July 03, 2009

Shift to Low Carbon Technology in UK

The Carbon Trust's recent analysis recommends that the UK change its neutral technology policies and emphasize investments in wind and wave technologies to position the country as a global leader in generation and clean tech. ...
... "He called for Britain to make smart investments through greater technology prioritisation and to move away from technology neutrality. This new approach, outlined in a new report, means public support will be focused on emerging low carbon technologies and industries that will have the maximum impact on cutting carbon and generating UK economic benefit. " ...
Via Carbon Trust: Clean Tech Priorities


Continue reading "Shift to Low Carbon Technology in UK" »

NYC Carbon Counter - Real Time Carbon Counts

NYC Carbon Counter

You cannot manage what you cannot measure ... everyone is hearing about the increasing carbon / greenhouse emissions .. but just how big a number is it?  How fast is it growing?

To get a real time view take a look at the 10 character - 70 foot "meter" in New York's Times Sq on the Deutsch Banks billboard.

" ...displays the amount of equivalent greenhouse gas emissions in terms of carbon in the atmosphere, and is constantly updated based on measurements from NASA, NOAA, and supporting research from MIT. ... the number is a reflection of all greenhouse gas emissions (methane, nitrous oxide, etc.) by their impact equivalencies in carbon. It even accounts for dips and rises in the amount of carbon in the atmosphere due to seasonal changes so not to appear to be slowing down certain times of the year.

"Before ... the information was only updated every five years. ... displaying the count in real time "allows people to begin to engage in the debate around the issue." ... the counter creates a sense of urgency, a call to action, and is intended to spur action to take the steps necessary in saving our planet."


Track the carbon count in real time on your PC ... download the Carbon Counter widget ... LINK

 

Via:  SustainLane  LINK

 


July 02, 2009

Fat Spaniel - Monitor Solar PV Systems in Real Time

Fat Spaniel logo

Fat Spaniel Technologies provides real time monitoring of your solar PV system.  Read their case studies of Jay Leno's car garage and SF International Airport.  

Track your actual generation / performance and see ... "... display total power generated by ... day, week, month, or year ... local irradiance, cell temperature, and ambient temperature ... avoided greenhouse gases (CO2, NOx and Sox) over the lifetime ..."

It can be used to proactively guide behavior changes ... " Generate Energy Fat Spaniel Insight Manager screenSavings Via Behavior Modification ..." ... Educate ... by publishing real-time and historical data ... Cut electricity usage up to 10% by changing habits of building occupants ..."

 " ... Fat Spaniel provides ... an industrial-grade, Software-as-a-Service renewable energy plant management system that enables plant operators to: ... Manage renewable energy plants in real-time ... Communicate and interact with mobile personnel ... Generate revenue utilizing back-end services for regulatory agency reporting, renewable energy certificate (REC) registration, and environmental reporting"

 

Via: Fat Spaniel Technologies LINK
 


July 01, 2009

Solar Array Powers University of New Mexico Energy Needs

The University of New Mexico at Taos is investing in a significant solar array, occupying three and one half acres, to take advantage of the abundant sunshine and satisfy the school's electrical power requirements. ...
... "When completed next month, the three and one half acre solar array, containing more than 2,700 photovoltaic panels, will generate 500 KW of power, more than enough to serve power needs of the UNM-Taos campus. Any additional power will go into the grid. " ...
Via University of New Mexico at Taos: Energy Independence


Zwahlen's Ice Cream Goes Green With SRS Energy's Sole Power Tile

Zwahlens Ice Cream and Chocholate

 Zwahlen's is a local (Audubon PA) ice cream and chocolate establishment that just so happens to have the first commercial use of SRS Energy's Sole Power Tile Roof.

I was driving past the store last evening when my son told me about the sign on the front that  said --- something along the lines "the best ice cream under the sun is now powered by the sun".  I needed to check this out ... SRS logo

" SRS Energy, ...installed ... the first building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) roofing product designed for curved roofing systems, ... the first commercial installation of the Sole Power Tile(TM) system  ..."

