« October 2008 | Main | December 2008 »
... "To do that you must become acutely aware of how resource consumption within the data center affects things like electricity usage and carbon emissions. Then you must transform the way you operate to make your data center more environmentally friendly. " ...Via Enterprise Management Quarterly: Green data centers
"Santa Coloma de Gramanet, near Barcelona [Spain] , has placed 462 solar panels over its multi-storey mausoleums. ... the scheme was initially greeted with derision, but families who use the cemetery eventually supported the idea ... are now plans to erect more panels at the cemetery and triple the amount of electricity generated.
" ... installation cost 720,000 euros (£608,000) but will keep about 62 tonnes of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere every year,
Via: BBC News Link
While browsing through the Longwood Gardens (/www.longwoodgardens.com/ - Kennett Square, Pa) gift shop, I came across a neat product ... GreenPots, made by Ecosource. GreenPots These are planters that are environmentally friendly.
" ... ecosource was born… to source products that are better for the planet ... in order to minimize our own impact on the earth ... to keep goods affordable and accessible to t
he average consumer ..."
" are made from rice hulls, a natural by-product of renewable and sustainable crops ... contain no harmful ... ingredients, ... deplete no natural resources, breakdown to easily decompose in landfills or into the earth ...
Via: Ecosource Link
More about ecosource ...
" ... want to give back actively and passively to leave a net positive footprint upon the earth... donate a percentage of profits to earth centered non-profit organizations ... supply renewable, sustainable products that do not harm the earth ... provide an alternative to potentially harmful petroleum-based products, pesticides, herbicides and mulches..."
Via: Ecosource Link
... "OPEL’s Mk-I HCPV panels concentrate the light from the sun more than 500 times and have conversion efficiencies up to twice that of conventional silicon solar panels and more than three times that of thin film solar panels. OPEL’s solar trackers can be used in conjunction with both concentrating panels, as well as with conventional silicon ones. When these trackers are used in conjunction with conventional silicon panels, the resulting electricity generation can be increased by as much as 40% with respect to conventional fixed panel installations. " ...Via Opel International: 9.5 kW Solar System
UCLA researchers, Yang and team, experiment with photovoltaic polymer material that improves solar cell efficiency. ...
... "Yang Yang, a professor of materials science and engineering, and colleagues describe the design and synthesis of a new polymer, or plastic, for use in solar cells that has significantly greater sunlight absorption and conversion capabilities than previous polymers. The research team found that substituting a silicon atom for carbon atom in the backbone of the polymer markedly improved the material's photovoltaic properties. This silole-containing polymer can also be crystalline, giving it great potential as an ingredient for high-efficiency solar cells. " ...Via UCLA: Polymer solar cells with higher efficiency
The California Academy of Sciences is an example of GREN design - from solar cells, to green roof, to skylights to reused literature ...
See the Video for more ...
Via: ZDNet LINK
... "In the next five years, solar energy will be an affordable option for you and your neighbors. Until now, the materials and the process of producing solar cells to convert into solar energy have been too costly for widespread adoption. But now this is changing with the creation of thin-film solar cells, a new type of cost-efficient solar cell that can be 100 times thinner than silicon-wafer cells and produced at a lower cost. These new thin-film solar cells can be printed and arranged on a flexible backing, suitable for not only the tops, but also the sides of buildings, tinted windows, cell phones, notebook computers, cars, and even clothing. " ...Via IBM: Future Innovations
Nanotechnology-derived antireflective coating is used to increase the absorption of sunlight by solar panels. ...
... "An untreated silicon solar cell only absorbs 67.4 percent of sunlight shone upon it - meaning that nearly one-third of that sunlight is reflected away and thus unharvestable. From an economic and efficiency perspective, this unharvested light is wasted potential and a major barrier hampering the proliferation and widespread adoption of solar power. After a silicon surface was treated with Lin’s new nanoengineered reflective coating, however, the material absorbed 96.21 percent of sunlight shone upon it - meaning that only 3.79 percent of the sunlight was reflected and unharvested. " ...Via RPI: Solar Power Near Perfect Absorption
The very popular Mini (by BMW) is set to come out in a plug in version. Dubbed the Mini e ... the first 500 are planned for the greater LA area and NYC.
