RALEIGH Projects at the N.C. Zoo in Randolph County and Town Creek Indian Mound in Montgomery County were among those approved recently by the state.

The Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) released the 2013-14 Repair and Renovation Reserve project list Tuesday consisting of 191 recommended construction projects totaling $90 million.

The projects are located statewide; some may soon be ready for bid and all will offer a boost to North Carolinas construction industry. Because the majority of the projects are under $500,000 and do not require bonding, smaller-sized construction firms and historically underutilized businesses can remain competitive in the bid process.

Among the projects to be bid are two at the N.C. Zoo. Officials have allocated $617,000 for HVAC and air handling units replacements in the Sonora Desert pavilion. Also on the list is road repaving repairs for the zoos tram roadway at a cost of $368,000.

Town Creek Indian Mound will receive $226,000 for repainting the visitor center inside and out, replacing some flooring and resurfacing the facilitys parking lot and drive.

The total amount appropriated by the General Assembly to fund the Repair and Renovations Reserve Account was $150 million, $60 million allocated to the UNC Board of Governors and $90 million to OSBM for state agencies. OSBM consulted with the state construction office in the Department of Administration to determine which projects to prioritize. The UNC system will provide a separate list of their planned projects.

Project types include fire alarm and security system maintenance and repair, exterior building repair and waterproofing, and repair and replacement of HVAC and climate control units. This list is not limited to the state government complex in Raleigh, but includes projects statewide.

Now that OSBM has released the list of projects, the next step is for the General Assemblys Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations to meet and review the list. Depending on when that occurs, it is possible that many of these projects will be available for bids and have a contract in place before Christmas.

For a detailed listing, see the complete list at http://www.nc-sco.com/scodata/special/OSBM-RR-Memo-Report.pdf.

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State OKs funds for N.C. Zoo, Town Creek repairs

Orlando, FL (PRWEB) October 06, 2013

Currently, owners of existing homes can receive federal tax credits and rebates in their area for various energy-saving home improvement projects. However, these incentives wont be around forever; some are expiring at the end of this year. As a residential and commercial building contractor, Jared Mellick of Universal Roof & Contracting is always aware of energy efficiency and ways to reduce negative environmental impacts. He recommends that homeowners and their contractors should consider building choices together, and see which rebates and credits apply.

In accordance with the American Tax Payer Relief Act of 2012, owners of existing homes can receive tax credits of up to 10% of the cost of components when upgrading the efficiency of their building's envelope. Universal Roof & Contracting services and products that meet Energy Star standards and fulfill the federal tax rebate requirements include qualifying installations for Roofing, Insulation, Windows, Doors, Skylights, and Lighting Fixtures & Hardware. These products not only slash a homeowners energy bill, but perform better and reduce the energy/pollution impact on the environment.

TAX CREDITS EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2013

Building contractors can assist homeowners with the following product categories. It must be an existing home and principal residence; new construction and rentals do not qualify for the tax credit.

1. Insulation The tax credit is 10% of cost, up to $500. Typical bulk insulation products can qualify, such as batts, rolls, blow-in fibers, rigid boards, expanding spray, and pour-in-place. A good contractor should be able to recommend the most beneficial type of insulation for a particular home. Products that air seal (reduce air leaks) can also qualify, as long as they come with a Manufacturers Certification Statement; they include weather stripping, spray foam in a can, caulk designed to air seal, and house wrap. These products are usually installed as part of other home projects. Although tax credits do NOT include installation costs, Universal Roof & Contracting recommends that a contractor does the installation, especially for products that require certified installers for honoring warranties.

2. Roofs (Metal & Asphalt) The tax credit is 10% of cost, up to $500. A good contractor should be able to help the homeowner meet the requirements of installing a metal roof with appropriate pigmented coating or an asphalt roof with appropriate cooling granules that also meet ENERGY STAR requirements.

3. Windows & Doors The tax credit is 10% of cost, up to $500; windows are capped at $200. The homeowner does not have to replace all the windows, doors, or skylights in the home to qualify. Replacing as well as adding windows and doors (where there wasn't one previously qualifies. The tax credit does NOT include installation costs. A good contractor should be able to guide the homeowner in selecting qualifying products.

RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY REBATE PROGRAMS

Mellick also recommends that homeowners check their local area for incentive rebates currently being offered, and take advantage of both rebates and tax credits. Residential customers may qualify for rebates on duct repair, attic insulation upgrades, heat pump replacements, energy efficient windows, wall insulation upgrades, reflective roofing installation and solar water heaters. Commercial customers may qualify for rebates on building envelope improvements, HVAC equipment (or system related) improvements, indoor lighting improvements and industrial energy improvements.

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Universal Roof & Contracting Alerts Homeowners to Expiring Residential Energy-Saving Tax Credits

Austin, TX (PRWEB) October 04, 2013

When the air conditioner needs service, repair, or replacement, customers want a knowledgeable skilled professional that can be counted on to do the job right and to provide courteous air conditioning service that will have customers calling Autumn Heating & Cooling for the next time air conditioning repair in Austin. Autumn Heating & Cooling provides customers with award winning services, all performed by qualified NATE HVAC certified air conditioning technicians. With huge discounts, low repair service fees, an excellent product line, and top-notch service guarantees, this trusted Austin area business has the customer covered, whatever air conditioning services are needed.

The summer season is coming to an end and fall is on the way. Now is the time to get the heating system ready for the cold months ahead. Customers want to ensure the heater or furnace is working effectively to keep the home warm and cozy this winter.

Autumn Heating & Cooling is available to provide ac service and heating repairs in Austin to ensure customers air conditioners and heaters are working properly before the season hits or whenever needed. Of course, if the air conditioner or heater is not running smoothly or quits altogether, this BBB A+ business provides qualified ac technicians 24 hours a day to provide ac service calls and air conditioning repair so the customer wont have to remain in the Texas Summer Heat for long.

Autumn Heating & Cooling can also provide Austin residents with new air conditioner replacements, including air conditioners for the home or rental residential properties. Winner of the Angies List Super Service Award, this air conditioning service offers a range of energy efficient units from major brands such as Tappan, Lennox, Rheem, Goodman, and more. With a low service call fee and 24-hour service, certified ac technicians are available 7 days per week to assist with all of your air conditioning service and ac repair needs. Available for air conditioning service and air conditioner installation as well, Autumn Heating & Cooling provides huge discounts and specials on complete system installs, guaranteeing professional service and absolutely no hidden fees or charges.

Now is the time for air conditioning system checkups to ensure your air conditioning and heating system is running properly for the cold months ahead. Give Autumn Heating & Cooling a call to schedule your appointment right away.

About Autumn Heating & Cooling: Autumn Heating & Cooling is a trusted BBB member business providing quality heating and air conditioning service, repair, and installation to Austin and the surrounding area. With low service fees, huge discounts, and quality service, Autumn Heating & Cooling has become a local household name.

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Fall is Approaching and the Cooler Temps are Coming: Now is The Time to Get the Home Heating System checked, so Call ...

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. & CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Ameresco, Inc., (AMRC), a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company, announced today the Company is commencing implementation of a $63.6 million Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) for the University of Illinois at Chicago, as approved by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. The project is expected to save the University more than $1.8 million in avoided energy costs annually for the 20 year term, and includes energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrades to UICs Science and Engineering Laboratories Complex, consisting of four teaching and laboratory buildings and a supporting office building, totaling more than 1.2 million square feet.

UIC is a leader in campus sustainability among Chicago-area higher education institutions, said UIC Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares. We expect the project to yield immediate cost-savings for UIC, but more importantly, it supports UICs Climate Action Plan and will help meet our goal to reduce our carbon emissions at least 80 percent by 2050.

The project will also create many jobs during and after construction, Allen-Meares said, supporting the economic vitality of our neighboring community.

Cindy Klein-Banai, Associate Chancellor for Sustainability, said the partnership with Ameresco will create more efficient buildings and reduce our energy use, allowing us to significantly reduce our carbon footprint. Klein-Banai said the annual emissions reduction will be approximately 9,219 metric tons of CO2, the equivalent of taking 1,921 cars off the road or planting 71 acres of trees.

The approximate two year-long construction period will include infrastructure upgrades as well as energy conservation measures such as new and re-commissioned air handling units, HVAC control systems and equipment, chilled beam, new high performance fume hoods, lighting retrofits, weatherization of building envelope, and the installation of energy recovery systems.

