The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a notice in the Federal Register announcing that it will establish a committee to provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Energy on matters concerning its Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards Program’s test procedures and rulemaking process.

Heat Pipe Technology Inc. (HPT) announced that two recent commercial installations of the company’s passive dehumidification systems have yielded quick payback, carbon reduction, and ongoing energy savings. Both HPT applications were for manufacturers that require very-low-humidity environments.

Pepco Energy Services Inc. announced that it has been selected to implement a comprehensive energy savings performance contract project for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Va.

Concordia University has announced the opening of its new Solar Simulator-Environmental Chamber, a unique laboratory that the university said will revolutionize solar energy applications and building standards.

Green building consultant Jerry Yudelson, CEO of Yudelson Associates in Tucson, Ariz., released his annual list of green building trends for 2012, what he calls “MegaTrends.”

New research from Harvard Business Review Analytic Services says business executives advocate collaboration between the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to speed new energy innovation. The research also found that while business leaders are willing to play their part, government leadership in energy policy is essential.

Dais Analytic Corp. announced that it has been selected to receive grant funding by the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DOD’s) Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) for development and installation of an advanced outside air handling system using Dais’ patented Aqualyte material.

A new partnership will bring the Vermont-manufactured AllSun Tracker solar electric system to homeowners and businesses throughout northern New England. The dealer partnership is between installer ReVision Energy and solar tracker manufacturer AllEarth Renewables.

Canadian thermoplastic parts manufacturer Plastech Inc. wanted solar technology to eliminate the $6,000 (CAD) annual natural gas energy costs of heating its shipping area, but without the expense of altering its ivory color building’s aesthetic exteriors or painting it a darker, more absorptive color.

Honeywell and Haier Group have announced the establishment of the Honeywell-Haier Joint Innovation Center, located in the R&D center of Haier in Qingdao, China.