"T...a great example of how time-tested traditions and cutting-edge technology can meet to create something beautiful," said Marty Low, CEO of SRS Energy and owner of Zwahlen's. "

" ... designed to blend seamlessly with several styles of US Tile's clay tiles, providing energy without the use of traditional solar panels that can compromise a building's roofline and curb appeal. ... preserves Zwahlen's charming Swiss chalet look."

"SRS Energy recently introduced the Sole Power Tile(TM) system to the greater Philadelphia region at the PV America show, held at the Pennsylvania Convention center during the week of June 7, 2009."

SRS Energy's Sole Power Tile can generate 500 Watts per sq ft.

 

Via:  EarthTimes  LINK

Via:  SRS Energy  LINK


June 30, 2009

Power Management Principle for PCs and Laptops

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is implementing a consistent set of energy management settings across its technology assets in support of its green IT strategy and under the company's broader corporate sustainability initiative. ...
... "In support of the new Green IT initiative, power settings on all Fairmont workstations and laptops, which are centrally managed by the brand, will be set to automatically power down after one hour of inactivity. By adopting this power management principle, Fairmont expects to reduce its energy consumption by 2,692,683 KwH per year, resulting in a savings of 1,356 tonnes of CO2, the equivalent of avoiding the burning of 3,155 barrels of oil annually. " ...
Via Fairmont Hotels & Resorts: Fairmont Announces Green IT Strategy:


Exolation - New Insulation developed in Philadelphia for newly created End Row Homes

Newly Created "end unit" row homwPhiladelphia is a city of row houses ... unfortunately many are in blighted condition and when they are town down the newly  created "end units" are poorly insulated.  Cleaning up the blighted homes causes the other homeowners to have basically little or no insulation on a large surface of their home.

Exolation insulation

"In the interest of creating local green jobs, the city hopes to find a local manufacturer." " ... product consists of layers of insulating foam (for thermal protection), high-density foam (to absorb impact), fabric (to prevent penetration of sharp objects), and a latex-stucco finish.  ... produce it in 2-by-4-foot panels that will be affixed to a wall with a foaming adhesive."

" ... Philadelphia University's help was enlisted after the city determined that existing exterior-wrap products were too expensive and not sufficiently durable."


Via:  Philadelphia University  LINK


June 29, 2009

New Jersey Ethanol from Algae

Garden State Ethanol plans to use algae to power its ethanol production in NJ. ...
... "A company is looking at property for a plant that would turn algae into ethanol to be used as fuel. " ...
Via NJ dot com: Woobine NJ algae plant


Pervious Pavements - Helps Water Soak into the Grond and not Run Off

Pervious pavement solve the need for a hardscape surface that can also allow water to soak int the earth rather than flow into a storm sewer. Among the more costly means to handle water are catch basins and ponds to allow for a more controlled flow and absorption.Pervious Pavement

" ... a unique and effective means to address important environmental issues and support green, sustainable growth.... porous concrete is instrumental in recharging groundwater, reducing stormwater runoff, and meeting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stormwater regulations. ... pervious concrete is among the Best Management Practices (BMPs) recommended by the EPA ...  for the management of stormwater runoff ..."

" ... Typically, between 15% and 25% voids are achieved ...  flow rates ... typically around 480 in./hr (0.34 cm/s, which is 5 gal/ft²/ min or 200 L/m²/min),... "
 

 

Via:  PerviousPavement  LINK


June 28, 2009

Soy Foam Seats



FORD, LEAR USE SOY FOAM IN SEAT CUSHIONS: "With soy foam in seats on one million vehicles, Ford expects to decrease its use of petroleum oil by one million pounds and reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by five million pounds annually. Use of soy foam in seats also delivers superior product performance, and supports American farmers. "