Ameresco is honored to have partnered with the UIC team for the past few years to identify the solution to support the Universitys unique requirements, and we are delighted to have been selected to aid in meeting their efficiency and sustainability goals, said Louis P. Maltezos, Executive Vice President, Ameresco. The energy improvements are expected to enhance the comfort of the facilities for students, faculty and staff, while the budget-neutral ESPC delivers meaningful dollar savings to the University and provides environmental benefits that support UICs sustainability platform.

Ameresco has worked with higher education campuses across North America to stabilize and reduce ongoing utility costs through energy infrastructure upgrades, including complete campus plant solutions and education outreach. Ameresco partners with organizations on projects of all sizes with its budget-neutral ESPC model, from modernizing a single facility to providing comprehensive campus-wide central plant replacements. These projects are financed primarily with future energy savings, without burdensome up-front capital investments, and are built from best-in-class energy-efficient and renewable energy solutions.

About UIC

UIC ranks among the nation's leading research universities and is Chicago's largest university with 27,500 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, 15 colleges and the states major public medical center. A hallmark of the campus is the Great Cities Commitment, through which UIC faculty, students and staff engage with community, corporate, foundation and government partners to improve the quality of life in metropolitan areas around the world.

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University of Illinois at Chicago and Ameresco Contract for Major Energy and Infrastructure Improvements

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The Board of Selectmen (BOS) and School Committee (SC) are considering a proposal to Special Town Meeting in December that would support the long-term renovation/replacement facilities master plan for our school buildings. The capital projects to be proposed at Special Town Meeting would be the start of a multiple-year program for the upgrade of our school facilities. The proposals to be considered this year would include design funds for renovations at Fiske and Schofield to address building system and minor programmatic needs, study money to support further evaluation of options at Hardy, Hunnewell and Upham as well as engineering assessment funds for future HVAC and plumbing projects at the middle school. The School Facilities Committee made an initial presentation to the boards at a joint meeting of the BOS and SC on Aug. 27 (available on-demand at http://www.wellesleymedia.org) and further discussion of the topic is planned for a joint BOS/SC meeting on Sept. 23 at 7:15 pm in the Juliani Room at Town Hall.

The School Facilities Committee spent the summer reviewing existing enrollment reports, modeling classroom needs for the next seven years, reviewing various options including redistricting, reconfiguration of grades in each school as well as redistricting or reconfiguration with major building renovations or additions. Currently we are over classroom capacity in some schools, and we have inequity in class size and program delivery. Redistricting or reconfiguration could improve educational program equity, however even with redistricting or reconfiguration, the forecast indicates the need to use all seven elementary schools over the next seven years.

Also as part of the review, the Committee received an update on the Strategic Plan and the potential program changes to be recommended for the school year starting in September, 2014. Those potential program additions and/or changes would not require any extra dedicated or special spaces. Redistricting or reconfiguration also does not require a change in the existing facilities structure.

Lastly, the Committee built upon the work of last year's School Facilities Master Plan (SFMP) committee. The SFMP reviewed the type and cost of building systems work recommended in the 2013 Symmes Maini & McKee Associations study and began the process of prioritizing projects for future consideration..

With the enrollment forecast, the Strategic Plan recommendations and the work of the SFMP as background, the School Facilities Committee is making the following recommendations:

-- Hardy, Hunnewell and Upham should be candidates for potential major renovations, additions, replacement and/or consolidation and should be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority during the next Statement of Interest cycle. In the interim, a study should be commenced to identify "what if" scenarios of several possible options to be considered given enrollment changes, programmatic changes and renovations, replacements or consolidations for these schools,

-- Fiske and Schofield have well-defined building systems renovations needs that should be addressed today; they are similar in project scope, which could provide cost and timing efficiencies and the work could be completed over two summers,

--Given the recent construction of Bates, Sprague and P.A.W.S., their needs should be primarily addressed through the annual budget's cash capital cycle.

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Column: Meeting on Wellesley school buildings renovations set for Sept. 23

Photo by: Rick Danzl/The News-Gazette

Catlin school board President Jeff Fauver, left, and Catlin Superintendent Gary Lewis, standing outside Catlin High School.

