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Builders could get twice the funding from FortisBC to build net-zero ready homes

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FortisBC revamps rebates for new homes to help support the lower-carbon transition

SURREY, BC, Sept. 13, 2024 /CNW/ – FortisBC Energy Inc. and FortisBC Inc. (collectively, “FortisBC”) are doubling the funding available for B.C. builders looking for more affordable ways to build much-needed homes that require less energy for heating, cooling and electricity. FortisBC has worked closely with builders and developers to understand how best to build both fully electric and integrated gas-electric homes to Step 4 and 5, the highest levels of the BC Energy Step Code. The company has revamped its New Home Program1 to better support builders with new construction projects, including $15,000 or more to build to Step 4 and $20,000 or more to meet Step 5, which is a net-zero ready home.

“The province needs new energy-efficient homes to support the growing population as well as meet longer-term climate action goals,” said Danielle Wensink, director of conservation and energy management at FortisBC. “We believe that when builders have options, it can help us work towards these goals collectively while also giving customers a choice in energy options for their homes. Offering rebates on new construction projects gives builders flexibility on how to approach their projects, especially in different climates, while still building higher-efficiency homes.”

The program was revamped after working with builders across B.C.’s diverse climate zones. The builders provided FortisBC with lessons on the flexibility, support and funding needed to help design and build high-efficiency new homes in more affordable, practical ways, including net-zero ready homes. Each builder worked within the unique requirements of their project and took different approaches to meet higher levels of the BC Energy Step Code. For example, a home in Vancouver prioritized pre-construction planning and modelling software to estimate airtightness and heating requirements to build a gas-attached home to Step 4. In Kimberley, a gas-attached duplex was built to Step 5 in this colder climate by working with an energy advisor and focusing on adding more insulation and high-efficiency windows.

Key to all the projects was a focus on energy-efficiency from the initial design phase. Using what’s known as an integrated design approach, all the stakeholders involved in the construction collaborated to ensure the building elements, from the envelope to the mechanical systems, are working together to lower the energy requirements. The success of this approach was most evident with one of the case study participants, the Wilden Living Lab (WLL) project. Led by The Wilden Group in Kelowna, WLL is a real-world research project where stakeholders from post-secondary schools and industry work together to build a net-zero ready home in way that is both innovative and practical. The research will be used to inform further projects.

“We worked closely with FortisBC and other industry stakeholders right from the onset to explore options to build net-zero ready homes and advance this within the industry,” said Karin Eger-Blenk, CEO and co-chair of The Wilden Group. “By continuing to work together, and taking advantage of increased supports, we believe Step 5 can be the default instead of the exception for new homes in B.C.”

Another key lesson from working with builders was that having access to both the gas and electricity systems provided the most choice and flexibility in achieving the higher levels of the BC Energy Step Code.

“A focus on high-performance design while maintaining access to both energy systems provided builders with the most options in how they design and build new homes,” said Wensink. “We believe this approach helps fill a critical gap for energy-efficient new homes while achieving higher levels of the BC Energy Step Code.”

This desire for choice in new construction is an important consideration for fast-growing communities like Vancouver and Kelowna that are replacing aging single-family homes in older communities with duplexes and other higher-density infill housing like suites and carriage houses. This is seen as one of the ways to meet the need to build more housing stock over the next several years.2  With these buildings qualifying for funding through FortisBC’s New Home Program, it could increase the potential for these to be built to higher efficiency standards, and help reduce demand in areas where the density may result in too much load for the existing electricity system.

FortisBC’s revamped New Home program continues to emphasize a whole-home approach to energy efficiency by supporting builders who incorporate an integrated design approach and work with an energy advisor certified by Natural Resources Canada. At the end of a project, builders could now receive $15,000 for achieving Step 4 or $20,000 for achieving Step 5 of the BC Energy Step Code.

For advice on the energy-efficiency options best suited for a new project, or help with understanding the BC Energy Step Code, or completing your rebate application, contact a FortisBC energy solutions manager or a program qualified energy advisor. Builders and developers looking for more information about FortisBC’s New Home Program rebates can visit fortisbc.com/newhome.

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1 Subject to program terms and conditions.

