NIST Technology Services

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Technology Services provides a variety of products and services to US industry and the public in collaboration with NIST laboratories, federal agencies, national measurement institutes, state and local governments, and the private sector. These products and services include support for NIST calibrations, standard reference materials, standard reference data, and weights and measures; coordination of documentary standards activities; training of foreign standards officials; laboratory accreditation; facilitating partnerships between NIST researchers and US industry; and access to the NIST Research Library.

Noise and Hearing Conservation [OSHA]

This site from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) addresses the common hazards of occupational exposure to high noise levels, including noise-induced hearing loss. OSHA says these hazards can be reduced or eliminated through the successful application of engineering controls and hearing conservation programs. The page addresses where noise hazards occur and what their health effects are, and how to measure and control noise exposures, and offers applicable standards, OSHA’s Noise and Hearing Conservation eTool, and other resources.

North Carolina Solar Center (NCSC)

A clearinghouse for solar and other renewable energy programs, information, research, technical assistance, and training for NC and beyond. The site covers extensive resources, NCSC programs, research, professional development and technical assistance services, and the NCSU Solar House. Topics include: solar, wind, biomass, hydrogen, biofuels, buildings, and CHP.

Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP)

A regional nonprofit organization that promotes energy efficiency in homes, buildings, and industry in the Northeast US through regionally coordinated programs and policies that increase the use of energy-efficient products, services, and practices. The site offers news, publications, a calendar, and information on regional energy-efficiency initiatives, public policy, appliance standards, building operator certification, high-performance schools, and building energy codes.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Part of the US Department of Labor (DOL), this federal agency’s mission is to assure the safety and health of America’s workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. The site offers news, information on OSHA regulations for various industries, compliance assistance, information on enforcement and voluntary safety and health programs, and resources for numerous occupational safety and health topics.

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) [DOE]

A division of the US Department of Energy. The site offers news, education, events, and information about clean energy technologies. Technology programs include: Biomass; Building Technologies; Federal Energy Management; Geothermal Technologies; Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, & Infrastructure Technologies; Industrial Technologies; Solar Energy Technologies; Vehicle Technologies; Weatherization & Intergovernmental; and Wind & Hydropower Technologies.

Oikos

This site focuses on disseminating information to professionals whose work promotes sustainable design and construction. Oikos offers architects, designers, building contractors, consultants and consumers detailed information on products and techniques, as well as numerous publications. It includes a searchable database of sources of building materials and equipment with environmental benefits.

Open Energy Information

This open-source Web platform from the U.S. Department of Energy makes DOE resources and open energy data widely available to the public. Data and tools on the free, editable and evolving wiki-platform can be used by government officials, the private sector, project developers, the international community and others to help deploy clean energy technologies across the country and around the world.

PandemicFlu.gov [HHS]

This site from the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) is the official federal site for information on pandemic and avian influenza. It offers general information; planning and response instructions for an outbreak; news; outbreak monitoring; and a Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist [NEEL: LINK TO http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/businesschecklist.html ] .

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) [OSHA]

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce employee exposure to hazards when engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or effective in reducing these exposures to acceptable levels. This OSHA site offers information on addressing the hazards present; the selection, maintenance, and use of PPE; training employees; and monitoring a workplace PPE program to ensure its ongoing effectiveness.

PFAS 101: Everything You Need to Know About “Forever Chemicals” [EcoWatch]

Whether you call them “forever chemicals,” PFAS, toxins or poly-fluoroalkyl substances, you are probably being exposed to them. Though more research is needed to determine the extent of how these chemicals may affect our lives, some studies already show concerning links between forever chemicals and human health. Unfortunately, their inability to break down also means these chemicals can build up in the environment. The EcoWatch team put together a complete guide on PFAS chemicals, how they affect us and what we can do to minimize exposure, including in the workplace.