Most school officials in southern Vermilion County say they are keeping all their options open regarding a possible reorganization of their districts, but no changes are likely to appear on the spring 2014 ballots.

Cheryl Reifsteck, the regional superintendent of Vermilion County schools, said the deadlines to put a school consolidation or academic cooperative referendum on the spring ballot are fast approaching, and she is not aware of any reorganization petitions on their way to her office.

The topic of combining some or all or the southern Vermilion County school districts has been discussed since at least the 1960s.

But recently, shrinking enrollments and reduced state aid a critical revenue source have led school officials in the Catlin, Oakwood, Jamaica, Westville and Georgetown-Ridge Farm districts to talk about the possibility of reorganizing their districts before financial hardships get so extreme that they are unable to pay their bills and state officials have to step in and take control.

No one wants a situation where the Illinois State Board of Education has to decide if the schools in the district will stay open, or if the students will be sent to another district, Reifsteck said. Local school boards and local voters should make those decisions.

The five superintendents and representatives from the five school boards have met to discuss reorganizations once, in May; there are no current plans for another five-district meeting. But the subject has been raised at recent school board meetings, and Reifsteck said that she is being contacted by school officials with questions about reorganization.

There are three basic options for school reorganization consolidation, cooperative and deactivation:

Consolidation: Two or more districts merge together into a district with central management and a single school board.

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Spring votes unlikely for southern Vermilion districts

In Baltimore, Md., GHHI helped residents in the grant area achieve a 67 percent decrease in emergency department visits and hospitalizations and watched their average annual energy costs drop more than $400 per household. Photo by File Photo

You want to reduce your energy bills, improve your in-home air quality, increase the value of your home and help create jobs in the local community? Then invest in energy-efficiency improvements at your home or business. Getting the correct information is one way to unlock the large, undiscovered potential for energy savings in Jackson. Very soon you will go directly to your natural gas and electric utilities for that information.

Earlier this summer, the Mississippi Public Service Commission adopted new rules guiding the development and implementation of energy-efficiency programs. Now regulated natural gas and electric utilities and electric power associations must design and deliver energy-efficiency programs that will help residential, commercial, and industrial consumers reduce their energy usage and their energy bills, while still maintaining comfort, security and productivity.

The economic benefits of energy efficiency extend far beyond lowering energy bills for consumers. Efficiency also contributes to economic development and job creation. Designing efficiency programs to achieve these goals, in addition to saving energy, can have benefits that ripple throughout the economy. The natural gas and electric utilities are currently in the process of developing their energy-efficiency program portfolios. Jacksonians need to be ready to embrace these early programs (lighting improvements; appliance replacements; HVAC upgrades; insulation and window improvements; etc.) and lay the groundwork for long-term energy savings, economic development and a local workforce.

Read more at jfp.ms/energyrules and jfp.ms/aceee.

The Economic Opportunity Value Chain of Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency Measures (job, local and high quality)--->Energy Bill Savings (consumer cost savings)--->Productive Spending / Local Investments (jobs, local)

Source: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy

IN PROGRESS:

Earlier this year, the Kellogg Foundation awarded The Green & Healthy Homes Initiative $400,000 for vital work here in Jackson. "Through this grant, GHHI will increase access to greener, healthier, and more affordable homes in Jackson and the region that yield reductions in energy costs and housing-related injuries and illnesses such as asthma and lead poisoning for families, children and seniors. GHHI will also build a pathway to community-based green and healthy housing rehabilitation jobs," GHHI said in a release (see jfp.ms/Kellogg_green).

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Bright Idea: Conserve Energy, Create Jobs

(PRWEB) September 17, 2013

Greenstar Home Services, the leading provider of HVAC, central water filtration services and home plumbing in Orange County and Las Vegas announced today its new Senior Reward Program. The program is designed to protect the values of Greenstars senior clientele.

The Senior Rewards Program includes discounts on repairs and replacements, special family involvement/second person verification, priority service, and an extremely discounted evaluation fee of $29 normally $89 for all senior citizens 62 and older. Additionally, in an effort to better serve its senior customers, Greenstar now requires all of its professional staff go through senior sensitivity training on a weekly basis.

Greenstar consistently considers the customer when performing services. The introduction of the Senior Rewards Program is evidence of their unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Greenstar is one of the rare companies still left not attempting to make a quick buck off of the customer. This dedication is a large part of why business has been booming for the Orange County based home services company and customer complaints have been at an all-time low.