2 City of Kelowna, in-fill housing

Backgrounder

FortisBC has offered the New Home Program since 2011 to encourage builders and developers to construct homes that are more energy efficient than minimum BC Building Code requirements.In May 2023, the provincial government introduced changes to the BC Building Code, increasing the minimum building standard to Step 3. Builders and developers can rely on FortisBC rebates for new construction to help offset some of the costs of building to Step 4 and Step 5.A net-zero home can produce as much clean energy as it consumes and is built up to 80 per cent more energy efficient than a new home built to the minimum building code.3 A net-zero ready home is designed the same way, but the renewable energy system, like solar panels, hasn’t been installed yet.FortisBC worked with a number of builders who reached higher levels of the BC Energy Step Code in homes across the province:A builder achieved a Step 5 home in Campbell River through a strategic building design and prioritizing insulation throughout the home. Another home in Campbell River achieved Step 4 with improved airtightness, insulation and a high-quality commercial-grade air barrier.Located in one of the colder regions in B.C., a home in Quesnel was built to Step 5 with thicker walls, more insulation and high-efficiency gas appliances.A home in Kimberly was built to Step 5 by incorporating a passive solar design with a gas boiler for in-floor radiant heating and hot water heating.Through FortisBC’s revamped New Home Program, builders and developers can access additional funding to support energy-efficiency early in the design and building process as well as increased rebates for achieving Steps 4 and 5 of the BC Energy Step Code.Rebates have increased from $6,000 previously to $15,000 for achieving Step 4 and from $10,000 to $20,000 for achieving Step 5.Builders can also receive funding to incorporate an integrated design process, which brings together all the stakeholders involved in the construction to collaborate on the design and specifications and ensure all the elements work together to optimize energy use in the building. This includes funding for a building science expert and a mechanical designer.Builders can now also get support to measure for airtightness early in the build, in addition to existing funding to work with a Natural Resources Canada registered energy advisor.The program continues to include rebates for individual energy-efficiency appliances and measures such as drain water heat recovery systems, connected thermostats and ENERGY STAR® appliances.Rebates for the New Home Program are for new homes built on a permanent foundation, to a maximum of three stories. Homes can either be detached or semi-detached such as townhomes, duplexes, triplexes or row homes.To maximize incentives and ensure their building qualifies, builders are encouraged to review the terms and conditions on the FortisBC website in the early planning stages.

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3 Efficiency Canada, net-zero energy ready buildings in Canada

FortisBC Inc. and FortisBC Energy Inc., both regulated utilities, do business as FortisBC, and are focused on providing safe and reliable energy, including natural gas, electricity, Renewable Natural Gas and propane. FortisBC employs approximately 2,714 British Columbians and serves nearly 1.3 million customers in 135 British Columbian communities, and 58 First Nations communities across 150 Traditional Territories. FortisBC owns and operates two liquefied natural gas storage facilities, four regulated hydroelectric generating plants, approximately 7,300 kilometres of transmission and distribution power lines and approximately 51,600 kilometres of gas transmission and distribution lines. FortisBC is indirectly, wholly owned by Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electricity and gas utility industry. FortisBC Inc. and FortisBC Energy Inc. use the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. For further information on FortisBC, visit fortisbc.com. For further information on Fortis Inc., visit fortisinc.com.

SOURCE FortisBC Energy Inc.

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Capital Advantage, Inc. Offers Tailored Financial Services for Kaiser Permanente® and TPMG Employees

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WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Capital Advantage, Inc., a trusted name in wealth management, is proud to highlight its specialized services designed to meet the unique financial needs of Kaiser Permanente® and The Permanente Medical Group (TPMG) employees.

At Capital Advantage, we understand the complexities of Kaiser Permanente® and TPMG benefit plans. Our team is dedicated to helping healthcare professionals navigate their robust and often intricate benefit options. With over 30 years of expertise and a deep understanding of Kaiser’s offerings, we craft personalized financial plans to help maximize the value of our clients’ benefits.

“We recognize the unique challenges and opportunities that healthcare professionals face in managing their financial lives,” says Ian Castille, CFP®, Principal and Senior Financial Advisor at Capital Advantage, Inc.

Donna Zinman, CRPC®, Principal and Senior Advisor, adds, “Our goal is to educate our clients about their attractive benefit options and help them make the most of these opportunities.”

Key services for Kaiser Permanente® and TPMG employees include customized portfolio strategies and personalized guidance on retirement savings plans, identification of ideal pension options and annual open-enrollment benefit selections, advice on traditional vs. Roth 401(k) options, advanced tax-saving strategies (such as mega-backdoor Roth contributions), and simplification of retirement planning by working directly with Kaiser/TPMG’s benefits department. These services are designed to provide Kaiser/TPMG employees with peace of mind, confidence, and financial empowerment as they navigate their retirement and benefits planning.

About Capital Advantage, Inc.

