Resources
Midwest Roofing Contractors Association
Recently, MRCA and their Technical Research (T&R) Committee created a Photovoltaic (PV) Task Force to disseminate “best roofing practices guidelines” for PV by bridging the gap between the discovery of new knowledge and the time that knowledge is applied through quantitative and qualitative research data. In an effort to validate the performance of building-integrated PV, the task force utilized an evidenced-based approach that integrates the best available information, research, and expertise to foster a decision-making framework for contractors before they embark on a strategic plan of action within their respective businesses.
National Roofing Contractors Association
NRCA provides a wide range of information and services to help homeowners, building owners, and designers make informed decisions about replacing and maintaining their roof system. Browse NRCA’s sustainable design and energy efficiency section for publications that can help you make environmentally-friendly decisions for your roof systems.
The Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing
CEIR is dedicated to promoting the development and use of environmentally responsible, high performance roof systems. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Center’s core purpose is to provide a forum for drawing together the entire roofing industry into the common cause of advancing and increasing the knowledge base of environmentally friendly, high performance roofing. CEIR endeavors to advance innovative solutions to energy and environmental challenges and proceeds with the belief that the spirit of collaboration is a critical ingredient of innovation.
Developed by CEIR, RoofPoint is a roofing- specific version of green building rating systems that has emerged to promote an environmentally responsible built environment. Similar to its whole-building counterparts, RoofPoint embraces a mission to elevate the professional practice of everyone involved in the roofing process to a higher level of accomplishment and recognition. In order to accomplish this mission, RoofPoint embraces several important functions. First, RoofPoint is a guideline for the selection of environmentally innovative roofing systems, roofing systems that maximize energy efficiency and longevity while minimizing environmental impact. In addition. RoofPoint serves as a checklist to identify the many ways roofing systems provide economic and environmental benefit. RoofPoint also serves as an assessment system to compare different roofing alternatives for a particular environmental application. Finally, RoofPoint provides a platform for a comprehensive certification program to recognize and reward environmentally responsible roofing practice.
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promotes renewable energy and energy efficiency. The information on the DSIRE web site provides an overview of incentives and other policies, but should not be used as the only source of information when making purchasing decisions, investment decisions, tax decisions, or other binding agreements.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
NREL is the only federal laboratory dedicated to the research, development, commercialization, and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Backed by 33 years of achievement, NREL leads the way in helping meet the growing demand for clean energy
The System Advisor Model (SAM) is a performance and economic model designed to facilitate decision making. SAM is developed by NREL in collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories and in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP). The SETP began developing SAM in 2004 for analysis to support the implementation of the SETP System Driven Approach. Since then, SAM has evolved to model a range of renewable energy technologies and is used worldwide for planning and evaluating research and development programs, developing project cost and performance estimates, and for academic reseach.
Kansas Corporation Commission
KCC was established to protect the public interest through impartial, and efficient resolution or all jurisdictional issues. The agency regulates five cornerstone industries in the Kansas economy and has the responsibility of ensuring that natural gas, electricity, telephone and transportation vendors provide safe, adequate and reliable services at reasonable rates. The Commission also has the mandate of assuring that oil and gas producers protect correlative rights and environmental resources.
Within the Commission’s Energy Programs Division, you will find a variety of energy resources ranging from wind and solar to educational information regarding tax incentives, legislation, and climate change.
Efficiency Kansas
Efficiency Kansas is a practical, low-cost loan program that helps Kansans like you make energy-efficiency improvements to your home, rental unit, or small business. The program was developed by the Kansas Energy Office to make it easier to make you more comfortable & reduce your energy costs.
Resourceful Kansas
Resourceful Kansas is funded by the Department of Energy (DOE) Better Buildings Program grant and has as its overall goal to engage communiities throughout the state of Kansas in making a fundatmental shift toward a less energy intensive, more efficient economy by:
- Reducing energy consumption,
- Increasing efficient energy practices,
- Helping to harvest nonpolluting wind and solar resources, and
- Cultivating new economic opportunities throughout the state.
Participating entities will be helped by identifying and prioritizing their own energy efficiency and conservation opportunities, including integrating cost-effective renewable energy sources through targeted outreach, customized on-site assessments, and project implementation support.
Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education
KACEE is a statewide non-profit association of many public and private agencies, organizations, businesses, and individuals throughout the State of Kansas. Non-biased and scientific-based environmental education has become their focus by promoting a full understanding of environmental issues through the educational process that enhances critical thinking, problem solving, and effective decision-making.
Kansas Green Schools
Kansas Green Schools are high performance schools that focus on health, environmetnally-friendly spaces to work, learn, and play. This is a place for information about environmental projects and environmental education activities and resources.
Studies have shown the students, teachers, administrators, and staff spending time in Green Schools experience fewer absences and illness, and generally express more satisfaction with their school experience. Student performance may be improved by up to 25 percent, and operating costs for energy and water can be reduced by 20 to 40 percent, leaving more funding for the classroom.
Kansas Interfaith Power and Light
Kansas IPL seeks to engage faith communities in environmental stewardship and sustainable practices through the promotion of energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. They believe the threat of global climate change is a call to action.
