EPA Kicks Off Third Annual Energy Star National Building Competition
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR program recently launched the 2012 National Building Competition, Battle of the Buildings, with a record 3,200 buildings across the country competing to improve energy efficiency and lower utility costs while protecting the environment and public health. Additionally, EPA's WaterSense program, in partnership with ENERGY STAR, is measuring water use as a part of this year's contest.
Throughout the year-long competition, public and commercial buildings such as schools, offices, hospitals, and retail stores will compete using an ENERGY STAR online tool to measure and track each building's monthly energy consumption. To monitor progress made by each building, follow social media updates, view interactive maps, and more, click here. The 2012 winner along with top finalists will be recognized in April 2013.
Leonardo Academy Develops Alternative Fuel Locator App
The Leonardo Academy, an ANSI accredited standards developer and member, has published an alternative fuel locator app for smartphone and mobile devices, Cleaner and Greener Fuels. The app is available free of charge and provides a series of interactive maps that locate fuel stations across the United States for various alternative fuel types including electric, compressed natural gas (CNG), biodiesel, liquefied natural gas (LNG), E85, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG or propane), and hydrogen.
Cleaner and Greener Fuels supplies drivers with directions to fuel stations across the country, as well as other helpful information such as access restrictions, blend types, payment methods accepted, and web links. Users and station owners are encouraged to download the app and expand the database by submitting additional stations and details directly through the Cleaner and Greener Fuels website.
NCCER Deploys New Career Center for Construction Industry
ANSI member the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) is leading the Build Your Future (BYF) campaign for construction workforce forecasting and development. As part of its continuing effort to narrow the skills gap in the construction industry, BYF has launched a new career center aimed at connecting aspiring young people and credentialed craft professionals with career opportunities.
The BYF Career Center is a comprehensive resource providing a wide range of valuable tools for both employers and job seekers. Companies can post opportunities or search available resumes using filters or sorting by craft area. The search function for employers also highlights candidates with NCCER credentials and military experience to help identify job seekers with highly desirable skill sets. Job seekers are able to apply online for jobs, set up job alert notifications, create job seeker profiles, upload their resumes, and access job searching tools and tips.