More than three hundred homes are being built in a northwest Chicago suburb that demonstrate the ''whole house'' design concept. The homes cost approximately the same as competitive houses of the same size but use approximately 50% less energy for heating and cooling.

An informational fact sheet about the energy-cost benefits of a whole house fan, installation tips, and selection criteria.

A summary of the software available to building industry professionals on the Internet Web site www.eren.doe.gov/buildings/tools{_}directory.

A fact sheet explaining the technology and benefits of energy efficient residential construction using the ''whole building'' approach.

Case study of an energy-efficient Habitat for Humanity house that uses 30% less energy than conventional residential construction. The project was part of the Jimmy Carter Work Project in rural Appalachia in 1997.

This issue of Biofuels News contains two articles. The first focuses on the art and science of bioenergy project financing using the example of three companies planning biomass-to-ethanol plants. The second highlights the objectives and activities of the five Regional Biomass Energy Programs (RBEP) within the US DOE.

In this overview, the goals that were met in FY 1998 are highlighted along with progress that was made toward long-term goals for research, technology development, and applications. The manufacture, sale, and use of photovoltaic (PV) devices to generate electricity directly from sunlight has become a billion-dollar industry worldwide. The production capacity for PV modules in the US had doubled between 1993 and 1997. While continuing research to improve technology, one must work with industry to move this technology from the laboratory to the marketplace.

The cover story in this issue of the Alternative Fuel News highlights the niche market principle; the places in which AFVs would best fit. This year's SEP funding is expected to be the springboard needed for the development of niche projects. The Clean Cities Program, by matching those needs and attributes in niches, can dramatically increase the attractiveness of AFVs and make an impact on those high-mileage, high-use fleets.

In the quest to derive energy from renewable resources, NREL scientists pursue disciplines ranging from materials science to structural dynamics to condensed matter physics. Physics is at the core of making this transition to a renewable energy world. The role of light/matter interaction in physics will continue to dominate in the 21st century.

This booklet describes authorized lending programs and loan guarantees provided by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and several Federal agencies, including DOE, that consumers and businesses can use to finance solar heat or electric systems and energy efficient mortgages.

The March 1999 issue of Energy Matters (formerly Turning Point) discusses options industrial customers have for financing energy projects through utilities. This issue also features information about the services provided by energy service companies (ESCOs) and explains how the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance sponsors projects to protect the environment and help customers cut utility costs. A special 4-page supplement focuses on the Compressed Air Challenge and opportunities to improve the efficiency of industrial compressed air systems.