"introduced the MINI E electric vehicle at the 2008 Los A
ngeles Auto Show ... MINI E is a pure electric ... runs on lithium-ion batteries. ... "
" ... have set up a special website where you can put your name on the list. ... taking reservations until December 10, 2008 ..."
" ... the MINI E will be the first lithium-ion powered electric to hit the streets in any quantity. This is just the start of more electric happenings to come. "
Via: Examiner.com LINK
"MINI is inviting 500 folks ... to drive one on a daily basis ... you have to live in ... metropolitan LA or New York areas and you have to cough up $850 big ones each month ... the price does include insurance and all maintenance. It is a one-year lease ... basically a fleet of test cars that will allow BMW to gather real-world data with real commuters."
" ... specifications ... acceleration from 0 to 62 in 8.5 seconds with a speed maximum of 95 mph. A normal driving range of 150 miles is expected.... a full recharge in less than 3 hours using the supplied charge box that connects to your 220-volt home power supply.The charge time is significantly longer on a standard 115-volt outlet though."
Via: Examiner.com LINK
... "Doubled its commitments for LEED buildings from $1 billion to $2 billion; Increased the number of LEED buildings it has financed by 125 percent; Expanded its reach from financing LEED-certified buildings in 11 states and the District of Columbia to 19 states; Increased the type of LEED buildings financed to include a cold storage facility, data center and community center, in addition to office, mixed-use, industrial, retail, schools, multifamily; " ...Via Wells Fargo: Financing for LEED-Certified Green Buildings
Dynegy and EPRI will collaborate on testing the scalability of solar thermal power generation methods. ...
... "The study won’t involve construction of the solar equipment --- at least not yet --- but rather will examine the economics of using solar power to generate steam to spin turbines at Dynegy’s 578-megawatt Kingman, Ariz., plant. " ...Via Houston Chronicle: Solar Test
" ...the first solar panels have been installed on the Paul VI auditorium at the Vatican. ... BBC News reports Pope Benedict has become the first pontiff to harness solar power to provide energy for the Vatican."
"Roof tiles on the Paul VI auditorium, ... are being replaced by 2,700 solar panels ... photovoltaic cells ... generating enough power to light, heat or cool the 6,000 seat hall ..."
" .... When ... not in use, the surplus energy produced will reportedly be fed into the Vatican's power network."
Via: CathNews.com Link
In addition to Federal tax credits, grants, loans, etc ... many states and or local utilities offer programs to help homeowners get into solar, wind or geothermal energy.
" ... Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency is an ongoing project of the North Carolina Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) funded by the U.S. Department of Energy."
" IREC's mission is to accelerate the use of renewable energy sources and technologies in and through state and local government and community activities...."
>>> Federal Programs LINK
>>> State Programs LINK
Via: DESIRE LINK
Governor Jennifer Granholm is on a mission to transform the economic and energy future of the state of Michigan, by visiting the Middle East in pursuit of innovative ideas and potential investment. She meets with Shai Agassi to understand Project Better Place. ...
... "Shai is also building the stations in Israel where batteries for cars can be recharged and is expanding this effort in countries around the world. We want to reduce our state’s and our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, and the advanced battery has the potential to do just that. " ...Via Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm: Middle East
Many utilities are offering coupons with their bills for lower cost energy savings kits. One from PECO (servers Philadelphia and region) with electricity and Natural Gas (ex-Philadelphia) includes 3 CFB, Energy Tips wheel, faucet aerators, and other goodies.
Via: PECO LINK
Honda dedicates new manufacturing facility in Indiana and adds another zero landfill waste design to its portfolio of United States facilities. This new facility incorporates consolidated parts management that decreases logistics costs and the associated green-house gas emissions. ...
... "The Greensburg facility reflects Honda's growing reputation for flexible and efficient auto manufacturing. It is Honda's fifth U.S. plant designed as a zero waste-to-landfill facility and will be the first Honda facility to feature an on-site parts consolidation center that is helping increase efficiency while reducing vehicle emissions and costs related to transportation and parts handling. " ...Via Honda: Indiana Auto Plant
EPA mileage ratings need to shift to accomodate hybrid and electric vehicles. ...