June 26, 2009

Starbucks Sustainable Store Strategy

Starbucks updates its retail store strategy to incorporate strong sustainable design elements and will place emphasis on unique local characteristics at each location to accentuate the customer experience. ...
... "Derive 50 percent of the energy used in company-operated stores from renewable sources by 2010; Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by making company-operated stores 25 percent more energy efficient by 2010; Achieve LEED certification for all new company-operated stores worldwide by late 2010; " ...
Via Starbucks: Store Experience Reinvention


June 25, 2009

Microsoft Hohm - Energy Management

Microsoft Hohm

You can only manage what you can measure .. the old adage about management ... applies to energy usage as well.  A new Microsoft product, Microsoft Hohm, will allow individuals to monitor their energy usage and make changes based on recommendations to SAVE MONEY and ELECTRICITY. Microsoft Hohn

" ... Microsoft Hohm, a new online application that enables consumers to better understand their energy usage, get recommendations and start saving money. ... uses advanced analytics licensed from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy to provide consumers with personalized energy-saving recommendations. ... beta application is available at ...http://www.microsoft-hohm.com."


Via:  Microsoft  LINK

Green Sears Tower Renovation Planned

Owners of the Sears Tower building in Chicago plan extensive green renovations to transform the energy profile of the building including operational efficiencies and power generation from rooftop solar photovoltaics and wind turbines. ... Via NY Times: Link

Solar Rooftops to Take Off in California

Southern California Edison plan for solarization of large commercial rooftops throughout Southern California has been approved by the local Public Utilities Commission. The solar rooftop program will implement its generating capacity over the next five years with a target of five hundred megawatts. The geographically dispersed generating capacity can tie into local electrical distribution circuits. ...
... "During the fall of 2008, SCE completed the first of what eventually will be about 150 sites making up this program, a 600,000-square-foot Fontana, Calif. distribution warehouse roof. The rooftop now holds 33,700 advanced thin-film solar panels with a generating capacity of 2.4 megawatts of direct current power, known as DC power – the largest single rooftop solar photovoltaic array in California. SCE already has begun construction of its second installation atop a 458,000-square-foot industrial building in Chino, Calif. First Solar of Tempe, Ariz. was the winning bidder to supply panels for these first two installations. " ...
Via Southern California Edison: California Regulators Approve Solar Panel Installation Program


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HP Greener Servers

HP logo Not long ago data centers were concerned with maximum density and processing power.  But as electricity cost have risen and supply becoming a gating factor - the data center is changing .. 

" ... companies have become increasingly concerned over the state of the environment.... new generation of servers: machines that deliver more performance per watt adata centernd, perhaps to a lesser degree, are built in a more environmentally responsible manner. Hardware makers are stepping up to meet the challenge, "

 cpus

" ... HP, ... a new line of ProLiant G6 servers that, claims the company, deliver twice the performance of the previous generation of ProLiant servers -- while using half the energy. ...  replacing servers purchased prior to 2006 with new HP ProLiant G6 servers, customers can slash their energy bills in half."

" ...HP is certainly not the only vendor touting the green credentials of its server hardware. ...  AMD and Intel are working furiously to make CPUs that are high on performance and low on energy consumption."

Via: Infoworld.com  Link


June 24, 2009

Orange Solar Glocation Tent at Glastonbury

Orange pilots solar photovoltaic fabric and RFID technology in its solar concept tent at the Glastonbury festival in the UK. The tent can be located by its glow via text message or RFID tag. ... Solar photovoltaic tent glows when RFID is triggered
... "The Concept Tent’s solar shell uses this technology to full effect with three directional glides which can be moved throughout the day to maximise its solar efficiency, capturing the optimum amount of energy which can to be used throughout the tent in a variety of new and exciting ways. To avoid festival-goers ever losing their tent, the Concept Tent would be fitted with innovative glo-cation technology. Glo-cation works by enabling campers’ mobile phones to identify their tent using either an SMS message or automatic active RFID technology (a longer range version of that used in London Underground Oyster cards); both would trigger a distinctive glow in the tent helping identify it from a distance. " ...
Via Orange: Solar Concept Tent at Glastonbury


June 23, 2009

Ecolife Products - Green Products for the home


Ecolife ProductsEcolife is a Canadian company that makes a line of earth friendly line of cleaners and biodegradable plastic bags.

