DOE Launches Web Site Supporting Energy-Saving Reconstruction in the Gulf Coast
On Nov. 22, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced it launched a Disaster Recovery and Building Reconstruction Web site at http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings as part of its continuing effort to support hurricane victims in the Gulf Coast. The Web site provides relevant resources and information for consumers, state and local officials, builders and contractors, and encourages cost-effective, durable and energy-efficient reconstruction in areas devastated by recent hurricanes.
"The Department of Energy's Disaster Recovery and Building Reconstruction Web site brings together collective resources, building research and lessons learned from past catastrophes to create safer, stronger buildings that use energy efficiently and are less vulnerable to disaster," said Douglas L. Faulkner, acting assistant secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. "Application of highly efficient and durable technologies will make a significant difference in the Gulf Coast region's reconstruction progress."
The Web site includes information on training opportunities and a wide range of guidelines, fact sheets and case studies developed by DOE, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, EPA, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and other organizations.
DOE also is working with state energy offices and their partners to provide resources, training and technical assistance. A key component of each state's recovery effort is partnering with the National Association of State Universities Land Grant Colleges (NASULGC) and in-state extension services to provide training workshops on building and rebuilding with energy efficiency and storm resistance. These workshops will use NASULGC's ready-made capacity for educational program delivery, and draw on DOE's national network of building scientists, energy analysts and builder training professionals. The Disaster Recovery and Building Reconstruction Web site will disseminate workshop updates and information as it becomes available.
This article originally appeared in the 11/01/2005 issue of Environmental Protection.