created the Green Room to monitor current and proposed global energy initiatives and regulations. The site includes energy FAQs about standby power waste from power supplies.
Offers listings of products certified as environmentally responsible by Green Seal, a nonprofit organization that provides science-based environmental certification standards. Products include: hand cleaners, electric chillers, cleaners, fleet vehicle maintenance, floor care products, paints & coatings, papers & newsprint, and windows & doors.
“Green” news, resources, events, jobs, publications, features, information, and directories. Hot Topics include: best practices, compliance, energy efficiency, green building, green cleaning, green purchasing, pollution prevention, renewable energy, sustainable development, and waste reduction.
This site, launched by the US Green Building Council and sponsored by United Technologies, provides access to green building education through Webinars and other courses.
Produced by GreenBiz.com, this site is a resource center for environmentally responsible building development. Topics include: Architecture & Design, Building Materials, Energy Use, Facility Management, Interiors, Land Use, Waste Management, and Water Use. The site offers news, events, columns, publications, case studies, organizations, and tools and resources related to sustainable building, including the Whole Building Design Guide. Contents can be viewed according to the credits that make up the US Green Building Council’s LEED green building standard.
Produced by GreenBiz.com, this site is a resource center for environmentally responsible building development. Topics include: Architecture & Design, Building Materials, Energy Use, Facility Management, Interiors, Land Use, Waste Management, and Water Use. The site offers news, features, columns, events, backgrounders, publications, case studies, organizations, and tools and resources related to sustainable building. Contents can be viewed according to the credits that make up the US Green Building Council’s LEED green building standard.
Searchable product data for commercial construction, focused on sustainable products and organized according to MasterFormat Divisions. Available from the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). Lists products using post-consumer, pre-consumer, and rapidly renewable content; low-emitting materials; and products complying with ASTM, LEED, ASHRAE, and other performance standards.
An industry-independent nonprofit organization that oversees the GREENGUARD Certification Program. As an ANSI Authorized Standards Developer, GEI establishes acceptable indoor air standards for indoor products, environments, and buildings. The site contains news, certification information, resources, and GREENGUARD standards.
Online version of magazine produced by a collaboration between McGraw-Hill Construction, McGraw’s Architectural Record magazine, and BuildingGreen, focused on sustainable design, practice, and products. It includes information for the architect, engineer, contractor, and consumer from GreenSource, Architectural Record, and Engineering News-Record magazines, as well as Web-only exclusives. It offers green news, case studies of successful projects, technology & innovation updates, products, features on industry leaders, photo galleries, forums, blogs, CEU opportunities, and resources.
The US Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water (OGWDW), together with states and other partners, protects public health by ensuring safe drinking water and protecting ground water. The site includes information on drinking water standards, regulations and guidance, public drinking water systems, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and water infrastructure security.
Offers extensive online resources relating to groundwater, including conferences, a forum, software, equipment, consultants, training, and software reviews.
2002 publication [DHHS (NIOSH) Pub No. 2002-139] from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)identifies actions that a building owner or manager can implement without undue delay to enhance occupant protection from an airborne chemical, biological, or radiological attack.
LearnHowToBecome.org published this in-depth guide to careers and degree programs in the “green” sector. It provides a comprehensive look at green industries, then specific professional and educational options in fields such as sustainability, renewable energy, green construction, recycling and more.
This comprehensive consumer guide to energy efficiency and “green” mortgages covers what EEMs are, how they work, the different kinds of EEMs, and more. Part 3: Green Mortgages for Small Businesses talks about the benefits that EEMs and similar programs can have for small to mid-sized businesses.
This site from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) addresses the safe use of hand and power tools in the workplace, including applicable OSHA standards and various resources.
Provides a forum for discussion and analysis of deregulation and other policy issues facing the electricity industry. Background papers and seminar summaries can be requested on numerous topics.
This site from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides information about the identities and hazards of chemicals in the workplace. It includes OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) and information on OSHA compliance assistance, enforcement of the MSDS requirement, OSHA’s alliance with the Society for Chemical Hazard Communication (SCHC), The Globally Harmonized System for Hazard Communication, and other technical resources.
HSE and local government are the enforcing authorities that work in support of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), which is responsible for health and safety regulation in Great Britain.
This site from the US Department of Health and Human Services is the official central governmental hub for issues related to the national standards to protect the privacy of personal health information, including rules, standards, and implementation guides.
This Web-based eTool from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration addresses the use of ergonomics in healthcare facilities to prevent injuries. Topics include: ergonomics, patient handling, trips/slips/falls, awkward postures, other ergonomic hazards and recordkeeping.
Pollution prevention and compliance assistance and information for the healthcare industry. The site covers hazardous materials, regulated medical waste, waste reduction, facilities & equipment, and regulations & standards.
This site from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) includes health and safety information on hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Hazards include bloodborne pathogens and biological hazards, chemical and drug exposures, respiratory hazards, ergonomic hazards from lifting and repetitive tasks, laser hazards, hazards associated with laboratories, and radioactive material and x-ray hazards. In addition to medical staff, the safety of maintenance, housekeeping, food service, building and grounds, etc., personnel is discussed.
This page on the ALA site offers IAQ information and resources, including info on indoor air pollutants, duct cleaning, carpeting, air-cleaning devices, and smoking policies, to help FMs and others prevent or minimize the sources of indoor air pollution in order to provide safe working conditions.
This site from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development includes regulations, outreach, training, standards, and grant availability relating to healthy multifamily housing and lead abatement.
Founded in 1968, HRAI is a nonprofit trade association of manufacturers, wholesalers, and contractors in the Canadian heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) industry. The Members & Industry section of the site offers member resources, training programs, and industry updates. The Home & Building Owners section offers a contractor locator, incentives/rebates, and home heating and cooling information.
This online training and information resource from Fluke Corporation helps electricians uncover and solve critical and troublesome electrical issues. It is structured to help electricians first look at symptoms, and then follow steps to find and fix the cause.
This site from the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Building Technologies Program profiles high-performance commercial buildings–buildings with energy, economic, and environmental performance that are substantially better than standard practice. The site offers information on the whole-building design approach, including costs and benefits, software, technologies, materials, case studies, and more.
This site from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers information on the potential hazards associated with the most widely used industrial chemicals.