... "Because the Tesla never consumes petroleum while driving, the E.P.A.-required window sticker lists the energy consumed in kilowatt-hours of electricity. Translating the Roadster’s numbers --- 32 kilowatt hours per 100 miles in town and 33 on the highway ... " ...Via New York Times: 100 miles per gallon
" SFI Inc. is an independent, non-profit organization responsible for maintaining, overseeing and improving a sustainable forestry certification program that is internationally recognized ..."
" ... SFI 2005-2009 Standard is based on principles and measures that promote sustainable forest management and consider all forest values. ... SFI certification also extends to the market. When they see the SFI label on a product, consumers can be confident they are buying wood or paper from well-managed, legal sources – whether it is reams of paper, packaging or two-by-fours."
Via: Sustainable Forestry Initiative LINK
Citizens Bank will reward customers who GO GREEN - up to $120 / year by making paperless payments.
Read on for more >>>
"Green$ense is simple ... it's free. Enroll ... and we'll pay you 10 cents for every paperless payment you make with us - that's 10 cents every time you use your debit card (whether you sign or enter your PIN), make a payment using online bill pay, or have an automatic payment charged to your checking account or debit card. You can earn up to $120 a year!"
" ... even receive a new Green$ense debit card made from recycled plastic."
Via: Citizens Bank LINK
What kind of impact can an average family have?
" ... with Green$ense. ... Here’s how an average household in the United States, which receives 19 bills/statements and makes 7 electronic payments, can impact the environment. ...Reduce greenhouse gas emissions – equivalent to 176 miles of driving, Reduce paper consumption by 6 pounds, Save 4.5 gallons of gasoline, Save 63 gallons of water"
The Center for Architecture Science and Ecology has been created by RPI and a leading architecture firm to develop advanced green strategies for building design by pushing the frontier of material use and building configuration. ...
... "CASE participants will explore the use of natural dehumidifying materials, the naturally cooling properties of terra cotta walls and ways in which a structure can be modified to harness wind energy. " ...Via New York Times: Green Building Design
Air New Zealand and Boeing are targeting the 3rd of December for a 747 flight using jatropha-based biofuel. One of Rolls-Royce engines will be powered by the bio-based fuel. ...
... "Boeing, Air New Zealand and UOP have worked diligently with growers and project developer Terasol Energy to identify sustainable jatropha in adequate quantities to conduct thorough preflight testing. Using proprietary UOP fuel processing technology, the jatropha crude oil was successfully converted to biojet fuel, marking the world's first large-scale production run of a commercially viable and sustainable biofuel for aviation use. As part of the fuel verification process, UK-based engine maker Rolls-Royce's technical team conducted extensive laboratory testing to ensure compatibility with today's jet engine components and to validate the fuel meets stringent performance criteria for aviation fuel. To process the jatropha crude, the team relied on UOP's green jet fuel processing technology based on hydroprocessing methodologies that are commonly used to produce transportation fuels. During processing, hydrogen is added to remove oxygen from the biomass, resulting in a bio-derived jet fuel that can be used as a petroleum replacement for commercial aviation. " ...Via Boeing: December Date for Sustainable Biofuels Test Flight
SAP publishes its sustainability report and opens up the topic for discussion. ...
... "SAP’s approach to sustainability is to holistically manage social, environmental and economic risks and opportunities for enhanced profitability, reputation and compliance. The report issued today tracks SAP’s footprint in areas such as facilities management, business travel, water use and waste management. " ...Via SAP: First Sustainability Report
See what BNSF is doing to develop a Greener inter modal freight port ...
"BNSF’s SCIG, will be a state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly, near-dock intermodal facility that will have 90 percent less emissions than traditional intermodal yards. ... eliminate millions of truck miles annually from the 710 and other local freeways, reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality, but it will bring hundreds of new, and good paying jobs to the local community.