Ecolife Products tagline is "Changing the world without changing the Earth". 

" ... we believe in making the world a better place ... by promoting biodegradable, compostable and other eco friendly products... "

" ... we care about the environment and our products are designed to work with no or little effect to the world around us.  ... an old native proverb about the earth we believe in.  It reads, " We did not inherit the Earth from our grandparents. We borrow it from our children"."

 

Via:  Ecolife Products  Link



Procter and Gamble Chempol MPS Achieves Green Chemistry Recognition for Lower VOC Alkyd Performance

Procter & Gamble Chemicals and Cook Composites and Polymers collaborated to commercialize Chempol MPS renewable alkyd resin replacement and have been recognized with a Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for this green chemical by the EPA. ...
... "Chempol MPS is an innovative, Sefose-based alkyd resin technology that enables formulation of paints and coatings with less than half the Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, of traditional, solvent-borne alkyd coatings. Sefose technology from P&G is prepared from natural, renewable feedstocks in a patented, solventless process. Chempol MPS alkyd resins are specially-formulated to perform like traditional, petroleum-based alkyd resins while delivering both an improved environmental profile and an enhanced consumer usage experience. " ...
Via Procter & Gamble: Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award


Continue reading "Procter and Gamble Chempol MPS Achieves Green Chemistry Recognition for Lower VOC Alkyd Performance" »

June 22, 2009

Europe Solar Photovoltaic Adoption Acceleration

European solar study shows that photovoltaics could play larger role in the market share of energy sources. If adoption is accelerated, solar could become cost competitive in a majority of European markets. ...
... "* Europe needs to dramatically increase the share of PV to meet its 20/20/20 energy goals; * A 12% market share for PV in Europe is a demanding, but achievable and desirable objective; ... " ...
Via European Photovoltaic Industry Association: 2020


June 21, 2009

Solar Plane Trip Planned

German leaders discuss solar plane project during China sustainability event. ...
... "The plane, covered in almost 12,000 photovoltaic cells, has a wingspan of 63.4 meters, or roughly that of Airbus A340, and only weighs 1,600 kg, equivalent to that of a motor car. " ...
Via China Daily: Solar-powered plane


iGEN Lighting Controls


iGEN logo

One easy way to save energy and money is to turn off the lights when no one is around.  Older buildings often have lighting that can only control half or a quarter of a building's floor.  That is why so often you see all the lights on in a large section of an office building at night ... one person working and all the ligLightolier logohts on.

 

Lightolier's iGEN is one way to fix this problem ..." ..flexible lighting control solutions, whether you are connecting a few luminaires in a private office or hundreds in a building-wide system. ...building owners and architects seek effective digital lighting technology for intelligent buildings and green building design... iGEN delivers the means and the materials for sustainable, cost-efficient lighting practices ..."

 

Via:  iGEN / Lightolier  LINK


June 20, 2009

Green Earth Cleaning - Green Dry Cleaning

 Green Earth Cleaning

 

Over the years dry cleaning has gained a non-environmentally friendly reputation ... mostly due to the petroleum based solvent "perc" which has possible heath effects and and the potential for ground water contamination.

Recently there have been several alternatives to using the industry standard "perc" including CO2 and less toxic solvents. 

Green Earth Cleaning " ...is the world's largest solution provider for environment friendly dry cleaning. ... is an environmentally safe dry ... with liquid silicone, a gentle solution made from one of the earth's safest and most abundant natural resources: silica, or sand. ... cleans as effectively as traditional dry cleaning without costing more to operate. ...it can actually improve the look and feel of fabrics."

" ... the cleaning system of choice for Marriott®, Hyatt®, Hilton®, the Montage® and the Four Seasons®,..."