Capital Advantage is a trusted, independently owned wealth management firm with over 40 years of experience helping individuals and families to achieve their financial goals. As a 100% fee-only fiduciary, Capital Advantage strives to provide financial peace of mind to each and every client, delivering large institution expertise with the personalized care and attention of a boutique firm. Our experienced advisors work closely with pre-retirees and retirees, women navigating unique financial journeys, and Kaiser Permanente® and The Permanente Medical Group (TPMG) employees to create strategies that provide clarity, confidence, and long-term success.

For more information on Capital Advantage’s services visit: Kaiser/TPMG Employees – Capital Advantage, Inc. or call (925) 299-1500 to contact one of our advisors for a no-cost initial consultation.

Disclaimer: Capital Advantage, Inc. is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Kaiser Permanente® or TPMG (The Permanente Medical Group)

Limitations: No amount of experience, recognition, or past success, nor the achievement of any professional designation, certification, degree, or license should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if Capital Advantage is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. Please see Important Disclosure.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/capital-advantage-inc-offers-tailored-financial-services-for-kaiser-permanente-and-tpmg-employees-302348316.html

SOURCE Capital Advantage, Inc.

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NASA Sets Coverage for Firefly First Commercial Robotic Moon Launch

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Carrying NASA science and technology to the Moon as part of the agency’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis campaign, Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 is targeting launch Wednesday, Jan. 15. The mission will lift off on a SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Live launch coverage will air on NASA+ with prelaunch events starting Monday, Jan. 13. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media. Follow all events at:

https://www.nasa.gov/live/

After the launch, Firefly’s Blue Ghost lander will spend approximately 45 days in transit to the Moon before landing on the lunar surface in early March. The lander will carry 10 NASA science investigations to further our understanding of the Moon’s environment and help prepare for future human missions to the lunar surface, as part of the agency’s Moon to Mars exploration approach. 

Science investigations on this flight aim to test and demonstrate lunar subsurface drilling technology, regolith sample collection capabilities, global navigation satellite system abilities, radiation tolerant computing, and lunar dust mitigation methods. The data captured could benefit humans on Earth by providing insights into how space weather and other cosmic forces impact Earth. 

The deadline has passed for media accreditation for in-person coverage of this launch. The agency’s media accreditation policy is available online. More information about media accreditation is available by emailing: ksc-media-accreditat@mail.nasa.gov.

Full coverage of this mission is as follows (all times Eastern):

Monday, Jan. 13
2:30 p.m. – Lunar science media teleconference with the following participants:

Chris Culbert, CLPS program manager, NASA’s Johnson Space CenterMaria Banks, CLPS project scientist, NASA Johnson

Audio of the teleconference will stream live on the agency’s website:

https://www.nasa.gov/live/

Media may ask questions via phone only. For the dial-in number and passcode, please contact the Kennedy newsroom no later than 1:30 p.m. EST Jan. 13, at: ksc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov.

Tuesday, Jan. 14
1 p.m. – Lunar delivery readiness media teleconference with the following participants:

Nicola Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA HeadquartersJason Kim, CEO, Firefly AerospaceJulianna Scheiman, director, NASA science missions, SpaceXMark Burger, launch weather officer, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s 45th Weather Squadron

Audio of the teleconference will stream live on the agency’s website:

https://www.nasa.gov/live/

Media may ask questions via phone only. For the dial-in number and passcode, please contact the Kennedy newsroom no later than 12 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at: ksc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov.

Wednesday, Jan. 15
12:30 a.m. – Launch coverage begins on NASA+ and the agency’s website.

1:11 a.m. – Launch

NASA Launch Coverage
Audio only of the media teleconferences and launch coverage will be carried on the NASA “V” circuits, which may be accessed by dialing 321-867-1220, -1240, or -7135. On launch day, the full mission broadcast can be heard on -1220 and -1240, while the countdown net only can be heard on -7135 beginning approximately one hour before the mission broadcast begins.

On launch day, a “tech feed” of the launch without NASA TV commentary will be carried on the NASA TV media channel.

NASA Website Launch Coverage
Launch day coverage of the mission will be available on the NASA website. Coverage will include live streaming and blog updates beginning no earlier than 12:30 a.m. EST Jan. 15, as the countdown milestones occur. On-demand streaming video and photos of the launch will be available shortly after liftoff. For questions about countdown coverage, contact the Kennedy newsroom at 321-867-2468. Follow countdown coverage on our launch blog for updates.

NASA Virtual Guests for Launch
Members of the public can register to attend this launch virtually. Registrants will receive mission updates and activities by email, including curated mission resources, schedule updates, and a virtual guest passport stamp following a successful launch. Print your passport and get ready to add your stamp!

