Around the Web: Energy Circle's Hand-Picked Links, Chosen Especially for Energy Efficiency Pros.

From Energy Circle:

Staying Positive, Taking Action.

In a guest post at Remodeling Magazine, Energy Circle founder and CEO Peter Troast discusses some of the internal troubles within the energy efficiency industry, and explains why, above all, we need to stay positive and keep up the good work.  

Curated Links from the Web:

How to Make Energy Programs Work Better.

Grist's David Roberts on the importance of marketing in the deployment of energy efficiency incentive programs. (From Grist)

Becoming a RESNET Certified Rater.

The folks at SLS Construction discuss the process and the rationale behind RESNET certification, and provide a slew of good resources for anyone interested in pursuing it. (From SLS Construction Blog)

One Air Barrier or Two?

As always, Martin Holladay of Green Building Advisor’s “Musings of an Energy Nerd” post is as reasoned and insightful as his conclusion, that “American homes don’t yet have a single air barrier; two barriers are a far off dream,” is sad. (From Green Building Advisor) 

Top Ten Green Building Products of 2010.

Sustainable Industries Magazine’s 2010 list is big on energy efficiency, energy management and monitoring systems making a strong showing, along with a heat recovery ventilator that installs in-line with existing duct work. (From Green Building Elements) 

Turn Off That Dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier can be a wonderful tool for removing unhealthy moisture from the home, as well as increasing the comfort of a hot and muggy house. Allison Bailes reports on a set of circumstances in which it does neither. (From Energy Vanguard) 

Energy Retrofits Could Save $41 Billion Annually.

According to a new report from Pike Research, the need to retrofit our existing buildings is becoming increasingly clear. (From CNET) 

First Passive House Retrofit in the Country!

This 1960’s California home is the first Passive House in the state, and the first Passive House retrofit in the country: a remarkable achievement that demonstrates how much can be done with what we’ve got. (From Jetson Green)

Purchases of U.S. Existing Homes On the Decline.

As tax incentives for first time home buyers run out, the housing market slouched for the second month in a row in June. The upside: the money-saving benefits of energy efficient homes will likely be an increasingly important factor in the troubled market. (From Bloomberg)

Featured Home Performance Blogger of the Week:

Sustainable Building Performance Inc.

This Sacramento based home performance company has a steady stream of high quality content, useful for pros and consumers alike. A sample of blog topics includes everything from ruminations on the future of PACE Financing, window screens for people who suffer from allergies, and ideas about how to retrofit suburbia.