 

>>> Find a Green Earth Cleaner in your area ... LINK

 

Via:  Green Earth Cleaning   Link

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Vashon Island Washington Solar Initiative Time Lapse




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June 19, 2009

CO2 to Fuel Process Improvements through Enzyme Bio-Catalysts

Carbon Sciences is working on an approach to convert recycled carbon dioxide emissions into low-hydrocarbon fuels, then ultimately to gasoline. The company has focused its energy on extending the functional life of the enzymes that catalyze the CO2 to fuel process. ...
... "We continue to increase the TTN of our CO2 to fuel process through a proprietary technology that encapsulates the enzymes in a protective shell. This protective shell significantly increases the activity and functional life of the enzymes. Our enzyme encapsulation technology gives us great confidence in the cost effectiveness of our CO2 to fuel process and moves us closer to commercial viability. " ...
Via Carbon Sciences: Biocatalyst Design


Aviation Biofuel Performs Well

Boeing collaborates with industry and government to demonstrate the performance of bio-derived aviation jet fuels and to enable the transition for the industry. ...
... "In addition, the study showed the Bio-SPK fuel blends used in the test flight program met or exceeded all technical parameters for commercial jet aviation fuel. Those standards include freezing point, flash point, fuel density and viscosity, among others. The tests revealed that using the Bio-SPK fuel blends had no adverse effects on the engines or their components. They also showed that the fuels have greater energy content by mass than typical petroleum-derived jet fuel - which potentially could lower fuel consumption per mile. Renewable jet fuels from bio-derived sources are being considered because of their ability to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. " ...
Via Boeing: Biofuels Perform Effectively as Jet Fuel


Nokia Prototype self charging phone in Development


Nokia proto type self charging phone

Imaging a cell phone that is self powering ... ?

Nokia has something in the works that might just achieve that goal though it is a ew years off and not likely to be scalable for largeer appliances ,,, but you never know whaqt advances in technology might bring ...

... "...a cell phone that recharges itself ... harvests ambient radio waves from the air, and turns that energy into usablNokia logoe power. Enough, at least, to keep a cell phone from running out of juice.

" ... ambient electromagnetic energy is never going to ... power your whole house or office, but it just might be enough to keep a cell phone alive ... enough to slowly recharge the cell phone battery while it's in standby mode, theoretically offering infinite power ..." 

 

Via:  Yahoo News  LINK


June 17, 2009

Green Roofs Power Vegetable Consumption

Vegetable gardens are accelerating adoption of green roofs in urban settings. ...
... "New York State has subsidies both for roofs with succulents spread out over a thin layer of soil and for edible plants covering a smaller area. " ...
Via New York Times: Urban Farming




Exelon's ComEd is a Major Green Fleet (cars, trucks, etc.)

 com ed logo

ComEd, a Exelon company has bought 50 Toyota Prius to add toExelon 2020 Seal its already substantial GREEN fleet of cars and trucks. 

" ...One of Nation's Largest Green Fleets ... save utility 6,500 gallons of gas in 2009, ...  including 10 Priuses that have been specially converted into electric plug-in hybrids. ..."
   
" ... Compared to an average subcompact, the Prius hybrid and plug-in electric version consume about 30 and 65 percent less fuel, respectively. ... reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60 metric tons."

" ... 63 percent of the ComEd fleet uses a fuel source other than 100 percent gasoline.... 1,774 trucks that use biodiesel fuel ...250 E85 flex-fuel vehicles ... 91 hybrid Ford Escape SUVs; one biodiesel-electric hybrid bucket truck; one liquid petroleum gas (LPG) bucket truck; and the 50 new Prius vehicles. ..."

 

Via:  Exelon  LINK


June 16, 2009

Solar Energy Perspectives Show Public Support of Photovoltaics

Applied Materials shares the results of its solar energy survey on America's understanding of this technology. The general public wants a more aggressive adoption of energy generation from renewable sources, like solar. The survey found that Americans could be better educated on the use of solar farms to generate electricity, as a means to accelerate renewably-sourced generation and complement solar roof installation on homes and businesses. ...
... "The findings indicate that a majority of people surveyed believe in the potential of solar technology and want the U.S. government and utilities to do more to speed its adoption, although some have outdated views. " ...
Via Applied Materials: Summer Solstice Prompts Solar Emphasis


e-Recycling of Califrornia

e-recycling of california

e-waste has been in  the news a lot --- there are enormous quantities of electronics buried in landfills ... and more to  follow as the US switches to all digital TV this week ... and the expected replacements of TVs follows ... and the junking of old TVs.

e-Recycling of California offers a better solution ... and unlike some of the horror stories you read of e-waste being handled unsafely .. they take the proper steps.

