Everblue News / Blog

If you are an HVAC professional, you may be debating whether it is worth it for you to achieve an HVAC certification, such as NATE. Because HVAC work primarily focuses on the health and safety of citizens, education and experience are critical characteristics for any HVAC technician. A technician who has pursued NATE Certification, therefore, demonstrates a serious commitment to the industry and will likely receive a greater salary than a regular HVAC technician.

President Obama’s State of the Union address last week charged individuals and federal agencies to work toward energy independence and clean energy. Municipal governments have responded to such charges by developing their own sustainability plans. Community leaders have taken on the responsibility and aim to reevaluate procedures that negatively contribute to climate change.

During the State of the Union address Tuesday, President Obama outlined plans to create a nation that’s “built to last,” underlining many key energy policies that will assist in energy independence. One of the primary aspects of his speech involved decreasing investments on foreign oil, not only from a sustainability standpoint, but also in terms of increasing our national security. The increased tensions in the Middle East coupled with continued economic reliance on foreign oil has created a real threat to the stability of America’s energy needs.

Are you an HVAC professional looking for an industry certification? Not sure whether you should take HVAC training in the form of BPI Certification or NATE Certification? Let us briefly explain the similarities and differences between these two certifications, so you can get the specialized training you seek and also enhance your career.

Energy efficiency - in both the residential and commercial environments - has become a highly sought after characteristic. Individuals looking to break into the green industry should consider becoming a professional energy manager, as this position would allow someone to utilize their leadership and technical skills to incite change and manage large-scale energy efficiency projects.

The Board of Public Utilities for the State of New Jersey released a memorandum on January 5 in which they analyzed the current solar programs in the state and provided recommendations for the next steps.

According to their report, there was 490.5 MW of solar installed throughout the state in 12,379 installations as of October 31, 2011. Of this capacity, 410.5 MW were net-metered systems either on customer’s roofs or ground-mounted installations and 81 MW were grid supply projects. The majority of the grid supply capacity was PSEG Solar for All projects.

This is the final review of our Corporate Sustainability Manager training, and a view into what the course looks like from a student’s perspective.

Sustainability Manager Training: Final Exam Review

Gone are the days when women were expected to stay at home full time. Now, women are not only encouraged to work alongside men, but a recent study from Catalyst and Harvard Business School (HBS) shows that female contributions are wildly beneficial. The research shows a strong connection between having more women on boards and in executive management and “greater corporate social responsibility.”

With a new year also comes change. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has announced that AIA members will be required to complete 12 hours of health, safety, and welfare (HSW) education, an increase from the previous requirement of 8 HSW. The AIA Board will re-evaluate the sustainable design (SD) requirement in 2012. The new HSW requirement goes into effect in January 2012, and AIA members should fulfill their total 18 hours of continuing education within the year.

Known for their computers and portable electronics, Apple, Inc. has consistently sought to decrease its environmental impact through comprehensive green manufacturing to reduce carbon emissions. According to reports by the Charlotte Observer, Apple will continue its sustainability policies with preparation for a solar farm in Maiden, N.C. to power its recently opened data center. Permits issued by Catawba County show that Apple will reshape over 171 acres of vacant land, adjacent to their data center, for the project.