PFAS Analytic Tools [EPA]

EPA’s interactive webpage, PFAS Analytic Tools, provides information about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across the country. EPA proposed designating PFOA and PFOS as CERCLA Hazardous Substances in August 2022. This information will help the public, researchers, and other stakeholders better understand potential PFAS sources in their communities, such as in areas of reported spills or discharges, or where the chemicals were found when drinking water was tested. The PFAS Analytic Tools bring together multiple sources of information in one spot with mapping, charting, and filtering functions, allowing the public to see where testing has been done and what level of detections were measured.

PLANET, the Professional Landcare Network

Formerly the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) and the Professional Lawn Care Association of America (PLCAA), PLANET is an international association serving lawn care professionals, landscape management contractors, design/build/installation professionals, and interior plantscapers. Non-member users can find a professional or a supplier, as well as certification information and career information, and access the bookstore. Member firms have direct access to marketing tools, industry-specific business publications, updates on legislative issues, and networking opportunities.

Plant Engineering magazine

Plant Engineering is the problem-solving resource for industrial plant engineers and managers. The online and print magazine provides useful technical and operational guidance, helping engineers solve problems, improve operations, increase profits, and ensure reliability in the design, selection, installation, operation, modification, and maintenance of industrial plant equipment and systems. The site includes information on and links to industry events, products, research, and Webcasts, and announces the magazine’s Product of the Year awards.

Playbook for Green Buildings and Neighborhoods

This site, the result of a partnership between the US Green Building Council, the City of Seattle, and 20 other entities, including various US cities and counties, non-profit organizations, state and federal agencies, and utilities, strategies, tips, and tools for cities and counties looking to take immediate action on climate change through green building, green neighborhoods, and sustainable infrastructure.

The Playbook is designed for elected officials and senior managers and staff who are developing and implementing local climate action plans.

Pollution Prevention (P2) [EPA]

This site from the US Environmental Protection Agency promotes pollution prevention–reducing or eliminating waste at the source by modifying production processes, promoting the use of non-toxic or less-toxic substances, implementing conservation techniques, and re-using materials rather than putting them into the waste stream. It gives local and regional contacts, funding information, laws and policies, partnerships for sustainable business practices and cleaner technologies, technical assistance, case studies, online calculators, and publications.

POWER Magazine

A wealth of information on the electric power generation industry. Includes magazine archives, free product information, publications, events, and an online Buyers’ Guide, updated throughout the year, that provides company, product, and service directories.

Power Marketing Association Online (PMA OnLine)

A wealth of national and international news, information, and features about the deregulating, competitive electric power industry. Online services are provided free-of-charge for PMA members and non-members. The site also offers classified ads for energy equipment, and extensive lists of links for alternative energy resources, energy industry organizations and service companies, energy information resources, natural gas, electricity deregulation, and more.

Premier Handling Solutions

This Illinois-based company sells material handling products used around the world. Its site offers a Resources section with Literature on material handling issues such as sustainability, collision avoidance and ergonomics, as well as a Glossary of floor mat and wood pallet terms and the HAACP Seven Principles. The site’s Material Handling Blog offers interesting news related to safety issues, Material Handling in the Movies, and more.

Preparing the Workplace for Everyone: Accounting for the Needs of People with Disabilities

This framework of guidelines from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy serves as a launching point for federal agencies as they re-evaluate and strengthen their Occupant Emergency Plans (OEPs). It reflects the effective practices of nearly 20 federal agencies. Topics are explored in light of four phases of emergency preparedness plans: development, implementation, practice, and maintenance. The evolving document will be updated periodically.

Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS)

The majority of PGMS members are institutional grounds managers who work for organizations such as colleges and universities, municipalities, park and recreation facilities, office parks, apartment complexes, hotels/motels, cemeteries, theme parks, etc. The site includes information about education, events, PGMS partners, publications, Green Star Awards, certification, and a forum for members.

Property Investment Connection

Developed by Moman Architects of Round Rock, Texas, this site brings together resources for commercial property development, answering a need for such an online community of related professionals. The interactive cross-platform resource tool brings together developers, investors, architects, real estate agents and brokers, financial institutions, title companies, engineers/consultants and investors in one place.