" ... turnkey electronic waste recycling capabilities throughout California from transportation, container options, logistics, administration, and labor."

" ... GUARANTEES THE SAFE DISMANTLEMENT OF ALL ELECTRONIC WASTE IN CALIFORNIA, NO WHOLE UNITS WILL BE SHIPPED OVERSEAS OR OUT-OF-STATE, DOES NOT USE OR PROMOTE THE USE OF PRISON LABOR , ... ACHIEVE AN OVER 90% DIVERSION RATE FROM OUR PROCESSING CAPABILITIES EXCEEDING THEIR AB939 DIVERSION OBLIGATIONS ..."

 

Via:  e-Recycling  LINK


June 15, 2009

Energy-Inc. - Profitable Solution to a Zero Carbon Footprint


Energy-Inc.

 

John O'Hurley ... of Seinfield fame as J. Peterman ... has co-founded Energy-Inc.   The Las Vegas, Nevada company has a variety of services and technologies for producing power from waste ...

>>> Their tagline is ... a profitable solution to a zero carbon footprint. 

>>> Their message is Waste to Energy rather than waste to landfills.

 

They design, build and manage waste to power systems. Rather than paying to dispose of waste you can turn it into power ... Listen to the video for more ... and see how they plan to make landfills obsolete. They guarantee performance and up to 100% financing ...

 

Via:: Energy-Inc. Link


Taiwan Renewable Energy

Taiwan passes legislation that targets significant renewable energy generating capacity, that is expected to increase investment in solar photovoltaics and other approaches to sustainable power. ...
... "The new law will create pricing incentives for renewable energy developers, while simultaneously loosening regulations. " ...
Via Sustainable Business: Taiwan Energy Bill


Wired Home in Chicago

Chicaog Wired Home

Wired Magazine has created their Smart Home  .. which is Green + Wired.  The design uses green materials and techniques along with tools to allow you to be GREEN with energy.

" ... high-design demonstration homes ... technologies we present aren't stuck in beta, but are available now. Trends driving the developments? Environmentally smart architecture, affordable automation systems, and real-time energy monitoring."

" ... use prefab construction ... automation systems we use are affordable, and upgradeable ... same access to energy data as the latest car dashboards, showing daily and weekly electricity and water consumption, as well as up-to-the-minute electricity pricing to help homeowners make smart decisions."

The Wired Home is open from March 19th, 2009 through January 3red, 2010.  If you are in Chicago and want to tour the home ... CLICK FOR DETAILS.

Via:  Wired  Link


June 14, 2009

Solar Car Achievements

The University of Minnesota race team sets the standard for solar cars during recent competition. For the 2009 Formula Sun Grand Prix in Texas, the Gophers finished in first place with the Centaurus. ...
... "This was 94 more laps than the second-place finisher University of Kentucky. Northwestern University placed third. The University of Minnesota team also ran the fastest lap at two minutes and 20 seconds. Eleven solar car teams from across the country participated in the event this year. " ...
Via University of Minnesota: Solar car race






June 13, 2009

Solar Photovoltaic Roof Panel Mounting Process




Conserve Energy in New Jersey

Local government agency sponsors event to educate citizens on conserving energy and implementing green technologies. ...
... "first-ever Burlington County Energy Conservation Summit Tuesday, June 16th at the Palmyra Cove Nature Park Environmental Education Center. Speakers at the free event will explain energy-saving programs, grants available to fund program applications, and financing options to implement green initiatives. " ...
Via Courier-Post: Energy Conservation Summit


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