Watch, Engage on Social Media
Let people know you’re following the mission on X, Facebook, and Instagram by using the hashtag #Artemis. You can also stay connected by following and tagging these accounts:

X: @NASA, @NASAKennedy, @NASAArtemis, @NASAMoon

Facebook: NASA, NASAKennedy, NASAArtemis

Instagram: @NASA, @NASAKennedy, @NASAArtemis

Coverage en Español
Did you know NASA has a Spanish section called NASA en español? Check out NASA en español on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for additional mission coverage.

Para obtener información sobre cobertura en español en el Centro Espacial Kennedy o si desea solicitar entrevistas en español, comuníquese con Antonia Jaramillo o Messod Bendayan a: antonia.jaramillobotero@nasa.gov o messod.c.bendayan@nasa.gov.

For media inquiries relating to the launch provider, please contact SpaceX’s communications department by emailing: media@spacex.com. For media inquiries relating to the CLPS provider, Firefly Aerospace, please contact Firefly’s communication department by emailing: press@fireflyspace.com.
For more information about the agency’s CLPS initiative, see:

https://www.nasa.gov/clps

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-sets-coverage-for-firefly-first-commercial-robotic-moon-launch-302348344.html

SOURCE NASA

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Universal Brain Announces Publication of Groundbreaking Depression Research Using Multiple Event-Related Potentials

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New findings support the company’s neuroscience-driven approach to precision psychiatry, offering actionable insights for personalized depression treatment

PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Universal Brain, a pioneering technology company focused on transforming mental healthcare through neuroscience, today announced the publication of its latest peer-reviewed study, “Neurotyping depression using multiple event-related potentials (ERPs): Leveraging task-based variation to predict remission in depression,” the paper introduces a novel framework for detecting unique neurophysiological patterns that can help predict which depressed patients are most likely to achieve remission from depression.

“By combining several EEG paradigms with novel statistical analyses, we’re moving closer to a future where depression therapies can be precisely tailored to each individual,” said Kazu Okuda, Chief Executive Officer of Universal Brain. “In particular, we are poised to leverage a battery of EEG paradigms to better subtype depression – which will pave the way for more precision in treatment development and selection.  These functional measures of brain activity (i.e., neurotypes) will be used to determine what treatment works best for whom.”

Key Highlights of the Study

Multi-Task ERP Analyses
The study leveraged multiple cognitive and emotional tasks to capture a broader spectrum of brain responses, thereby enabling more robust classification of distinct depression subtypes.Predictive Neurotyping
Through comprehensive ERP assessment, researchers identified patterns linked to a higher likelihood of remission in depression, paving the way for more targeted clinical strategies. Combining ERPs from multiple tasks outperformed classifications based on more traditional single-task analyses.Implications for Precision Psychiatry
These findings underscore the potential of individualized treatment pathways—an approach backed by emerging research in the field of precision psychiatry, which calls for data-driven, personalized solutions to improve outcomes in mental health.

“This work is especially exciting because it bridges the gap between laboratory-based assessments and potential real-world clinical practice. We believe our new method can help physicians potentially select treatment but also help clinicians fine-tune therapeutic interventions to an individual’s unique neural signature,” commented Greg Hajcak, Chief Scientific Advisor of Universal Brain. “By leveraging multiple ERPs in varying tasks, we can aim to better predict who will respond to specific treatments, a key step in transforming how we approach depression management.”

Championing Precision Psychiatry

Universal Brain’s overarching mission is to integrate cutting-edge neuroscience with clinical insights to advance precision psychiatry—a transformative model of care that personalizes interventions based on individual biological, behavioral, and environmental factors. This focus resonates with emerging trends in psychiatric research to enhance treatment outcomes.

In close collaboration with academic institutions, research hospitals, and clinical partners, Universal Brain continues to drive neuroscience-based innovation that bridges the gap between academic discoveries and real-world patient care.

For more information on Universal Brain’s research and the company’s commitment to developing neuroscience-driven solutions for mental health, please visit universal-brain.com or email us at media@universal-brain.com.

About Universal Brain

Universal Brain is a science-driven technology company dedicated to revolutionizing mental healthcare by unlocking the power of precision psychiatry. Drawing on advances in neuroscience, data analytics, and engineering, Universal Brain develops innovative tools and platforms that personalize psychiatric treatment and improve patient outcomes. To learn more, visit www.universal-brain.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/universal-brain-announces-publication-of-groundbreaking-depression-research-using-multiple-event-related-potentials-302348351.html

SOURCE Universal Brain

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