Check out this You Tube Video Link
Via: BNSF Link
Energy Conversion Devices sees doubling of revenue on year over year basis and leverages good, old-fashioned operational excellence in its manufacturing facility to drive profitability. Sustaining profitability will enable the company to continue providing thin-film flexible solar products to the building integrated and commercial rooftop markets. ...
... "For example, our ongoing commitment to operational excellence enabled us to complete the retrofit of our Auburn Hills 1 facility quickly, while simultaneously ramping a new production line in Greenville ahead of schedule. These improvements elevated our productivity during the quarter and contributed to stronger than anticipated gross margins. " ...Via Energy Conversion Devices: Revenues Double in First Quarter of Fiscal 2009
"Think of Green Festival™ as a walk through a sustainable community. ... Individuals along with business and community leaders come together .... Organizations and businesses showcase programs and products th
at restore the planet and all that inhabit it ..."
" ... the nation's premier sustainability event, where you will see the best in green. ... renowned authors, leaders and educators; great how-to workshops; cutting-edge films; fun activities for kids; organic beer and wine; delicious vegetarian cuisine and diverse live music. Shop in our unique marketplace of more than 350 eco-friendly businesses ..."
"Green Festival™ is the largest sustainability event in the world ... is the only green event that screens exhibitors for their commitment to sustainability, ecological balance ... offsets 100% of its electricity emissions with clean, renewable energy. ... walks its talk: each year it gets closer to being a zero-waste event.."
The next 2 GreenFestivals are:
Wasington, DC - Nov 8 and 9
San Francisco, California - Nov 14, 15, and 16
Via: GreenFestivals Link
Storing power generated by solar photovoltaics is one of the challenges facing our transition to alternative energy. Fuel cells, batteries, molten salt are all viable alternatives being considered for this purpose. Caltech researchers are exploring the use of nano-rods to catalyze the fuel cell chemistry - splitting water. ... ... "But there’s a bigger problem. Even if we had all the cheap photovoltaics we could ever need, we can’t store electricity in large quantities - you either use it or lose it. " ...Via Cal Tech: Quest for Catalysts, By Harry Gray
While we would enjoy an unbeaten season as much as any other fan, Penn State contributes to the advancement of green roofs with its research into species, growth rates, and maintenance. This green roof was installed on the roof of an old building, a root cellar. ...
... "The roof is divided into 6 equal size sections each with it’s own drainage that runs into the building and through a series of flumes to measure runoff flows. Four of the roof sections have an average of 4in of medium and the other 2 have 8in of medium. The sections are planted with sedums and other green roof plants and will be used to evaluate potential green roof species ... " ...Via Penn State University Center for Green Roof Research: Root Cellar
... "Dave Sommer, business leader for Trane Indiana, discusses how green architecture incorporates innovative designs and technologies to significantly reduce a building’s negative impact on the environment." ...Via Trane: Ball State University Indiana University visit
Here is an idea that combines Recyvcling with cash for organizations ...
Read on for more >>>
" ... Paper Retriever Program promotes recycling by placing distinctive green and yellow Paper Retriever bins (at no cost) in highly visible areas at schools, churches and other non-profit organizations. ... organizations are then paid for the recyclable paper ... in their
Paper Retriever bin. ..."
Via: PaperRetriever Link
To find a location LINK
Suntech implements strategy to expand in the U.S. solar market by serving market segments with cost-effective photovoltaic solutions. ...
... "Suntech continues to invest in cost reduction technologies, the company is also increasing its efforts to seek out those balance-of-system components that best meet customer demand for a truly integrated offering. This vertical integration will enable Suntech to optimize solar system composition and performance, and drive down costs throughout the solar value chain. As a result of these initiatives, Suntech plans to triple sales to the U.S. in 2009. " ...Via Suntech: Major Initiatives to Significantly Expand Share
One of the by-products of bio diesel production is glycerol (a.k.a. glycerine). Now that bio-diesel is becoming more readily available glycerol is now being considered as an alternative to normal glycol based anti-freeze.
