The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which was signed into law on October 3, 2008, includes numerous federal tax breaks for energy-related expenditures and activities. Here are 20 highlights:

By SkySite Property staff

Retailers wondering how to go green should take aim at one easy solution—plastic bags. Cities, retailers and manufacturers across the world have started phasing out the plastic polluters or charging customers for using them.

Since its invention 31 years ago, trillions of these bags have been used. More than 1 million plastic bags are used every minute across the world, and billions end up as litter, according to environmental activism group Reusable Bags.

By SkySite Property staff

Spurred by a steep price drop in the price of natural gas, electricity bills for Texans seem to have peaked for the summer. While some retail providers have kept prices steady, others have offered price decreases of 5 to 10 percent.

By SkySite Property staff

Many municipal, state and national building codes now require environmentally-friendly building materials that qualify for green credits. Products that are eligible for LEED reduce energy usage, save water and lessen the release of harmful air pollutants such as volatile organic compounds.

By SkySite Property staff

BMW Group Canada and Nissan Americas are steering the automotive industry in the green direction with their new environmentally-friendly facilities.

The new BMW facility in Richmond Hill, Ont., is aiming for the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification and is set to open at the end of 2009. The site, to be built on a 5.75 acre greenfield, will accommodate the company and its expanding staff of 300.

By SkySite Property staff

Perkins+Will, considered one of the top sustainable design firms in the United States, plans to complete the highest-scoring Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum-certified building on record from the U.S. Green Building Council.

By SkySite Property staff

Intertek Sustainability Solutions released its Ethical Sourcing Report 2008, which features articles that address ethical sourcing issues, reports on industry trends and perspectives from industry leaders whom recently exchanged views on opportunities for advancement with a broad cross section of stakeholders at the Ethical Sourcing Forum held in New York City in March.

By SkySite Property staff