Greenstars service is always efficient and accurate. The core policy across all Greenstar branches is that no customer concern or compliant can go more than a few minutes without being resolved. All employees go through rigorous training, background checks, and drug testing. On average, Greenstar spends thousands each year on human resources. This speaks to Greenstars core commitment to being morally and ethically responsible. Greenstar ensures customers receive the upmost service and greatest value in hvac, plumbing and water filtration for the home.

About Greenstar Home Services:

Greenstar Home Services is the leading provider of environmentally conscious HVAC, central water filtration, and home plumbing in Orange County, California. Greenstar takes great pride in providing unparalleled customer service and offering overwhelming value. Greenstar focuses on preventative maintenance by assisting homeowners with regular home maintenance to greatly reduce and even eliminate costly repairs and emergencies. All of Greenstar service technicians are background checked and drug tested. Greenstar also carries workers compensation to protect homeowners from liability. Greenstar has locations in Lake Forest, CA, Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Las Vegas, NV. For more information on Greenstar and a full list of services please visit http://www.greenstarhomeservices.com or call 1.800.434.2566.

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Greenstar Home Services Senior Rewards Program Help Senior Keep Homes in Mint Condition

WINSTON-SALEMMembers of a Triad church and hundreds of volunteers spent September 11th giving back to veterans.

They kicked off "Homes for Our Heroes and plan to renovate five houses in Winston-Salem where homeless vets will eventually live.

It's a project military leaders say is much needed in the community.

Volunteers began rehabbing five houses on Wednesday morning off Cameron Avenue. The houses will eventually be home to veterans who don't have one.

"I really don't think the public has a real concept of just how huge this is, especially when you think about the fact that we have nearly a million veteran claims that haven't been addressed yet, said LTCOL Marcus Taylor, a chaplain with the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary.

Whole Man Ministries began fundraising for the project nearly two years ago, lead by Pastor Barry Washington and his wife, Camilla.

From time to time, we'd go down to Samaritan's Ministries, and he met some veterans there that were transitioning. So he wanted something they could call their own, and that's how we got here, Camilla said.

Project organizers are still looking for volunteers. People who are skilled in plumbing, HVAC and electrical are encouraged to get involved.

"We feel honored that we're able to help. Even if it's just a small piece, it's like a ripple in a pond. We hope it will spread, said Bethany Sietsma, who volunteered with Roof Replacements Solutions.

"There's only so much that the VA system can do. So when you have programs like this where a church gets involved, I think this is the kind of thing that's going to help us put a dent in this, Taylor said.

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Triad church kicks off house renovation project for homeless vets

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- There's less than 40 days until Wake County residents head to the polls to vote on an $810 million school bond referendum, and the school system took to social media to gain support.

As the debate over the school construction bond heats up, officials turned to Twitter to fan the fire. In the wake of Tuesday's air conditioning problems at Enloe High School, the school system posted this message on their account:

"#HVACprobs? Gives us a good reason to bring up the upcoming bond, which includes HVAC replacements."

Former Wake County School Board Chair Ron Margiotta says the bond is too excessive and isn't needed. He's the latest opponent in the school bond fight, joining the Wake GOP and the Wake County Taxpayers Association.

"Do we need to build new schools? Yes we do. However we don't need this bond referendum. We don't need to build palaces as what we have been building for many years," Margiotta said.

Margiotta says slower enrollment growth and more competition from charter and private schools call for a more reasonable plan.

"Going back to our 2006 referendum, we built more schools than were ever anticipated because there were true savings due to the recession. In addition to that, not nearly the number of students came to Wake County that were expected, again, due to the recession. So there are available seats throughout the county," Margiotta said.

But the referendum's supporters say new schools and up-to-date technology are needed to keep up with future growth.

The state's largest school district anticipates 20,000 more students over the next five years. Friends of Wake County says passing the bond is the reasonable choice to avoid a larger price tag down the road.

"If we don't get this bond passed, we'll still have to supply the space. It will cost us about $25 million more in additional interest and to those anti-tax people I would say ok help me with the logic on this now," Friends of Wake County member Phil Zachary said.

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Wake Schools bond debate heats up