" ...in the (1920s & 30s) glycerin saw some usage, but because of higher cost and weaker freeze point depression, it was not competitive with ethylene glycol. Glycerin is a by-product of the manufacture of biodiesel ... large amount of glycerin generated from high volume usage of biodiesel fuel has resulted in this chemical becoming cost competitive with the glycols currently used in engine coolants. For this reason, and lower toxicity comparable to that of propylene glycol, glycerin deserves to be reconsidered as a base for antifreeze/coolant."
Further work may be needed but this would result is less toxic environmentally friendly anti freeze.
Via: SAE Link
Sometimes it is very easy to make changes in your daily activities that make your actions GREENER. Here are 10 things you can do to make your home or office greener.
"Shutting off the lights, powering down PCs and monitors, using coffee mugs instead of Styrofoam cups, encouraging use of mass transit, and other simple, common-sense steps can reduce consumption and contribute to a greener environment, making your company and your employees more eco-friendly. This video looks at ways businesses can spur green behavior on - and off - premises."
VIDEO -- could not get it to embed in this post ,,, it's a 3:41 min clip.
Via: eweek Link
... "Dynamic Power Capping allows you to reclaim trapped power and cooling capacity by safely limiting server power consumption. " ...Via HP: Power Management
Newly opened condominiums in the Western Suburbs of Philadelphia combine energy efficiency, LEED design standards, a green roof and is within easy walking distance of 2 t
rain stations.
" ... highly efficient energy and mechanical systems meet stringent environmental certification requirements ... making Pembroke North the first multi-family residential buildings to be registered for LEED-certification in the Philadelphia area ...".
" ... buildings have heating and cooling systems that employ heat pumps connected to extensive underground thermal pipe systems for tremendous energy efficiency. ..."
"LEED FEATURES ... High-Efficiency Window Glass ... Well-Insulated Roof and Exterior Walls ... Natural Light and Views ... Geothermal Heating and Air-Conditioning ... Tankless Hot Water Heaters ... "
Nearby Radnor Middle School also has a green roof ... that's 2 green roofs (at least0 in Radnor, Pa!
Via: Pembroke North Link
Here is an interesting approach to GREEN advertising - a GREEN Pages. For those in Florida looking for businesses that are involved in the GREEN movement ... check this out. Listed are
Via: Florida's Green Pages Link
... "SolarWash attaches directly to an array of PV panels and is controlled by a microprocessor, providing PV system operators a turnkey cleaning solution without having to manually wash each panel. Solar PV is often hyped as requiring virtually no maintenance; when, in fact, PV installations need regular cleanings to maintain optimal performance. The accumulation of dirt on solar panels has a significant, detrimental impact on the performance of solar power systems. Dirt, however, is only part of the problem. PV system operators must also compete with the build]up of dust, tree debris, moss, sap, bugs, bird droppings, water spots, mold and more. " ...Via OCS Energy: SolarWash
With all that us going on in the GREEN TECHNOLOGY space (new technology, alternative fuels, etc.) there are still PLENTY of ways to make an impact by saving energy. Not all are expensive and many are D-I-Y type projects.
Here are a few that deal with home winterizing - not to late for those in the northeast ...
"Weatherization ... cut your heating and cooling costs by 15 to 30 percent and increase your comfort at the same time."
" ... do-it-yourself energy audit. With a simple walk-through, you can spot many problems on your own. Learn how at http://www.eere.energy.gov"
" ... Use caulk or weather stripping to seal up any air leaks from window frames, baseboards, ... and other openings, such as pipes and wiring coming through ceilings, floors, and walls."
"When purchasing new windows and doors, look for the ENERGY STAR label."
" ... ceilings and walls are properly insulated. Learn more about insulating your home at http://www.eere.energy.gov and http://www.ornl.gov "
Via: ConEd LINK
... "Working with the non-profit organization Climate Cycle, the Motorola-funded solar panels will be installed by the end of this year. Part of a one- to two-kilowatt photovoltaic system, the solar panels come with a display showing how much power the panels are providing and when, offering real-time educational observation for the students. Along with daily observation, new lesson plans will include coursework on green and solar technologies, further driving student interest in the field. " ...Via Motorola: Chicago Public Schools